Oooo. Pretty. I like the funky style over at Sycamore Street Press. Especially the La Vie en Rose art print. Everything is printed on a Vandercook #3 letterpress. Buy online or click here for a list of retailers.
Retiro Park in Madrid
The Jardines del Retiro de Madrid (Garden of the Pleasant Retreat) are an incredible example of garden and landscaping design. Started in the late 1500's the gardens are one of the most popular desinations in Madrid for locals and tourists alike. These trees in particular fascinated me. They look like something out of a Dr. Seuss story.
Upcycled watch pendants
I admit destroying more than one Cinderella Disney watch as a child to get a better look at its innards. I think Funky Glam has done a much better job of putting watches back together in a very appealing way. These upcycled watches make eye-catching conversation pieces in their new life as pendants.
Upcycled fabric and clothing at Elegant Green
The Etsy shop Elegant Green takes old clothing, pillow shams and other fabrics and gives them new life as cute clutches. Click through to look at the before photos of the garments from whence these bags came. It would have been straight to Goodwill for me, but Lea looks beyond and sees potential for new beauty.
Upcycled suitcases from U Old Bag
Upcycled Coca-Cola bottle bracelet
This bracelet has been in my accessory box for several years now and it's such a good example of upcycling an existing material into a new use that I can't believe I didn't think of sharing it before. It's a Coke bottle. I mean how cool is that?! It's simple, stylish and always gets a second look. I bought this piece from a store in Soho, New York called the Enchated Forest which is sadly closed. This place didn't sell any mass-produced crap. All the toys (and accessories) were hand-crafted, unique and utterly charming. There was even a tree filling the store making you feel as if you had landed in the middle of some storybook tale.
Really recycled paper from elephant poo
These delightful cards look like they're ready to take flight with the 3-D effect of the raised butterfly wings. They also serve another purpose as part of the proceeds from the paper go to charities to help in the conservation of elephants and rhinos. The paper is 100% recycled and made from elephant poo. No, it doesn't smell and yes, it is safe and bacteria free.
To purchase head over to Ruby Wren Designs.