Annie completed her BA in sculpture and math from Davidson College in North Carolina, and received a Thomas J Watson Foundation Fellowship to travel independently for twelve months studying fashion and textiles. From Indonesia to Japan, India to Uganda and Tanzania, she worked with village women, dove through sprawling second-hand markets and explored fashion in the world’s biggest cities and smallest towns. The scope of her studies took her from preparing plants for organic dyes to exploring the factories that produce clothing for brand name stores.
Much of Annie’s inspiration comes from common or unwanted materials whose wide availability sparked her interest in recycling materials six years ago. Now she transforms repurposed clothing into sculpture for solo exhibitions and larger installations. Her work catches attention including that of trend forecasting companies in New York and private collectors on the east coast. Annie looks forward to blogging about her experiences and showing you how to create fabulous projects (clothing, jewelry and beyond) with materials from Goodwill.
Annie currently designs and makes clothing and accessories (and dances like-a-fool) in Charlottesville, Virginia. To learn more and to see Annie's projects visit: www.artemmink.com
With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s worth discussing preparation and organization for the big holiday meal. Whenever possible, my family snakes doors-turned-makeshift-tables throughout the house and covers them in festive, mismatched linens and invites everyone we know to a huge feast. This requires, among other things, a little preparation and LOTS of butter. Now, if you’re planning on hosting this year’s shin-dig, Goodwill can help you go a long way with your planning.
Topics: holiday organization, Goodwill, Thanksgiving, Annie Temmink, holiday cooking
If you want a fun project to do this weekend head to Goodwill and look for candles and bright paint to make modern candlesticks. It’s fun to do with your friends, your kids or just by yourself. Plus, it’s a great Thanksgiving centerpiece or room decoration.
Topics: Upcycling, Thanksgiving, Upcycling Expert, Annie Temmink, Thanksgiving Decorating
Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away, so you are just in time to start drying herbs for the holidays. Freshly dried herbs make delicious meals and it’s easy to do at home. Baskets provide the perfect structure for drying so go to Goodwill to see what you can find.
Topics: upcycle, Upcycling, Thanksgiving, Upcycling Expert, Annie Temmink
If your friends invited you to thanksgiving this year and you’re looking for something to bring, or if you’re looking for an exciting, low-cost centerpiece, try making your own arrangements with glassware from Goodwill. You’ll find inspiration from the variety of vases, jars, and containers stocked on their shelves; and regardless of what you find, it’s guaranteed to be more interesting than your standard florist arrangement.
Topics: upcycle, Upcycling, Thanksgiving, Annie Temmink, Thanksgiving centerpiece
