Guest Curator: ReadyMade Magazine

drewdown

Story by drewdown

Published on July 29, 2009 in Shop

Photo by toybreaker

Andrew Wagner is the Editor-in-Chief of ReadyMade. When he was 15, he and his friends built the largest (and according to him, “best!”) skateboard half-pipe in Northern California at the time. This project endeared him to the idea of handmade and DIY forever. He also played in a variety of bands, made some films, and eventually, some magazines. The first of these was called Chicken Sandwich which was followed by Dodge City Journal, which preceded LIMN, which came before Dwell, which paved his way to American Craft (see his previous Featured Buyer post here). Andrew lives in New York City and Des Moines, Iowa with his amazing wife, author Heather Wagner, and is quite happy to call ReadyMade home.

 

Recycled Skateboard Black/White Belt Buckle BB-10

I like recycling, and even though I haven’t been skating as often as I used to (I can be found on my bike more frequently now), I still love all things skateboard related. I also have a thing for belt buckles, and Etsy has been very kind to me on this front. sevenply has incorporated all of my loves into one magical little 3 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ buckle. Plus, how can you argue with a tag line like “Turning Thrash’n into Fashion”? By sevenply, $34.

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Hand dyed leather snap belts for your buckles

What good is a belt buckle without a belt? I prefer to let the buckle do the talking, so flightpathdesigns‘ simple, sturdy belts are perfect. I really appreciate the slight variation in color. In my book, you always need a good black belt and good brown belt, but damn, looks like I’m gonna have to add red to my wardrobe, too! By flightpathdesigns, $38.

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Terminal Illness. Airport and flu virus screenprinted SILK necktie.

I’ve had the good fortune to hang out with Etsy’s own Matt Stinchcomb a few times. Almost every time he’s been wearing a necktie I really like, I always then ask where he got it, and each time his answer is Etsy. So, seeing that I appear to be on an apparel kick (maybe it’s because we just released our August/September issue centered around “fashion”), I thought I’d dig around and see what I could find in terms of ties. While there are plenty of interesting tie options on Etsy, these ones from toybreaker really caught my eye. I like the idea of tweaking the tie concept ever so slightly. Plus, toybreaker is from Detroit, and I love Detroit! By toybreaker, $40.

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dinner plate in blues

We just got a crazy new blue couch (trust me, it’s very cool) with which I’m kind of obsessed. It’s simple but the color makes it pop. These plates by Karen Amundsen struck me in much the same way and the color is a near match. I like the idea of having people over for dinner and watching them while they wonder if the plates really match the couch or if it’s just their imagination. By BurntMillPotters, $22.

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Stemless wine glasses made from recycled wine bottles with FIRE POLISHED RIMS

If I get plates then I’ve got to get some new wine glasses as well, don’t I? I scored some great beer glasses a while ago in New Orleans that operate on the same concept (upcycling bottles into reusable glassware), but this was the first time I’ve seen it employed for wine glasses. I bet if you threw a set of these down at a dinner party no one would ever guess that they were about to get kicked to the curb in their previous incarnation. By bodhicitta, $35.

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Limb Chair

And If I’m going to have a dinner party, of course I need some chairs. Wasn’t sure what to expect to come up in my chair search but was pleasantly surprised. HarBenger2 is a cool little design duo out of Houston who is on to something with these beauts! I’m looking forward to what they come up with next! By HarBenger2, $500.

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Earlaces (Gold)

While I’m not a big fan of the name, these wrapped earphones sure are a nice alternative to Apple’s ubiquitous white jams! chozin has a bunch of different color options available but I prefer to keep it simple — black or gold would work quite well for me! By chozin, $15.

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Organic Moss balls, set of 10. 5 reindeer moss and 5 green moss.

Time to step outside for a bit. If you lack basic gardening skills, these little guys, made with moss found in the woods of New Hampshire, seem like the ultimate no-pressure greenery addition to your home. Another interesting tidbit: NHWoodscreations’ pet cockatiel and parrot help clean and prune the moss balls, ensuring they’re free of wayward insects (“I get clean moss and they get a snack”). By NHWoodscreations, $22.50.

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YART SALE – FREE SHIPPING -Woodland Friend – Garden in a Jar – Home Ecosystem – Great Gift Idea – Nature Inspired Gift

Intrigued by the aforementioned Moss Balls, I ventured further into Etsy moss land and discovered that terrariums are definitely a hot item. I love the idea of bringing the outdoors in and what better way than in a jar! beadstyle seems to provide some of the best looking jars and any living room or bedroom would surely be blessed to be graced by one of these.  By beadstyle, $40.

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Branches on a Kiss Lock Frame Wallet

I think kimisew made this just for my wife! It’s hand-printed, hand-embroidered, serves as both a fashionable wallet and a clutch, and has an awe-inspiring electric blue vintage floral interior PLUS a hidden magnetic closure for those brought-too-much-crap-out-on-the-town nights. By kimisew, $50.

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Cluster Ring

Another one for the wife, who always likes to remind me that when choosing jewelry it helps to imagine it as a statement-maker, a conversation piece. This intriguing Cluster Ring by ALTernativeDesigns has the right amount of depth and mystery for the conversation to expand beyond, “Cool ring.” By ALTernativeDesigns, $35.

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FREE SHIPPING Adorable HANDMADE High Waist Buffalo Plaid MINI SKIRT One Size

My wife hates back to school time. How to help her stave off end-of-summer blues? With a cute red plaid skirt! Handmade from vintage fabrics, this little number has a chic length and cut, wisely avoiding unfortunate naughty-schoolgirl-in-your-30s look. From paramountvintage, $29.80.

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Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Members:

 

Looking to give the gift of creativity? Here’s your chance! Get a year long subscription to ReadyMade magazine today at a special promotional price, just for Etsy members.

Get a full year’s subscription for just $10 when you subscribe via this link.

 

More Guest Curator Posts | A Dude’s Perspective Series | Him Gift Guide

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