I love the retro look of these adorable paper tube and pipe cleaner Christmas candles. And making them in a rainbow of colors is just too festive! Start saving up all your recycled tubes and packaging of all sizes so you can make a whole collection of retro paper candles. Pop on over to the blog Smile Mercantile for the tutorial on how to make retro recycled paper tube Christmas candles.
Have you read?
Steven Rodrig: Breathing New Life into E-Waste
Steven Rodrig is a Cuban-born, New Jersey-based artist known for transforming discarded electronic components into stunning sculptures. His work, often inspired by nature, showcases the potential of upcycled materials in art.
From Structural Mechanics to Artistic Expression
Born in Havana in 1963 and immigrating to the U.S. in 1966, Rodrig’s background is rooted in structural mechanics rather than formal art training. His exposure to printed circuit boards (PCBs) in his professional life sparked a fascination with their intricate designs, leading him to repurpose them into artistic creations.
Rodrig’s sculptures often depict organic forms—sea turtles, dragonflies, hummingbirds—crafted meticulously from PCBs and other electronic waste. He begins with detailed sketches, then sources specific components, sometimes waiting weeks to find the right pieces. His work explores the intersection of technology and nature, prompting reflections on the rapid evolution of electronics and its environmental impact.
One of Rodrig’s standout pieces is “Sea Turtle Searching for Deep Data,” a sculpture that exemplifies his ability to merge technological materials with natural forms. Another intriguing work, “Attempt At Transferring Data Into The Organic World V.9,” involves embedding PCBs into egg contents, symbolizing the blend of organic and manmade data.
Rodrig’s art has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, highlighting his innovative approach to sustainability and design. His sculptures serve as a commentary on consumerism and the lifecycle of technology, encouraging viewers to reconsider the value of discarded materials.
Through his unique fusion of art and environmental consciousness, Steven Rodrig invites us to see the beauty in the overlooked and to reflect on our relationship with technology and waste.