Rags to Rugs

There are many styles of rag rugs, and I found an artist creating the crocheted version at PineywoodsFolkArts on etsy. The traditional art of rug making with rags is a refreshing return of the waste-not-want-not concept that has nearly lost its voice in our disposable world. When the idea of throwing anything away was a last resort, worn clothing, linens, and fabric scraps were put to good use in rug making. Although we no longer need these rugs to cover dirt floors or keep out drafts as so many generations before us did, we can appreciate the rebirth of a T-shirt, which has seen its last useful day, into the mosaic of a useful rug that will be around for many years to come.

This mother and daughter team produces a shop of rag rugs and jewelry, and each incorporates rescued materials in their artistic pieces. Daughter Bean handles the crochet hook with ease in her transformation of seemingly useless rag to beautiful and durable rag rugs. Andi is the self professed jewelry geek with a recycler's heart. Be sure to see her fishing lure earrings; perfect for anyone who patiently waits hours for that exciting nibble at the end of a line.

This terrific team calls Texas home, ships to the United States, and is found on Facebook. They have a presence on ArtFire. Most of their creations are one-of-a-kind, but if you are interested in a special jewelry or rug design, they are waiting to hear from you. Fabrics from a loved one can be made into a mantel or table decoration, as well as a rug. It's nice to see a shop where Recycling Works!

Beaded Rope

I almost called this post 'The Beaded Snake' as that is what came to mind when I first saw one of Nona's necklaces at Lanmom on etsy. Wondering how they are made, I was surprised to find that individual strands of beads are crocheted together forming these wonderful patterns. This artist's true passion for crochet is quite evident in the variety of her shop's hooked offerings.

Nona takes some pretty snaps, and I did a double-take on her photo of a well watered red raspberry to make sure it wasn't a beaded double. She also has a line of retro bracelets, and it's nice to see another innovative soul using pop caps. Her hand is in macramé and card making too. Nona must have a 'Got to try this list' as long as mine.

This busy lady calls Utah home, sends internationally, and is found on Facebook. Be sure to take a stroll through her inspired shop and see where the creative spirit has lead her. So, as Monty Python and Nona put it...And now for something completely different...Amazing wearable art created one bead at a time!

Wooden Petals

Here is an eco friendly shop that truly takes recycling to heart with stunning results. Unwanted wood is given a second life at AccentsandPetals on ArtFire. They create gorgeous flowers by carefully shaving rescued wood for each wonderful petal. I have fond memories of my grand dad out in the barn with curlicues coming from his hand plane. They can make a wide variety of flowers, so if you don't see your favorite, send them a photo and they will work botanical magic.

I am amazed by the splendor of their floral creations. The zinnias sport the dried center of a real flower for special effect. They have a line of flowers made from leaves that have been fossilized; a process of preservation giving them a very long lifetime. You will also find colorful spiral flowers that would make perfect table accents. I upcycle old maps into gift tags, but this inventive shop decoupages them into one-of-a-kind jewelry.

These exotic beauties bloom in the Philippines and are shipped internationally. You can visit them on Facebook and find their other shop on zibbet. More examples of possible bouquets, pomanders, centerpieces, corsages, and boutonnieres are found on their blog. A tutorial on building your own bouquet from an assortment of their flowers looks easy to follow, and allows you to add a personal touch. They are willing and able to make your special requests, just contact them with your ideas.

Graceful Swan Origami

As many of you know. I strongly believe in reusing, recycling and upcycling, so it was heartwarming to discover RutisRoots on etsy. Ruti symbolically turns ugly ducklings into swans when she uses paper heading for the dustbin to create glorious 3D sculptures. Her graceful birds come in a variety of colors. Select a loyal swan to hold your nightstand treasures or become the eye-catching focal point of your desk.

Ruti has bowls in a variety of sizes available. What a wonderful presentation for hospitality mints, or my favorite, Hershey kisses! The designs she brings out in her bowls are amazing, and I continue to marvel at her creative genius, turning scraps of unwanted paper into remarkable works of useful art.

She also makes colorful magnets, which become perfect event favors, and has a line of note cards. This shop truly embodies upcycling in action!

Ruti folds her sturdy treasures in Israel, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. This charming lady was a featured etsy seller, and her interview gives further insight into her resourceful and imaginative spirit. If you are interested in a particular design and color, please contact Ruti. She will be happy to discuss your paper vision.

What's Bugging You?

Well it certainly won't be any of these cute little bugaboos from the LuckyBugs shop on zibbet. Daresa has populated her very own colony of Lucky Bugs in a charming array of colors and designs. The flowing antennae and lacey legs give each insect an elegant appearance, and those little faces staring back are precious!

Camouflage bug has got to bring a smile, and the Silver Bug lapel pin is an eye catcher. Every one of her handmade creatures is a true one-of-a-kind work of art with personality, sure to be enjoyed and treasured for many years to come.

This lady absolutely loves playing with polymer clay, and her cheery creations are evidence of her joy. Discover her second shop on zibbet, Daresab, for more examples of her inventive creative energy. She truly upcycled a tobacco tin in a stunning beach themed trinket box, and the hummingbird is amazing!

Daresa models her menagerie in South Carolina, ships internationally, can be found on Facebook, and also has an Etsy shop. Would you like to see a Lucky Bug in your favorite, school or team colors? She enjoys the challenge of custom orders, and will gladly work with you bringing your unique ideas to life. Here is a wonderful surprise for the avid gardener on your gift list – bugs that won’t need spray!

Plarn Creations

As many of you know, recycling is dear to my heart. Anything we can do to keep materials from our landfill is a benefit to all, and the creative recycling and upcycling of these materials, turning them into beautiful and useful items, is very satisfying.

There is a shop on ArtFire doing just that, KConkle.
Karen crochets a line of beautiful bags and totes made from 100% recycled plastic shopping bags in a range of lovely colors and designs. Her husband Terry offers wonderful support and collects bags from coworkers who know of Karen's marvelous creative talent.
 
Karen hooks her eco-friendly creations in Kansas, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. Like me, she has recently opened a shop at ShopHandmade, and should have it stocked with more of her wonderful recycled treasures shortly.
Plarn is soft, strong, waterproof, and has marvelous insulating properties. Be sure to stop by her ArtFire blog if you would like to know the secret to perfectly cutting a bag into a long usable length of Plarn to crochet or knit your own upcycled item. Thank you Karen, I applaud your efforts!