wow it's such a pleasure to see such different artists and what they can create with recycled items!

Wow! Thanks for all the awesome pictures! A lot to do with your recycled items!

Wonderful idea and GREAT items!!

sounds like a great competition :) I'm going to have a look for some of my favourite eco-etsy sellers and post them here! I have seen those steel shipping containers before, many of them are used by artists as studios, they look amazing on the inside!

so digging the 'go green' mantra - lovely article!

Awesome idea!! Love all the items:)

so creative! hooray for eco and trashion!

Awesome! Really great work by the artist to transform trash to functioning items that are so cool!

My FAVORITE Green Shop is Eco Chic By Meadow, amazing, BEAUTIFUL, chic clothing for the eco fashionista!! :) Here's her link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecochic Stop by and check her out!!

Great ideas!

oh, oh, oh i love recycled crafts! the cassette wallet is absolutely amazing!

Oh wow ~ I LOVE that plastic bottle wall! I have always enjoyed repurposing, re-using, and recycling to do my part for the environment. :)

Check this out for those who are looking for some tools on the latest and affordable fashion jewelry making supplies. They have one of the cheapest and of quality jewelry tools that you might need.

Great idea! I use recycled and upcycled beads from Africa in my jewelry, I'd love to be considered for the Heart of Green Awards! http://www.etsy.com/shop/AfricaAtelier

Oh oh! Love this! Gonna go dig for my favourites now! Can we nominate ourselves too? :D

Love the jewerly she creates using recycled items: http://www.etsy.com/shop/arnym

The greenhouse is outstanding. I'm thinking about a coldframe potential after seeing this!

I blogged about some Etsy artists that repurpose items a month ago (kittycitycreations.blogspot.com). Here are some of my picks: MakeShopLive's repurposed address book: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40342575 NicoPapergoods' kid's journal with pencil: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39432462 Reclaimed Wreckage's record and seatbelt purse: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42394561

I work with recycled materials in a %100 solar powered house and studio. I really appreciate etsy's dedication to green!

I'm a huge fan of repurposing!! What a great collection of unique and creative ideas!! I especially love the cardboard "Scream" painting!

Here is another shop that does awesome work. I especially like their whistles! http://www.etsy.com/shop/loranscruggs

Really inspiring examples of reusing and repurposing! I'm working on some of my own right now!

Great! I love upcycling, recycling, & downcycling!

Hi, there are so many ways to be eco friendly. Just making things on demand is more eco friendly than mass production! There are so may great eco friendly items on Etsy. Right now I use the pot maker a lot since it is spring; http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39155936

OMG... This is my theme! I have tons of recycled/upcycled/repurposed materials in my items. Check these out, for starters: Ring My Bell necklace made from a doorbell frame: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27076918 Cityscape necklace made from a belt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27077284 Pendant 6 Login necklace made from computer printer ink cartridges: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26784801 Get Your Bearings ring made from skateboard bearings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35524901 By Any Other Name necklace made from shelf liner: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28274476 ... And many more in my shop! Love these pics here. I hope everyone gets inspired to go GREEN! :)

I love this recycled teacup pincushion by RunAmok:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36307193

Another shop in my favorites :-) They recycle billboard banners. http://www.etsy.com/shop/NottyPooch

This is another one of my favorites. They recycle billboard banners http://www.etsy.com/shop/NottyPooch

Nottypooch, even if you don't nominate yourselves, I nominate you! :)

Love the finds in this email. Off to check out the blog!

My sister and I both love the idea of using things others may over look and giving them new life. we utilize this in a number of the items we create (especially our aprons). I love to see how others are recycling as well!

please check out my handmade candy wrappers coin purses!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44315723 and more!!

What an awesome article! Those umbrella batwings are ingenious! Who knew you could make something so creative out of broken umbrellas? Here are a couple of upcycled picks from my shop, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35232922 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39955668

and i love the cassette tape purese!!

whats not to love! there are some truly creative minds! i love the license plate mailbox! and necktie purse! great article

I love to hunt for vintage tablecloths and fabrics from estate sales. Here's a set of pantry storage bags upcycled from a vintage tablecloth. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37894855

wonderful ideas!

anything made with precious metal clay - is reclaimed silver being re - used in fabulous jewelry. i use some - sweet maple leaf pendant http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36418955

Ooohh my face hurts from smiling at these amazing creations; thank you to everyone for reusing and recycling! Good luck to all on nominations! I'll be back for sure to vote!

We make various things out of cork and cork leather. Our favorite - and our clients - is our reusable coffee cup sleeve- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42797027 see our store for more cool things - www.etsy.com/shop/coolcorc

Love it. I love to buy wool sweaters at thrift shops and create something new and functional like handbags, bookmarks and pins. More recently, I started to incorporate vintage buttons into my upcycled items. Please check my latest additon...a bookmark with vintage buttons http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44704982

I love this jewelry from longbranchartfarm. She has such a good eye for finding vintage repurposed ingredients for her jewelry! I especially love this necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33821809

I love this shop that make doll clothes made from upcycled baby clothes! Such a great idea and so much cuter than what is sold in stores for dolls. http://www.etsy.com/shop/fillybean http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43711608 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43912180

These ipod cases are made with soy and wool yarn. The soy fiber is actually made from the leftovers after tofu is produced! Pretty amazing! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44687906 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44446162

I'm loving the picks! Here are mine: I love longbranchartfarm for her beautiful repurposed vintage jewelry. She has such a good eye for finding charming, unique, ingredients. Here is my favorite necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33821809 Also, here is one of my clutches made of hemp and upcycled vintage crochet: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44000941

I love repurposing outdated maps, dictionaries & vintage music sheets into wall art. Re-using is inspiring!

Awesome! This is so cool, I love the promotion of recycling of everything. Being a trained classic photographer among other things, I was drawn to silver art clay. It is using silver from of recycled photographic chemicals, computer motherboards etc. So, check out my shop, any silver item in there is eco friendly, and that includes the packaging that I make on my own. http://www.etsy.com/shop/polkadile Happy recycling! :)

WOW! Good Karma to all creative recyclers! Shannonbatescreates - thank you for sharing your favorites!

What a bunch of great ideas. I love that tie purse!

I nominate the artisan metalsmith 2TrickPony over here http://www.etsy.com/shop/2TrickPony She uses reclaimed and recycled metals for her wonderful designs, she lives and works off the grid using solar power, water power and other eco-friendly ways to be gentle to the earth and the land, and her ever popular hoop earrings are a huge hit within this structure! Like these, for example http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44027919

i make bud vases/pencil cups from recycled glass jars and paint one-of-a-kind silly faces on them: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40099194 go green! sam

Lots of everyday inspiration, so grateful people are using their ingenuity. My contribution right now is to use the bus system. An item I saw recently on the front page was a hemp yoga bag.

i make bud vases/pencil cups from recycled jars and paint one-of-a-kind silly faces on them: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40099194 go green! sam

oops, sorry to double post!

I love this, I made it, but its upcycled! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42311439 :)

great stuff but very pricy.

So awesome! I think being 'green' or 'eco-chic' doesn't always have to mean using recycled items in your work. I think you can also use items from nature in your work to create eco-chic wear. hair . starfish hairpin . 36 rhinestones http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37124219 necklace . dew drop . amazonite http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38876991

Great Ideas !!!!

My husband and I spend all our days recycling. We love glass and we love the earth. Way to go anyone who can come up with inspired use for what some people think of as trash! Love It!!

8milecreekdesigns is the best recycled Etsy shop. I have two classic car loving fanatics in my life and I have given them both hubcap clocks by 8milecreekdesigns, it's the best gift to give the men in your life.

Mark Langan, Paper and cardboard's awesome!!!!

I need to look no further than to Kendra Zvonik's shop: Green Post! http://www.greenpost.etsy.com All of her work is outstanding, and this listing is just one of my faves: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38529130 Not only does Kendra recycle my paper scraps (and those of others) into gorgeous, high-quality tags, she takes everything one step "greener" by embedding seeds into the tags for a plantable product that is truly a gift that keeps on giving! Great to see she's in such awesome company here too!

cre8tivity thrives here on etsy! stylish clutch, made from old neckties by Christine Wick is very cool

My second Etsy shop, kentuckygreen, features items made from recycled gift cards, furniture parts, vintage linens, wool sweaters, and vintage buttons. All made by members of my family! Thanks for considering us in this competition.

another etsy artist working with a solar powered off grid studio is allthatiam and here is one of her pieces: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33981560 and another is elksongjewelry and a piece from her shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44309378 ♥

All of my things are made out of junk mail. YAY jewelry! I should take some more pics....

I love this article and all the lovely recycled items. Most of my work uses recycled material. Here's two of them. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38958310 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43280073

My crafting mantra is 'making new stuff out of old stuff' and I'm heartened to see I'm not on my own. Inspirational post and featured items, thanks.

This is great! I think more art should be about reusing what you already have. All of my plush are made from repurposed/upcycled materials and stuffed with recycled plastic shopping bags. I'd love to be nominated :)) http://arttales.etsy.com/

check out bellacosaart.etsy.com for eco-art on recycled materials... very cool! some of my favorites: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30927217 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31918790 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44229429 and upcycled spoon art: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22559469

great ideas for recycling! : )

I use 100% wool rug yarn samples that the rug companies would have otherwise tossed in the landfill to make up these Crochet Coffee Can Cozies. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43470078 I also encourage the customer to reuse their own coffee can rather than me provide one. It's a lower shipping cost for the customer and it is less resources to "push tin" around the country. Art, that is archival and last for a 100+ years is another overlooked eco-friendly item. Taking care to ensure it is archival means it will be passed down from generation to generation, rather than just tossed. I also use my art as a green message. The North and South Pole paintings are a snap shot of the ever changing glaciers and icebergs. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40453342 I like to think of them as an artistic and educational reminder of climate change and eco-friendly practices. Thank you!

I have this little upcycled vintage tiny cream pitcher that I found at a local antiques store, sitting in a bin out in the rain - I love it, with all of it's tiny cracks and had so much fin rescuing and painting it... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44681602

Ooh! Ooh! All my ties are upcycled! Pick me! Pick me!

Nothing screams green like VINTAGE!!!!

It is so much fun to come up with new products using upcyled items that I would have tossed out several years ago. Here's a parmesan cheese container that has been turned into a knitting needle holder with some cotton material or hand knitted felt. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44647789 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34282522 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34366170 Thank you for looking!

Fantastic article! Here are our wool felted seed pods (recycled from nature) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44200109 our eco kids messenger bag from upcycled khaki pants http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28589266 and a favorite recycled piece, these wristlet pouches, from t-shirt sleeves! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29209750 thanks!

Beer bottle recycling at it's finest! Man Candles: Soy Candles in Recycled Beer Bottles http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44073329 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44078247

I would really love to present my friends shop!! Mary is makes wonderful toys (plush animals) out of re-purposed, and recycled materials. Have a look at Art Tales shop - you will love it=) http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTales

great ideas... what an inspiration... planning to include recycled pieces in my art work!:)

I crochet with plastic bags and recycled fabrics http://www.etsy.com/shop/debs1967?section_id=6179181

I love anything recycled. The creativity of the etsy family is incredible. So many ways to help the enviroment, these are wonderful!

Wow, so many awesome sellers exhibiting upcycled and re-used items for their creations. This is a great blog! I love how ArtTales takes something that would normally be tossed into the trash and uses those things to create such cute and clever plushy creatures. I have two of her awesome little guys and I love them to death! So I nominate her, most definitely! :-D Link to her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTales

Very interesting. I recently learned that most clothes are recycleable. If old clothes are not sold by places you donate them to, they then sell the clothes to companies that recycle them into other products. This article reminds me again why I recycle and try to make eco-conscious choices everyday.

I think a really excellent example of "trash to treasures" are the creations of ArtTales! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTales ArtTales uses leftover and recycled fabrics from yard sales and thrift shops, to create really beautiful and unique plush creatures! On top of that, all the plush creatures are stuffed with recycled plastic bags! That's just amazing to me, because plastic bags are non-biodegradable and quite hazardous to the environment, and yet ArtTales has found a positive and excellent use for them!

I think a really excellent example of "trash to treasures" are the creations of ArtTales! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTales ArtTales uses leftover and recycled fabrics from yard sales and thrift shops, to create really beautiful and unique plush creatures! On top of that, all the plush creatures are stuffed with recycled plastic bags! That's just amazing to me, because plastic bags are non-biodegradable and quite hazardous to the environment, and yet ArtTales has found a positive and excellent use for them!

Here are to very cool sellers: Very cool diode necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43999261 Wonderful re-purposed chalk board/hook http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36299435

shannonbatescreates and myhobbyshop: Thank you so much! P/S: Wow the comment is getting really long, and I haven't finished digging my favourite items! It's 3:30am over here, I'll have to run and come back tomorrow morning with my favourites! >.<

â–º â–º â–º Awesome! I'd like to nominate the following: ---- â–º Incredible leaves by Western Art Glass, created from beer bottles - the curve is just perfect for the shape of the leaf: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18434984 ---- â–º Gorgeous candle holders by Peg and Awl, made from olde reclaimed pine floor joists collected from 19th century houses in Philadelphia: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38800771 ---- â–ºPlantable Gift Tags by GreenPost, made from junk mail and recycled paper: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44432366 â–º â–º â–º

LOVE it ALL !!!!!!

I love this concept!

There are tons of awesome Etsy artisans who go green in their own way, even me! One of my personal favorites however is ArtTales. She makes awesome creative plush critters using upcylced and reclaimed materials and stuffs them with plastic bags! Check her out! http://arttales.etsy.com/

I love turning old metal stuffs into robots and jewelry! http://www.etsy.com/shop/MollCutpurse

Great collection of recycled goods. I loved the mailbox and the bracelet:)

I make hats out of recycled sweaters http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42591770 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39903125 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=39904680

Green products are so interesting! Do you have extra binders laying around in your home office or work office? Here's an idea: turn them into key chain holders! I hope you can take a look at this creation: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42678406

Oh I love Seven Ply! They recycle skateboards into really cool accessories: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sevenply And TheFigLeaf, with really simple and modern designs using scrap leather: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFigLeaf And then our own shop - of course. We make accessories by recycling billboard banners! :D http://www.etsy.com/shop/NottyPooch

wow..this is amazing! I use eco friendly packaging too...to be green what a lovely feeling to be green. I love to recycle too!

Incredible creations! Congratulations to all!

These are all so fantastic!

I just love seeing up-cycling when it is done well. It can be so inspiring and beautiful.

I use recycled cereal boxes to create relief animals in my collage paintings! Here are a few: Paul the Porcupine (he's awesome and spiky) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39900010 Sammy Under the Moon (so cute but he will get ya) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=39968875 Girdy the Bird (she's wondering around for her soulmate) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=39747144

I use recycled cereal boxes to create relief animals in my collage paintings! Here are a few: Paul the Porcupine (he's awesome and spiky) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39900010 Sammy Under the Moon (so cute but he will get ya) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=39968875 Girdy the Bird (she's wondering around for her soulmate) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=39747144

I use recycled cereal boxes to create relief animals in my collage paintings! Here are a few: Paul the Porcupine (he's awesome and spiky) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39900010 Sammy Under the Moon (so cute but he will get ya) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=39968875 Girdy the Bird (she's wondering around for her soulmate) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=39747144

Shine on all you upcycling, repurposing, re-making rock stars! I've been making stuff from used traffic signals. More than ten years ago all across the US they have been converting stop lights to an LED traffic signal so all the beautiful old lens are thrown out and sometimes recycled. I've been lucky to get my hands on some and make some very cool stuff. here's one, but my shop is full of em. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43809336 hmmm as for food scraps...that's tricky...we compost and grow more food and flowers with our food scraps. I think there is so much stuff here on etsy from creative upcycling crafters, that this topic should not be only seasonal. For all of us that create and live this way it is how we live on a daily basis. Rock on!

What a great topic, I am a huge fan of re and upcycled materials!! All of my dog toys are made from 100% upcycled materials (aside from the occasional squeaker) and help reduce clothing and material waste as well as your pups eco footprint. Please check some of them out here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43229313 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43200149

I use recycled cereal boxes to create relief animals in my paintings! Here are a few: Paul the Porcupine (he's super cool and spiky) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39900010 Girdy the Bird (she's trying to find her soulmate) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=39747144 Sammy Under the Moon (he's super cute but will get ya) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39968875

Everything about this article is amazing!!! We want to live in that metal house. Lovely! Thanks for including us in the related items!

sorry i only meant to post once. wonky computer :P

LOVE LOVE LOVE the cassette purse

I love the recycled section, great idea

I LOVE this theme and the inspiration and committment behind all of the items and stories. I salvage and repurpose freshly laundered bed linens purchased from local charity and secondhand shops- and I make things like this! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13284040

oh! finally, I may get some notice! this is just exactly what I do! please check out my site Reclaimed objects I recycle driftwood that floats down our lake into mirrors and crosses! thank you !

I love all of the inspiration and fun packed into this post! I salvage and repurpose linens purchased at charity and thrift shops...laundered, cut and crocheted, they become things like this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13284040

I love the bottle wall. So some teenage gal right here in my town in Iowa was on the local news last night because she assembled both the bodice of her handmade prom dress AND her date's suit vest out of colored gum wrappers. It was actually really beautiful. Kudos to her, and to her mom for encouraging her and giving her a sewing machine.

I would like to nominate www.arttales.etsy.com shop. Mary does an incredible job of taking recycled plastic bags, up-cycling materials found at thrift shops for her fantastic plushies. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44583920 All LEFTZ are created with repurposed, upcycled, and reclaimed fabrics. They are adorned with vintage buttons and trims. Each softie is stuffed with recycled plastic shopping bags. These handmade plush are Eco friendly and unique in their own way. This large plush Octopus made from a fleece blanket and scrap cotton fabric. His good eye is made from layered vintage and glitter buttons. He is stuffed with recycled plastic shopping bags.

Awesome stuff....wow.... Heiid

It amazes me how much we throw away! Here are some of repurposed items, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42504781 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42999186

Oh Lordy- there's a bit of a lag... I posted twice...very sorry O_O

I'd love to nominate COOBoriginals http://www.etsy.com/shop/cooboriginals "Re-love a Skateboard." says it all. An ultra Eco friendly shop that takes the unwanted and turns it into fashion.

I hope it's acceptable to nominate one of my own items I salvage cast off cardboard, cut it - paint it, and then decorate with moss and or natural dried flowers http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41683691 I love making these because whatever cardboard comes into the home usually leaves as a peace sign!

I just love Earth Day Time here around Etsy! Here's an upcycled cashmere bunny http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44257957 and repurposed lambswool elephant http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36390175 for your consideration! this necklace rules! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44082058 Thanks guys!

Thanks for another feature on recycled and upcycled items. So often, repurposed materials are better quality than what one can buy new. I love this dress by Foundry Design because she's melded her incredible design sense with reusing a thrift-store staple: men's dress shirts. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43945206 And this scarf is a favorite of mine because the materials came from a shop that supports women in crisis. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42222913

Great focus on green products. I have a custom piece, if that qualifies, made from e-waste http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=23793530 . I have another custom e-waste item in progress but don't have any as current listings.

It's amazing to see such wonderful ideas! Earlier today I decided to use my leftover food cans as a mini compost bin for my kitchen!

Found another shop while just "window shopping" http://www.etsy.com/shop/permanentbaggage

Sort of odd to nominate DP- but this is EXACTLY what we do over here! One of a kind pieces that are made from 100% vintage recycled and oftentimes broken and unloved jewelry and made into the most special thing you own: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34036435 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43858100 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44656443

I love the focus on recycled products! There are a ton of great upcycled wares on etsy, but I'd like to nominate my own rugs that are crocheted with recycled fabrics including old clothes, linens, curtains, and anything else I can find. Here's one of my favorites - a Kiwi Rug: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41045511

One of my favorite child's wardrobe staples is this tunic sewn entirely from recycled t-shirts. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=33682378

It's so great to see so many people making so many wonderful items out of our refuse! I always get so discouraged when I see things unused! Today I decided to use my food cans as mini compost bins for my kitchen, then as flower pots for all my little seedlings!

I know it's wrong to nominate something of my own, but it represents a nuvo-traditional art form (bottle cap art): http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38080194

This year my mission is to become as green as possible in everything. I've been using up supplies I have, mixing up yarns, and RECYCLING! I've loved making a few rugs from recycled fabrics: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecrochetqueen?section_id=6742173 and upcycled t-shirt coaster sets: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecrochetqueen?section_id=6947464 There's a certain satisfaction in essentially turning 'trash' into something beautiful and/or useful.

I love scouring thrift stores for wool and cashmere sweaters. Shrunk? Out of style? no worries. I will give them new life as fingerless gloves, plushies or hats. I joined Etsy with my BlueMoonRose shop. Here's a sample of my work: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37101571 My motto is, reduce...reuse...rejoice. Reduce consumption. Reuse items that others have tired of or no longer need and rejoice in doing something creative for yourself and your world.

Yay - thank you for spotlighting "green" items! All of my packaging and shipping material is recycled and/or upcycled! As well as at least a portion of all my items. The following birthday set in my shop uses recycled and/or FSC certified paper with the exception of only the tree trunks and cupcake topper sticks... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34222239

I have made a lot of recycled repurposed envelope seals. My save the date seals are my latest eco-vintage creation: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42898119 bookjournals (aka ex libris anonymous) http://www.etsy.com/shop/bookjournals is absolutely committed to reducing book waste. Jacob has saved thousands and thousands of books from ending up in landfills. Sample book journal: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10602446 Of course I will give a shout out to the hip paper makers! http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftstudiopaper (collects and makes paper from EtsyPaper team member's studio scraps) sample: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43836953 http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenPost (collects and makes plantable paper tags from Etsian's studio scraps) sample: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44343914

I love it when old/used things are turned into new things. It makes the feel of using them so much more satisfying. My personal strive is to turn used QUALITY items into something new .. for instance I take secret pleasure in my necklaces etc. being made not just from recycled paper but from a top notch daily paper: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44385169 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43528081 And I nominate: 'man purses' from Swiss army bags. A comfortably fitting combination: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44714984

Wow, I love this post. I can't wait to see all the works made from discarded materials. My own work is made from reclaimed float glass. ie: single paned glass being removed from buildings/homes in favor of dual paned windows. Here are a few examples of my reclaimed works on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39979700 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38422363 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39043771 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38596044

It bums me out to see that the cassette wallet featured in the gallery above was done by somebody who blatantly ripped off my design. :( She actually bought one of my cassette wallets-- I guess to see how I made them?-- and then turned around a couple weeks later and started making them for her own shop. If "recycling" means recycling other people's ideas and using them as your own, I guess that fits! Still makes me sad though...

I absolutely love these: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43081919

Amazingly talented Etsians! Suchclever ways to help "green up" our world!!! Here's one of my recycled pieces! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24326682

Often my farmers market customers bring me goodies to recycle: rice bags, plastic bags, magazines. I've only got one pair of my paper bead earrings listed on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39899024 but for inspiration you can see some of my other recycled goodies on flickr: a zipper pouch from basmati rice bag: http://www.flickr.com/photos/urbaneden/3824485997/ and my favorite bag I made from fused rice noodle bags http://www.flickr.com/photos/urbaneden/2757663130/in/set-72157615088248510/ Must. Eat. More. Rice noodles. :)

Check out my shop! Rococo designs are all made from recycled and repurposed fabrics including - blazers, aprons, pants, jeans! www.rococowear.etsy.com

I love the goods by Emily Grace and the Yellow Suitcase. So unique and all made of plastic bags: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44706737

This makes me happy ::)

Love. Love. Love it all!

I also have to add that all of the jewelry in my shop is made from upcycled sheet metal reclaimed from vintage automobiles -- lots of GTO, Camaro and Nova metal. Also, all of the handbags are reclaimed and adorned with reclaimed auto emblems. Here's a few of my favorites: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38592322 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27103284 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22635991 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41433957

creating from trash and repurposed materials is a labor of love! Stationery from recycled topography maps: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34855835 Earrings from industial brass leftovers http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42437485 Necklace from vintage jewelry parts and recycled cardboard and paper http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44646573

These are a favorite: Vintage handkerchiefs made into textile bib necklaces... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43836320 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37997415 ♡!

Brilliant, indeed.

So cool - LOVE the recycled bottle screen! & thrilled to find out it's located just across the river from me in Fife ;-)

I love upcycleing thrifted fabrics like, sheets, curtains, and jeans, into unique bags and clothing. Upcycld Rainbow Sheet outfit: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44535763 Upcycled Midnight Rose Yoga/pilates Mat Bag http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43062144 And my favorite from my upcycling friends, Elizabeth and Amy, at GreenValentineDesign's: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43109861

Gorgeous items!

I love this book that has the cover recycled from a small vintage purse: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38238887

Corsets, green?? you bet! Here is my low inpact but highly desirable unbleached cotton coutil corset! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41001865

This store is one of my favorites that uses all recycled materials: http://www.etsy.com/shop/zurdacrafts One of my favorites is this purse: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40765274

I love up and re cycling and want to do more. Some of these people are BRILLIANT! Here are a few of my upcycled items. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41502173 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41503716 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41216747

I love what Katwise has been doing with recycled sweaters! http://www.katwise.etsy.com

Hope it's okay to post twice, but I'm utterly captivated by Cynthiadelguidice's gorgeous, ethereal necklace from fused plastic bags. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26759737 And UrbanWoodswalker has been commited to working with recycled materials for a long time, and administers a flickr group of recycled materials. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30036590

My favorite green shop is www.rococowear.etsy.com She makes the best hats and accessories!!!

Our name - full circle studios might clue you in - we make lots of art and jewelry that is "upcycled." Bottle cap earrings, poker chip pendants, old key necklaces. We have two shops, full circle studios and full circle studiosii. The first shop has lots of items made from old barn wood and other salvaged wood.

The Green Valentine bags are ADORABLE!! Thanks for the post. I may have never found them otherwise.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44717556 here's mine!

So awesome~! I love working with recycled textiles--most of the stuff in my shop comes from unraveled sweaters and such. Here's my favorite item to make: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17688904 I'm working on a tie-dye one right now! Also, I have to link to this shop from my favorites. She does amazing artistic work with the humble grocery bag. Gorgeous! http://www.etsy.com/shop/gLpDesigns

This is what I make with glass bottles. The shop is 100% art with recycled bottles http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42931389 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44557788 and my vote goes also for this item in the shop made by Darma with plastic bottles http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42113433 Trashion Team is my team! A lot of recycling there! Bravo to everybody here :)

Great ideas!

love them all and something that I do in my own shop - if i can repurpose all the better!

wonderful idea

My vintage letterpress pendants that I up-recycle and repurpose into necklaces or keychains: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44719331 Thanks so much!

Love this article! It is amazing what people can do to recycle, repurpose and reuse everyday items. And thanks for the Shout-out Kisforcalligraphy! Love your envelope seals. :)

my bracelets are simple, classy, eco, punk, and amazing. but i'm not bragging. www.dubzandkittle.etsy.com p.s. i'm not joking about the guaranteed compliments. just read my feedback :o) cheers!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/saribellum http://www.etsy.com/shop/seen1

This shop sells a great range of products handmade from recycled plastic bags: http://www.etsy.com/shop/willhammond (and the seller used to be a student of mine, so please do support him!)

Great! Plastic bottle greenhouse nden not? Really good ideas Thanks a lot

Dolls recycling: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24227995

Great! Greenhouse plastic bottles, why not? Really good ideas Thanks a lot

this is awesome! I love upcycling and using manufacturers thrift whenever possible:) that pop bottle wall is amazing!

I recycle rejected paintings for thank you notes!

So cool to see what everyone makes to upcycle items. I've been felting purses out of recycled wool sweaters. Love it!

Totally stimulating! All of my wallscapes are made within the limitations of what I find to recycle, repurpose or upcycle. Here's a recent design - featuring fabric and wallpaper offcuts thrown away by others and previously worn garments: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44220256

i just added our newest item to our shop which just happens to be up-cycled from t-shirts!

I'm loving this article. What an inspiration. I love upcycling projects.

How about this belt buckle from vintageinretrospect: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44615364

here are some urban industrial key earrings that i make in my other shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41270902 don't throw anything away! make it wearable!!!

LaAlicia recycles all type of paper including candy wrappers and she makes earrings like this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32561126 She also makes purses,wreaths, headbands, you name it! :)

Great article! I've been green for years! Glad to see everyone is getting on board. I recycle, repurpose and upcycle clothing, scrap leather, fabric remnants, household linens, belts, and anything else that comes along I can put to use. Good luck to everyone!

So funny how much I love working with old typewriter keys. When I get them they're so grimy with age...I always wonder what they were used for. In an office? Newspaper office? Typing class in high school?? Love letters??? I make all my own packaging too - I've always been the crazy recycling lady. :)

Great article and wonderful pictures. I'm always trying to keep it green and clean!

i make tote bags out of 25lb onion bags: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38332145 and then i use the purple mesh to make other bags: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38334868

I renew textiles with screenprinting and turn them into new favourite objects! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43564644

I recycle jeans and make coloring bags for kids! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42251307

HELLO! LOVE!!!!!!!!!!! UPcycling is in my mind : http://www.etsy.com/shop/kariusdeparius?section_id=6615312 TELLmeMOREvisions!D

These are amazing! I've never envisioned a bat costume made from umbrellas, how cute!!! And I love the glass bottle roof, although I wonder how much it would leak... sb

I rarely discard anything without firt comtemplating what it might become, with a bit of imagination and a few crafting materials. I used discarded plastic tackle box dividers to create these inspirational magnets. Thanks for the opportunity to be considered for the Heart of Green Award! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=23261661

My favorite eco friendly shop is Art Tales. This wonderful shop uses material from yard sales, thrift stores and where ever else she can get her hands on unique fabric. She manages to see amazing and adorable creatures in these materials. This shop is truly one of a kind and definitely should be considered for this competition. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTales

I am in love with that recycled tie bag!!! I also use recycled guitar strings to make bracelets: http://www.etsy.com/shop/foxdesignsjewelry?section_id=6572656 and recycled gun shells in my Annie Oakley Jewelry Line: http://www.etsy.com/shop/foxdesignsjewelry?section_id=6491900 I'm going to be shopping for weeks on this thread! Keep up the great posts fellow etsyans!!!

I would like to nominate ArtTales. I own one of her wonderful plushes and just love it. The idea of using plastic bags as stuffing for her plush sculptures is just brilliant. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTales

How cool! I LOVE that Greenhouse!!!! Really cool stuff! I love all of the nominations so far!!

what an absolutely fabulous collection of art and ideas!! i love to scour the local resale shop, and have used countless old candlesticks, hardware, and other odd findings in my sculptures. I'd love for you to consider my shop for the Heart of Green awards. My candlestick busts: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32291419 My upcycled electron tube monsters: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44636790

Here are some awesome upcycled items from some of our team members' shops! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42861127 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37249042 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43967831 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5108129 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37840636 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43922904 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43710267 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43792250 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30403935 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44457657 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26591888 Yes that's a lot of links but please check them out, you will be amazed by the creativity! We're a nonprofit organization that works with artisans who create with recycled and reclaimed materials. It would be so exciting to have some of our artisans' work featured! Thank you!

I love using recycled materials in my weaving. Beauty can be found in all sorts of interesting places. In particular, my double pointed knitting needle wall hanging is a favourite. The plastic and nylon wire are recycled, but the knitting needles are orphans, so they were never going to find a home, but they did! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22494070

sallyannk and her cassette wallets are totally a stolen design. she used to link to the originial artist at Medley: An Everything Place http://www.etsy.com/shop/kymbix, but i guess now, she's getting too much attention to want to share it. if you want a super cool CASSETTE WALLET, they are still available at the original store ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/kymbix ), FOR LESS MONEY, TOO! support *REAL* artists!

THANKS for putting one of my clocks on the list! We also upcycle license tags into frames or clocks - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35463586 and tail lights into nightlights - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34972306

What cool stuff!! Less for the landfills. I sa a site that does etched wine glasses made from recycled wine bottles. Got a set, they are great. askoblivion.etsy.com

My market totes have a decidedly eco-friendly vibe http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40702164 So great to see all the environmentally conscious products on Etsy!

I'd like to nominate http://www.etsy.com/shop/zfla My favorite item has to be the Striped Hippopotamus http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36733997 A breathtaking Eco plush :) Made from repurposed wool sweater and organic cotton

I love this. Besides the crocheting that I do, most of the crafts are from recycled materials like my memory boxes made from wooden cigar boxes. Of course I used plarn in my crocheting too. But the wall of plastic bottles may be a project that I may try my hand at, it is so cool!

i hate to waste any of my craft supplies. i make these hand felted bead pendants from all the leftover bit of wool yarn: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34991256

i hate to waste any of my crafting supplies. i make these hand-felted bead pendants from leftover bits of wool yarn and roving: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34991256

I'm nominating the Alia Upcycled Bag http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43435055 Made from a curtain and the handles are from a towel rack. The pattern of the curtain and the over all design is very appealing to me.

My shop is all about upcycled thriftshop bags, rescued with paint, collage, sharpies, ink, and other fun stuff. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Pennamite

This is my pick! I own a few of her pieces and they are SO STUNNING in person! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44706737

ooooh I'm bubbling with ideas now! I really love the container house. I visited a shipping container school being built by a wonderful British NGO in the Philippines. It was for the community who lives on (and makes a living from) the Manila dump. All the wonderful things that can be done by recycling existing materials is so applicable in the developing world. I love it.

My wife loves to upcycle! Check out this Fauxbot Robot, Ms. Whistler, made from a light fixture, bottle caps, jar lid, screws, etc.: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41883423 And here are a couple of mixed-media ornaments using jar lids as a canvas. Apollo-Luna the Winged Feline: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13677948 Night Dragon Ornament: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13980926

Here are some of my items. Made out of unwanted jewelry that well people are just going to through away! It is soooo fun to create! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38257440 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41990266 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43738290

I would love to nominate our catnip eyeballs for green products. Made with post consumer upcycled sweatshirts and organic catnip. But would also love to nominate Jesse Danger for using recycled metals http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35373877

Great article!

Creative!!!! especially the tie clutch

Every item in my show is repurposed, reconstructed clothing. I use only used items to create one of a kind sweaters. Check 'em out! Here is one I reaaly like: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43389499

Nominating my Milk Money Eco Wallets, incorporating recycled milk cartons into a fun product, especially for kids! I mail it out in a reusable recycled milk carton packaging with no other packaging materials. http://www.etsy.com/shop/susannedeluxe

How wonderful to feature items that help reduce our carbon footprint! I'd love to be a part of this with these pendants recycled from antique pianos and vintage game tiles. http://www.etsy.com/shop/artistrybyannie Favorite Item: Abstract Gaurdian Angel http://www.etsy.com/your_shop.php?edit=1&rand=362473517

Great article, wonderful finds! I love green approach and try to use natural, recycled and eco-friendly materials in my work. For example, this Cup Cozy is made with eco-friendly (commercially recycled) yarn and natural, unpolished coconut button. Mother Nature has already created it all, so why use plastic buttons??? :) This Cup Cozy is perfectly reusable, so you won't have to take paper sleeves over and over again, with every cup of your coffee or tea. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41437125 Also, I'm trying to prove that recycled and eco-friendly materials can be perfectly fashionable. These Leg Warmers are made with recycled, eco-friendly yarn. Aren't they beautiful? http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44100424 You can always use eco-friendly accessories for your home decor. These Egg Cozy Hats are not only cute and cheerful, they're perfectly functional and will keep your breakfast warm for loooooooong without any gas or elecrticity. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43506843 Thank you very much for consideration!

Dear Kymbix - that is a bummer! I couldn't help but notice that your pieces are infinitely more hip... and priced more reasonably also! sign me up...

nominating my eco-friendly waterbottle as seen on the Go Green network blog! :) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40513066

Incredible talent and creativity in the article/photos above! Everything in my shop is made from "rescued" wool or cashmere sweaters. I use vintage buttons, natural handmade wood buttons and other "stuff" to embellish my one of a kind purses, cuff bracelets and little baskets. My shop motto is "Reuse and renew!" NeedlesAndKims.etsy.com

What a fabulous collection of clever ideas! Marvelous! All of the supplies in my shop are repurposed. My customers make some marvelous creations.

Nominating my fun valet trays and belt buckles from old vinyl albums: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44442383 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28811093

wow great article ! Umbrellas , and e waste love those . Repurposed items , so great . I do this as well ....it is a great thing !

Yes:) go green:)! QUIT filling landfills... nice solution... washable cloths for the kitchen @LilianEveDesigns Newly Listed Items:)! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilianEveDesigns ♡Follow me on Twitter♡ http://twitter.com/LilianEveDesign ♡FB Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LilianEveDesigns/442335070031

If I may can nominate something , anything from my shop please take a look and see if there is anything suitable -all items are salvaged , repurposed - It's a big part of my vision . jessemosher.etsy.com here are a few pieces from my shop : http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9031223 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20662562 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9074942 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20515023 thank you in advance for considering my work - such a great article .

we recycle farm machinery and make sculpture, furniture and other home goods. fabulous post!

Oh and also would like to nominate an eco-friendly doll made by shopping bag by zeropumpkin! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24811499

I found out about this through your facebook page, I've been catching several posts - just amazing! Go green - I have already started thinking of new ways to up-cycle products turning them into new usable and lovable items for my etsy shop. and thank you everyone who shared links, I will look forward to revisiting this post to peruse your selections!

goodnes almost forgot this - I also nominate these are just so great - He seems to have just one left in his shop at the moment but take a look http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32107413 recycled camera parts as jewelry so unique and wonderful been admiring these for a long while

this is one of my favorite etsy artists - love her stuff! http://www.etsy.com/shop/scavengerjo

Upcycling is folk art at its finest!! And here is the most ingenious way to upcycle a sardine can: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41920410 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35900926 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35707820 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35706029

Darning? What's that? Hardly anyone knows how to darn a sock anymore, but plenty a holey wool socks end up in the trash every year. Old wooly socks get a new life as darn!socks mice cat toys. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23694205

Recycling artists have such a supportive home here on Etsy! It's one of the many reasons why I love it here so much. I make jewelry from recycled cardboard. Please check out my shop: http://butternutsquash.etsy.com A few of my current favorites: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23835263 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38917341

hi...i absolutely love creating using upcycled and recycled, vintage and salvaged items. i am so inspired by so many amazing eco artists on Etsy and this time if year is buzzing with green, isn't it? yay! nominating one of my favorite designs that is available in my shop right now...hope ya like! 100% upcycled! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19264080

Amazing group of creative upcycling! I want to share - I've been transforming plastic bags into amazing jewelry buy coiling it with fine silver wire. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44476827

This is interesting take something old or can't work and making it into art works. Nice.

Great finds and shops listed above~ kinda like we do on the farm when machinery breaks down you have to make-do or recycle another part to repair the broken piece. Lots of good junk in the old grove.

I make flowers with chiffon scraps, beautiful handmade accessories! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThiliBlooms I`d like to nominate my bracelet, brooches and hair clips: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44381879 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43954918 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43879547 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43556230 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43559845 thank you very much :)

I really love the bags in this shop, I even own one! http://www.etsy.com/shop/masalachai Also, I sell toddler skirts made from recycled pillowcases http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigsisterdesigns :)

WOW!! These picks are already so awesome that I don't know if I can compete! :) Here is one of my new vintage zipper cuffs: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44673303

My Guinea Pig Rice Bag Heating Pads are made from old faux fur coats. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44734217

My dad has been telling me over and overt that If someone could come up with a way to recyccle old VCR tapes they would make a fortune. When I've found lots of things to make with them but I doubbt it will ever make me a fortune but I'm having some fun!! Grocery Totes: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19537386 Pot Scrubbers: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25732686 Car Wash Mitt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25732686

I've got my eyes on all of the goodies in this shop and I think you should too! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43060778

creative and inspiring!

I rescue old children's books and make them into notecards, collage magnets and tags! http://www.etsy.com/shop/JojosRoomCards

I make Indian inspired headbands from clothing that is no longer required...I also re-use beads,buttons, charms and chains from old bags, jeans and well, you chuck it, I rescue it haha! I really love the idea of 'upcycling' and 'recycling'...old stuff is just new treasure in disguise! :)

do check out this simply perfect pouch made from recycled bags and vintage fabric. perfect. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43601521

Nottypooch shop..every things is eco -friendly :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/NottyPooch

THIS IS JUST SOOO COOL! THANKS

LOVE all of these!!

So many great recycled items already! I'd love to nominate a few paper-recyclers: monorail's awesome notebooks and buttons featuring recycled vintage papers and postcards - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40524765 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38803467 snphillips' beautiful envelope security pattern collages made from discarded office envelopes - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42464969 and also my recycled comic book portraits - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42045197 making use of damaged comic books destined for the trash. thanks!

I would like to nominate http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTales We love the idea how she reuses plastic bags & recreates fun little critters. My kids just love her animals! We have Leftz hanging on our walls & having them in our children's beds. They make me smile everytime I see my kids huggin them!

Almost everything I make comes from something discarded.... these flower brooches are made from pistachio shells. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43614951

I make wine cork boards where everything used was pretty much destined to end in a landfill (frame, corks, beer caps). This board is a great example: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44487094

TocadoraLeather has load of recycled stuff Just one example: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44611094

Love this concept! And practice it myself. :)

I would like to nominate http://www.etsy.com/shop/EcoDivaDesigns?ga_search_query=ecodivadesigns&ga_search_type=seller_usernames EcoDivaDesigns is a shop that deserves to be acknowleged for being environmentally responsible while creating GORGEOUS pillows! The pillows that she makes from reclaimed fabric samples headed for the trash are beautiful and use eco-friendly fill.

I'd also like to nominate WooldeBeast http://www.etsy.com/shop/wooldebeast Her plush are hand created with reclaimed fabric and buttons. She also stuffs her plush with Ecofill, which is made from recycled/spun pop bottles.

I create botanical perfumes from REAL plant materials, some of which I tincture myself. NO icky petro chems in my fumes! A percentage of profits from the sale of some of the falcons goes to organizations like GreenPeace & The California Oak Foundation to bring more awareness to our vital planet. http://www.etsy.com/shop/IlluminatedPerfume

I would like to nominate ArtTales. She is a super nice etsian who makes all of her plush creations from reclaimed, repurposed, and recycled materials. I personally own one, Jack Ash the Donkey, and I love it! Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/arttales

I want to nominate http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=29999118 These recycled wallpaper earrings are so much fun!

I'm crazy for thrift stores and garage sales. I regularly visit our local Goodwill "bins" where I can purchase almost everything by the pound. I find the most amazing materials to work with, silks and velvets, leather, PVC, lace. After I clean it up, I turn it into original belly dance costumes, adding new fabrics as necessary. So many working green, but I really like this one. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=41632760

I make cute eco friendly bracelets made of recycled computer parts. Check this out: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32670194 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34501139 http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=26070157

I visit thrift shops occasionally and pick up clothing that I can reuse. I found a leather jacket that I took apart and recycled into a wallet. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43361853

The bottle serving plates are incredible! want it all:)

I visit thrift stores occasionally to find clothing that I can reuse. I found a leather jacket that I took apart and recycled into a wallet. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43361853

Didn't mean to do that twice...sorry!

I'm also a recycler/upcycler! I love this!!! Check these out: Upcycled UNISEX Hoddie made from upcycled knits http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44423370 Pacifier Clip Buddy made from recycled knit scraps and stuffed with the sweater "fluff" that comes off my serger from repurposing clothes http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44418731 The Eco Tawashi sets that I make are truely Green http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=44419866 I make stuffed animals from my clothing scraps and also stuff them with he leftover recycled knits http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44412650 I also make lots of arm warmers and hats from recycled sweaters http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44421837 Earth Day Love to Everyone!!! ~Wyn oxoxoxoxoxoxxo

I love these recycled leather wallets from Curiodesigns! Even the lining and buttons are recycled :) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34275388

My items are all made from recycled soda cans, busted playground balls, and gift cards. They are great gifts and would be awesome for Earth or Mothers day! Feel free to convo me and let me know what you think :) Cupcake Recycled Pepsi Can Magnet/Pin http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44602631 Arizona Green Tea Bracelet http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35113046

we offer recycled bottles - re-crafted & hand altered a few favorites: Small Collage Art Bottle - Celtic Bogg http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42843330 Jagermint Glass Bottle http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31807549 Goldschlager Blu- Casa Bottle Oil Lamp http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=34075333

My personal and professional mission: to REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE RECREATE AND BEAUTIFY OUR WORLD: BY REUSING SUPPLIES OR USING OLD USED, BY DECONSTRUCTING OBJECTS OF POOR RECYCLE-ABILITY (ELECTRONICS) AND THAT ARE OFTEN UGLY AND RECYCLING RECREATING THEM INTO OBJECTS OF BEAUTY FOR OUR WORLD!!!!!! YAY ALL ETSY ARTISTS WHO ARE GREEN GREENER AND GREENEST!!!!

The majority of my metals are from reclaimed sources. My work was recently published the book, 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse by Garth Johnson (Quarry Books, 2009) Here you go: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17427004 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20003310 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17164700 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33144054 Thanks!! MJ MerCurios

re: elsewares, I think I saw your stuff in twig in Chapel Hill! Love it!! Those cassette tape wallets are read, but look like they were copied from a store called Medley I really like because I also make record bowls from LPs and other fun things. I was really surprised to see the wallet featured right on the front. In fact, she was featured in a magazine around Denver--my friend told me. Here's the seller: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kymbix

Here's a few of my items: Upcycled Organic Cotton Jersey Headwrap Perfect for Yoga: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44449255 Branching Out Upcycled Jersey Cowl with Hemp Embellishments: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43421004 Go Green in this Repurposed T shirt Breezy Brimmed Beanie in Grape and Charcoal: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37976560

I've seen plastic bottle green houses on youtube and soooo want to make one...and just may do so :) Great and inspiring article!

I'd like to nominate Pierogi Picnic for their upcycled "Blue Skies" tie. There's not a lot of men's clothing on Etsy besides tee shirts, and it's great to see something this unique. It's dressy but fun, and made of an old cotton tee. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35344187

Thank you for recognizing all us upcyclers!!!!! One of my favorite shops that features recycling is Little Overcoat. If I had children they'd be dressed in this head-to-toe!!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleOvercoat

Pick me! All the children's items in my shop - which are modern and edgy - are made from upcycled denim and organic cotton. My favourites are the lightning bolt dresses: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44203480 And the place-setting placemats: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43010108

Awesome finds here! How about a coffee sleeve made from a burlap coffee sack... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44744115

By far the most beautiful upcycled things I seen are from katwise.etsy.com inspired! Check it out

I'm going to go ahead and nominate myself! I make satchels from recycled wool suit jackets.... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42959362

Awesome items. I recycle/upcycle purses..my purses are cleaned and prepped, then hand painted to give them a brand new life. http://wwwetsy.com/shop/doodlelee

Great stuff!! Reduce, reuse and recyle! Keep it up everyone!

Hi, I would like to nomintae my own ECO-FRIENDLY Etsy Shop !!! www.lilithcreations.etsy.com All my products are eco friendly, I use as much recycled materials, such as magazine paper, bottle caps, vinyl records, etc, as possible in my work to create that ONE OF A KIND item. "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

Would love to nominate my own shop - all of my items are made from recycled wool sweaters that I felt at my home then give a second life! Even adornments and straps are made from recycled things such as vintage buttons, belts, scarves... The only thing I purchase new is thread and needles :) www.wooltastic.etsy.com

Ok... I am going to nominate myself :) I make bags, purses and all kinds of other accessories from recycled wool sweaters that I felt myself. All decorations are also recycled things like vintage buttons, belts and scarves. I love doing my part to be earth friendly!

I love seeing all this creative reuse! Here's one of my favorite sellers who is a very creative reuser--and her creation, "Urban Cowgirl belt adornment" http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41484448

Fabulous Idea! For Metal, I sell micro-mechanical butterflies made from repurposed watch parts: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38783216 For Plastic, I sell pipette tip earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42699746

I'd like to nominate the following items, all made from 100% organic cotton: Throw Pillows: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29611867 Stuffed Bunny: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36700212 Baby Shoes: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43502861

I make a lot of recycled jewelry.. Some of my favorites: The Newspaper Roller Necklace : http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43384480. Newspaper Striper Bangle : http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41896367. Newspaper Striper Earrings : http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42336408. Recycled Acrylic : http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43390588. Thank You!

Great picks! Check out my eco friendly upcycled fashions...

Well I'd like to nominate me! I use recycled materials- mostly antique and vintage. I like to use materials that others would throw out- the buttons are rusty, the fabrics are sun-faded, the laces are torn etc. Most of my wristcuffs are 100% recylced materials, even the thread used comes from the thrift or my grandmother's sewing box.

I'd also like to nominate fancifuldevices: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fancifuldevices Her work is awe-inspiring. She inspires me on an hourly basis!

great and inventive ideas!! good selection! love it!

Wow , I love this! Most excellent. Gonna send this link to my Friend - I think we'll like it too!

I would like to nominate withington http://www.withington.etsy.com amazing repurposed jewelry!

Yay for going green and recycling... so much inspiration gathered here I would like to nominate Little Mo and friends responsible and green http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlemoandfriends I also recycle vintage books to make journals and matching stationery sets http://www.etsy.com/shop/redeemdesigns?section_id=6385471

One of my FAVORITE blog posts. Love it! RECYCLE DAGNABBIT!

i would like to nominate our candles and refill candle service for the voter http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43124336 we find all the scraped up or mis~matched glasses and put them to new use as a candle with all natural soy wax. to take this further, we provide recycled box and packing materials to encourage participation in our refill service!...along with a little discount to further sweeten the deal!

A very inspirational post! Such neat ideas... I especially love the bat costume. I'd like to nominate my eco-friendly USB flash drives - the perfect marriage of tech, eco and cute! I use only rescued fabrics so each one is slightly different. I have a fox, a racoon, and a big bad wolf! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41375342 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41438038

Great idea.

I nominate ArtTales: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTales Her shop is amazing. She uses recycled fabrics and stuffs all of her plush with plastic shopping bags. What could be more eco-friendly? I'm a huge fan of her plush. and I own about a dozen of them at this point. They are fun, eco-friendly, and amazingly adorable.

I love this theme. I use various re-cycled bits and pieces in my mixed media art - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25620325 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44064180 Aside from the eco-friendly aspect, I love working with objects that have had another "life" - they have a sense of mystery!

This's great! very inspiration! I have "Eco-friendly seed pod place card" http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42899341

I love this theme!! Yay for recycling! I use lots of recycled and upcycled bits and pieces in my jewellery: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42483811 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=42247094 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34194447 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32317014 I too love the idea of the objects having a new life, and saving the planet at the same time! Off to browse the blog now!

i would love for everyone to stop by this shop. this girl does some amazing work here. this is one item i just love http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44423693 go by check her out !

I will nominate my Chocolate Popsicle Eraser necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43719831

I nominate http://www.etsy.com/shop/MurDesign Her cuffs are hand sewed from can caps, must take some time. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41535788 Beautiful recycling!

All my creations are made from recycled sweaters. Here is my favorite: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44599109

I nominate the jewelry my husband makes! He took apart a small fridge once and used most of the pieces to make other things! I also make pop top bracelets and am getting ready to launch a new line of credit card jewelry. But in the meantime, I think my husband is doing some pretty darn neat recycling! Check it out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/arielthecrazycatlady

I nominate ArtTales http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7528938 Her work is brilliant (so good that she has imitators), fun and she's saving the planet by shopping yard sales for her materials.

What fantastic items! All are so creative!

I am using recycled fine sterling silver in my hand stamped custom jewelry..love the organic look!! For the choices above I love the olive green glasses..beautiful works!!

My Kiln Fired Beer Bottle Coasters! or any of the glass from this section of my shop- http://www.etsy.com/shop/MintyFreshFusions?section_id=6863165

Great theme! I'd like to nominate my dress La Voce del Mare. The fabric is recycled silk tops and dresses (9 total!) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43015913

Great theme! I recycled old clothespins to make these magnets: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44006768

Ah! Repurposing and upccyling buttons is my passion. Some have even been found abandoned at the local dump (aka transfer station). I'll never tell which ones, of course ;) I nominate: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43669711

recycled spoons made int wearable art! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41959730

Recycled spoons made into wearable art! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41959730

I am proud to have just listed this tote: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44375237 made from a feed bag and plastic hay bale twine

If you can't reuse an object the way it is, look at it for its material, take it apart and make it into something new -- something like these summer dresses, made from men's recycled dress shirts: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43945206 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=44133768 Isn't it a joy when it all comes together again as something new?!

Here is my birch bark basket filled with organic moss balls. Everything here is from the woods. The balls are made with crumpled newspaper instead of styrofoam. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43972103

They are all great ideas.I love the plastic bottle green house. I'm on a mission now. I once made a plastic bag rag bath mat it lasted much longer than the cotton tufty ones.

Hey, can we pogos nominate ourselves? http://www.etsy.com/shop/pogoshop These ideas are fantastic! The house from shipping containers is such a smart idea. And I wandered over to The Daily Green and found the Buddist beer bottle temple. Wow!

This is so cool! I can't wait to get creative and make something green too :)

Love this shop full of upcylced, vintage inspired, handmade clothing. Here is my favorite: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44563978

These are some of my Favorites!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44575799 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=43110248

Thank you for this article. I learned a lot!

I love the greenhouse from plastic bottles!

Here is my favorite way to repurpose a wine bottle http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44498914

And another go around for this record... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35542408

Wonderful, inspiring article.Thank you! I use reclaimed magazines and fabric bits & pieces left over from other projects to make magnets with scenes of pets being happy :) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43090612

One of my favorite designers on Etsy is Jaya from a shop called GreenTrunkDesigns. She comes up with the most original ways to recycle clothing, linens, and various vintage items into artistic, one of a kind yoga bags. She also re-purposes these thrift store finds into beautiful eclectic clothing articles and accesories. Here is just one example of a yoga bag she made from her father's army uniform pants: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42922560 Check out her other shop as well! http://www.etsy.com/shop/greentrunkclothing

I love these! Here's the link...she has more http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44269841

Hi there! thanks for this article :) I use eco-Fi felt that is made with recycled plastic bottles to make my plush toys :) I also use vintage buttons that my grandma back in France gave me. My little shop is not entirely green but I always try to re-use and recycle and do the best I can to be environmentally conscious! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44626676 Hibou

Since our cats toys end up trash in the end, I thought these recycled toys were a great idea. They have bunches! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44427095

since cats toys end up trash in the end, I thought these were a great idea. They have tons! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44427095

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41031834 cereal box notbooks

sorry didn't mean to put it in 2 times. never did this before. I love the green house! I gotta tell my hubby about that! I also love the tape cassettes. So cool. So many creative totally recycled things I love it all!

Ha! Love the bat outfit! Great post, and it really got me thinking more about re-using items. I love the idea of the bottle greenhouse!

Fabulous article!

Yay upcycling! I love that we're seeing more of this! Thank you Etsy! I make baby slippers from old sweaters and leather goods... www.woolybaby.etsy.com

Now that I have promted someone else (they deserve it!) I would like to promote myself... We make a lot of upcycled/recycled eco salvaged items & lots of vintage stuff. We are organic & proud of it! Here is just one of our many items: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27047867 Thank you so much for checking us out! Go green!!!

Love all the Green products. So many are so creative in such an earth-friendly way. It makes me smile! I love how we can craft and still be earth friendly, like my Soap Gift Packs....all good to go! ; )

necklaces made from the numbers of broken flip clocks by (of)matter! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43272395

And you can check out my nomination here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37447814

love this! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39155936

I repurpose old silverware and make garden markers. Each one is hammered and stamped by hand using rudimentary tools. I nominate: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44499235 Go Green!

I reuse fabric, but I love the uses for glass and plastic bottles.

Here's my contribution!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44742117 Enjoy!

Oh and ORGANIC Shea Butter Karite! Refined! message me for unrefined: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44682380

I found the most amazing jewelry! Made from antique glass and bottles reclaimed from old dumps throughout the Pennsylvania Amish Country. Each comes with "The Story of the Glass" and details the history behind each piece! I nominate: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35888912

I've found a way to use coca cola glass bottles after they've been dumped into the ocean, broken and softly tumbled by the tides and waves... found a use for beach clean up! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43723016 I think that all of these recycled and upcycled products really show creativity at its very finest!

I make frames and furnishings from junk I find in thrift stores, yard sales, freecycle and on the streets: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25064139&ref=em

I just love seeing creative minds at work. It is never as obvious as when I see a "re-make." Like when my little girl re-makes a cereal box into a computer...ingenuity of the human species...inspiring. Here is my attempt to make a "cute little thing" from some discarded sweaters and a few bits of wool. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44762673

Seven Ply makes uber-cool jewelry out of recycled skate boards, here's one of my favs: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44649018 And then there's me! I do paintings on recycled wood: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39556701

I use little plastic containers that we go through like mad at my job. I couldn't stand it & started collecting tons and tons of them. I have put them to many good uses. This is one popular use. We at Running Bug Farm "Better Than Organic" are very big on recycling, salvaging, and totally 100% organic. Yippie! Earth month is our favorite month! Very popular: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44289384

Fantastic! Personally, I like to work with cork, remnant fabrics, found objects, sea glass, old stock vintage buttons, and of course, home-made papier mache!!! So... my nomination is: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29709210 But I absolutely enjoy this too: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42485075

We love the Earth Day celebration to really bring sustainability to the light! You can stop using paper products in the kitchen and the dinner table with cloth napkins: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41109597 Or start hanging your laundry out to conserve energy resources (and money!) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44763864

I love the chic recycled items in this article. Can I plug my handmade "green" clothespin bags made from re-purposed materials for drying clothing out n the line? That a very eco friendly way to save energy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/StelmaDesigns?section_id=5917122 I also make my necklaces from vintage buttons, reuse, recycle...

really great items in here! awesome!

wow, lots of comments since I last posted! I'd like to nominate: THE ECO BOXY FELT CAMERA CASE http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37533243 Bankoffee - Velvet and Burlap Coffee Sack Pillow http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44757197 Simple Butterfly 3D Pink - Cut Out Card - Eco-Friendly, Recycled Greeting Card with Envelope http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40849600 Spring Silver Leaf Tweet Bird Pendant, handmade in the UK, flies internationally http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35827324

I would just love to have a studio in a recycled shipping container... or two! I love to recycle and reuse and live simply in my everyday life and get inspired by articles like this! I also make unique and functional bags and wallets made from used materials. Bicycle inner tubes, seat belt straps and buckles, used and scrap vinyl, old banners, salvaged boating material are my favorite finds for now... http://www.etsy.com/shop/urchinbags

I have so much fun repurposing old suit jackets into belts and accessories! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43845457 I totally love this recycled skirt! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43361306

Godswear makes awesome and unique accessories and handbags. I nominate: http://godswear.etsy.com

Wow, this is a brilliant article - I love recycling and turning old things into new! Paper and stationery really is my 'thing' I hate to see books, catalogues and magazines thrown away so I cut them up and reuse them! I've just uploaded a heap of recycled items to my shop - everything from notebooks and gift tags to magnets and drawing pins... all made with recycled materials! Glad to see loads of others are doing their bit too! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleSilverleaf

Thanks for all the fabulous ideas! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the plastice bottle greenhouse!!!

The umbrella bat wings are brilliant~! Very inspiring

Just wanted to add this etsy shop. They recycle broken skateboards... http://www.etsy.com/shop/alldeckdout

http://wewillrockyou.etsy.com turns sea glass that washes up on our beaches into beautiful one of a kind jewelry pieces!

Don't forget that you can use plastic bottles and containers for filler/structural components in building, then cover with other materials. I made Muppet masks last year for Halloween and built the structural parts out of old baseball caps, yogurt containers, and milk jugs! Once they were covered in fabric (including recycled clothing), they looked amazing!

Great ideas! I love the recycled bottle glasses!!

Eco-friendly coffee cozy http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41627497

This is by far my favorite way to go green! That and burying my veggie scraps in the back yard to watch them grow! Trash is so 2009. (Makes me want to rethink what just went in mine...)

I love working with recycled bicycle parts- Check out these eco-friendly options! Chain Link Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42929668 Spoke Bangles http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44239395

I am a huge fan of: http://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbArchaeology The artist creates jewelry out of scavenged bits of metal and industrial findings. They are very Post Apocalyptic and sassy as heck. :)

The artists in our studio take great pride in the fact that each and every piece of past technology they turn into clocks and art helps the environment. They hope your appreciation is as much for the ecological basis of the artwork as it is for the interesting, one-of-a-kind conversation pieces they have created. http://www.etsy.com/shop/TECOART Enjoy!

WhiteFly's items are made from old vintage lace, that is found at rummage sales, and flea markets. They are then cast into sterling silver which is also 50 - 60% recycled metal. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42520991

I'd love to see the shop ArtTales featured! She creates awesome little creatures from recycled materials. Hard to believe these li'l critters are recycled! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39889009

Everything I paint on is recycled or upcycled like my plates: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41779925&ref=sr_list_2&&ga_search_query=sekhmet&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title And my light switch plates: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42681060 I would also like to nominate Randumosity - she makes something VERY important - re-usable menstrual pads! Menstrual pads are one of the plastic things that women use and put in our landfills! By using these fun and comfortable reusable ones, you are saving the environment once a month! http://www.etsy.com/shop/Randumosity Thank you! :)

Urban Archaeology! http://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbArchaeology?section_id=6707723 Awesome jewelry from scrap metal and such that the artist finds every day.

sooo creative!!

Love all these comments! Keep 'em coming -- and don't forget to vote!

Voted! The "Madles" are fabulous.

that was a bit difficult to decide. wish i could have had more than one vote :)

well.. if we can nominate ourselves I'd be thrilled to contribute. Like many steampunk jewelry makers I use a lot of recycled clock parts, but I love dismantling old machines and using up hardware: this is made from parts of an old cash register: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43054639 but I've a soft spot for anything using vacuum tubes: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43660229 there are earrings made from old parts of a chainsaw: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38936303 but most of the stuff ends up in the GEEK /Cyberpunk section of my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClockworkZero?section_id=6134027

so creative. here are some recycled items from one of my favorite shops.http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.132678587.jpghttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41415961http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40021872

i don't know if i'm too late, but i've been doing some upcycling in my shop...with fabrics, using old buttons, and men's neckties...please check out these aprons that feature the ties... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36977044 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35118603 thanks!

Great finds,Congrats

Fantastic ideas! I would like to nominate my favourites: Jewellery made from found antiques: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OpulentOddities Lovely clothes from recycled fabris: http://www.etsy.com/shop/poorpitifulpearl And my shop, where I sell recycled and repuerposed textile jewellery and restyled bags: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabula

thanks for featuring my Pirates Booty Bag!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbArchaeology?section_id=6707723 Oh! I just love these!

Ah bummer, I'm too late to make to cut off for the voter. But here is my eco friendly artwork collage using recycled cereal boxes. Man, don't buy those Chocolate Cheerios, or you'll get stuck on em like me and have a whole pile of boxes. http://www.etsy.com/listing/44782028/blue-and-brown-blocks-ecofriendly-origin

LOVE the tie purse, wish I could sew. I often see amazing ties when I am out cruising the thrift stores and have often thought they would make a great something else but since I cannot sew I sadly just admire the beautiful fabric and patterns.

how about recycling an already recycled item.........wowza !! http://www.etsy.com/listing/39213627/upcycled-starbucks-coffee-sleeve-little

Just realised I posted general links to eco-friendly shops rather than items! Here is my eco-fabulous bag made from an upcycled table mat: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34774313

recycling is one of the reasons I love fusing glass - there is absolutely no waste! So the glass picks are beautiful, but that mailbox is awesome!!

A-Ha were (are!) one of my favourite bands growing up. Love that little purse!

Medley actually has the BEST cassette wallets and cases. http://www.etsy.com/shop/kymbix

Have you tried to buy a cassette player recently? The pickings are mighty slim. So why not make something useful out of your soon-to-be-if-not-already-obsolete tapes? I was delighted and inspired by this article and the creative examples of adaptive reuse illustrating it! Too cool.

As it has been said time and time again...One man's trash is another mans treasure. They have surely found their treasures. Great job.

My whole team does exactly this, thank you for featuring BOTTLEHOOD which is one of my members. Check out our profile page ---> RECYCLERS. Our tag is "wastenot"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44706737/custom-orchid-necklace I love this unique and intricate necklace!! Who knew that plastic bags could be turned into something so great! Love these!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!!! LOVE RECYCLING!!!! PLEASE CHECK OUT MY RECYCLED SHOP- u will find plastic bag tutus, jeans and more to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay for Eco Friendly artists! I sew handbags from upcycled materials, mainly second hand clothing and vintage linens. Take a peek at one of my items! Envelope Clutch/Wristlet http://www.etsy.com/listing/44258461/envelope-clutch-in-green-with-purple-and

Great Idea! Everything (except string and thread) used to make this bag is recycled. I love making old things new again! http://www.etsy.com/listing/42540066/the-cora-tote-recycled-leather

All my journals are made from 100% reclaimed materials (transported via bicycle to my studio)

I'm Sooooo Excited! A seller I picked was selected in the Voter! I'm so happy for them. Check out thier awesome Mandles here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/44269841/stripper-breath-mandle-man-candle-in-rec And perhaps someone would like to check out my adorable little Sunshine Sparkles the sweet Organic Upcycled Catnip Kitty? http://www.etsy.com/listing/36553309/sunshine-sparkles-the-organic-upcycled-s Thanks for peeking & good luck to all nominated! Woo Hoo!!!!

Great idea!

Love these items. Especially ZJayne's wristlets I make eco friendly items too... Hooray for Upcyclers / Recyclers!!

Voted!

Wow these are great! Thank you so much for sharing! Check out my upcycled scarves from used and vintage fabrics! www.foulardthreads.etsy.com

Wow! These are great! Thanks for sharing! And check out out upcycled scarves from used and vintage fabrics! www.foulardthreads.etsy.com

All items here are primarily from recycled, repurposed, harvested goods. This one is 100% recycled in origin and has great mainstream commercial appeal. http://www.etsy.com/listing/39730929/pieced-silk-evening-bag from rescuedofferings.etsy.com

Inspirational!

Items her made from recycled tin cans, bottle cpas and found objects Whimsical and useful! http://www.loranscruggs.etsy.com/ Cheers Lov that plastic bottle 'Green' house!!!

I love working with men's neckties, but I have to admit that I am in awe of glamarita's dresses. Her necktie wear is fabulous and looks very haute couture. http://www.etsy.com/shop/glamarita

What a great collection of recycled items. Love it!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/scavengerjo Beautifully innovative items!

Great list. How about adding sea glass to the list?

Great Ideas!!! VOTED!!!!!

Thank you for including me in the nominations for this wonderful challenge! http://www.etsy.com/shop/AfricaAtelier

I would like to nominate Sparrow Salvage. http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparrowsalvage Not only does she make stunning, innovative pieces, but everything is made from used fabric and found objects. Penny is a truly, green crafter.

Hip purses made from real record albums? That's what I do ... Saving the Planet One Record Album at a Time.

Wow, such a lot of great and inspiring ideas! I search thrift stores for just the right men's shirts to refashion into beautiful aprons. Please check out my creations. http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreatedbyLee

I love dealing with this challenge of Trash to Craft- for me it's a very satisfying creation path :) I simply adore this shop which recycles corks into jewelry in a most genius way: http://www.etsy.com/shop/uncorked

Thank-you for this great article! Just goes to show you that everything can be recylced with creative people! Love it!

I just ran across this (just joined) and wonder how does a person get their item in the category to get voted on? Does someone have to do that or can you enter something and then people vote? Thanks for the info, I guess I need to get things posted!

I love the cassette tape coin purse, now I will just have to think of what to do when CD's are no longer used. Maybe a cool frisbee that refects the sun! And as far as neckties go, I recycled some into cool octopus' arms in my shop. Goodwill usually only sells them for a buck.

sherisgogreen.etsy.com I recycled ripped T shirts and burlap into rag rugs ( they take too long to make it worth selling!), and I "felt" wool sweaters to make into so many things, like funky critter animals and cuff bracelets. I also make skirts out of gently used T Shirts and pillowcases, as well as restyling T shirts into other creations such as purses. Trash to treasure, I like that! Now all I need are better photos, eh?!

I love rugs and this one really can be used anywhere! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32180745 Imagine a nice day on th beach with something soft and comfy to sit on. or inside a tent? on a deck? at a camp site? A school rug? A room anchor?

My shotgun shell santas help the cause a little, I hope. I love to paint on old tin items and make them useful again. Thanks for the interesting article.

I love making new treasures out of old discarded treasures. I have currently listed on my Etsy shop a bag made out of old overals, a napkin holder out of broken china and photo albums and blank books from scraps of material. litlthislitlthat.etsy.com

love this!

it is great to see such talent and creativity. WOW.... and WOW.... these items are fantastic.

loves it!

Wow! So creative! I use recycled toilet paper and repurposed cans in my products. This has inspired me to green up even more!

Yay Bella, I voted for ya!

Excellent article and congrats to Bella!

I love these! Great ideas! Check out the milk jug igloo I made this past winter using over 300 milk jugs! http://designlab443.blogspot.com/2009/12/igloo.html

I love these, especially the lisence plate mail box I really want one!

congrats to Bella and all of the other wonderful upcycling Etsy peeps!

Great ideas and items! Congratulations!

great list

Congrats BELLACOSAART!!

Love the Driftwood mirror.

I'm happy to say that I'm part of an organization that received a grant for a public art project involving up-cycling. I'm even more happy to say that I helped obtain the grant and get folks excited about it by explaining that up-cycling is popular on Etsy. I then had to explain what Etsy was...but, hey...we're getting more popular! Thanks for continuing to improve and strive for change in the green sense!

this is my favorite post by far in a long time! i just love anything recycled! i want a shipping container house so bad! great post!!

Love this idea! I hate that I missed this contest! I make hair pieces out of recycled clothing.

what a wonderful collection of recycled and earth friendly art! congratulations bella - we're SO EXCITED FOR YOU! siempre- dorana & MMG

very creative, imaginative and innovative use of what is already there. good work, artists!

thanks so much

My favorite item made from recycled clothing is talkingsquid's super chic shag rug made from recycled t-shirts and hand dyed with decaf coffee: http://www.etsy.com/listing/22121048/recycled-t-shirt-rug-in-cafe-au-lait-5-x?ref=storque Love it!

Well done! I believe even more now seeing these creations the possibility of recycling what we as humans have already produced too much of.

very inspiring! thank you

Alarming statistics that are sure to lead to more innovative creations. These inspirational finds have surely started my wheels turning :) Awesome read!

Great ideas!

Great ideas!

They are all great ideas!!!Very creative:))

congrats to the winner!

Great article ! I love to repurpose vintage components to use in my jewelry. This is one of my favorite pieces :http://www.etsy.com/listing/33266324/filigree-bracelet-semi-precious-garnet

hey....most of my art/craft is done using something that already exists....most of my fine art is framed in old frames that I have redone; I take old metal trays and upcycle them-usually with tribal art; I upcycle old frames with driftwood or seashells; dioramas on old wood candle hoders or in old wood file holders or cigar boxes; update all sorts of wood items into art. I have always loved junk! My mom used to get so mad at me hanging out at the dump.

Lots of great Ideas. Awesome!

great ideas!!

I love the wine bottle cheese plates. I have seen these at craft shows before. My husband's grandmother makes hot pads out of old jeans using the pocket as an accent similar to the notebook shown above. She will also applique some fabric onto the pocket for extra decoration. Very cute and useful! :)

clockworkzero, thanks for leaving the links! Love this post. Found 4 new shops I adore and will buy from just the posts here :)

Nice article. We need to have more respect for our beautiful, God-given planet. I usually design floral inspired jewelry, but one of my husband's belts broke recently, and I held onto the buckle. My intention is to design a piece of jewelry with it as it's in really good condition. So are the tips that are cone-shaped from our Zebra pens. I think they will make great jewelry cones, so I've been saving them. I'll send you a photo when I get around to making it. It'll be a challenge for me as I've not made anything like it before. Thanks for the inspiration. Catherine P.S. Sorry I missed your contest.

I think that thinking green is as important as buying handmade... Most of my scarf designs are created using up cycled t shirts.....not a bit goes to waste....sleeves are made into travel pouches! Please check out my shop!

This is all such great stuff! I myself do a lot of crafts, one of which is making bags from recycled fabric. I have one on my site, It is green with white outlines of flowers. It can hold anything from undergarments to jewelry. It is made from an upcycled thrift shop find.

This is really cool. I would love to be considered. Here is are some of my upcycled pieces. http://www.etsy.com/listing/32292858/vintage-garden-bracelet-roses-handmade http://www.etsy.com/listing/28407066/silver-fence-wire-wrapped-copper-vintage http://www.etsy.com/listing/27978338/vintage-metal-silver-flower-wire-wrapped

I didn't know about the contest but never too late to recycle lol

Great inspirations! Gets the creative juices flowing! Thanks to all the contestants for showing us a way to improve our life while improving our planet.

wow! these finds are terrific! lovelovelove the tie clutch! and the cool lampshade and also the "Scream" cardboard artwork very cool things here

Great info. I love the look of the home made from cargo containers as a designer and photographer the colors captivated me. What really intrigued me however what the recycled bottles... the idea of a green house made with plastic bottles is great. I went to the link and was amazed by what people have done. What people think up is just inspiring. Who new you could make a solar water heater out of glass bottles. In the US we take things like hot water for granted... desire and creativity are an amazing combo. Thanks for bring this to my attention.

very cool and inspiring!! :)

YAY for recycling and repurposing!! Great info!

The plantable gift tags are an awesome idea!!

I would love to see more!!

I love all these ideas...It inspires me to make more items in my "reincarnated" section

I guess it's true that, what is one man's garbage is another man's treasure. I heart this concept!

Repurposing is not only great the for environment, but for the seller, too. Why buy materials when there are materials all around you, just waiting to be crafted into something unique?

Reusing is fun too! it makes you feel so much more creative when you can turn something ordinary into something extraordinary!

I love the plastic bottle greenhouse idea! I've also been thinking of ways to reuse the caps from plastic bottles. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

I love to see what people are doing with recycling

this is great! If you are interested, you can check out my site: www.etsy.com/shop/olive34

I love this! And this is incredibly inspiring. As I work more on my shop, I hope to have a number of recycled clothing pieces up. Also, does anyone have an interesting idea on using old beer bottle caps?

I threw a couple of keyboards away and I still feel terible about - there is so much I could have made from them, the good thing is rarely discard of anything. Liz

Whoa! It is all amazing! My favorite is the Scream art.

I love looking at and buying recycled items, but have yet to dabble in actually creating things from recycled items...I must do this! Thanks for the ideas!

I use a lot of reclaimed wood that I get from building sites for my birdhouses etc. and I buy garage sale items and paint/use to make new items. I just did a blog post about them... http://mulberrylanefolkart.blogspot.com/

These story & pictures are so incredibly inspiring! I thoroughly enjoyed this!

I'm really inspired by all that is shown above. My husband and I recycle plastic bottles and are searching for a way to recycle glass and tin cans locally. However, after viewing what others have done sparks my interest in seeing if I can create something with this instead. Thanks for pushing us all to use our creative abilities to help the environment!!

When I first came to this country from Europe many years ago, I was appalled at the wastefulness I witnessed. From food to clothing, everything seemed to have a very short life and no thoughts were given to economizing and recycling. It is really gratifying to see that we finally are trying to minimize the negative impact on our environment and preserve our precious resources. Most of the materials I use have been recycled, repurposed, upcycled, usually have had one or two lives before I get a hold of them. Still, I know I could do a lot better.

I use recycled jewellery a lot in my designs, and most of my creations on my other etsy shop splendidemporium are recycled/upcycled/reworked vintage bits of jewellery

Recycled, Reusable Gift Tags http://www.etsy.com/listing/59357288/recycled-reusable-gift-tags The idea behind the tag is that you are telling the person you are giving the gift to that you’re reusing paper, perhaps newspaper, perhaps an old gift bag someone else gave to you, to wrap your gift. I guess the point is to give something decorative that says, “Don’t look at me like a cheapskate just because I wrapped your Ipad up in old newspaper, I’m trying to be green here!” I created a gift tag out of paper I recycled myself with decorative flourishes I made out of fused plastic (that’s recycled plastic shopping bags). The cover of the tag is overhead transparency sheet so all you have to do is wipe it down with water and you can reuse the tag again and again instead of throwing it away.

Being able to take something that had a previous life and breathe another life into it is amazing!!! What creativity!

wonderful stuff, I use old doors that have been left for trash as canvas to paint my zebras on. The hard wood is very strong and durable and the best thing is Im saving it from the landfill.

you guys should check out http://fourgreensteps.com Its the largest green marketplace in the world and my favorite place to shop for all my green products. Since converting to a greener lifestyle it has helped me a lot so hopefully it can help you guys too! enjoy!