As you know, I am a fan of repurposing. A favorite pastime of mine is searching out vintage items and then coming up with fresh, clever uses for my discoveries. Always on the lookout for inspiration, I often turn to Etsy to view some of the most creative recycled items around. Here are a few fellow Etsians who not only embrace this design aesthetic, they take it to a new level.
From tables to pet beds, Sherri's shop, Love Nostalgic Whimsy, is a testament to what you can do with old luggage. So fun! Where other people may see worthless junk, Sherri sees everything as something.
Jessica, of DIY Studio, constructs whimsical assemblages she calls Artbots. Made with found junk and 100% upcycled, these conversation pieces are loaded with personality.
Jessica puts this "disclaimer" on her Artbot listings: Operate only under the influence of imagination! (Love that!)
Douglas, of Dark Water Engine Works, is an eco-conscious artist. When possible, he has made it his personal policy to remove trash from nature areas. Douglas then uses these finds in his unique creations, like his Kicked Can Clock below, made from a repurposed steel can he found along a bike path.
Douglas's brilliant arrangement, called Power Flower, consists of repurposed electrical plugs, cords, electrical tape leaves and wire resting in a salvaged glass vase.
Heather's shop, called ReaDo, has the subhead Repurposing Inspired by Literature. She transforms vintage books and buttons into unique, one-of-a-kind purses.
So clever. And just look how pretty the inside is, too!
Jeff and Mark, of BootsNGus, have a shop where "handmade and vintage come together." Look at these recycled Bundt cake pans! With the addition of Snap-in Socket cords and standard night light bulbs, they have created this sweet pair of Wall Flowers.
Perfect for the kitchen, Jeff and Mark have transformed a matching set of three vintage Pyrex mixing bowls into reclaimed pendant lights. I love their warm glow.
These Etsy sellers are masters of working old objects into new contexts. I hope you have enjoyed this peek at their inventive creations.
Susan
So amazing and so inspiring...love the kitty beds!
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | May 23, 2011 at 10:26 AM
AWESOME UPCYCLING SUSAN!!! I love to see other people's imaginations at work.
Posted by: Elsie | May 23, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Such fun. Mr. Whimsy and I do allot of this kind of stuff.
Posted by: Juju at Tales of Whimsy... | May 23, 2011 at 12:21 PM
LOVE the kitty bunk beds!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | May 23, 2011 at 12:31 PM
I'm thrilled to be featured on your blog Susan! What fun treasures you have featured. I especially love the kitty bunk beds. Too cute!
Posted by: Jessica | May 23, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Great collection, Susan. Such creativity! Whimsy! And Fun-ctional too!
Posted by: Christine | May 23, 2011 at 05:19 PM
This is great! Susan, thanks for featuring our upcycled lights! We just read your bio here and we were so inspired! We'll be following you, for sure. Thanks again! -BootNGus =^..^=
Posted by: BootsNGus | May 23, 2011 at 06:43 PM
What great finds! As a book lover I was impressed with the purse/book. A gift for librarian friends!
Posted by: Cindy-The Vintage Hat Shop | May 24, 2011 at 02:31 PM
I love the KITTY BUNK beds!! There great. My cats will stay in this bed 4Ever.
Greetzzz from the Netherland,
When-D
http://mijnmooiemomenten.blogspot.com/
Posted by: When-D | February 09, 2012 at 09:33 AM
You're an inspiration of those who are eager to do the same like yours. Making the least materials into an extraordinary. These are amazing crafts. I love it!
Posted by: San Antonio Water Softener | March 01, 2013 at 09:29 AM
As you say, what you did was very clever. What impress me most is the Kicked Can Clock. Looks vintage. From a trash, it is really clever.
Posted by: Progress Lighting | March 12, 2013 at 07:11 AM