The Ultimate Temptation: Recycled Felt Pillows by Alexandra Ferguson

If you have been reading my blog for any time at all, you have probably come to the spot-on conclusion that I am a sucker for beautiful pillows. Add “handmade” and “recycled” to the description, and I literally have to restrain myself from immediately clicking “add to your cart.” This reaction is standard with your typical graphic pillow designs. But Etsy seller Alexandra Ferguson’s pillows elicited a particularly strong response. One that forced me to call on every ounce of will power in my body.

Alexandra’s handmade pillows defy description. They are beautiful, and it is clear she pays close attention to detail, from the nature-inspired botanical collection to the simple monograms and fanciful creature silhouettes. Snarky sayings like “Be Nice or Leave” and “Go To the Gym” also make them great messages to keep around your home. And although each pillow style is distinctive, the common thread a style that is uniquely Alexandra’s. That, and the fact that they are all made from eco-felt made of recycled plastic bottles.

As if I didn’t have enough online temptation, these pillows have officially confirmed that I’ll need to block Etsy.com on my computer to stop myself from going on a spending spree in the near future. Or I’ll give my husband all my debit cards…

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade in the U.S.
• Made of felt made from recycled plastic bottles

Price: $39-109 for single pillows. Sets also available.
Bonus: Alexandra is currently running the “APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS” promotion. Buy any 3 pillows from the Botanical collection and get a 14″ Watering Can pillow for free. Ends 4/30/09.

NOTE: I know I didn’t post much last week. I was in the process of moving. Yes…again. We’re pretty much settled in now, so posting should go back to normal.