Cool new DIY book on green fashion

I am joining a group of mamas who want to have some kid free time doing "handiwork" or crafts. So I have researching what I want my first project to be. (I already know that in a few months I will be onto the halloween costume part) I came across this very cool book about making clothes and other such things out of thrift store finds.....here is the link to the book   http://www.amazon.com/ReSew-Thrift-Store-Finds-Fabulous-Designs/dp/160468027X
What a neat idea!!....My mind's wheels are spinning......I'll let you know what I come up with

Going solar!

Tomorrow is the big day-we go (mostly) off the power grid and onto the sun's grid! Should be up a running by mid day-I am so excited! I will keep an eye on the PGandE bill and keep you all informed........

Giving an old chair a second lease on life part two

Remember those Saarinan chairs I had re-upholstered and gave new life to? Well, this chair takes the cake for getting all jazzed up...check out my new and improved "pop" of color

Yes, I AM alive!

ok, so my hundreds of followers (not quite) are probably wondering what happened to me and my blog. Well, the short end of it is, I was very ill for several months and am now finally better! I have been busy with catching up on work and am excited to share some green designs of mine and a few green events I attended. check back in over the next few days to see some exciting stuff!
Glad to be back
Cheers,
Heather

Green forum event coming soon...

I am really feeling motivated today! I have been working with ASID-the organization most interior designers belong to-to create a green discussion panel in May. I have been working on the topic line and getting GREAT feedback from some major players who will be attending. The over all topic will be about good design and environmental responsibility being compatible. I will keep you posted as things develop.....

A locally made, eco-friendly tile shop

I recently read an article about a local tile shop that is really on top it when it comes to producing product that is eco-friendly. The company is called Fire Clay Tiles and they are based in San Jose. You can find their product at places like EcoHome Improvement in Berkeley. What I found so unique about them is that they look at their production of tiles from beginning to end. So not only do they make their tiles from post consumer materials (their ceramic tiles are made from old toilets dug out of the local dumps!) But they are also looking at the whole manufacturing process. They have a day lit factory, meaning they do not run lights but rather have sky lights and use the natural light of the sun. They have a closed loop manufacturing system that means all scraps, grey water, waste etc. gets re-used so they are not creating anything that needs to be trashed. They were one of the first tile companies to remove lead from their glazes. Oh, and their tiles are BEAUTIFUL!! Take a look at their product and what they are about at www.fireclaytile.com
I will be using them on my next project, for sure!

Clean your home without damaging the environment

I came across this really great line of cleaning products-but in a unique new form. Eco-Me is a kit of green cleaning products that you can order pre-mixed, or as a DIY kit. All of the products are chemical free and found in our everyday lives, like olive oil and vinegar, for example. Plus, that package is super cute. www.eco-me.com  starts at just $6 so it is affordable to boot!