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This is a great example of art that is also functional – and since it’s also upcycled, it’s like the best of both (all) worlds.
Is that not great? It’s fabulous looking – interesting, funky, and modern. And hey, you don’t have to lose your keys anymore!
And best of all, it’s upcycled – it started life as bits and pieces, wood, and a discarded bicycle gear. I found it at Winterwoman Designs on Etsy. Jean, the artist, has some fabulous jewelry, home decor and kinetic sculpture, most made with recycled and upcycled bicycle parts, and all made with skill and artistry. Check out her shop, you’ll thank me!
And your keys will have a handsome new home 🙂
And such a find! it’s not new. It’s got history. It’s gorgeous.
And yes, it’s not in perfect condition – there is tarnish – and a dent. This wouldn’t interfere with its function – and to me, doesn’t interfere with its beauty, either. This happy little teapot has character. How cool if we can give it more life, and let it into ours.
I found it over at Ratty and Catty over on Etsy – and by the way, with a name like that, I’m already inclined to love the place. But I don’t need to be inclined – they’ve got some yummy vintage treasures for the home and for you. And they ship worldwide, which not every vintage shop does.
They also give clear photos and details about the condition of each piece. That is such a valuable trait! And hey – the aforementioned teapot even comes with its own trivet, to protect your pretty little coffee table. (It’s vintage too, right?)
Love!
This isn’t a new idea – but the picture is such a clear (and pretty) illustration of what we can do for cheap or even free, I wanted to share 🙂
I’m not sure if this was a recycled drawer or tray – I found the pic on Pinterest but when I clicked through, the link was dead. (If it’s your pic, let me know, please? so I can give you credit!)
But the idea is clear. Cut cardboard to make dividers for a shallow drawer or tray or box. I’m in favor of the box – it’ll probably be free.
Spray paint the whole thing white or some other color you love. I’d polyurethane it, after – to make sure it’s waterproof. Let it dry. Let it dry some more.
Place your jewelry in the little compartments. Stick the whole thing in a drawer. Presto: organized storage. Practically free. Win!
This isn’t a new idea – but it’s so beautifully illustrated here, I just wanted to share.
Super organized – and as a bonus, attractive do-it-yourself jewelry storage! I love the way this makes a wall display – and at the same time lets you see your accessories. If you can’t find it, you can’t wear it!
So: go to the dollar store – or find used trays at garage sales – bonus points for recycling and rethinking! Anyway – find one or three cutlery trays, or if you have a lot of jewelry, make more than one column. Show off your jewelry, get organized, and have a fabulous wall graphic all at the same time.
(And it’l cost you, what – $3.00? $6.00? Talk about a win-win!)
P.S. Yes, I found this over on Pinterest. Love!
I found this great dress on Etsy a little while ago:
Is that not a wonderful garment? It’s fun, it’s affordable, it’s not fussy or dressy – it’s just something you could toss on in the morning, go about your day, and know you look *good*. It’s available from Lillie Nora Dry Goods on Etsy and she has LOTS of great items, all upcycled I think, all fresh and fun and wearable.
And woo hoo, they are not made for a girl who wears Size 2! They are not tiny, they are not huge – they are made to fit Real Women! I am in love. Go check out this shop, you are so going to thank me!
So you know I think recycling and UPcycling is super important. I also like to wear fun clothes that are functional and have style! Put these two ideas together and you get this cute cardigan:
Is that not an adorable top? I like the way you could wear it year round. Right now I think it’d be great with even more color – a turquoise pencil skirt, or a bright red circle skirt, and of course one can always use more stuff to wear with blue jeans!
I found it at Rebirth Recycling on Etsy. To me it’s a major plus that Tina, the owner and designer, is making her garments using recycled and upcycled materials. Her work is original, she’s got rave reviews for the quality of her work and her customer service too – and her stuff is affordable!
Like I said, the very best kind of fashion 🙂
Now this scarf is beautiful and I love the colors – but really, she had me at “recycled” and “cashmere”. My favorite thing – recycled, reused, smart choices – and then: cashmere. This is to love.
It’s available from WormeWoole – Eco Chic Accessories shop on Etsy and the artist / maker / owner Sara has a shop full of yummy recycled and repurposed treasures. You can request your favorite colors, or find accessories for your house or for gifts.
And may I repeat? Recycled. And cashmere. Love!
Well. Christmas is over, the packages open, the games played with, the sleepiness from too-much-food, the hugs and arguments and mess and cleanup and fun of Christmas was yesterday. Today it’s time to rest and relax and maybe, in the corner of your brain, think of where you’d like to go in the next year.
For me, that includes upcycled and recycled items – you know the mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle. Everything we can do in that regard is good for the planet – or at least better for the planet. And it can be fun and fashionable too.
Case in point: this yummy winter hat.
One, it looks warm. I am a total yutz about winter (my idea of a GOOD winter day is one where I have to wear sleeves. Maybe socks) – so warm is an absolute requirement for me when it’s cold outside. Two, it’s cute. Three, and top of the list really, is that it’s upcycled. I found it at Glorious Morn – a terrific shop on Etsy which features vintage, upcycled, and handmade wearables. The artist-maker-shop owner, Sue, has lots of hats and scarves to choose from – all fun, cute, and upcycled.
You’ll love them – and it’s cold outside. Go peek!
P.S. And then of course, there’s her vintage clothing… yeah, you’re going to have fun over there!
Okay, this is one of the reasons I love Etsy. Well, besides the fact that I sell stuff there. Because I can find original, practical, affordable, and way cool gifts like this one.
This used to be a guy’s shirt. Now it’s an apron. This has so much going for it: the dark blue plaid means it’s not going to show every stain it gets. It’s washable. It’s practical if you cook. Wouldn’t you rather wear this refashioned, fun, useful apron while you’re cooking, and not get olive oil on your best jeans or dress-you-wore-to-work? And, major plus, it’s CUTE.
And it’s refashioned: a double-bonus major plus. Judy, the owner of the wonderful Sew It Was shop on Etsy, has made it the focus of her shop: she takes old garments and gives them new life. New FUN life. New useful life.
Also, if I might point out, super affordable life. These are all pluses I wanted to mention.
But most of all, I like this garment – and I could use it – and I bet you know a couple other people who would love it!
One more brillig idea for your home – this one is so handy and so cheap, you’re totally going to be inspired. Trust me 😉
Found at my favorite, Apartment Therapy comes this fabulous redo. From this:
To this:
From something you’ll find for free on Craigslist, or maybe $3.00 at a garage sale – an old TV or microwave cart. And with a small amount of work – cleaning, a bit of paint, some wallpaper or other patterned paper (recycled magazine pages? wrapping paper?) – maybe some drawer pulls – presto! You have a charming, attractive, useful new piece of furniture that you’ll be proud to call your own!
And to say “I did it myself!”. You know: priceless 🙂
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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