Save on materials while you save your pennies. From time to time I like to head over to Novica for some out-of-the-box thinking from artisans from around the world, like this piggy bank made from a used aluminum bottle that’s … Read More...
Sweater Picnic Blanket
Put those old winter sweaters to summer use by upcycling sweaters into a picnic blanket perfect for the Fourth of July or any lazy summer day. Designer Vickie Howell (also one of our own CraftGossip editors) offers a tutorial … Read More...
Creativity 350 Contests
Creativity 350, a partnership between five craft- and DIY-themed websites, is looking to help creatively spread the word about the important new climate change awareness group called 350.org. And they need YOUR crafting and design talent to help! It’s offering … Read More...
DIY Charging Station
Calling all DIY neat freaks: jannypie offers a delightful decorative charging station tutorial to organize your phone, mp3 player and other chargeable devices. She makes hers from already-prosh Martha Stewart boxes, but you could easily recycle boxes found around the … Read More...
Replayground on TV
Tiffany Threadgould, founder of Replayground, is featured in a segment of the one-hour special on Fine Living, It’s Easy Being Green. In just over three minutes you’ll see how Tiffany comes up with ideas for her recycled furnishings … Read More...
Upcycled Bracelets
Bracelets look great, but they don’t always feel great on your wrist. By wrapping used bangle bracelets in colorful yarn, not only have you created a soft accessory for your skin, but you’ve also created a whole new look. Here … Read More...
CD Earrings
These cute earrings are music to the recycled crafter’s ears. Shannah at UpCycleMart upcycles discarded CDs into pairs of cute and unusual earrings, like this geometric-themed pair made from the printed side of the CD. She also works with the … Read More...
Scrabble Tile Pendants
Pieces of Me Pendants offers a wonderfully sweet collection of pendants made from used Scrabble tiles Each pendant is sealed with a high-gloss nontoxic glaze and comes with an organza bag with gift card tag, just waiting to be gifted … Read More...
Recycled Art Exhibits
While we may fiddle with crafts at home just for fun, recycled art is increasingly found in fine art galleries, as illustrated in these current and upcoming exhibits:
Red Bull Art of Can
Featuring works of art inspired by or … Read More...
Recycled Art Fridge
Do you have an old fridge sitting in the garage waiting to be recycled? Here’s your chance to transform it into a work of art. The ENERGY STAR Recycle My Old Fridge campaign is seeking entries for an upcoming art … Read More...
Egg Carton Sewing Kit
You’ve probably seen all kinds of kids’ egg carton crafts, but this take on the convenient cubbyhole containers is suitable for any age. Etsy store Swirlyarts is selling, among other items, mini sewing kits made from used cardboard egg cartons. … Read More...
Dadcando
In honor of Father’s Day, I must mention Dadcando, a site dedicated to fathers and kids making things together. A detailed tutorial for this pretty butterfly, created with old wrapping paper, is available for download. Also in the recycled … Read More...
Recycled Artist Harriete Estel Berman
One glance at the works of art — and accompanying prices — at harriete-estel-berman.info and you’ll see that the creative pieces lean toward art rather than craft. But many of Harriete’s techniques and outcomes are found in the recycled crafts … Read More...
Recycled Coffee Sleeve
The next time you crave a take-out coffee, come prepared with your own stylish coffee sleeve — recycled from a sweater, of course. Head on over to East Coast Kitsch for a sampling of colorful ideas from Jane Murphy, or … Read More...
Sweater Pennant Swag
What a fun idea for homemade (and completely recycled!) party decorations: recycled sweater and T-shirt pennant garland. Fun in the Making provides the detailed instructions and pretty pictures you need to make a good party a GREAT party.
Looking for … Read More...
Playful Assemblage
Cat Bishop a.k.a. Artsy personifies (or puppifies, in this case) everyday objects with funky assemblage works, including Scottie (shown) made from a vintage xylophone toy, a 50s alarm clock and French tart tins. Check out her Etsy shop for more … Read More...
GreenCraft magazine
Coming in 2009, from the creative folks behind Somerset Studio magazine, is GreenCraft magazine. According to the editor, the magazine will “feature articles and delicious photography of all kinds of art made from recycled materials.” Click on the GreenCraft image … Read More...
Barbie Shoe Earrings
Here’s another clever tutorial from the contributors at Cut Out + Keep: earware made from Barbie shoes. Step 1 states, “Steal a pair of shoes from a Barbie when she’s not looking.” Read the entire tutorial here, and then … Read More...
Huipil Crafts
Erin crafts some fabulous things with huipils (pronounced wee-PEELS), which are traditional woven blouses worn by women in Guatemala. The huipil fabrics are inherently colorful and fun, which makes the upcycled works of art equally colorful. Here, Erin fashioned a … Read More...
From Junk Mail Catalog to Paper Dolls
I love this tip from Cloth Paper Scissors reader Deb:
 “Today, in the mail, I received my bizillionth ladies catalog! … Now, I am going green with paper dolls! I cut out all of the outfits from the fashion … Read More...