Oct
31
Here’s a truly sustainable jack-o-lantern: one that’s made from recycled materials, PLUS one that can be used year after year. You’ll find this silly pumpkin face, which is made from an antique sap bucket and holds a tealight candle, …
Oct
30
The submission deadline has passed for the second annual Junk to Funk fashion show in Portland, but you can still observe the recycled fashion action by attending the event. It’s set for Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Wonder Ballroom. …
Oct
28
Artist Charles Kaufman‘s work can be found on the pages of underground comic books and on gallery walls around the world. His colorful cartoonish paintings can also be found on used aluminum soda and beer cans.
“Using acrylic paints …
Oct
26
If you find yourself “fixing” your leaky garden hose with duct tape, then maybe it’s time to consider making it into something pretty. I learned about this industrial chic multi-pronged bud vase by Dan Pearlman (of Objects of Desire) from …
Oct
24
Steven James, owner of macaroni and glitter, created a charming Connect Four Photo Frame and Calendar for Craftster’s monthly challenge of transforming an old board game into something new. (Alas, this wasn’t the winning entry, but it is in …
Oct
22
I’m in love with these handcrafted arm warmers, “Armies,” by Gaye Abandon. Made from recycled sweaters, the entire line of Armies gives wearers the mobility they need in their hands without the more-often-than-not ragged look found in fingerless gloves. …
Oct
21
Burned out on bottle cap crafts? Then maybe you haven’t seen this: Kawaii Crafter of zakka life presents a unique take on bottle cap functional art in her understated but artsy bottle cap bowl, made from the colorless plastic …
Oct
20
I hope ReadyMade magazine continues to show the MacGyver contest runners-up on its website, because there are lots of great ideas that unfortunately didn’t quite make the cut to be used in publication. For example, runner-up Brie Neel of Sophia, …
Oct
19
The Instructables / ReadyMade magazine Mash-Up Contest is a recycled artist’s dream. The idea is to take two unseemingly related objects and “mash” them into one “I never thought of doing that!” end result. The Instructables site even lists a …
Oct
16
Laura Beamer‘s bottle cap jewelry featured in yesterday’s post, Bottle Cap Beauties, briefly mentioned her stunning vinyl record work, but I think they deserve a post of their very own. Shown are her popular and stunning vinyl rings, …
Oct
15
Laura Beamer transforms used bottle caps into top-of-the-line bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants and rings. She’s a collector of bottle caps, which explains the out-of-the-ordinary ones you’ll find in her jewelry.
On her collecting habit she writes, “Family, friends and acquaintances …
Oct
11
Are you the type of person who likes to save everything “just in case”? Or do you find yourself buying interesting doodads at a second-hand shop or garage sale that you know will work swimmingly in a project, although at …
Oct
10
The renowned Maker Faire Oct. 20-21 in Austin is offering plenty of crafty and geeky demos along with hands-on make-it-take-projects. What may be a highlight for those interested in recycled goods is the free Swap-O-Rama-Rama. The Maker Faire site describes …
Oct
9
I’ve been searching for a unique and well crafted recycled Halloween costume, and I think I found it at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories. Along with a detailed tutorial of making a homemade bat costume, the author includes matching — …
Oct
8
Micol (pronounced “Michael” and rhymes with “recycle” ) Day of recyclemicol offers a great tutorial on transforming greeting cards (or cardstock you have on hand) into pillow gift boxes that would make Martha proud. Be sure to check out her …







