Call it what you want - recycled, upcycled, reused, repurposed, reinvented, rescued, etc., my goal with this shop is to use items that would be destined for landfills and turn them into useful, beautiful items - something you would be proud to own and give as a gift.

The recycled lighted wine bottles are 100% handmade by me in my studio. It's not unusual for me to come home and find a bag of wine bottles on my doorstep, sadly they are always empty.

I started painting on wine bottles 10 years ago creating decorative bottles for my flavored vinegars to be displayed on my kitchen counter. By chance I noticed people were inserting lights through the top of empty wine bottles, no painting - just the original labels. I thought I can do this one better, and I started on crafting the perfect lighted wine bottle. All of my wine bottles are lit with rice lights adding a perfect glow to the bottle that is not too bright. Occasionally I will use liquor bottles to create a special occasion lighted bottle that will fit the shape and design of the lighted bottle. Wine bottle lamps are available for many holidays - including the popular Bottle of Boos, as well as illuminated wine lights for everyday to fit your home décor.

Another aspect of my shop is my recycled plastic bags that are hand crocheted into area rugs and tote bags and purses. I have a large collection of recycled plastic bags that I've been collecting over the years in wide spectrum of colors. All of the recycled bags are clean and kept in space bags until I have a design to work on. The accent rugs are created either with plastic bags only or a combination of plastic bags and yarn. I love turning the two elements into fabulous long wearing rugs and women's fashion bags and totes. Visitors to my home are fascinated that my rugs are made from plastic bags, they want to touch and feel them and are surprised that the material is soft but unbelievably durable. Tote bags can used as an everyday bag, shopping, gym, book bag, they are very versatile and strong. Specialty bags are available - lined clutches, yoga bags, insulated lunch bags and insulated wine totes. What's great about a plastic bag is that if you recycle it into a crochet bag it will last forever.

My newest venture involves repurposing fabric, either using remnants or restyling a piece of clothing that can no longer be worn due to a mishap. All of the repurposed fabric is cleaned and inspected and redesigned into a new fashion accessory. If an item of clothing is suitable for donation, it will be donated, but the clothing I use have a flaw which would make it not desirable for resale. I work around the flaws and rescue the best parts of the fabric to create truly one of a kind fashion accessories.

Please enjoy browsing my eco-friendly shop.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecycleThyme?ref=si_shop

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
-- Native American Proverb