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Story by
drewdown
Published on July 29, 2009 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Members:
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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. |
More Guest Curator Posts | A Dude's Perspective Series | Him Gift Guide
| Tags | A Dude's Perspective, Andrew Wagner, belt, DIY, Guest Curator, guys, magazine, men, ReadyMade, shopping, skateboard, tie |
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93 comments Login to add your own!
study
VixVintage
HibouCards
Great picks. It looks like a cool mag too, I'll check it out :)
BululuStudio
thebestvintage
Wow, I've been looking for leather belts for my buckle collection..
Thanks!!
PearandPeacock
VintageEyeFashion
beachhouseblues
SeaFindDesigns
UglyBaby
TheCottageCheese
Dig ReadyMade! Fun picks (I didn't doubt the blue sofa for a second)!
beautifulbridget
StudioOneDesigns
Morado
thestapeliacompany
I love all of this stuff. In fact, I like it a lot when men are guest curators, they hi-light a whole other side to Etsy. Well done!
intheforest
incoldstorage
FREErider
Great article! Great picks! Love the recycled skateboard belt buckle!
33
odiliafu
Interesting finds! I like the recycle wine bottle glasses and the chair.
burymeinleaves
OffTheHooks
great pics!
aw, i was disappointed that only people in the US can get the readymade magazine on the above promotion!
JoannasPhotography
anniepoo
BabbidgePatch
fabulous deal for the mag and love the recycled wine glasses!
OwlandMouse
revelry
Love ReadyMade! What a sweet subscription deal. And great picks! Especially the silver ring. Very cool.
26olivestreet
kenjiku
aprilmist
LOVE the stemless upcycled wine glasses, they would also look beautiful in cobalt blue!
livingstonandporter
DIG IT. And LOVE RM Magazine! Will go get my subscription now! THANKS.
KisforCalligraphy
I have heard about that skateboard ramp!
great picks for a ReadyhandMade lifestyle!
kidacollective
Really cool stuff - and particularly great ideas for gifts for guys.
junkyjunk
heartcity
JAdamsDesigns
FlanneryCrane
kirstenfrancis
Am a great Ready Made fan. Wonderful items. Totally inspirational.
thelovelythings
i love ready made. & that buffalo plaid skirt would definitely chase away MY blues.
UptownAvenue
We love ReadyMade! Great finds - think I'll need one of those skateboard belt buckles soon!
sandali
prettylittlethieves
PawPawsWorkshop
3squares
bijougirldesigns
missbatch
BranchandBirdie
drewdown2
Thanks so much for all your comments! This is me, Andrew Wagner...I had to re-register under a new username 'cause I forgot my password (idiot!) and then forgot my email for where to send my password but, I'm here and just wanted to say thanks to Etsy for having me and thanks to all of you for taking a look! KisforCalligraphy, do you really know of that ramp? It was in South Davis. It was AMAZING (if I do say so myself - ha!). Offthehooks, that does suck that the sub offer isn't for those outside the US. If you want to drop me a line (andrew.wagner at meredith dot com) I'll make sure we get you the same offer. Anyhow, thanks again and hope to run into y'all before long!
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy
tinyspace
tworiverssoaps
Great choices. I serious want some moss balls now. Hope you're enjoying Des Moines (from a native)!
IceCreamCandy
OliviaOlivia
ChloesRuffleButt
onecreativegirl
kristyndors
really great picks! i especially love the skateboard belt buckle. love readymade too!
Vanessa
Always a pleasure, Andrew! Great picks. Storque wants to visit Readymade in Des Moines!
girltuesdayjewelry
I'm a big fan of ReadyMade magazine! Great picks, Andrew! Thanks!
shopgoodgrace
brun
jenniferladd
Lunatiger
dayslonggone
Great article! I actually am going to have one of my necklaces in your August/September issue and am thrilled! :-) I can't wait to get it!
editionbw
I too look forward to every issue of readymade mag...
I'd even love to see CO_OP AD with ETSY in READYMADE.
What a match!
recycledwares
flightpathdesigns
Thank you so much for including my belts in your lovely write up!
LisaFerinDesigns
Tina669
pogoshop
Wow, $10. That's a great deal. Definitely have to do that. ReadyMade's the best.
galit
evihan
spacejam
cottonbirddesigns
steinschmuckdesign
lilworkerb
reiter8
Thanks Andrew for sharing your picks. I've been enjoying RM for some time now. it's a real inspiration for us upcyclers.
jewelrybyjackie
Thanks so much Andrew - one of my favorite editors from one of my FAVORITE magazines!! Wonderful!
WieberArt
SimpleTraditions
lizjewelry
I'll subscribe to your mag if you feature something from my shop!
lizjewelry
I'll subscribe to your mag if you feature something from my shop!
paramountvintage
wow andrew you are truly inspirational! so many great projects!!!
ps. thanks for featuring my handmade plaid skirt :)
BlackStar
baconsquarefarm
Great read liked all your finds too, might need a road trip in the future readymade in des moines is only 5 hours away. Thanks for sharing Andrew.
breadandroses
absolutely adore the Limb Chair: 18th century Windsor chair legs on steroids + mid Century contour. now that's a creative mind!
Ditto co-op ad with Etsy in ReadyMade. Thanks for the mention, editionbw!
pulpsushi
tldgrainwear
LaLah
READYMADE IS MY FAVORITE MAG!!!! thanks for including this article...and thank you readymade!!!
craftydill
Great article and great finds... always like to see Des Moines [I am a native and resident] and all the great publications [ReadyMade and DIY] coming out of our growing city mentioned!
mgilinfo
sevenply
tinycharm
hyvamax6
Wonderful selections! I love abstract art,too. I am glad you wrote an article about it!
http://www.antlala.com/
sincerely good oil painting art!
great artist!
gretchenmist
great finds, and a great offer:)
so many amazing mags come from the US.
can we take part in the offer from Australia??
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