Recycled! New dimensions of couture. . . .

Because our goal is zero waste, we recycle as much as possible—glass bottles, plastics, paper products. But not pizza boxes because of the grease. Many of these products are transformed into something new—office paper, fence posts or benches, martini glasses or jewelry. Fashion seems to be a more recent outlet.

Couture, often a symbol of extravagance, seems synonymous with unaffordable (and sometimes uncomfortable) garments of expensive materials shown on the runway. In contrast, the Recycle Runway Collection of eco-couture focuses clothing made from recycled products.

The Atlanta airport’s International Concourse E showcases fashion by Nancy Judd, a Santa Fe (New Mexico) artist and educator. Here, we learn about the transformation of waste--glass, aluminum cans and even cassette tapes—into something beautiful. Take this evening gown, which required 12,000 pieces of recycled glass and 400 hours to create. The origami gown is made of junk mail shaped like small fans.

The Florida Museum of Natural History (Gainesville, Fla.) is hosting the 13th Annual “Trashformations” (through Dec. 4, 2011) as a means of encouraging the use of recycled materials into works of art. A dog-like figure is made of aluminum cans, a whale out of plastic bags, a heart and dresses from Target bags as well as newspapers, coffee filters and cupcake papers.

All entries are composted of at least 70 percent recycled materials. Surprisingly, in this university town, no one tried to make anything out of a clean pizza box.

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Exhibit, presented by the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation Art Program, runs through April 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.atlanta-airport.com/passenger/art%20program/frmPassengerInformation_ArtProgram_ConcourseE.aspx

The $5 Christmas by Jane Tolbert

It won't be couture this year. . .

Many years ago, our family needed to save money for a European trip. We decided to limit the amount we spent on gifts and implemented the $5 Christmas at a time when Frommer published his guide on Europe on $5 a day.

Even many years ago, it was difficult to find a nice present for $5, so we decided to make our gifts. After all, the spirit of Christmas was in the giving. These gifts would have that personal touch. As an artist, my sister, Margaret, had an unfair advantage. Dad knew woodworking, and he made inlaid letter boxes, shoe polish kits or nativity scenes. Mom also sewed or helped by filling clay pots with wonderful plants. I had few skills but decided to sew clothes and even a necktie (all of which were mistakes).



Nativity--when an artist and workworker collaborate on a $5 Christmas . . .

Santa’s workshop meant entire areas of the house were off limits to other members of the family. We worked alone on our gifts. The gifts experienced a moderate success, but we never saw each other during the holidays. As Mom observed, the greatest gift would be to spend time together.

The spirit of Christmas seems be synonymous with increasing commercialization. Even in this period of recession, merchants began reminding us about Black Friday and Cyber Monday early in November. Now as we approach Christmas, we are assaulted daily with new store hours, email reminders of free shipping for a purchase of $150 or an additional 20 percent discount with a store credit card.

Although the mall parking lots look full and the post offices have long lines, are people buying lavish gifts? Or have they also implemented a $5 Christmas? The last few years have been very lean. People are concerned about job security and health care. In Florida, our unemployment is 11.2 percent with more layoffs expected. Underemployment is much higher.

Years ago we used to buy something frivolous for Christmas—a paperclip holder in the shape of a Viking, a fedora or a pair of fantasy tights or even reindeer antlers for the pets. Sometimes we bought couture instead of dégriffé. But these days, everyone is my entourage is giving the more basic presents—the things we really need. Although we have put a limit on expenditures, we are buying rather than making our presents. After all, the greatest gift is having time together.