Summer is (unofficially) here! And with it warm moonlit nights, summer walks, barefoot dancing and nervous brides. Romance is in the air, floating with the butterflies and fireflies~ and imaginary mythical creatures made of clouds! Who can resist this time of year when the gloom of winter makes way for the warmth of the sun?
These treasuries curated by members of Upcyclers will cast summer's spell on even the darkest of spirits!
'Let's Dance'...Celebrating the Season by RushCreekMosaics~
'Sweet Gypsy Mama' by JHRCorrea~
EmilyGibbs reminds us that 'Upcyclers Have More Fun'!
HandMeDownDesignsME says, 'Take Me To The Ball!'
And last~ 'Make It a Wedding To Remember' by SarahsQuiltsNCrafts
Like what you see? Take a look at our Treasuries and Galleries on our other pages!
May 31, 2011
May 30, 2011
Monday's Makeover: Memorial Day Tribute!
Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer season with beach trips, picnics, camping, reunions and backyard BBQ's. But most importantly, this weekend was a time to remember American veterans, particularly those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom.
Soldier, rest! Thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Dream of battled fields no more.
Days of danger, nights of waking. -Sir Walter Scott
Here are a few patriotic upcycled tributes to our military heroes from Etsy and Upcyclers.
Soldier, rest! Thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Dream of battled fields no more.
Days of danger, nights of waking. -Sir Walter Scott
Here are a few patriotic upcycled tributes to our military heroes from Etsy and Upcyclers.
May 27, 2011
Love 2 DIY on the Weekend: With Trashn2Tees!
Lets Rock! and Freezer Paper Stenciling
You are going to love this post, not just because this is such a great idea and fun DIY, but also because Jenelle's blog (where you'll find the How-to for this DIY) is a treasure trove of creative tutorials! Her shop on Etsy, Trashn2Tees, offers you a sustainable alternative for original, funky, and one of a kind fashion at affordable prices: Custom handmade clothing, reusable produce bags, totes, upcycled tee-shirt appliques, scarves, hats, gloves and more accessories~ all made from reclaimed materials.
Here's a little about Jenelle in her own words:
"Hi! I'm Jenelle. Though these days I am most frequently referred to as Mommy, I used to hold such titles as President, Waitress, College Student, Mud Bog Racer, and I even donned a big furry cat suit in high school as Suzy Stateliner- the school mascot! Between crushing cars with Monster Jam trucks, judging silly dance contests, and those other less fun household chores... I hack up clothes that have been outgrown, stained, or discarded (and I have a ton of fun doing it!) My boys inspire many of the designs, and actually, that's how this whole thing got started- have you seen the clothes out there for boys? I wanted something more than puppy dogs and footballs. I like clothes that make a statement, and I hope by rocking recycled threads- we can all encourage and inspire others to consume less and recycle more!"
We are proud to have Jenelle on our team of Upcyclers and thrilled she Loves 2 Upcycle!
And now, on to this weekend's project! With a 100% cotton tee-shirt, freezer paper, fabric paint, an exacto knife, an iron, a printer and some clip art you can find online, you can create a custom shirt!
These are adorable for little ones, but just imagine using this technique for images that could be worn by someone of any age! You could even upcycle an old tee or thrift shop find with TrashN2Tees' easy DIY! Okay~ we know you can't wait to get started so go ahead and click!
May 26, 2011
Weekly Giveaway: Secret Steampunk Watch by Mutti!
First, let's announce the winner of last week's giveaway~ Emily Gibbs! Who just so happens to be a double winner today, she also won first place in the Organic Category of our May Team Challenge: Respect Your Mother~ EARTH! Congrats, Emily, You are a big winner in our book! Please contact Cut & Tear on Etsy, our generous sponsor of the giveaway~ Thank You, Kate!
And now for this week's giveaway! Our sponsor this time is Mutti, a member of Upcyclers on Etsy. She is offering a 'secret steampunk watch', which she created to remind us that "the butterfly counts not months, but moments, and has time enough" and for us to "count the moments and enjoy the beauty of each one".
Here is a little about 'Mutti' in her own words, her life sounds idyllic!
"I am a life long native of Philly and I love to walk the trails of the Wissahickon Creek. Much of the creek now runs through or next to parkland, with the last few miles running through a deep gorge. The beauty of this area attracted the attention of literary personages like Edgar Allan Poe and John Greenleaf Whittier. The gorge area is now part of the Fairmount Park system in Philadelphia, and the Wissahickon Valley is known as one of 600 National Natural Landmarks of the United States. Industry sprang up along the Wissahickon not long after European settlement, with America's first paper mill set up on one of the Wissahickon's tributaries. A few of the dams built for the mills remain visible today. Walking along the banks of the Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania one can feel alone in the center of a forest while in the midst of a city. Butterflies and dragonflies are in the air while fish and turtles can be seen in the water."
"While walking along the banks of this creek, I have been picking up fragments of glass for years. Some date from the 1800's and some from last week. I have been making jewelry from objects found in the Wissahickon. I have had some of these glass pieces made into beads which go into these sturdy bracelets and necklaces. A unique and very distinctive rock of the Wissahickon Creek valley is Wissahickon schist, the predominant bedrock underlying the Philadelphia region. This Precambrian to Cambrian stone, first studied in the Wissahickon gorge, has flecks of glittery mica, small garnets, and many-toned shadings of gray, brown, tan, and blue. Currently focusing on jewelry made from semi-precious stones, glass beads and recycled glass beads made from Glass found along the Wissahickon creek in Philadelphia. I also love to felt with merino wool roving. Some of my jewelry is currently available at Bohema, 6152 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia PA 19128."
If you'd like a chance to win this gorgeous steampunk watch from Mutti, it's easy!
Just browse, follow, tweet and share~ Here are the details:
And now for this week's giveaway! Our sponsor this time is Mutti, a member of Upcyclers on Etsy. She is offering a 'secret steampunk watch', which she created to remind us that "the butterfly counts not months, but moments, and has time enough" and for us to "count the moments and enjoy the beauty of each one".
Here is a little about 'Mutti' in her own words, her life sounds idyllic!
"I am a life long native of Philly and I love to walk the trails of the Wissahickon Creek. Much of the creek now runs through or next to parkland, with the last few miles running through a deep gorge. The beauty of this area attracted the attention of literary personages like Edgar Allan Poe and John Greenleaf Whittier. The gorge area is now part of the Fairmount Park system in Philadelphia, and the Wissahickon Valley is known as one of 600 National Natural Landmarks of the United States. Industry sprang up along the Wissahickon not long after European settlement, with America's first paper mill set up on one of the Wissahickon's tributaries. A few of the dams built for the mills remain visible today. Walking along the banks of the Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania one can feel alone in the center of a forest while in the midst of a city. Butterflies and dragonflies are in the air while fish and turtles can be seen in the water."
"While walking along the banks of this creek, I have been picking up fragments of glass for years. Some date from the 1800's and some from last week. I have been making jewelry from objects found in the Wissahickon. I have had some of these glass pieces made into beads which go into these sturdy bracelets and necklaces. A unique and very distinctive rock of the Wissahickon Creek valley is Wissahickon schist, the predominant bedrock underlying the Philadelphia region. This Precambrian to Cambrian stone, first studied in the Wissahickon gorge, has flecks of glittery mica, small garnets, and many-toned shadings of gray, brown, tan, and blue. Currently focusing on jewelry made from semi-precious stones, glass beads and recycled glass beads made from Glass found along the Wissahickon creek in Philadelphia. I also love to felt with merino wool roving. Some of my jewelry is currently available at Bohema, 6152 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia PA 19128."
If you'd like a chance to win this gorgeous steampunk watch from Mutti, it's easy!
Just browse, follow, tweet and share~ Here are the details:
First you must be a follower of Love 2 Upcycle to enter~ not a follower? Just look to the right and click on the 'Follow' button!
You can submit up to four entries, each must be entered HERE in a separate comment.
1. Browse her shop, Mutti, and tell us which item was your favorite.
2. 'Favorite' and 'Like' her shop on Etsy.
3. 'Tweet' about Mutti's giveaway!
4. 'Like' this Giveaway using our Like button or Share a link to our Giveaway on your Facebook fan page.
Deadline to enter is Wednesday, June 1st at midnight.
The WINNER will be randomly drawn and announced with our next giveaway~ Thursday, June 2nd.
Good Luck!
Would you like to Sponsor a Giveaway on Love 2 Upcycle? You don't have to be a member of Upcyclers to be a sponsor, all Etsy sellers of upcycled or eco-friendly products are welcome! But of course, we'd love for you to join the team!
Email us at: teamupcyclers@gmail.com Tell us about the item for the giveaway and provide us with a link to your shop.
May 25, 2011
Meet & Greet: JadeRoseBoutique
Betti has been sewing, quilting, crocheting, and paper folding since she was a child. She has muscular dystrophy and spends her day is in a wheel chair. Now that her daughter is grown up she has time to spend her days sewing at her sewing machine and crocheting when she is relaxing.
Here is what Betti had to share with us today:
I am retired and live in beautiful Bucks County Pennsylvania, where I am inspired every day by the scenery from my back porch.
I raised a daughter who now lives in NYC. I was always quilting and making crocheted items for her and playing around with origami.
I kept all the left over fabric, yarn, and paper. Since I hate waste, I feel compelled to use up all my supplies.
I made a pocket scarf to keep my supplies handy while rolling around the house - I have a rare form of muscular dystrophy - and everyone told me to sell them. So that is how my Etsy shop started.
Soon I was making vintage earrings to use up some roman shade rings left over from making earrings for my daughter.
I think it is important to take care of our planet by reusing, repurposing, and recycling. Creating new items out of old keeps me going mentally and spiritually and prevents boredom.
I love being able to make whatever I want whenever I want!
Visit Betti online:
www.facebook.com/jaderoseboutique
www.jaderoseboutique.blogspot.com - began this to give free patterns to a friend I met on my MDA, the muscular dystrophy website.
twitter.com/#!/rollingrock53
Thanks Betti for sharing your story with us!!
See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
 |
| Wheelchair Accessories Walker Bag Tote Custom |
I am retired and live in beautiful Bucks County Pennsylvania, where I am inspired every day by the scenery from my back porch.
I raised a daughter who now lives in NYC. I was always quilting and making crocheted items for her and playing around with origami.
 |
| Dangle Earrings Ombre Gold Yellow Sun |
I made a pocket scarf to keep my supplies handy while rolling around the house - I have a rare form of muscular dystrophy - and everyone told me to sell them. So that is how my Etsy shop started.
 |
| Walker Wheelchair Quilted Art Tote bag |
I think it is important to take care of our planet by reusing, repurposing, and recycling. Creating new items out of old keeps me going mentally and spiritually and prevents boredom.
I love being able to make whatever I want whenever I want!
 |
| Mens cuff links Lucky Dice |
www.facebook.com/jaderoseboutique
www.jaderoseboutique.blogspot.com - began this to give free patterns to a friend I met on my MDA, the muscular dystrophy website.
twitter.com/#!/rollingrock53
Thanks Betti for sharing your story with us!!
See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
May 24, 2011
Tuesday's Treasuries: What's Up, Dad?
Upcycled gift ideas for Dads or some manly goods! Either way, these diverse collections from Etsy's Upcyclers will 'suit' his fancy! But don't worry girls, there's some sweet stuff for you sprinkled in!
First up, simply put: 'Daddy' by EcoShag
And don't we all looove to brag about our Dads!
'My Hipster Pop Could Beat Up Your Hipster Pop' by ShopMichL
'And you thought your dad was old-fashioned...' by RewElliott
And last, we couldn't resist the twilight moodiness of 'Shadowtime' by CrankyPants
Thanks to all of our recent curators, we wish we could feature them all here! If you'd like to see more of our Team's Treasuries head over to our 'Treasured' page! We update the page regularly and you never know what Treasures you might find!
First up, simply put: 'Daddy' by EcoShag
And don't we all looove to brag about our Dads!
'My Hipster Pop Could Beat Up Your Hipster Pop' by ShopMichL
'And you thought your dad was old-fashioned...' by RewElliott
And last, we couldn't resist the twilight moodiness of 'Shadowtime' by CrankyPants
Thanks to all of our recent curators, we wish we could feature them all here! If you'd like to see more of our Team's Treasuries head over to our 'Treasured' page! We update the page regularly and you never know what Treasures you might find!
May 23, 2011
Monday's Makeover: Wine Corks Into Tacks
Eco-Craft from The Wooden Bee!
First, here's their story straight from "Bee"~
"The Wooden Bee was started with a love for the environment. Working in the home construction industry, we saw a large amount of environmental waste! One day, we decided to do something about it. We partnered with Busby Cabinets & began selecting pieces of wood & other materials that would have otherwise found themselves as landfill waste! Beautiful cherry, maple & other species of wood soon found their way into our studio. Art began taking shape & wine cork kits followed. Since we must follow the wood, each recycled batch takes us down a new road!"
Make Your Own Wine Cork Tacks
Check out this fun idea Bee had to reuse wine corks as thumbtacks! We think they'll look super cute on their Upcycled Bulletin Boards too!What you'll need:
- oak wine corks or oak champagne corks
- drill
- glue
- thumbtacks
- hand saw, optional
For the 'How-To' on this makeover head over to "The Wooden Bee"!
May 20, 2011
Love 2 DIY on the Weekend: 30 Days~ 30 Things!
Magdalena Akantisz and Lisa Schulz, students of the University of Applied Arts of Vienna, devised a brilliant plan for an upcycling project~ 30 Days, 30 Things. Their intentions were to "design beautiful and useful things for 30 days in a row", but promised to extend the project further if others contribute as well. They are now on Day 36, and since we Love 2 Upcycle~ we hope the project continues long into the future!
Here are just a few "Days":
And the latest entry~ Day 36:
Would you like to collaborate with these innovative, upcycling students? Contribute a project to keep the "Days" coming~ And help the planet at the same time!
Here are just a few "Days":
And the latest entry~ Day 36:
Would you like to collaborate with these innovative, upcycling students? Contribute a project to keep the "Days" coming~ And help the planet at the same time!
May 19, 2011
Cut and Tear is Here!!! Check out the Giveaway!
Last week's giveaway is closed and the winner is.....(drum roll).....
Congrats Nikki - please contact Lindsey at Creative Customology ASAP!
But don't be jealous! You can enter this week's giveaway and it's also amazing!
Kate at Cut and Tear (a very active member around this Upcycler Parts) has generously offered to donate two of her beautiful butterflies for this giveaway.
Kate is living and working in London and a has a passion for fabric and paper. Her designs are so original yet universal at the same time.
Although her work is very modern and inspired by glossy beauty, she also uses fairytales as inspiration for her funky pieces.
Kate loves experimenting with new techniques and working with items other people have discarded.
Now it's time to enter to win two of the gorgeous butterflies. You will not receive any of the butterflies pictured, because they are each one of kind, made to order.
Nikki Sporri from Monsoons & Mangoes!
Congrats Nikki - please contact Lindsey at Creative Customology ASAP!
But don't be jealous! You can enter this week's giveaway and it's also amazing!
Kate at Cut and Tear (a very active member around this Upcycler Parts) has generously offered to donate two of her beautiful butterflies for this giveaway.
 |
| Funky Upcycled Butterfly Clip |
Kate is living and working in London and a has a passion for fabric and paper. Her designs are so original yet universal at the same time.
 |
| Stylish Fridge Magnets |
 |
| Salome Brooch |
Kate loves experimenting with new techniques and working with items other people have discarded.
 |
| Flower Power Garden Party (Wine Charms) |
Giveaway Rules!
1. This giveaway is only open to followers of Love2Upcycle! (Not a follower? It’s easy! Click the follow button in the left sidebar!)
2. Each comment only counts as one entry, so if you are entering multiple times you must comment separately.
+1 Post on YOUR Facebook about this giveaway - please post link in comments.
+1 Tweet about this giveaway - please post link in comments.
Deadline to enter is Midnight, May 25th!
Winner will be announced May 26th - Good luck!
May 18, 2011
Meet & Greet: Whimsyleaf
Robin Creates whimsical illustrations, hand-pulled prints, and hand painted trinkets. Her art is inspired by traditional fairy tales and folklore, childhood whimsy, Celtic symbolism, and, above all, the natural world
I asked Robin a few questions about herself and her artwork and here is what she had to say:
Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
My name is Robin Harney. I’m an art student, illustrator, crafter, and folklore enthusiast living in Vermont. I sell a mix of art and upcycled decorative objects, mostly teacups and candle holders. My art reflects my whimsical, colorful aesthetic. I have a deep love of children’s book art, animated films, nature, and traditional folktales – all of which shine through in my work.
What is your favorite thing about creating?
Art gives me a way to bring the world of my imagination closer to the physical world around me. In my head, there is a magic land of talking trees and swirling purple skies, and it just wants to be real!
Why did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed/vintage materials?
It all started because of my fascination with teacups. As an avid tea drinker and a fan of Alice in Wonderland, I’ve always had a fascination with brightly colored tea sets. One day, I decided to buy an assortment of simple white teacups from the thrift store and just paint directly on them with acrylics. After I finally perfected my technique (multiple layers each of primer, paint, and acrylic varnish), I discovered I’m not the only one who loves them. Of course, my painted ceramics aren’t food safe, so I use them as quirky candle holders. What I like most about repurposing objects is the feeling of saving them from doom, and giving them a new, colorful life. Upcycling fits well with my values (as well as my art student’s budget), in that I am committed to simple living, and I already re-use everything I can.
What is your favorite thing about running your Etsy shop?
I love that it is a purposeful hobby, and it motivates me to continue creating even when I am feeling uninspired. Since starting on Etsy, I’ve also found countless other sellers who offer inspiration and tips.
What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
An undying desire to add more color to the world! Have you ever seen a brightly painted house and wanted to stick a “thank you” note in the mailbox for making the world a more joyful place? I suppose I just want to make people smile, get in touch with their silly, childlike wonderment, and dance in the woods.
Find Whimsyleaf online:
Whimsyleaf Creations on Etsy!
whimsyleaf.etsy.com
My blog focuses mostly on my illustration and fine art projects. I update frequently with new paintings, printmaking, sketches, and occasional crafts:
whimsyleaf.blogspot.com
You can also find me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/robinharneyart
Thanks Robin for sharing with us today!
See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
 |
| Glimpse of Glamour Original Watercolor Painting |
Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
My name is Robin Harney. I’m an art student, illustrator, crafter, and folklore enthusiast living in Vermont. I sell a mix of art and upcycled decorative objects, mostly teacups and candle holders. My art reflects my whimsical, colorful aesthetic. I have a deep love of children’s book art, animated films, nature, and traditional folktales – all of which shine through in my work.
 |
| Upcycled Ocean Breams Vase |
Art gives me a way to bring the world of my imagination closer to the physical world around me. In my head, there is a magic land of talking trees and swirling purple skies, and it just wants to be real!
 |
| Mason Jar Vignette Original Etching |
It all started because of my fascination with teacups. As an avid tea drinker and a fan of Alice in Wonderland, I’ve always had a fascination with brightly colored tea sets. One day, I decided to buy an assortment of simple white teacups from the thrift store and just paint directly on them with acrylics. After I finally perfected my technique (multiple layers each of primer, paint, and acrylic varnish), I discovered I’m not the only one who loves them. Of course, my painted ceramics aren’t food safe, so I use them as quirky candle holders. What I like most about repurposing objects is the feeling of saving them from doom, and giving them a new, colorful life. Upcycling fits well with my values (as well as my art student’s budget), in that I am committed to simple living, and I already re-use everything I can.
 |
| Candelabra Tree 3x45 Mini Print |
I love that it is a purposeful hobby, and it motivates me to continue creating even when I am feeling uninspired. Since starting on Etsy, I’ve also found countless other sellers who offer inspiration and tips.
What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
An undying desire to add more color to the world! Have you ever seen a brightly painted house and wanted to stick a “thank you” note in the mailbox for making the world a more joyful place? I suppose I just want to make people smile, get in touch with their silly, childlike wonderment, and dance in the woods.
 |
| The Children of Lir Original Etching Black ink |
Whimsyleaf Creations on Etsy!
whimsyleaf.etsy.com
My blog focuses mostly on my illustration and fine art projects. I update frequently with new paintings, printmaking, sketches, and occasional crafts:
whimsyleaf.blogspot.com
You can also find me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/robinharneyart
Thanks Robin for sharing with us today!
See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
May 17, 2011
Tuesday's Treasuries: Respect Your Mother~ EARTH!
This month we celebrated Mother's Day, and in honor of our most important Mother~ Earth, we dedicated our Team Challenge to her. Here are the entries submitted by our very talented Upcyclers...
Upcyclers May Team Challenge EntriesOrganic and Industrial Categories
Upcyclers May Team Challenge EntriesOrganic and Industrial Categories
'Respect Your Mother~ Earth! Vol. 1' by collagical
Upcyclers May Team Challenge EntriesOrganic and Industrial Categories
 Carburator candle holde... $200.00 |  Recycled Pink Chicken F... $18.00 |  Rainbow Collection of U... $75.00 |  Sale 10% off - Journal,... $18.00 |
 2011 SPRING COLLECTION:... $12.00 |  Recycled Skateboard Woo... $20.00 |  Recycled Green Glass Bo... $18.00 |  Green, purple, and beig... $41.00 |
 Original metal art scul... $150.00 |  Japanese Folk Story Lit... $15.00 |  Asymmetrical round gath... $264.00 |  Hand embroidered canvas... $15.00 |
 Green Apples Garden Sta... $30.00 |  RESERVED Handbag -- Upc... $40.00 |  Self-Decorate CORK Ring $8.50 |  Black Cowboy Boot Purse $50.00 |
Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.
'Respect Your Mother~ Earth! Vol. 2' by collagical
Upcyclers May Team Challenge EntriesOrganic and Industrial Categories
 FabTabulous Bling Napki... $20.00 |  OOAK Orange Bag bow, ma... $6.00 |  Flower power garden pa... $6.00 |  Reserved for Emily $38.50 |
 MD Aqua and tan long re... $227.00 |  Clockwork Owl in a Pock... $50.00 |  Happy Fish Wind Chime U... $30.00 |  Grey Cashmere Ruffled G... $40.00 |
 Brooch Parting at Morni... $27.50 |  White Silk Dress Handma... $300.00 |  Recycled Coral Linen Fl... $ |  Upcycled Felted Wool F... $320.00 |
 Recycled Chenille Pillo... $30.00 |  Be Free Butterfly Charm... $17.50 |  Upcycled Tshirt Arqyle ... $ |  Wool Dryer Balls - 1 Pa... $18.00 |
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