Upcycling

So today we’re talking all about the wonderful world of upcycling. I’m sure many of you, like myself, hoard things because you can’t bear to throw them away or you’ll find something to make with them, yanno, someday. Keep hoarding, my friends. Hopefully today’s finds will inspire you in your next upcycling project.

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Upcycled PS2 Controller Pen Caddy with USB Extension (Black) by GreenCub

When I first came across this, my initial thought was, “WHAT THE CRAP?” In a good way. In a why-don’t-I-own-this kind of way. Not only am I always looking for unique ways to stay organized, but the PS2 is hands down my favourite gaming platform. If you’re a Nintendo or a (dare I say it) Microsoft kid, GreenCub has you covered! These pen caddies are available in a variety of controllers

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The Meridian 37 inch Modern Steel Firebowl by John T. Unger

Man. I need to buy a house stat so I can have this in my yard. John T. Unger is a sculptor with incredible vision in metal working. The simple complexity of this piece has me in awe every time I look at it. Not only do the shapes within it change as you move around it (to correspond with the phases of the moon), but it has one of my favourite elements in an art piece.

Deception and contradiction.

Yes, the smooth, tilted bowl shape looks, at the first glace, that it may just be a chair. Nay my friend. It may look cozy and inviting, but that is one hot seat you would not be to keen on sitting in. As I have a personal aversion (bordering on fear) to fire,  I do not connect the flames to warmth and comfort, but pain and warning. To couple with that with something so gentle as the moon is really incredible.

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spider skeleton: creepy taxidermy spider monkey articulated mount by resonanteyes

If you really want to go for a stellar upcycle, why not take it to an extreme? Anji of resonanteyes is one of my favourite sculptors for this reason. She works with no reservations and no fear, as I aspire to do.

This piece is my personal favourite. I love spiders, I really do. I also love taxidermy, and everything that goes with it. That an artist thought to take the bones of one animal to simulate a skeletal structure of another (especially one that has no skeletal structure) blows my mind. I love it.

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Looking for more upcycled goods? Check out the extra finds.

Dont forget about the contest to win a free pair of ballet flats! There aren’t many entries yet, so get on it, people!

That’s a Wrap!

Today is all about. . .PRESENTS! Or at least, the wrapping of. I figured now that we’ve got Christmas over and done with, we aren’t so sick of the idea of gift wrap anymore. I have to say though, I could wrap presents all year long. I really could. I would like to hire myself out at the Christmas season to wrap people’s gifts. I would make millions. Millions I tell you.

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Pretty Butterfly Tags in Pastel Colors with Pink Velvet Ribbon, Set of 3 by TheCroppingBlock

The first item of the day is by TheCroppingBlock. Not only do I absolutely love these gift tags (this is one of those moments where I want a daughter), but Holly is one of my Etsy Heroes and I can’t believe I haven’t featured anything of hers yet.

What I really love about these tags is that the components individually are mostly really busy, but when put together, everything becomes very soft and feminine, blending together and using the solid of the background, ribbon, and the butterflies (despite their elaborate shape) to refocus your eye. These are tags I would want to use forever and ever.

“Hey, I’m glad you like your gift. Can I have the tag back? Thanks.”

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Custom Rubber Stamp Flower Your Name Lotus by PoshBinky

Stamps! Stamps are so much fun. There is so much embellishing you can do with such a simple concept. I for one love plain matte paper that has been stamped. I had to feature this one in particular because the name PoshBinky is using to display, is mine. I feel connected to this stamp.

Anyone who has a less than common name, or spelling of a name knows my pain. Always walking by the named items in the store, searching and searching even though you knew that after ‘Cathy’ came ‘Christine’.

But now, my bretheren of names uncommon, you can have a stamp in which to package your gifts and sign your cards. Or stamp all over the walls. Doesn’t even matter. It’s just for you.

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Three Mini Map Gift Bags with Shred and Tags by GrannyPantyDesigns

I got so excited over these. Actually first, I got excited over GrannyPantyDesigns because how much do I love the name of that shop?

I love the idea of handmade gift bags and I had recently come across a tutorial for them and I was like: :O I HAVE TO MAKE THESE, but then I really thought about it and came to the conclusion that I am actually far too lazy to do so, so instead, I went a-searching for someone who DOES make their own bags.

Maps. Holy cow. How cute is that? MAPS. With map shred! Perfect for small gifts for high school or college graduates as they begin their journey through– yes. Yes I am that cheesy.

Though quite frankly, I think I would just display them in my house.