April 22, 2016

15 Earth Day Perfect Vintage and Handmade Finds


It's a little known fact, but I absolutely, completely love Earth Day. Always have, always will. By the time I came along in 1984, this annual event had already been underway for fourteen years and when I growing up, in grade school, it was always something that was acknowledged and celebrated in some capacity or another - from making papier-mâché globes to discussing ways we could do our part to recycle and compost at home.

Created, perhaps to little surprise, during the heart of the return-to-the-earth movement of the sixties and early seventies, Earth Day is a once yearly happening that takes place on April 22nd and shines the much needed spotlight on ways in which we can protect, nurture and love the beautiful living rock of a planet that we call home (Wikipedia has a great Earth Day history overview, if you want to learn more about this event).

One does not have to be a Green Peace activist by any means to embrace Earth Day and indeed, our world stands to be served all the better by huge numbers of ordinary folks doing than part than simply through the valiant efforts of a much smaller group of demonstrators (though of course it's wonderful that such exist and of course they make a big impact, too, don't get me wrong).



The ancient Greeks called the personification of Mother Earth Gaia (celebrating her as one of the primordial deities) and I cannot help but think of April 22nd as her unofficial birthday. It's easy to take the earth for granted. To think that it will always be here, that no matter what we do, she'll keep on providing for us, but as developments in recent decades - from global warming to over harvesting of the world's seafood resources to clear cut logging - show, such is categorically not the case. If we as citizens of the 21st century, don't take massive and far reaching steps now to turn things around, this world that we hold so dear maybe a footnote in the history of the universe in no time time at all.

Of course, as a perpetual optimist, I like to think that we'll make it. That we, as a species will not be our own ultimate downfall, despite the valiant attempts (re: nuclear war, genocide, etc) that have been carried out at times. I want to believe that we'll exist as a species for as long as this planet survives in its natural state. No one can say for certain if such will happen, but it is epicly foolhardy of us to treat the earth in any other way.

The fifteen items in today's post won't save the planet unto themselves, of course, but each of them does tie into one or more marvelous aspects of just how diverse, beautiful, inspiring, giving, incredible and/or resilient this world of ours is, and would be a perfect way to help celebrate Earth Day all the more in future years to come.



1. This is so incredibly true. No matter our differences, we - like every human who has ever lived - all share the same planet. Downloadable art file, $6.00 from Noted Provision.




2. Handmade twig pencils have always appealed to me immensely. There's just something so satisfying about holding a tangible piece of nature in your hand while you jot down your thoughts. These paint dipped beauties are an especially chic and stylish modern take on this age old writing utensil. $12.60 for eight 3" long natural wood pencils from Storie Brooke.




3. Hailing from the 1960s - 1970s, but very classic looking and amply large enough to wear as a 1940s style headscarf, if so desired, this sophisticated earth toned Jacqmar square scarf has a beautiful foliage and butterfly pattern on it and strikes me as something that Mother Earth herself might enjoy wearing if she was a fashion blogger. $16.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




4.You might not be able to hold the whole world in your hands, but you can wear a slew of planets on your wrist anytime you fancy with this absolutely charming handmade solar system bracelet, that, naturally, includes Earth in the mix. $23.50 from Diana Jewelry Design.

5. Where would nature be without its countless stunning blooms? You might not be able to wear a literal garden, but you can plant one in your closet and jewelry box, with few events suiting floral themed items better than Earth Day. For April 22nd and the whole year through, may I suggest this beautiful little c. 1930s molded celluloid flower brooch, whose colours have aged - rather fittingly - into delightfully pretty earth tones. $15.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy




6. Hand painted in vibrant, eye-catchingly lovely hues, this precious little ceramic bird is equal parts cute + beautiful and would look as at home in a vintage decor setting as a 21st century one. $68.00 from Pearle’s Painting.




7. Made from laser cut real wood and recycled blank pages of paper, this awesome 90 page spiral bound notebook is such a fantastic way to keep track of anything your heart desires, from travel plans to your annual garden planting list. $7.73 from ADRGB.



8. Ideal for the sunny months that are upon us now, this immensely pretty mid-century vintage Swirl blue and white gingham dress is made all the more sweet by the floral embroidery on the skirt that channel a straight-from-the-garden vibe and suit Earth Day superbly. Fits up to a 36 inch bust/28 inch waist. $85.00 from Blue Velvet Vintage.



9. The earth depends on its inspects to survive, immensely including its bees. I've always been drawn to bee imagery and jewelry, especially when its on the cute side of things, like this darling vintage inspired honeybee and honeycomb brooch is. $45.00 from Tangerine Menagerie.




10. I just adore how these featherweight, vibrant mid-century vintage marbled plastic bead clip-on earrings resemble the earth as seen from outer space. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.


11. Few things symbolize the earth quite like the sight - and scent - of verdant grass as far as the eye can see. If, like me, you're a huge fan of the aroma of a freshly mowed lawn, thank this wonderfully appealing sounding artesian Green Grass Perfume is for you. $23.00 from Wylde Ivy.




12. Boasting the classic earth hues of blue and green and looking rather like our planet when viewed from the heavens, these delightful handmade bath bombs - which are available in an assortment of different shapes - would make for such a great gift for any Earth Day fan in your life. $3.50 - $6.50 each (depending on size/shape) from Coraline & Zeus Bath Co.





13. Warm, inviting hues that telegraph the spirit of sprawling desert landscape call this elegant mid-century vintage polished river rock bracelet home, and would look sensational with a wide array of spring, summer and autumn outfits. $17.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




14. Perfect for Earth Day revellers of all ages (and perhaps even cooperative long haired dogs, too :)) this super cute little felt planet hair clip is a sweet, darling way to inject some festive fun into any hairdo. $4.50 from Haylee's Boutique.




15. If you're looking for an especially apt piece of handmade jewelry to sport on Earth Day, may I suggest this wonderfully aged looking, patina enhanced bronze recycling symbol pendant necklace. $15.99 from Pure Impressions.



{To learn more about a specific item or image featured in today's post, please click on the link in the text below it to be taken to its respective source.}






In whatever way(s) that you can, I encourage you to take some time today and reflect on what the earth means to you and how you can help to keep our planet health and happy for future generations.

Certainly, many of us in the vintage world already do a wonderful service on the front by virtue of the fact that we choose to wear vintage and thrifted - and/or handmade - clothing, often eschewing the fast fashion world and being very aware of the true cost of the modern day industry that produces the items that we wear and fill our homes with.

On Earth Day, I always like to spend as much time as possible. To - weather permitting - walk barefoot on the grass or sand, to sit quietly in the woods and listen as nature speaks to me. I don green and blue in honour of the two colours that make up so much of our world, and I make sure to assess the current state of my life and look for ways that that I can help do my own small part to help Gaia celebrate countless more birthdays to come.

Happiest Earth Day wishes, everyone! May today and the coming weekend abound with sunshine, fun, and many wonderful spring/autumn time reminders of why we're truly blessed to call this amazing planet home.

38 comments:

  1. Lovely post! One of the best ways to be sustainable is to know where your purchases come from; vintage and handmade help keep this earth factory free! Happy Earth Day!

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    1. Very well said, Karen. I completely agree. There are so many benefits to buying used and vintage items, from the fact that doing so often supports small business owners to (often) reduced consumer footprint to the fact that you get to wear something that few others (if any at all) own, there's just no limit to why vintage is both a stylish and smart choice.

      Joyful Earth Day wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Twig pencils! So cute. It seems like there isn't a holiday you don't like. An attitude I can agree with.

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    1. Oh Ally, you know me so very well, my friend! It's true, I'm one of those folks who loves to celebrate and embrace life with open arms. Sure, I favour some holidays and occasions more than others, but give me the chance to put together a festive outfit and I'll jump right in to any of them - and then probably blog about it! :)

      Have a terrific Earth Day!
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Fabulous choices for a very important cause! And honestly, just the fact that so many of the items that you're showcasing are vintage is very environmentally conscious in it's own right - with so many useful items floating around in the world, it makes buying new seem almost foolish.
    I love the fall floral print scarf and that beautiful celluloid floral brooch - so pretty, and so right for the day!

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    1. Yes, yes and yes again! It's staggering when you stop and think (and I do honestly do so sometimes) just how many items presently exist in the world. I fully understand that our planet's giant population requires a large number of items, even at a basis necessities levels (clothing, tooth brushes, eating utensils, etc), but still, I can't even begin to guess at the number of articles that have been made and sold (or are awaiting sale) in recent decades. Surely, if not in the trillions, than at least the billions, I'd venture to guess.

      Wonderful picks! Granted I'm a touch partial :), but I really like both of those as well. I was seriously tempted to hold onto that scarf when I sourced, but alas, I listed it recently and am sure it will go to a great home sooner or later.

      Thank you for your terrific comment. I hope you have a marvelous Earth Day!
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Great pics vintage style is very earth friendly

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    1. It definitely is, Kate, and that's always been an important part of its appeal to me. How can one not be drawn to something that is so unique, rich in history and (usually) great for the planet at the same time?

      Big hugs & happy Earth Day wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Oh! I love this post! You never cease to amaze me. I love the idea of Mother Earth or Mother Nature and I am most concerned that we humans often do not look after this Earth very well. Often you get this wrong association that those who care about style and material things (even little vintage treats) are not serious thinkers, and do not care about the planet - I am so glad to see you prove the doubters wrong!!! x

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    1. What a splendidly nice compliment, dear LeaAnn. Thank you very much.

      That is immensely true about certain stigmas and perceptions that exist around fashion bloggers and the notion of vapidness in the style world in general. Fortunately such things are often a million miles away from being true and many of us are extremely knowledgeable on a wide range of issues, both pertaining to the fashion industry and other areas of life. Books and their covers, as they say, books and their covers. :)

      Wishing you a splendid Earth Day celebration,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. These are all such amazing suggestions! That dress is almost exactly my size...

    I think it's really interesting how well a hobby/passion/pursuit like vintage ties into environmentalism. It's certainly not part of the throwback lifestyle -- there's got to be some bakelite floating in that garbage vortex in the Pacific ocean, I would imagine -- but nowaways appreciating what's already been here for decades and what can be loved, mended, and appreciated again for its charm is something of an earth-friendly statement, I think!

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    1. Very well said, my dear. Isn't that a sobering thought (re: Bakelite floating around in the world's oceans). I literally cringe sometimes when I think about the staggering array of perfectly (or nearly so) good vintage that has been thrown out over the years. If only it could have been saved and reused by those who would appreciate and give it a good home now. What's done is (sadly) done, but the world could - and needs to - stop producing the incredible amount of garbage that we do and return to buying better quality pieces that we use until the very last drop of (proverbial) life has been extracted from them.

      Thank you for your terrific comment. Have a joyful Earth Day!
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. I loved that quote "The earth is all we have in common.."
    It's so true :)

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    1. Isn't that breathtaking and deeply profound? I'd love to get a print of it to hang in our house one day (and can't help but think how great it would be for a classroom setting, too).

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. I have to admit that I wasn't aware of Earth Day, before now. But I have always been a first mover on protecting the earth and our precious environment, since I have been working with environment and waste solutions 20 years ago. So I know a lot of about sorting waste, recycling and reuse. And I often think that our vintage circles do a great job reusing what is already made and have been for years. Your list is a charming selection as always. Have a lovely day, dear. :)

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    1. Truly wonderful work, sweet Sanne. I'm a huge advocate of environmental protection, regrowth, and stewardship and have been involved with a numerous efforts on those front throughout my life. I really admire that you've worked in such areas, too. Way to go!

      So happy that I could introduce you to one of my favourite days of the year. I hope that yours was a lovely, sunny one.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Put me in the camp with wearing second-hand/vintage/thrift clothing, or purchasing ethically made goods when buying new! A great post, Jessica, and a good reminder to us all.

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    1. Thank you so much, sweet Shelia! Thrifting, second hand, vintage and antique shopping is so important when it comes to helping cut down the amount of waste we as a society produce. I love that, these days, these's often less of a stigma around second hand shopping (that's only something those of lesser means turn to) and that the vintage (et al) world has exploded in mainstream popularity. Hopefully this will keep up as time goes on - the less we can keep out the landfills, the better for everybody on the planet.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Your Earth Day picks are fantastic! Love those handmade twig pencils :)

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    1. Are't they fantastic? I truly love rustic stationary/art supplies like that. I swear, there's a part of me that is a pioneer and wants my whole home to be filled with primitive style pieces like that.

      Have an awesome new week, lovely lady!
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. I wish you could of heard the soft "ooooooooh" of joy that I exhaled when I saw that solar system bracelet. What an amazing piece of wrist candy!

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    1. Isn't it magnificent? I've always had the biggest love for outer space related fashions (and pretty much anything), and as a child even debated becoming an astronomer, as I was (and still am) enthralled by the incredible mysteries of the universe.

      Many hugs & happy Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Lovely post, Jessica. I think I'm doing my bit for the environment by buying vintage and second hand whenever I can :-) Many hugs and enjoy your weekend. Ann xxx

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Anne. You definitely are and that is no small contribution. The impact of garbage/waste on the environment is staggering and has such far reaching consequences. Those of us who do a lot of our shopping secondhand are helping immensely to keep at least a bit less out of the landfill, which can't be praised highly enough.

      I hope you had a terrific weekend and that this final week of April (can that really be already?) will rock for you!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Such great finds here! And I especially love the celluloid pin - from your shop, of course! <3

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Nikki. I adore that cute little c. 1930s celluloid brooch as well. I'm always sooo tempted to keep celluloid pieces for myself when I find them, as I love them fiercely, but alas, as I have a brooch that's a bit like this, I was happily to list this beauty a few weeks ago and look forward to seeing where it will head off to next.

      Wishing you a fabulous new week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Oh, my word, I loved the post and all you have selected, dear Jessica! I posted about Earth day on facebook. And you know my blog's name is planet, so I am keen of taking care of earth. I loooooved the bracelet, I now need that! And the hair clip, so sweet! Everything you showed is amazing, the notebook (I want too :), but that bracelet is now an obsession for me! Hugs, dear Jessica!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. I want everything, too - including the items from my shop (so much of what I list is the type of vintage item that I'd happily add to my own collection, too). Isn't that solar system bracelet just amazing? I bet it would garner compliments and be a big conversation starter wherever one wore it.

      Thank you for your terrific comment, dear Denise, and for being an devoted supporter of Earth Day as well.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. What a great idea for a post, and what a cool and diverse assortment of items you found! Thanks for sharing all of these things!

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    1. My pleasure! It was a joy to round up these items - I sense an annual Earth Day tradition may have been formed with this fun post. :)

      Big hugs & happy Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. You know, I've only really become aware of this day in the last few years from reading blogs! I can't recall it ever factoring into my childhood whatsoever... It's a great excuse to celebrate this lovely planet though - and what pretty things you found to mark it. I especially love that cute bee brooch <3 it worries me endlessly that our bumble bee population is declining :( xx

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    1. Goodness, does it ever worry me as well. I honestly fear that we, as a species, might perish ourselves if the bees do and shudder to think of that being the downfall of our world. It's amazing how many things mankind has destroyed or gravely damaged on our earth, including the plight of the poor little (hardworking!) bees. Let's hope with all our might that they're able to pull through and that we're able to as well.

      On a more upbeat note, I hope that you had a fun filled weekend, sweet CiCi, and that this final week of April will be a wonderful one for you.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. I had no idea Earth Day has been celebrated for so long! I loved looking through these picks of yours! Hope you had a fantastic Earth Day this year! :)

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. We had a terrific one - complete with Mother Nature making her presence clearly known care of a few minutes of thunder of lighting (which lead into a fairly damp weekend - not surprising at all after the near summer temps of the high 20s C that we had here last week).

      I hope yours was a blast, too, and that you're having a great week so far.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. jessica! you find the prettiest things!!! beautiful!!!
    xxxxxx

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    1. What an awesome, and very touching compliment, sweet Beate. Thank you so much! I had a blast putting this fun Earth Day themed shopping post together and sense a new annual tradition emerging. :)

      Big hugs & joyful mid-springtime wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Mim. We had a splendid one (even with buckets of rain) and I hope you guys did as well.

      Here's to the next exciting chapter of the spring and all the great ways to help and help the earth during it.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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