5 Questions With Amelia Beth

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AmeliaBeth makes lovely jewelry and accessories out of Scrabble tiles. I’ve got to say, I run across a LOT of Scrabble jewelry on Etsy when I’m hunting for repurposed crafts to feature here and on Crafting a Green World, and these really stand out to me. Her designs are so fresh and cheery!

She’s also extended a special offer for Glue and Glitter readers! Get 15% off any order through www.ameliabeth.etsy.com. Just type, “I shop eco-friendly!” in the ‘notes to seller’ section while purchasing, and discount will be refunded through PayPal.

1. Tell me about how you got started crafting.
I have always enjoyed projects and making things. I remember in kindergarten my favorite learning station in the classroom was one where you got cardboard, Styrofoam boxes, and tape, and were able to build to your heart’s desire. Growing up, my mom would always help me make the little projects (making sock puppets or planters out of old materials, things like that), getting ideas from a children’s magazine we subscribed to. Once I graduated college and started teaching, I had summers off and had lots of time for crafting. That’s when I began my Etsy shop. I started making “all-in-one” cards which are greeting cards made from colorful paper that fold into themselves, eliminating the need for an envelope. I was keeping myself busy with projects that summer and my husband found a tutorial on how to make Scrabble tile pendants. I began the process of learning just the right way to make those pendants and took it from there! I now make pendants, earrings, cuff links, rings, hair pins and wine charms upcycled from Scrabble tiles.

2. What draws you to eco-friendly materials?
I just think it’s important not to let things go to waste. I guess it was instilled in me as a kid. In third grade I started a recycling club. I gathered up friends and we went around the playground during recess gathering up bits of junk and would take the materials and make little works of “art.” I would beg my teacher to let us show the class all the items we made, and every week or so she would be kind enough to let us share our work as the recycling club to the class. :) Also, living in Austin, a very eco-friendly city, there is a lot of support from the city as well as fellow TeamEtsyAustin crafters to use eco-friendly materials as well as to reduce, reuse and recycle. As a teacher I think it’s important to teach kids these habits, and I am lucky to work at a very green school where we recycle, garden, and have a compost that the kids use. I am glad that I am able to be eco-friendly in both my crafty work and teaching work.

3. What inspires you?
I don’t think I could pinpoint one thing that inspires me. I would have to say just the world around me. Depending on what I see or experience shapes my ideas.

4. Who are your crafty heroes?
I would have to say my mom. She always helped me with fun projects as a kid and encouraged me to be creative. She taught me the essentials, like, how to thread a needle and sew a button, and how to cook. And she always encourages me and believes in what I do.

5. Where can folks find your work?
My work is available at www.ameliabeth.etsy.com as well as these amazing brick and mortar stores in Austin, Texas:

Parts & Labour
1117 South Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78704

Sanctuary
3663 Bee Caves Road
Austin, Texas 78746

The WonderCraft
4520 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78756

Marmalade Skies
13450 N Highway 183
Austin, TX 78750-3239

Are you an eco-friendly crafter? If you’d like to be interviewed as part of the 5 Questions series, just contact me!

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