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!

When The Last Sword is Drawn

I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’m a girly-girl. I love makeup and nail polish. I prefer heels over sneakers, and the more ruffles and bows something  has, the more likely I am to wear it. That said, I’m going to let you in on something that isn’t a secret.

I love Samurai films.

Okay, actually, I just love samurai, but I really really REALLY love movies portraying their lives, customs, and of course, rad fight scenes. I’m especially fond of the Shinsengumi, as I’m a total nut for the Bakumatsu, but I won’t go into that because then you’ll be sitting here being all, ‘where the crap are the finds?’ and there won’t be any because I’ll be going off on all these tangents and then I’ll be too tired to actually write about pieces. So, go wiki it.

Anyway. I’m far too broke to go buying all these films, so I depend entirely on Netflix. Sad times. Nay. Happy times. Netflix has a few good ones. You should watch them. You’ll learn something.

Yay world history!

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PRINT Samurai Sword Painting with Seven Virtues of Samurai Japanese Calligraphy by MyCKs

This is a piece that I am actually nervous to write about. That’s how much I love it. I’m terrified that what I have to say won’t be able to put it in the light it deserves.

First, the subject matter. I’m already weak in the knees. Secondly, despite the subject and his warrior’s spirit, there is such a beautiful aura of peace about him. To me, that is the best part. I love artwork that defies the obvious. Our brains see weapons and armor and we expect a fierce stance, powerful composition, but MyCKs instead turns his head away so we can’t use facial clues. He’s simply standing strong, yet silent and mysterious. I want to know what he’s feeling. I want to feel it too.

Art that makes me think. I love it.

I even have a space saved for it in my studio because I’m a total creep. I wonder what his name is. What his story is. I might have to write one for him. I hope he falls in love.

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Oda Nobunaga and Mori Ranmaru Moon Buns by MoonsCreations

Ah, Moon Buns. Cutest stinkin’ amigurumi critters in the universe. Presented today by MoonsCreations, are Oda Nobunaga and Mori Ranmaru of 16th century Japan. I love Nobunaga’s mustache (though not in the way that Etsy loves mustaches) and think that this is a really spot-on representation of master and faithful servant. Perfect gift for the history buff in your life.

(or the  history buff wannabe *cough cough*)

Plus, omg the cute. Check out the rest of the shop for more Moon Buns!

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Kyoto Pagoda Sunset Large Wall Hanging Quilt by JapanesqueAccents

There are many things I find on Etsy and say, “Man I wish I had space in my house for that.” This quilt is one of those things. While I enjoy sewing, I have absolutely no patience for quilting. I go through phases where I think I do, but them I’m just reminded over again that it only frustrates me.

JapanesqueAccents uses a silk screened furoshiki for this quilt, using the quilting process to add depth and drama to the image, which I think is awesome.

Even though I am usually partial to cool hues, the sunset in this quilt make me feel warm and comfortable, something that would be great for this winter season!

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..that  took me three hours to write because I got lost in Wikiland like 8 times. I should know better than to double check my knowledge in such a dangerous place.