The Art of: Upcycling
Upcycling is sweeping the world and all those (crafty) along with it! And I say WOOT! To that!
To upcycle is to take something otherwise disposable or discarded and turn it into something better! While I have only ever made one upcycle project, I love what I have seen all over the web, the DIY network, HGTV and on my fave, www.etsy.com !
I encourage everyone to try an Upcycling project. It doesn’t have to be complicated or require many tools, it can be as simple as cutting up an old t-shirt or soda can. Below are my faves from the web:
Soda Bottle lamp (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/11/upcycle_art_diy.php ) Project info (https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/tetani/upcycleart/htmls/chandelier.html ) Does require some tools, but doesn’t look impossible, even for me!
Soda Bottle Flower Pin (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19393942 ) Super cute idea!
Polar Bears (art) made of cans (http://greenupgrader.com/4221/i-can-haz-recycled-can-art/ )Wow!
Dr Pepper Earrings (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=19660919 ) You know you could see a teenager pulling these off, no worries!
Record Bowl (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_3&listing_id=19655660 ) I love these! I’ve seen them many times and I just love the concept.
Record clock (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=19658392 ) I love this, too. Another fine way to upcycle your unwanted/unusable records.
Wine Bottle Platter (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=19662604 ) I never would have thought of this; perfect conversational piece for a wine/cheese/cocktail party!
Wine Bottle Tumblers (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=19674085 ) My first concern was the edges, but this etsy seller took care of any sharp edges. Nice!
Cork Necklace (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=17992997 ) This is too cool! She ships them in test tubes, too!
Gift Card notebook (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_18&listing_id=19650044 ) I always hate throwing away gift cards; now we don’t have to. Some have beautiful pictures on them, too!
Children’s Book Notebook/Journal (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=11726243 ) Adorable!
TV Dinner Notebook (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=14948809 ) Kitsch, anyone? I love it!
Telephone Wire Bracelets (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=18439662 ) My mom used to make these for me as a kid when the telephone guys would leave big old messes of white and purple wires behind. You’d never know they were discarded, they’re lovely.
Upcycled Crayons (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_14&listing_id=10743971 ) This is such a great idea! This way it’s much harder for toddlers to break them.
Upcycled Glitter Crayons (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=19643263 ) Glitter is almost always a good idea!
Tape Measure Bracelet
(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_12&listing_id=19674238 )For when the ends die completely, your tape measure can live on in your wardrobe!
Band Flyer Envelopes (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_14&listing_id=15530134 ) Genius! Band flyers are full of color, bold fonts and creativity! Win!
Crocheted t-shirt purse (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=14608298 ) I’ve seen many variations on this concept. It’s truly something you can have fun with!
Tie-Snap Bracelet (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=14608298 ) Wow! I love this idea! Very chic, very eco-conscious and very cool!
Mint tin belt buckle (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_15&listing_id=19638882 ) Wow! Secret compartment, functionality and style!
Floppy disk pencil holder/box (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_18&listing_id=18935772 ) For the chic geek in your life!
Seatbelt Wallet (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=19467325 ) I like this, I bet it’s super durable!
Upcycled furniture/wall décor (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_19&listing_id=12124147 ) I’d seen stuff like this on “Design on a Dime†on the HGTV channel…I love it! It really brings warmth with all of the varied wood tones.
Upcycled Vanity/Dresser-Sink! (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=7580384 ) This is amazing and beautiful! So unique!
Soda Bottle Greenhouse (http://www.foammagazine.com/street-style/matix-upcycle-contest-winners/ ) If I had a yard, I’d sooo make one of these babies!
Soda Tab Lamp (http://casasugar.com/tags/upcycle ) Wow! So different, I love it!
Metal Hanger Laptop Stand (http://greenupgrader.com/5247/diy-laptop-stand-built-using-a-upcycled-coat-hanger/#more-5247 ) Not sure exactly how it works, but I love anything you can reuse hangers with! Let’s all please Mommy Dearest and get those metal hangers out of our closets all together!
The Ultimate: Coffee Stirrer Chandelier (http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/28/recycled-coffee-stirrer-lamps-from-touch-collective/ ) Just…WOW!!!
Have you ever upcycled something? Let us know what/how…include a picture! What did you think of this post? Comment!
I LOVE IT!!!
I really like the crayon idea a LOT. It’s great if you have a ton of broken small pieces that you can’t really color with.
And the snap tie holder! It’s perfect for those ties that you love, but have either frayed or become stained. It’s genius.
Mucho props!!
Why thank you! I especially loved the mint tin belt buckle. It looked quite chic to me, but you’d be more of the expert on the topic. What did you think of it?
This is a great post. I always love seeing what others have done with unwanted items. Some of the items you would never even think to use or do. Awesome.
Yeah, I always admire those crazy-creative types that can turn garbage into glam!