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).

{Vintage image source}

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.}

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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.

Celebrating Earth Day the vintage way

“Make do or go without”, chances are that at some point in your life you’ve heard some iteration of that old axiom, behind which lies a great deal of wisdom. In this age (or what was until very recently a prevalent and rampant age) of seemingly endless consumerism, it appears that the mantra to get by with, or reuse, what you already have is all too often forgotten.

Today, the 22nd of April, is Earth Day, one brief day amongst 364 other siblings, in which people from around the world are encouraged to think about, and raise awareness of, issues that are affecting the health and wellbeing of our planet. Certainly one of which is the incredibly alarming rate at which garbage (trash) is building on our little rock of a planet.

Thankfully, as lovers of antiques and vintage pieces, many of us are already taking a wonderful step in helping to reduce the amount of waste that makes its way into the landfill, simply by doing what we love! Every time you buy thrift, second hand or otherwise previously loved items you’re giving new life to an old(er) piece and potentially saving it from ending up in the bin. While at the very same time cutting down on (what I call) “first hand” consumerism, which can often generate a lot of its own trash due to packing, wrapping, bags, tags and any number of other steps and products it took to get that item to the store that you bought it from in the first place.

I’m not here to preach or go into the ideologies of environmentalism at great length though, instead I think that there is scarcely a better day than Earth Day to celebrate the wondrous fact that by buying and/or salvaging (a pilfering of Great Aunt Ida’s attic, anyone?) vintage and second hand pieces we are by default living greener lives and doing our part to help Mother Earth.

Like many folks I’ve been totting home my shopping (everything from bakery goods to Value Village finds) in reusable bags for the past few years. I love this practise and don’t plan to ever give it up. But I’ve been thinking lately that some of my reusable totes and bags are a little on the dull (and threadbare) side, and that sooner or later I might want to spruce up my shopping bag wardrobe with some awesome sacks that pay homage to my love of vintage. While that might mean buying new, I feel that a onetime purchase that saves countless plastic bags from ending up at a city dump somewhere is a worthwhile buy.

Four such bags that have really caught my eye lately are the following gems:


{An absolutely, utterly perfect message – priced at $15.99US – for anyone who adores vintage – and if you’re reading this blog, chances are that includes you! From a fabulous Toronto based online vintage shop by the name of Some Like Vintage, who also offers up items such as tees, hoodies, hats, pet food bowls, wall clocks, aprons, beer steins, thongs and bumper stickers with the same slogan in their Cafe Press shop.}



{Available in several delightful vintage and pin-up themed prints, this 16x18 inch tote crafted by Fussy Gussy on Etsy retails for $28US and is sure to strike a chord with lovers of vintage art.}




{Decked out in immensely lovely vintage tattoo inspired art – including a darling pair of swallows – this pretty and functional cotton tote bag from Dot Com Gift Shop, priced at £5.95 (UK pounds), is sure to appeal to the fancy of many a vintage shopper. However, do note though that at this time, Dot Com Gift Shop does not appear to be shipping outside of Europe.}



{Looking wonderfully and inconspicuously like a darling clutch, this bag – by Etsy crafter, Betty Bubble – actually unbuttons into a reusable tote bag that’s covered in country-sweet red and white gingham on the outside and adorable cherries on the inside. At a $12.99US each, this is an excellent vintage inspired buy from those of us (myself included!) on a budget.}


I’d be a very happy camper if I was hauling my flea market finds home any one of these stylish fabric bags any day!

Do you partake of reusable shopping bags? If so, what are some of the ones you’ve found that put a smile on your face? I’d love to hear what other vintage fans are using (and/or doing) to look both old school and green at the same time.