Fancifully Cascading Flower Lamps & Screens (from recycled plastic water bottles)
Want to be inspired to do some eco-design?
I just came across this British artist, Michelle Brands. She turned plastic water and soda bottles into light catching flow, akin to a fabric, say. The bottles appear as very pleasing 3D flowers. I love this look particularly for a whimsical kitchen lamp, girl bedroom or a creative [...]
Wrapping Up Gifts with Unusual Recyclables
I wrote this post with bulk Valentine’s day gift wrapping in mind. However, then I realized that gift wrapping with unusual recyclables is something to do AT ALL TIMES. Green gift wrapping is not only good for the environment, it’s good for the soul. Creativity soars and whimsy emerges.
It is amazing what you can [...]
Valentine Friendship Bracelet Cuff – Kids Upcycling
Over the weekend, my niece and I designed some novel friendship bracelets for herself and her buddies, to hand out on Valentine’s Day.
Which little girl would not like to get one of these from her friend? Anyhow, it’s another demonstration of the infinite number of lovely things one can make from recycled toilet paper [...]
Design Trend: Recycled Wool Sweater Lamp
Knitting is not only ‘IN’, its’ ON. It’s as hip as ever, and it’s IN our house. I’ve already shown you it’s ON the wall and ON the floor. Here are some easy craft ideas on how to get your knitted goods ON the lamp, ON the vase, ON the pillow, ON a bowl and [...]
How to Make Your Own Dumbbell
OK. Fitness and weight training is now high on everyone’s agenda again, as it is begin January.
As upcycling is on my agenda, I thought to bring you a craft project for guys. The idea here is to kick-start your work-out routine by adding some weights. Rather than buying some that will be to [...]
Spring Fashion: Upcycle & Make Your Own Ruffle Sandal
Maegan Tintari inspired me today. She, like me, is into ruffles. Are you into ruffles? Fortunately for us, many if not all major fashion designers are into ruffles for their 2010 collections. There are ruffles everywhere and for every fashion item.
I personally like the Valentino Ruffle sandals (with matching bag), but Maegen prefers ruffle sandals [...]
How to Refashion Clothing to Make Skirts: Shirt Skirt
Popular last year and still on the runway for Louis Vuitton 2010, shirt skirt is a stayer. A Louis Vuitton-label sewn on at the inside will cost you a tat, however, you could easily refashion your own clothing to make shirt skirts. Fashion Indie gives the run-down on how to do it.
HOW TO MAKE [...]
Cutest-Ever Tiny Paper Garland ‘I Have a Dream’
Yesterday I posted two crochet craft ideas for Martin Luther King Day. But, when I went to bed last night, in my mind’s eye, I saw this adorable paper garland with letters of just a 1/4 inch height.
I could barely sleep as I wanted to try it right away, but I waited till this morning [...]
Peace Symbol Ruffle Necklace - Upcycled Tween Jewelry Craft
"It is amazing what you can do with an old curtain and a sewing machine."
This, my dear friends, is Australian humor. My Aussie boyfriend at the time gave me a compliment on my dress. Yes, they may speak English downunder, but they sure speak another language than North Americans.
Anyhow, the whimsy of the [...]
Craft Book of the Month
We choose the hot-of-the-press book "Refashioned Bags: Upcycle Anything into High-Style Handbags" by artist team Justina & Faith Blakeney as our book of the month, January 2010. And we can see it is going to be one of our favorite books.
It’s the fourth book they’ve been writing together, and it seems to be their [...]
How to Make a Girly Necklace from Magazine Paper Beads
Yep. Remember those rolled paper beads? We used to make those beads in first grade. They were excellent for easy necklace as a Mother’s day gift.
They still are, but some ‘upgrading’ of this craft has been long overdue.
So, here is a BEAUTIFUL necklace made from those magazine paper beads.
What’s the difference? The difference [...]
Best Homemade Advent Calendars
My friend was cleaning her closets the other day, and asked if I was interested in her old house-shaped letter box. It looked … a bit dated, a bit odd-shaped, a bit bland as it was plain wood, and … I did not know what to do with it. Mentally, I was running [...]
