This month’s Craftster Challenge once again caters to the mind and talents of the recycled crafter: The Super Ugly to Super Awesome Challenge asks that you spend $20 or less at a second-hand store on a super-tacky, super-ugly, super-revolting object … Read More...
Dia De Los Muertos Shrine
In honor of Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), grab some inspiration from this handmade used mint tin-turned-shrine by Crafty Chica (Kathy Cano-Murillo). Although the Day of the Dead celebrates the lives of those who are no longer … Read More...
Halloween Lantern
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, … Read More...
Junk to Funk Fashion Show
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. … Read More...
Crushed Can Art
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 … Read More...
Garden Hose Vase
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 … Read More...
Connect Four Photo Framer
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 … Read More...
Leg Warmers — for Your Arms
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. Plus, … Read More...
A New Kind of Bottle Cap Craft
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 … Read More...
MacGyver Runners-Up
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, … Read More...
Mash-Up Contest
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 … Read More...
Vinyl Record Rings
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, … Read More...
Bottle Cap Beauties
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 … Read More...
What the heck?
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 … Read More...
Maker Faire Swap-O-Rama-Rama
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 … Read More...
Recycled Greeting
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 … Read More...
Dr. Seuss Purse
Magazine Coasters
By using coasters, coffee or water rings on your favorite magazine covers are a thing of the past — or are they? These adorable recycled coasters, complete with rope trim, are made entirely from used magazine pages. The San … Read More...
Truly Feminine Notebook
No post-consumer cardboard packaging is off limits for Ivy Lane Designs, home of “crafty-licious, one-of-a-kind, insta-collectibles,” which offers a boat-load of nicely crafted notebooks and journals made from discarded boxes. Most of the notebook covers are made from cereal … Read More...
Crispina’s Ragamuffins
Thanks to sender-inner Janet, I have discovered the wonderful world of Crispina, a studio that transforms old sweaters and cotton pieces into stylish garments, sweaters, rugs, iPod pouches and other home accessories. I’ve been a stuffed animal lover … Read More...