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:
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!
I'm following!
I tweeted too :)
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
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.
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!!
I'm subscribed in my google reader
kristinemjones at gmail dot com
I'm following you!
I tweeted about your contest - my handle is kristinemjones
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. . .
I love the 2nd one listed on Etsy.
dinic23 at sbcglobal dot net
I'm following you
dinic23 @ sbcglobal . net
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
OK, also following on twitter!!!!
rachelherzog@bellsouth.net
Tweet tweet! I'm sharilht
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
I follow your blog!
jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com
I like this one best. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371228
I would use it as a carry all bag. :)
This one is my favorite! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371398
Thanks! I would use this as my work bag.
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!
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
follower :)
tweet tweet
http://twitter.com/valerie2350/status/1048669476
I love this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373634. so very pretty. brewerchickey78(at)yahoo.com
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
These are SO cool! I love this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373765
jinglesells at gmail dot com
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
I subscribe via MyYahoo.
libby_design at yahoo dot com
oh....great giveaway. I love this one here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373059
hope I win!
just tweeted it out for you. I'm @designhermomma
tweet! tweet!
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
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!).
I'm also following your blog :-)
And I added it to my Google Reader.
And I blogged about this post on my blog at http://nontraditionalstudent.wordpress.com
I also tweeted about it. My name is katiekillian and I just followed you.
This is my favorite although they're all great
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373502
I forgot in my post above, I'd take it to work with me as my lunch sack.
and I'm a follower now.
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!
I'm a subscriber.
i like this one the best. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372022
jayme[dot]bouwens@yahoo[dot]com
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
I am a subscriber! I am off to email three friends about your drawing.
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I would choose this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18369976
Thanks!
I am a follower.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373765 is my fav!
shelley23@gmail.com
tweeted :)
shelley23@gmail.com
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373916
I'd use it for shopping
luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net
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
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
I really liked the one with the newspaper print... what awesome idea
I tweeted too
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370340 is my favorite, I love how bright the color is! thanks for entering me.
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!
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
I am a follower.
bvbabybv at gmail.com
I am a subscriber.
bvbabybv at gmail.com
http://twitter.com/bvbabybv/status/1053987026
bvbabybv at gmail.com
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.
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!
i love the listing #18372302!!
i love the idea of the purse! so cute!
2by2boutique at gmail dot com
I love the white one with pinstripe bottom and people on the inside fabric!
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
I subscribed.
stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com
I'm a follower.
stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com
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!
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...
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!
i subscribe!!
adore the white&brown/white&green one
mom2maria at hotmail
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
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
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
I'm following you!
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
I tweeted this contest! http://twitter.com/AllTheJonesMen
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!
I've sent an email out and sent you a cc!
Thanks
nancyrobster@gmail.com
I have subscribed via google reader!
Thanks
nancyrobster@gmail.com
I'm following!
Thanks
nancyrobster@gmail.com
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!
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.
I subscribe RSS via Google Reader.
I follow your blog.
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
tweet-a-tweet-tweet!
http://twitter.com/nape9393/status/1057690064
tweet! http://twitter.com/blueviolet/status/1057684468
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
I'm a follower.
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
I'm subscribed!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
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
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18370340 is too cute! Thanks for the giveaway!
Great contest, i really love this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18371398
i love the red.
i am a loyal subscriber.
i follow your blog...
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.
I like this bag: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18373200
traceys[at]suddenlink[dot]net
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18372494
I also love the last one listed
http://bloggysweeps.blogspot.com/2008/12/living-life-one-day-at-time-volk.html
blogged!
I now follow
i subscribed via google reader
i love this one!!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18374258
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
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!
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
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
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
I just signed up to follow your blog.
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