Monday, December 8, 2008

VOLK! Apostle Tote Review and GIVEAWAY

*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!*



I appreciate businesses who make a point to make use of recycled materials in their products. Danny Volk is such a businessman. His fun and funky totes are more than just eye candy; they are ECO-friendly, beautiful and functional one-of-a-kind totes from upcycled/recycled materials; the totes are known as Apostle Totes.




According to Danny's description:

Apostle
a: a person who initiates a great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system
b: an ardent supporter

volk–noun
1. people as the carriers of culture, esp. as representing the composite of social mores, customs, forms of behavior, etc., in a society
2. Archaic. a people or tribe.
–adjective
3. having unknown origins and reflecting the traditional forms of a society: volk culture; volk art.


Of the people, by the people, for the people.


OF because everything is made from items that have had a previous life. Either as a birthday card for a far-away friend, a menu to an exceptional restaurant, or perhaps a curtain that hid many secrets. These products are full of stories of their own.

BY because a Volk is making them. Me. Danny Volk. All products are designed and handmade in my one bedroom apartment in Chicago, IL. Small business indeed!

FOR because these goods are responsible items. My design philosophy is to use the plenty of modern living, waste, as the raw materials. Instead of creating more stuff out of virgin materials, I am creating (and hoping to inspire) a new perspective on the things we see as trash and refuse. Instead of adding to the waste, we are creating from it.




All of the totes available at Volk! are made from gorgeous upcycled materials. The one that Danny sent to me is made of fabrics whose former lives were that of a bed sheet, a blanket, and other remnants. I absolutely LOVE this bag. The minute it arrived, I filled it and carried it to a doctor appointment. I received many compliments on the bag that day, and every time since that I have carried it. Not only is the tote made of beautiful, warm fabrics, it is functional, and well-designed.

This is the Apostle Tote I own:



Volk! bags are reversible, have two interior pockets and are 16" x 20" in size. Volk! currently has many totes available for sale. A Volk! tote would make a terrific handbag, gym bag, overnight bag, knitting bag, or anything else you can think to carry. Please visit the shop and look for a new, unique tote for yourself or someone special.

BUY IT:
Purchase a Volk! Apostle tote by visiting his Etsy shop.
Additionally, check out his website: Volk! Market
Be sure to let me know when you buy one. I am sure you will love it as much as I do!

WIN IT:
Danny has generously offered one living life one day at a time reader a chance to win a unique Volk! Apostle Tote. Thanks Danny!!

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:
• Visit Volk!, and then leave a comment here telling me which tote you like best and what you would use it for.
• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.


SCORE EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it.)

2. Subscribe to my blog via reader.

3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.

4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter.

5. For FIVE extra entries, purchase an Apostle Tote. You will not regret your purchase!

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Enter by 9pm (EST) on Monday, December 15.

One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment.

109 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this tote http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373502
my teen daughter would use this as her purse, she's very green!

Unknown said...

I'm following!

Unknown said...

I tweeted too :)

Anonymous said...

i adore this one it is sooo cute and sooo is danny
ohmygoodness who has enough bags not me....it is great for schlepping all my xtra goodies in
such as food for work..newsie info to read and other shopping items i may purchase....

http://volkmarket.com/artwork/544416

Coco said...

What a fabulous idea! I like this tote: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=18370152

Great marketing concept as well as a great product.

kristine said...

These are great! I love this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=18373502

We would probably make that our new library tote!! This is exciting!!

kristine said...

I'm subscribed in my google reader
kristinemjones at gmail dot com

kristine said...

I'm following you!

kristine said...

I tweeted about your contest - my handle is kristinemjones

Shari & Andrew said...

I like this one:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372494

There are so many uses that I can think of! Carrying my books/files to and from, using it for grocery shopping, keeping my son's toys in there for when we go to the park. . .

Robyn said...

I love the 2nd one listed on Etsy.

dinic23 at sbcglobal dot net

Robyn said...

I'm following you

dinic23 @ sbcglobal . net

Tickleworm said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373502

OK this one i like...or ummm LOVE. Although I did fav this one and another!!!! All of them are great!
rachelherzog@bellsouth.net

Tickleworm said...

OK, also following on twitter!!!!
rachelherzog@bellsouth.net

Shari & Andrew said...

Tweet tweet! I'm sharilht

Jennifer said...

I like this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372942 and it's made from a catholic school uniform, airplane blanket and a curtain! These are so neat! I would use it as my purse!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Jennifer said...

I follow your blog!

jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

Tara @ Feels Like Home said...

I like this one best. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371228

I would use it as a carry all bag. :)

Jenna said...

This one is my favorite! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371398

Thanks! I would use this as my work bag.

Robyn said...

I like the blue and white madras totes. These are great! I would use mine for holding my embroidery supplies, which I take with me everywhere.
Thanks and Merry Christmas!

valerie2350 said...

I like this one and would use it when I walk to the Post Office.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372801

valerie2350 said...

follower :)

valerie2350 said...

tweet tweet
http://twitter.com/valerie2350/status/1048669476

makeetis said...

I love this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373634. so very pretty. brewerchickey78(at)yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love this tote:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372494
I would use it to cart around the abandoned books I rescue from my hotel's lost and found.

boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Jingle said...

These are SO cool! I love this one:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373765

jinglesells at gmail dot com

Libby Design said...

I love the one that's white and brown on one side and has a fun white & green print on the other side. These are so great!! I'd use these to throw stuff in for the kids when we go places.

libby_design at yahoo dot com

Libby Design said...

I subscribe via MyYahoo.

libby_design at yahoo dot com

designHER Momma said...

oh....great giveaway. I love this one here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373059

hope I win!

designHER Momma said...

just tweeted it out for you. I'm @designhermomma


tweet! tweet!

bison61 said...

I like the - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373502 and I'd use it everyday for shopping or when i take the kids out, a good place to carry snacks

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Katie said...

I love this tote http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373765

I would use it to take my many purchases from Target home instead of using one of their plastic bags every time I go (which is nearly daily!).

Katie said...

I'm also following your blog :-)

Katie said...

And I added it to my Google Reader.

Katie said...

And I blogged about this post on my blog at http://nontraditionalstudent.wordpress.com

Katie said...

I also tweeted about it. My name is katiekillian and I just followed you.

Unknown said...

This is my favorite although they're all great
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373502

Unknown said...

I forgot in my post above, I'd take it to work with me as my lunch sack.

and I'm a follower now.

judybrittle said...

I really love this one
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373502
I would use it to carry my purchases after shopping. Thank you!

judybrittle said...

I'm a subscriber.

Jayme said...

i like this one the best. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372022

jayme[dot]bouwens@yahoo[dot]com

windycindy said...

Greetings! What wonderful looking bags! There are many color schemes that I really like! My favorite is the "Red Buffalo Plaid" that reverses to a tan background with faint lines on it. Please enter me in your delightful giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

I am a subscriber! I am off to email three friends about your drawing.
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Andrea Hatfield said...

I would choose this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18369976

Thanks!

Andrea Hatfield said...

I am a follower.

Shelley said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373765 is my fav!

shelley23@gmail.com

Shelley said...

tweeted :)

shelley23@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373916

I'd use it for shopping

luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

chris said...

I love this one .. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18368251

I would use it all the time, I am always caring stuff in my arms or a plastic bag when we leave the house, would love to ditch the plastic bag and use this!! I could leave it at the door and just drop all the stuff I need for my next trip out. great giveaway

Bebemiqui said...

I like this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370152

I'd use it to hold my books for my weekly study time.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

Lisa C. said...

I really liked the one with the newspaper print... what awesome idea

Lisa C. said...

I tweeted too

Unknown said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370340 is my favorite, I love how bright the color is! thanks for entering me.

Jess said...

I like this tote: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372022 And I'd use it to get fruit at the farmer's market!

Jo said...

I love this one (orange and black)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370492

These bags are wonderful! I would use them everywhere, the mall, at school where I teach, to carry things back and forth to and from peoples homes when I go visiting...

bvbabybv at gmail.com

Jo said...

I am a follower.
bvbabybv at gmail.com

Jo said...

I am a subscriber.
bvbabybv at gmail.com

Jo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jo said...

http://twitter.com/bvbabybv/status/1053987026
bvbabybv at gmail.com

Natural Mama said...

All the totes are great, my fave is the white tote with turquoise inside.
I would use it to pack all my little ones baby stuff (diapers, blankets, clothes, etc), it would look way cooler than the big diaper bag we haul around now.

Leah said...

I love these!! My fav is the Apostle Tote Bag Upcycled/Recycled Materials! I'd use this instead of my huge ruined diaper bag!!

THanks for the awesome giveaway!

McClure Family said...

i love the listing #18372302!!

i love the idea of the purse! so cute!

2by2boutique at gmail dot com

The Chatty Housewife said...

I love the white one with pinstripe bottom and people on the inside fabric!

Simply Stacie said...

Apostle Tote Bag Upcycled/Recycled Materials is my favourite and I would use to lug around my kid's stuff. They don't pack light for sure!

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

Simply Stacie said...

I subscribed.

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

Simply Stacie said...

I'm a follower.

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

Marcy Bock said...

Would love to have this tote: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18369746
I would use it to carry all my goodies to school, the kids would love it!

Superdumb Supervillain said...

My favorite: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371228

It is so light and airy, it would be the perfect beach bag! Or winter-dreaming-of-summer bag...

Erin Lowmaster said...

I love this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370340

I'd use it when wandering around Portland Oregon... taking in the sites and wandering around the massive book store!

McClure Family said...

i subscribe!!

The Saunders Family said...

adore the white&brown/white&green one
mom2maria at hotmail

Literary Winner said...

They're all awesome, but I like this one the best: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371893
I would use this to carry stuff to the post office and library. Just general carrying. ;)
hematopoiesis at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

These are such great bags! My favorite is blue and white striped with orange handles and an aqua sort of lining. It reminds me of the beach and summer, so I think I'd use it as a beach/pool bag. SO cute! Thanks so much!

myshadow28(At)aol(dot)com

SJINCO said...

Wow, what great bags! I've added the sellar as one of my favorites on Etsy....

I'd pick this one if I won:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370152

sjones1026(at)hotmail(dot)com

SJINCO said...

I'm following you!

Annie1 said...

Great totes! My choice is this one, because I love the colours!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370492

I would use this to carry my library books back and forth!

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

SJINCO said...

I tweeted this contest! http://twitter.com/AllTheJonesMen

SJINCO said...

I forgot to mention in my original comment that I'd use this bag to carry my work paperwork back and forth from home to workplace! It would come in handy because the bag I've been using is old and torn up!

Annie1 said...

I've sent an email out and sent you a cc!

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

Annie1 said...

I have subscribed via google reader!

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

Annie1 said...

I'm following!

Thanks

nancyrobster@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love the one made from the army blanket for my new baby boy! Thanks so much, after two girls we are ready for some blue! I'll check Prizey Fetch! Thanks!

nape said...

I love this Apostle Tote with the horsies!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371575

I'd use it to replace one of my scuffed, faded, torn, plain-Jane grocery-shopping totes.

nape said...

I subscribe RSS via Google Reader.

nape said...

I follow your blog.

Anonymous said...

I like the Listing # 18373502. I'd use it as my everyday tote. I really like the fabrics used in it.
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

nape said...

tweet-a-tweet-tweet!

http://twitter.com/nape9393/status/1057690064

Anonymous said...

tweet! http://twitter.com/blueviolet/status/1057684468
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower.
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I'm subscribed!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

Shooting Stars Mag said...

These are adorable! Please enter me.
I love this one:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=18369746

And I would use it for books probably!

-lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

RE said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370340 is too cute! Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Great contest, i really love this one:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371398

i love the red.

Unknown said...

i am a loyal subscriber.

Unknown said...

i follow your blog...

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I love themn all but my favorite ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372801) of Catholic school uniform remnants, and a printed curtain!

I would use this for work.

Tracey said...

I like this bag: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373200

traceys[at]suddenlink[dot]net

Unknown said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372494

I also love the last one listed

Unknown said...

http://bloggysweeps.blogspot.com/2008/12/living-life-one-day-at-time-volk.html

blogged!

Unknown said...

I now follow

Unknown said...

i subscribed via google reader

The Giveaway Diva said...

i love this one!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18374258

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the light grey and blue plaid (first in the post) and I'm also feelin' the yellow plaid...it reminds me of one of my favorite scarfs.
elishache@yahoo.com

Andria said...

I love this one :http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371575

The cowboy print is super cute. This would be great for the boys to use for church or the library! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

This one is really cute: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370782

My daughter would love to have that for her purse. She is always toting around lots of stuff and that looks like it would hold it all! rhonda (at) acedesignstudio (dot) com

Xenia said...

I like the simplicity of this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18368251
because I would love to use it as a smaller, more convenient bag to bring when I head out with my daughters and don't need to lug a big diaper bag around.

Thanks!
xpsundell(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love these two:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370152
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373765

I love tote bags, and I would use either of these lovely bags as my work-bag, and pretty much anything bag.
thanks!
thelittlethingsblog@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I just signed up to follow your blog.