Thrilling Adventures by Land or Web

I've been an Etsy fan for a long time, but haven't allowed myself to peruse its cyber aisles since January, on account of all the dangerous temptations. But yesterday I found myself in a sort of real-world Etsy explosion at Fort Mason for the Renegade Craft Fair. Two fine results:

1.
I found an even better/cooler/stranger notebook solution from Ex Libris Anonymous, maker of journals from recycled books. Came home with Villanova University's freshman facebook from 1991, Six Ducks in a Pond, Good Stories, Under Cover, and my favorite, Thrilling Adventures by Land and Sea: Remarkable Historical Facts Gathered From Authentic Sources.



What I love mostest about these journals is that original book pages are strewn throughout, so you happen upon unexpected inspiration while scribbling headline ideas and conference call notes. (I'm also pretty sure I can re-wiro them with fresh SCRAP-ified paper once I've filled these up.)

2.
It was thrilling indeed to see so many creative, committed people putting beautiful, sustainable wares into the world. Behold, a few of my favorite things:


Organic bags and clothes by Rebe


Recycled silver jewelry by Figs and Ginger


Local SF art by Hilary Williams


Bags and leather goods by Scabby Robot


Pottery by Sara Paloma


Silkscreened action by maryink

In adherence to my Not Newness, I eschewed these purchases, but it's heartening to remember that for every Ikea vase and H&M schmatta of unknown origin, there's a beautiful handmade alternative from Portland or Asheville or Canoga Park. Look around your 'hood: chances are somebody's getting crafty.