Upcycled, Recycled, Repurposed

Recycling
When we talk about recycling, almost everyone’s herd of that. An example would be taking a plastic bottle melting it down into another plastic bottle or something plastic. This is good for our world, good for the plants, animals, and the air and water.

Repurposed
This idea has been around for years and years. It is simply taking an item (the same plastic bottle) and using it in another context. For example a container for flowers or a storage container.

Upcycling
This is an word that has only been around for the last 5-10 years, and that might be pushing it. It is the act of taking an item and creating something better. Now, the idea of better is in the eye of the holder. An example is taking the same plastic bottle and making a rose from it or jewelry.

Taking everyday objects and breathing in new life is a great way to use the “stuff” we already have in the world. You don’t need the latest or the greatest. Use your creativity or borrow someone’s from the endless streams of information. And create something today!

This is why I create, because the world already has enough and I love to smile. Add the two together and you have desire for the next project. Use what you have and be excited about the process. What you make doesn’t have to be perfect just enjoyable. Relax and just go with it have fun.

Upcycled Giftcard Jewelry

What I have been up to lately… Raising money for my oldest daughter’s class trip, and we only need $200.00 more. If you would be willing to help us get there I would be so thankful!!! All items (and the like) I have listed are $18.00 and free shipping!
I Got some new (old, used) giftcards and I made them into these wonderful things!

Just click on any of the photo’s and it should take you to my ETSY shop!
(and no the giftcard does not come with the jewelry and I am afraid you can not load the jewelry with money once it has been made into something) 🙂

Folding books

I have made a few folded books for decoration at my craft shows. Most of the “older” generation remembers folding books and spray painting them to look like Christmas trees. I use them to hold business cards and displaying necklaces. I will show you my secrets, even if I found most from other places on the web.
First get a book from the store and remove the cover.
Second, with this design cut all the pages in half down the center of the book, not top to bottom or you will need another book.
Third take one page at a time and fold the page close to the binding so that the middle edge is sticking up out of the book. It is good to start on the top and flip the book over to work on the other side.
From this design there are fun variations you can do but I will let you be creative in this area and experiment.
Happy New Year