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."