How do you UPcycle and recycle?

[Former_Member]

I try to use UPcycled elements with any piece of jewelry I create. I have a multitude of beads and chains that were my great grandmothers that I inherited when she passed along; I find things and pieces I need in jewelry and will use one little part and save the rest for later when I need it. I limit my supplies box to a leather luggage case that is 12"X16"X12". When I go to thrift shops, I might see something I need a piece off of, or want to use, it's awesome to spend .10 on something that might be wasting space in a landfill, and then using it to beautify and better the universe. Post your favorite UPcycled product if you want!

[Former_Member]

That's cool that you keep old jewelry from being wasted. I buy computer components and recycled them into jewelry pieces and accessories. I put coils, computer chips, and keyboard keys together with colorful beads. I spell inspirational words with computer keys and cut cute shapes out of computer boards. This one is my latest! I'm looking forward to hear what other do!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81915694/bunny-keychain-rabbit-computer-key-chain

[Former_Member]

Very neat.

[sadiesez]

Almost everything in my shop is made with something that is recycled or upcycled-- this is vintage lace, buttons from old garments and felt that used to be a reclaimed calendar--
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61936930/fabric-headband-wanna-be-a-cowgirl

This guy is an old pair of jeans embellished with roses made from a bedsheet--
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81391548/kindle-3-sleeve-american-beauty-padded

:)

[Former_Member]

Sweet!

[thevicagirl]

I love things that others think are garbage. Like this drinking straw necklace.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79402954/drinking-gold-upcycled-straws-necklace

Or my vaccum cleaner earrings.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62822514/cleaning-circles-black-upcycled-vacuum

Just random things.

[Former_Member]

I just use whatever appeals to me. I started these pendants just because I like the look of them, I knew I wanted to create a colorful flower. It is a large piece but once you put it on is really pretty, I don't even look at the brand just the color combination; that's how I pick the beads to fill the center.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70458221/bottle-cap-flower-pendant

Isn't it cute?

[Former_Member]

I love the patterns and colors of vintage neckties. I love giving them a new functional life!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81935042/handmade-necktie-purse-bag-brown-and

[Former_Member]

Very coll, all of it!

[Former_Member]

Er, cool haha

[Former_Member]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80122613/long-rainbow-tribe-necklace-made-from
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80991492/upcycled-dangle-iridescent-beaded
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80236631/delicate-charm-sea-glass-necklace

[Former_Member]

Love all the ideas. Great thread. We recycle or upcycle most things in our shop. Wood, winecorks, beads, shipping materials, storage materials, etc.

Most recently a customer bought a cabinet door backplate from us and turned it into a piece of jewelry.
http://remarydoriginals.blogspot.com/2011/09/ode-to-kitchen-cabinet-backplate.html

If I can't find something to do with it I offer it on my sustainable supplies section of my shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74693585/3-stainless-steel-knobs-reclaimed

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68458594/polished-brass-knob-back-plate-upcycle

Thanks, Bee

[Former_Member]

This is made with a recycled bottle!:)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81939725/air-plant-tillandsia-in-a-repurposed

[FabTabulous]

By mixing soda tabs, bottle caps, and/or discarded beads to create a FabTabulous concoction of upcycled fun!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71628368/energy-drink-pull-tab-earrings-bubbly

[CozzeCouture]

The necktie bag and recycled computer componets are really creative. I love vintage clothing as well as antiques and is currently trying to design a chair with a collection of vintage silk neckties. It's just a project and not for sale, but stayed tuned!

[Former_Member]

Everything in this piece is upcycled except for the socket and lightbulb. The shade is a mixing bowl, the wood is from a drawer front (from an old dresser), the brass pieces are from an old chandelier I got at the dump, and the aluminum I got at a yard sale.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79386871/mixing-bowl-lamp-two-quarts-of-light

[FabTabulous]

Cool lamp, Matt! Love your stuff!

[fairyshadow]

I use recycled Tshirts and other cotton knit garments for these.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74220434/yellow-flower-headband-elastic-headband
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78461785/hair-tie-golden-flower-of-tie-dyed

[PiecesOfOlde]

I re-use old quilts........

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77285067/upcyled-old-quilt-pincushion-vintage

[PiecesOfOlde]

and grain sacks....


http://www.etsy.com/listing/80039096/grain-sack-pillow-vintage-kansas-buffalo

[PiecesOfOlde]

and vintage fabrics and vintage pennants....

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78310731/pennant-pillow-philadelphia-souvenir

[PiecesOfOlde]

and even ties!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81915623/snake-toy-upcycled-tie-childrens-plush

[jtbmetaldesigns]

This coat rack is a disassembled planter that had a mundane paint job. I welded the ring and the scrolls to a flat bar found on the floor at work. The only new material is the hooks!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81903695/abstract-coat-rack-repurposed-metal?ref=v1_other_1

I love to incorporate old steel with new steel. In the sculpture below, the 2 rectangular panels where badly rusted and where cleaned to give a nice textured feel.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73444813/metal-sculpture-angular-stance

[Former_Member]

I am a yard sale and goodwill/thrift shop junkie. I am also looking at everything around the house twice before I even think about throwing it away these days.
I love making handmade paper and I am starting to get some collections together to put on here. I am also working on a special toilet roll project......stay tuned for that!

This piece was made from scrabble parts that were from an old game I had sitting around.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81509216/ooak-gameboard-game-time-wall-hanging

This was created with an old record from my family collection, spray paint that was in my grandma's cupboard, and flowers from an old arrangement that was on its last leg.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80940943/ooak-record-wreath-fall-and-autumn

[SardineRiot]

the smurfs comic i found was on the verge of being destroyed, since the covers were worn thin from use. all the graph paper inside of it was cut by myself, from paper that would have been discarded. The I heat laminated the usable portions of the comics, and tada. a smurf book brand new from recycled pages and comics. :) also waterproof now.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73259978/smurfbook-smurfs-retro-vintage-graphing