Recycled

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    One Man's Recyclables Are Another Man's... Furniture?

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    Ida Hsiang on Jul 2, 2009 10:21 AM PDT
    How is it that a living space can get so cluttered? Some people are lucky and are born with the "organized and tidy" gene. I got the "cluttered pack-rat" gene instead. With every new beginning, I promise myself that I will only keep what is absolutely necessary and all that is not under that category will be swiftly thrown, recycled or donated. Instead, there are piles of fashion and gossip magazines dotting my floor, suitcases holding clothes because my closet and dressers are full and shelves of random knick-knacks, accessories and souvenirs that I swear are sentimental, but probably wouldn't notice if they were gone. Some fellow pack-rats have found a creative and environmental way to rid our already small living spaces of junk and clutter and produce objects that are beautiful, funky and totally useful! From trash-cans and large vases made from old magazines (i could make a patio set) to bright, extravagant chandeliers made from "stuff" and a place to rest your feet made up of shoes that used to be on them, innovative designers are helping lighten the land-fill load and make our homes more fun and functional! Because the items are made of recyclables, subtle details will be different, ensuring that you truly have a one-of-a-kind piece. Sounds like something you've been looking for to help set the theme of a new house, or to spruce up a room? Check out the slideshow to see some favorite recycled furniture ideas and find one for your space!

    Hot In The Hive: Rebound Designs Book Bags

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    Alex Gambardella on Jun 18, 2009 6:18 AM PDT
    Attention all bookworms and bag snobs! Despite the well-known cliche, we've all judged a book by its cover. We haven't all, however, ripped that cover off of its book and turned it into a super cool handmade handbag! Rebound Designs does just that, recycling old or damaged hardcover books and transforming some of your favorite new and classic titles into cute, fully-functional and collapsible totes. From Little Women to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you can browse by title or just pick your favorite color and design combo -- you can even contact the creators to donate your own used book for a fully-customized creation! It would still be super-dorky of you, but I think this is a much wiser way to wear your Twilight fandom on your arm than that tattoo you were considering...


    Price: about $130 and up, depending on the design
    Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add Book Bags to the Hive.

    How To Make A Top From Your Dad's Old Silk Ties

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    Alex Gambardella on May 7, 2009 2:18 PM PDT
    Jennifer Stern is a contributor at CraftStylish, a site dedicated to do-it-yourself art and design projects. Below she shares how you can turn Dad's old duds into a flowy new top for yourself!


    I have a pile of old ties that my dad cast off to me-- it turned out to be a treasure trove of silk fabric! I decided to embark on a design adventure; I wanted to make something out of them that didn't have the "this was made from men's silk ties" look. I took advantage of the fact that neckties are cut on the bias and used them to make a top with a little flutter. After choosing seven or eight ties from the pile, I took them apart. Then I draped them on my dress form. As I played with them, I ended up using two ties over each shoulder, joining them in the center front and back. This created a graceful V-neck. The ties closest to the shoulders created a fluttery cap sleeve. I joined the front and back with a tie on each side, finishing the armholes at the same time! After I finished draping and sewing, I stood back to evaluate the design-- it looked like a top that was made from ties! The telltale prints and colors combined with the pointed tips at the hem were a dead giveaway. I have to admit, it was pretty interesting with the ready-made "handkerchief" hem, but keeping with my original goal, I chopped off the points at the ends of the ties to straighten out the hem. With the weight of the lined points gone, the result was a graceful draping top...I love it!


    Head over to the CraftStylish blog for the step-by-step instructions on how to make your own top, along with tons of other stylish how-tos!
    Tags : top , ties , tie , silk , recycled

    Hot In The Hive: Peter Waltz's Dollhouse Light Fixtures

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    Alex Gambardella on Apr 14, 2009 6:23 AM PDT
    Known for his skillful reworking of recycled materials such as old vacuum cleaners and used speakers, innovative artist Peter Waltz's latest gig is his crafty conversion of vintage dollhouses into modern light fixtures to brighten up your own life-size abode. These tiny "homes" come in a variety of floor plans and styles, varying not only in their architecture but in the way Waltz chooses to remodel them as well. Whether he opts to restore its original paint or force it to rust to create that distinctly antique look, each dollhouse is subtly unique from the others, not to mention wholly original from any type of light fixture you'd find at Ikea! They can be attached to a wall or even placed atop an end table -- either way these vintage dollhouses combine the youthful nostalgic charm of a girl's favorite former plaything and the edginess of modern home decor. Check out the whole collection on his online portfolio and order one yourself through the site's contact sheet.


    Price: $300-700
    Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add Peter Waltz's Dollhouse Light Fixtures to the Hive.

    Indie Style: Paper Fashion, a Cut Above

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    DIY thing on Aug 10, 2008 12:22 PM PDT
    Paper fashion? Do those two words fit together? Today's independent designers have found that recycled paper offers a versatile medium for jewelry design. High style and chic is what you get with these handmade designs. Red is always hot- and with this chunky red bracelet by Anna Sofia Designs you can't go wrong. If your style is sleek and modern, check out Frucci Designs. They mix metal and paper for a really modern look. Man on your list? He will be the coolest guy in line with this industrial charm wallet from from Little Orange Kitchen. Make a statement with this colorful piece by Artisticaya- let bold colorful circles drape your neckline on your next shopping trip in the city. To find all of this check out the slideshow!

    Father's Day Style: 12 Green Gifts For Eco Dads

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    DIY thing on Jun 8, 2008 2:16 PM PDT
    Still looking for that perfect Father's Day gift? We have found the coolest, most eco-friendly items around the planet. All are made from "upcycled" materials. Is dad a DIY-er? Then Sherry Truitt's Spirit Level cufflinks or bracelet might be just the thing. If cycling is number one on his list, check out the recycled bicycle chain wall clocks by 1byliz. And if he is needs to open two Coors at one time, give Conka Design's Redman the Holdup Bottle Opener - yes, it too is made from recycled goods. And finally, if dad needs a little encouragement to get up off the couch, give him one of Daniel Moyer's Funkinfunction Handmade Longboards. This Father's Day give your dad an eco-friendly gift that will make him smile when he opens it. Check out our Father's Day upcycled dozen!
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