Beautifully Upcycled Ideas

We all know that by reusing and recycling our goods, we are helping the environment, but who would have guessed it would become such a beautifully trendy concept? We have moved far beyond dropping our used aluminum cans into recycling bins. We are creating works of art! Some of this season's most beautiful decorative trends are products of upcycling. For those of you who are new to the term, upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.


I was happy to stumble upon an article on Martha Stewart's sister-site, Whole Living, that centered on ideas for inexpensive, eco-friendly home decorating ideas. A couple of the ideas included in the article that I thought were particularly nice were the use of upcycled, knitted sweaters as seat covers and the use of a collection of old, glass bottles as a centerpiece. You can find these and 23 other ideas at http://www.wholeliving.com/photogallery/top-ten-green-myths?#slide_3


In keeping with the kinship of the Etsy artisan community, I am happy to highlight a few of the beautiful upcycled products that are currently for sale! Like what you see? Search for "upcycled" at www.Etsy.com for other items and artists. Please check back here for "green" updates and more Etsy featured artists and products!

Shop: CreativeCorksNMore

Product: Upcycled Beautiful Blue Mason Jar Solar Light Hanging Lantern

Link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72157647/upcycled-beautiful-blue-mason-jar-solar

Artist's Note: "We have recently become involved in green crafting. We like to say "garbage has feelings too." We work mostly with cork and basic crafting medias. Most everything we use is recycled and re-purposed."

Shop: MonkeysAlwaysLook

Product: Personalized Vintage Silverware Garden Marker Stamped Plant Stake

Link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61231328/personalized-vintage-silverware-garden

Artist's Note: As featured in Anthropologie! Now get your own personalized garden marker. You choose the piece and the word! The possibilities are only limited to what you can think of. You think it, I'll make it! All pieces are silver plated and will tarnish, becoming more "gardeny" over time.

Shop: TwiddleLee

Product: Blue Charm Bracelet Made From Upcycled Plastic Bottles

Link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45128394/blue-charm-bracelet-made-from-upcycled?ref=sr_list_11&ga_search_query=twiddlelee&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

Artist's Note: "This beautiful charm bracelet was made using my handmade upcycled plastic bottle charms. I have hand cut, melted and formed each individual charm to create this stunning bracelet that jingles as you wear it. I have received many compliments on the one I wear; people say it looks like a really expensive piece of jewelry."

Earth Day Campaign - Featured Artisans of the Week -

"Going green" has never been a trendier topic than it is today and as Earth Day approaches, there are some people who are taking the concept to a beautifully creative level. Sometimes our most treasured belongings are those that are simple but lovely. It is with that in mind that I am honored to showcase such a special group of artisans whose dedication to our planet brightens our everyday life. The items showcased are made by all natural or eco-friendly means and support a healthy environment.

Below are the artists whose beautiful creations are showcased above.

1. Lucinda Macy (willodel) - Cottage Wren house made from Aspen and Applewood, Etsy Listing #71690760 Artist's Note: "I have been making things and doing artwork all my life. All my work reflects my great love and respect for the natural world and my passion for creativity. I do everything from map making and graphic design to woodworking and making soap with herbs from the garden. My store on Etsy features my unique birdhouses and dwellings for other garden friends. I believe that living in harmony with Nature brings peace to the Earth and joy to the soul." http://www.etsy.com/listing/71690760/cottage-wren-house-made-from-aspen-and

2. Debra Bond-Yancey (WellCriated) - Alpaca Yarn Silver Grey 2.5 oz (SALE), Etsy Listing #68204678 Artist's Note: ""My collection of luxurious and lovely handmade knit clothing and fashion accessories is here to tickle your fancy and delight you. I design and make everything you see in my wearable fiber art collection in my New York-based studio. I work almost exclusively with natural yarns." http://www.etsy.com/listing/68204678/40-off-sale-alpaca-yarn-silver-grey-25

3. Elena Rosenberg (TickledPinkKnits) -Ingrid Organic Merino Wool Knit Wrap (an original design), Etsy Listing #60832653 Artist's Note: "My collection of luxurious and lovely handmade knit clothing and fashion accessories is here to tickle your fancy and delight you. I design and make everything you see in my wearable fiber art collection in my New York-based studio. I work almost exclusively with natural yarns." http://www.etsy.com/listing/60832653/ingrid-organic-merino-wool-knit-wrap?ref=sr_list_3&ga_search_query=tickledpinkknits&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

4. Kayla Vernon (Countrifriedpride) - Wire-Wrapped Apple Tree Pendant Necklace, Etsy Listing #70551045 Artist's Note: "I have been playing with beads ever since I can remember. More specifically, I began working for a craft store in high school and reignited my creative side. Among many other art forms, I've always come back to jewelry making. I'm completely self-taught and have been making jewelry for 5 years now." http://www.etsy.com/listing/70551045/wire-wrapped-apple-tree-pendant-necklace

5. Sabina (Sabinaanda) - Rosebud Butterfly and Angel Mixed Media Framed Collage (original artwork), Etsy Listing #62790559 Artist's Note: "It all began with Angel Lewene... a mixed media nature- collage gift I made, inspired by and given to a 94 year old Angel-Friend. These nature angels soon seemed to have a life of their own and my favorite thing, other than creating them was to be the observer behind the piece being viewed. People's faces would light up...there was a circulation between artpiece and viewer, as if it were a mirror reflecting their own beauty. It is/was so fulfilling! So, I said, " Yes, I will be a nature artist -whatever that is - as long as it serves as food for the heart and nourishes the soul!" I hope you feel nourished and inspired by these pieces." http://www.etsy.com/listing/62790559/rosebud-butterfly-angel-mixed-media?ref=v1_other_2

6. RecycledIdeas (Etsy Shop) - Plantable Birch Tree Leaves - Large - Handmade Paper with flower Seeds - Custom Options Available, Etsy Listing #64903633 Artist's Note: "My passion for primates led me to study them and in doing so, I learned of their precarious position on earth. So many are endangered because their habitat is being destroyed everyday. That's why I make green gifts... You can feel good about purchasing enviromentally friendly products from me. Not only are they nearly completely recycled waste products, but your purchases from my store also helps me to make charitable contributions to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund ($300), the World Wildlife Fund ($50), The Nature Conservancy ($50) and the Jane Goodall Institute ($50) every year. When you buy from me, you are supporting a sustainable planet." http://www.etsy.com/listing/64903633/plantable-birch-tree-leaves-large

7. Rebekah (Sweetbriers) - Summer Sky Collection Crochet Cotton Dishcloths, Etsy Listing 65251214 Artist's Note: "Sweetbriers is all about handmade which to me also makes it not so much about being a “business” but rather more about being fun and creative and then sometimes it’s just an adventure." http://www.etsy.com/listing/65251214/summer-sky-collection-crochet-cotton

8. Fanciful Design (Etsy shop) - Paper Flower Pop - 4" Single, Etsy Listing #71687823 Artist's Note: "Part of my passion is to create items from the simplest textile of all: paper. I love paper. Finding exact freedom in this material through sculpting, allows me to create with an unrestrained imagination. A transparent lightness and so delicate in appearance combined with a fanciful inner laced imagination turns in to a piece of art. The personal touch and a very high level of sophistication is my trademark." http://www.etsy.com/listing/71687823/paper-flower-pop-4-single

9. Sighfoo (Etsy shop) - Avocado Green Quadropus, Etsy Listing #71475200 Artist's Note: "I'm a wool sweater hunter. After skinning my prey, I turn them into cute and cuddly stuffies. Yeeeee haw! I also melt glass. In a previous life I worked a bunch of years in a design firm in Chicago as a motion graphic designer. I received my BFA at the University of Illinois." http://www.etsy.com/listing/71475200/avocado-green-quadropus

10. Phoebe Gao (hellogaogao) - Mr. Stache - Zippered Pouch, Etsy Listing #71716957 Artist's Note: "...(I) just love sewing and fashion design in general. I find it supremely entertaining, so I spend most of my free time making clothes, bags, and accessories. I would say that my main focus is upcycling clothing or just random objects since it's environmentally friendly and a bit more cost effective. My shop is dedicated to raising money for an orphan in China that I've been sponsoring for the past few years." http://www.etsy.com/listing/71716957/mr-stache-zippered-pouch

11. Andrea Badgley (SacredSuds) - Dirt-Lover's Gift Set of Handmade Gardening Soaps, Etsy Listing #71627360 Product Note: "It's finally spring, and that means its time to start digging in the dirt! Time for gardeners to get their hands in the soil, poke holes in the earth with their fingers, and maybe even make some mud pies. And after all that dirty work? The dirt-lover needs soap! This set contains two soaps - a gardener's soap inspired by Demeter, Greek goddess of the fertile earth, and a patchouli and hemp oil soap inspired by Earth, the natural element of stability, roots, and growth. The Demeter soap will scrub and condition on the days the gardener works hard in the dirt, and the Earth soap, with its earthy patchouli scent, is reminiscent of the soil and humus that the gardener so loves. The Dirt-Lover's Gift Set also includes a wooden self-draining soap dish (handcrafted in the USA by fellow Etsian crochetgal) and comes gift-wrapped in beautiful cotton fabric." http://www.etsy.com/listing/71627360/dirt-lovers-gift-set-of-handmade

12. Nicky Ross (NStarStudio) - Original Fiber Art Wall Hanging, Etsy Listing #69159029 Product Note: "Using a mix of vintage and new fabrics and simple classic designs, I create layered applique pictures. Set on a natural linen background, the colors and patterns of the fabric pieces stand out and make their own statement. Simple color matched stitching secures the fabric pieces in place and adds a little folk charm." http://www.etsy.com/listing/69159029/sample-sale-original-fiber-art-wall

13. FancyThatBag (Etsy Shop) - Lunch Bag Tote Insulated and Reusable - Black with Color Wheels, Etsy Listing #70424899 Artist's Note: "A friend once told me that every person has a creative side. It just takes some of us longer to understand just what that creativity might be. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to design and put together the products you'll find in my Etsy store. I enjoyed creating each piece and am excited to know that my creativity is coming forth. And it's a joy to be able to share my creations with others." http://www.etsy.com/listing/70424899/lunch-bag-tote-insulated-and-reusable?ref=sr_list_11&ga_search_query=fancythatbag&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

14. Charlotte Swank (SpiceGroveDesigns) -Springtime Tulip Tree - topiary, Etsy Listing #71514669 Artist's Note: "I enjoy repurposing/recycling items that no one has any use for anymore into something beautiful and one of a kind. I have been creating, designing and crafting my whole life. I am excited to bring you my little store and items that have been lovingly made for you!" http://www.etsy.com/listing/71514669/springtime-tulip-tree-topiary

Congratulations to this week's featured artists! Please check back next week for new artists and products!

Welcome, Spring!

With the arrival of spring comes a great deal of excitement at The Pewter Pumpkin! I am so happy to announce the launch of our first company blog and I look forward to sharing our trials and tribulations with you as we embark on our many adventures. Before we begin, I would like to thank all of our new Etsy artisan friends for their support and kindness during our recent Spring 2011 campaign. It has been wonderful making so many friends and receiving such positive feedback on our shop and products!


This April, The Pewter Pumpkin will be turning one and we would love for you to join us in celebrating! Look for sales in our PewterPumpkin shop as well as special products for you to enjoy. After all, we wouldn't be celebrating if it weren't for all of our fabulous friends! We will be curating new Treasury lists featuring our favorite products of yours, as well, so be on the lookout!


Today, The Pewter Pumpkin is moving outdoors for a bit of natural springtime inspiration. Products such as our realistic rose votives are created to mimic the real thing, so there's no better place to be than in the garden! Our cherry blossom mini-melts are created using real blossoms from our cherry trees, as are so many of our other products. We try to include natural elements in our products whenever possible and many times we are able to make entirely natural, eco-friendly creations for you to enjoy. In addition to our products, we also strive to use all natural shipping where possible. We have been known to include natural wood shavings from fallen trees in our shipments to ensure your product reaches you safely, while caring for then environment.


As always, we would love to hear from you, so if you have any ideas you would like to share with us, then please do! We are particularly interested in your ideas for "going green" this Earth Day and how you are incorporating this concept into your shops. Send us a link to your natural or eco-friendly creations and you might just find them featured in our blog! All submissions should be sent to PewterPumpkin directly on the Etsy site.


Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you back here soon!


Kind Regards,


Jennifer Petuska
Owner, The Pewter Pumpkin