From the Blue Bag--Deby Cowdin
It’s Earth Day year round at the From the Blue Bag office and studio, ever since Deby Cowdin decided to start a business that focused on using her art to creatively convey the importance of recycling to everyone.
The company began with one product, a flattened wine bottle cheese tray that was an improvement on an existing concept that Deby had seen at a friend’s house. But the line expanded and business really took off when the food functional serving trays and dishes were developed with a little help from the ingenuity of husband Scott. All of the items in From The Blue Bag’s current product line are food functional, meaning they are freezer, oven and dishwasher safe.
From the Blue Bag obtains their materials by engaging local bars and restaurants to join in its bottle recycling program. The company provides a collection receptacle and comes to empty it once a week. They also encourage these companies to recycle their stryofoam peanuts and bubble wrap, both of which do not biodegrade in a landfill.
The gift industry is constantly looking for new and innovative gifts. The green movement is spreading so rapidly some couples have even planned their weddings with completely environmentally aware products and services. From the Blue Bag filled this gift niche by investing in equipment that can laser etch an invitation right onto a bottle. They can also personalize any of their other products.
Who knew trash would be in Deby’s future? She sure didn’t.
Brooke Cowdin
Freelance Writer
Click here for Great Products by Deby Cowdin
VESSELS--T.L. Champion
Introducing VESSELS. . .edgy, functional art that utilizes the unique combination of recycled glass (alcohol/liquor bottles from local restaurants and bars) and recycled jewelry. Use your VESSEL as a decorative piece for your end table, dresser, bar or bath as a:
- Room Diffuser
- Bud Vase
- Prayer Bottle
- Wish maker . . . make a wish, put it in the bottle and cover it (real tight!) until the wish comes true. Use again and again, for special wishes!
T.L. Champion is the artistic director of the VESSELS project. She's a native Clevelander and active member of COSE and the American Advertising Federation, Cleveland.
To see some VESSELS, click here
Alexandra Underhill
Xan (Alexandra) is an ultratalented sculptor in all mediums, including fabric. She's done costuming for many productions you've heard of (like Cirque du Soleil) and some that you haven't. . .yet. She's best known for her tie skirts, which she demo'ed on crafty TV show Uncommon Threads, and her stilt dancing.
For Xan's fabulous fashions, click here