Blue Velvet Chair

High Tea - Chandelier

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Sat, 26 May 2012 22:45:00 +0000

This jaw-dropping chandelier brings new meaning to high tea!

Makes me want to hop right on the plane and head to Valencia in Spain where this boutique is located, just to stand with head tilted upwards, staring at these stunning beauties. And I am SO trying to figure out how everything is connected to create such wonderful whimsy. I understand the stacked teacup arms, but how are the plates attached?

And now I'm thinking of this teacup chandelier that I posted on Facebook back in April. How can one forget such a spectacular creation?

via Magpie

Seriously. It's time. Time for high tea. Time to try one of these!

Until next time...

Mike

Magic { Recycled } Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:57:00 +0000

I was walking through the virtual garden of Etsy today and found quite a few things I'd like to see in my magic {recycled} garden this summer.

There's only one small problem in my plan...the garden only exists in my imagination. For now. My garden looks more like a jungle, a result of 40 years of roots-secured-in-the-ground growth of bushes, non-descript plants, and weeds.

But these little glories are available on Etsy if you want to hop over and find some garden jewels for yourself.

Magic Garden Etsy Treasury

Until next time...

Mike

I'm Having a Social Media Breakdown

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Yes, I admit. There are days when I feel like I'm having a social media breakdown.

I open Facebook thinking I'll just take a quick scan and reply to comments.
"5 minutes max," I say to myself. Must create. Must blog. Must...must...must...
"Oooh, there's a comment from someone new."
I hop over to their FB page to learn more about them.
And because I'm a visual person I click to photos, especially for blogs or a business.
One picture of a project leads to a website.
I make the hop.
"Oooh, nice page design," I say to myself.
I wonder who's behind the blog.
I wonder if they've created something with recycled or repurposed materials.
I look for DIY projects on their site.
Oh, that's cool. Gotta pin that on Pinterest.
Wait, it's from another site.
I make the hop to the new link.
Oooh, my FB friends would love to see that.
I share the project and link on FB.
Thank goodness that's an auto link straight to Twitter.
I pin the photo on Pinterest.
Sometimes I pin it to Pinspire, too.
Hmm....that project would be a great collection theme to put together for my blog.
Open Blogspot and copy the link to a post draft for later reference.
That reminds me, I have to contact X to see if they want to be interviewed for Artizen Magazine.
I think to myself, "Should I be using Google+ ?"
Hmm...what's that site that X has linked on their page?
Oooh, another home DIY site. Should I be posting projects over here, too?
Ugh...I don't have enough time for another site. I'm losing ground.
How does everyone do it?
I can't keep up.
And now it's 3 hours later.
I need to finish replying to my FB comments.
How will I ever be able to start selling my creations?
I don't have enough time to create.
Etc.
Etc.

And yesterday I got a visual picture that made me stop dead in my tracks.

via Business Insider

Besides the obvious omission of Pinterest (a mistake, I'm sure), this is a great visual showing the main social media software and apps by category. Imagine, this is only a sampling in many of the categories.

No wonder I'm on overload.
How will I ever keep up with 'what's new'?
How will I ever keep up with anything?
I'm having a social media breakdown.
How about you?

Until next time...
Mike

Monday Brain Works

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:16:00 +0000

It's Monday! Time to get the brain churning to get us through the week.

And what does that take? I heard mind puzzles are good. And coffee.

Know what else works?

A dose of "What's That ?!"

So off we go. Can you guess what this fun and funky kitchen backsplash is made from in the very first photo?

No? Okay, I'll give you another picture to help boost the brain power. I understand, the week is young.

Are you like me, stopping and looking at the individual tile images for clues? I tried...but couldn't find any.

And when I saw a close-up photo of the tiles...still didn't register for me. How about you?

What? Really?

How can you go from this....

...to this!

Art of Board

With a whole lot of creativity and a wide awake brain, that's how!

Hmmm...my brain is a bit slower, and this is the only option I've got in my garage...tucked in behind the mower that I put to good use yesterday.

And I remember that K painted the backside to cover a very boring basic brown - so I flipped it over to have a look. Not bad color choice...I wonder if he'd know it's missing.

I mean I love him and all, but I've never seen him practice enough to try this...

...and he's young, so I definitely don't want to see this!

But I could definitely think about something like this.

via Green Parenthood

Or even this.

via broodr

And this is just TOO COOL!

via Wave Avenue

But alas, I've only got this to work with.

Anyone want to meet me at the skateboard park?

Until next time...

Mike

How to Recycle Plastic Silverware

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:42:00 +0000

I love colored plastic silverware..the good thick kind. And I don't just use it once - it gets washed and returned to the cabinet for the next BBQ with friends and family. But after looking around today to find a day's worth of inspiration to show how to recycle plastic silverware, I might have to retire some pieces into something more inspiring. Here's 14 of the best ideas I found out there.

A group of students saved their knives from countless lunch meetings and turned them into this glorious recycled knives lampshade - via Inhabitat

That same group of students created these recycled plastic silverware lamps as well - via Inhabitat

Recycle your plastic spoons for a porcelain-looking flower to adorn your creations - via Cut out and Keep

I love the X-ray transparancy of this recycled plastic silverware lamp when the light is on - via behance

How about a recycled plastic fork wig for bad hair days? - via Indulgy

It's bright and would be easy to make with recycled spoons - via Country Living

Love the colors, now to make it recycled! - via Addicted 2 Decorating

Recycle your plastic spoons for a special decorative touch for your DIY projects - via Shabby Beach Nest

You've seen silverware rings...this one is from a recycled plastic fork - via Flickr

Recycled spoons make great puppets for the kids - via Creative Jewish Mom

As long as they've been washed, plastic spoons can be used over and over like on this party tree - via Jellyfish Jelly

I like the colors used on this recycled spoon chandelier - via Tchochkes

And when all else fails...build yourself a recycled plastic spoon pyramid! - via Technogad

Until next time...

Mike

Butterflies and Dragonflies - DIY Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Tutorial time!

Did you see yesterday's post with pics of the two dragonflies and their butterfly cousin? They were inspired by the great creations at Lucy Designs and you can find tutorials on her site - but here's what I used and how I did it.

The body: I got an old table offered on our local Freecycle site and promptly removed the gorgeous legs that already had 2 different paint colors on them (I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the table top). I sanded down the outer color to show some of the green beneath. Then I added some additional acrylic blues and grays with some broad brush strokes and using a rag to wipe in the paint.

The wings: The butterfly sports fan blade wings that I had dismantled from a thrift store fan and they were ready to simply screw onto the back of the table leg. Then it was a few nights in front of the TV with a hot glue gun and box of misc. beads and baubles to glam up those wings.

I had some rusty metal straps - used in industrial shipping - that I'd picked up in a field and drilled a hole in the ends and screwed to the back of the table leg for the bottom wings. I loved the effect of those rusty straps and also used them for the dragonfly...and thinking about making some garden flowers as well.

The eyes: The final step was to get out my box of scrap metal bits that I typically pick up off the streets when walking - and soon I had eyes and antennas for my flying insects.

Once again - a huge thanks to Lucy Designs for the original inspiration. It's a fun project and I've still got another table leg to experiment with!

Until next time...

Mike

Also partying at:
My Repurposed Life
Simple Home Life
Remodelholic
Redoux
Common Ground
The Shabby Nest

Dragonflies and Butterflies

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Dragonflies and butterflies...

If you are like me, you also keep a TRY or Die board on Pinterest - with the all of the projects that you really want to DIY. I have a board like that, and it's BURSTING at the seams with over 200 ideas! I'm finally trying some of them and having the best of times with the inspiration shared by others.

One project I've been wanting to try for quite a while now are Lucy's dragonflies over at Lucy Designs. They captured my attention at first glance and were one of the first ideas I ever added to my 'must try' Pinterest board. She just posted a new batch and she's even selling them now on Etsy if you want to skip the DIY and purchase one of her fabulous creations.

I invited my friend Marie over and we created these three cuties:

Lucy has shared tutorials in the past and you can search her site to find one...or come back to visit tomorrow and I'll tell a bit of how we made ours. Thanks for your creativity and inspiration, Lucy! My home style just got a nice addition thanks to you.

Until next time...

Mike

p.s. Is your 'try or die' list over at Pinterest packed as well? Leave a link to your board - I'd love to come have a peek.

A Day's Worth of Inspiration - Before & After

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 +0000

It's Monday...and time for a day's worth of inspiration to get this week started!

Today I'm going to share some spectacular before & after pics to give the full fabulous effect of upcycled, recycled, and repurposed designs.

recycled and repurposed with Régis Mayot via Manufractured

upcycled by Anouchka Potdevin

upcycled at BHG

can you see the before and after for these upcycled shoes from Brassy Apple?

love the pallet wall created for this boy's room at East Coast Creative

Now let's create!

Until next time...
Mike

Friends Who Know You

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:01:00 +0000

What does every person need? Friends who know you!

I had two friends pick up some thrift store goodies for me these past 2 weeks - and now I have no doubt in my mind that they know me...really know me! Have a look at what they dropped by with:

Top picture: I've started to experiment with glass garden towers and needed some toppers. These candle holders (imagine them turned the other way and in a metal holder) fit the bill perfectly!
Middle picture: Additions to my sweet little collection of Rosa Ljung (Sweden) ceramics.
Bottom Picture: Do you remember the post I had some months back with all the fabulous ideas for redesigning and repurposing globes? I'm gonna have some fun now!

With friends like these who thrift...me thinks me shall never have to leave the house again! Thanks Laurie and Marie!

Until next time...
Mike

Reclaimed Wood Goodness

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:03:00 +0000

How about a little reclaimed wood goodness for today's eye candy?

I'm lusting over these adorable creatures made from reclaimed wood over at 508 Restoration and Design.

Amy at Four Corners Design sure knows how to bring it with the reclaimed wood eye candy!

I want a wall full of these gorgeous painted tree stumps! Wouldn't they look fab with the blue velvet chair?

Want to see more? Hop over to this Pinterest board where you'll find 150 ways to bring new life to old wood.

Until next time...

Mike

Dumster Diving

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:48:00 +0000

These guys from graypants don't know me at all, but they captured my heart the moment I saw them dumpster diving in their video.

And the moment those recycled cardboard lights come on and they are there sitting so casually on the sofa...what a fabulous feeling captured!

In their own words, "we responsibly create products, architecture, and other fun things around the world."

Like this cool table made from scrap wood pieces.

These recycled cardboard lamps caught my eye today and sent me on the search to find their maker. What a fun surprise to land on graypants' website for a burst of recycled product eye candy.

And this adorable scrap doghouse was auctioned off for a good cause.

There's more to see where these came from...so give the boys some love and appreciation with a visit.

Until next time...

Mike

Recycled / Repurposed / Upcycled - A Day's Worth of Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:16:00 +0000

It's Monday! And time for a quick shot of recycled / repurposed / upcycled DIY inspiration. Still confused over those terms? Check out this quick and easy to understand post to help you make the right distinction.

Ready? Set? Go!

It's amazing how a can of spray paint and a little fabric can revive a mismatched set of chairs - via Decor Demon

This recycled canoe - turned - bench is a showstopper, but don't miss the old newspapers on the wall in a map outline of the world continents - via Wabi Sabi

An adjustable chair base becomes a funky little side table - BHG via Decor Hacks

Can you believe this desk is made from recycled piano parts? - via GadgetSponge

Need to roll out of your chair after a large dinner? This repurposed CD/DVD chair is the answer. Via Just Stuff I Find.

Well this is a twist! These beautiful shelves will repurpose as a coffin at the end of your life. A bit creepy...but clever. William Warren via Inhabitat

Repurposed suitcases are not just for dogs...like these cool suitcase chairs and stools via Just Stuff I Find.

Short on space for seating? How about this recycled cardboard chair that stretches to seat up to 16! From Chishen Chiu via Design Blog.

Now that's the way to get the week started!

Until next time...

Mike

Music Fills the Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:47:00 +0000

It has absolutely nothing to do with recycled or repurposed design, but I've decided that this story how music fills the soul was the best thing that I could share with the world today. It resonates with me, and I hope you'll enjoy it, too.

Now I'm already planning on how to get my favorite songs from the years compiled for my later years in life. It's something that I've wanted to do for a long time, and this story just shows me how important that may become. Do you have a song that always lifts your mood? I know, there are so many it's hard to choose.

One of my all-time favorites is an obscure little song from Sam Harris in 1986 - he covered Gershwin's Always. Now I'm really dating myself here, but if I remember correctly, Sam was the first ever winner of Star Search with Ed McMahon. Too bad I can't find a video clip of this song anywhere on YouTube (or elsewhere for that matter) - but I found this very short snippet of Sam Harris singing Always if you'd like to have a listen. Does anyone else out there remember Sam Harris? He's still kickin' on broadway and such these days. Back then he had a tux jacket, jeans and Converse.

So, spend a moment today and start thinking what music you might gather to bring you back to life when you're older.

Until next time...
Mike

It's All Part of the Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:03:00 +0000

I saw this quote today and it made me stop in my tracks. I mean seriously, I've had some big project flops over the years. One of my son's favorite phrases right now is "Epic fail!" and I laugh every time it runs through my head when a project isn't going as planned.

Blogs can be deceiving, can't they? I mean, how many times do we really post the failures. I've got lots. Like these two from Christmas that never saw the light of day on Blue Velvet Chair ('til now).

They look okay in these photos, don't they? But guess what? They were epic fails. The black and copper paint that I squirted into the clear xmas bulbs totally separated the next day and what I ended up with were these wierd clear bulbs with spots and speckles of paint inside. Hideous. Needless to say, they were never gifted as intended. And those pinecones...they look cute enough in this picture. I wanted to try a paint dip like I'd seen on Martha Stewart's page - but when I got all of these dipped and looked at them the next day, they just looked like pinecones that had been dropped in paint and not at all like the high-design images in my head.

Epic fail.

But what I know for sure is that I would never swoon over my "yes, I did it!" projects if I never stumbled. I literally giggle inside every time I glance over at my rolled magazine page mirror on the wall - or each time I graze my fingers across the button mirror when walking by. And in those moments I feel nothing but joy.

And for that, I'm willing to fail every now and then.

Until next time...

Mike

The Possibilities of Art

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:52:00 +0000

Thank goodness for creative people that awaken us to the possibilities of art. My favorite kind of art is public! And it doesn't have to be in the form of a traditional painting or sculpture to make me seriously swoon. Like these wall carving portraits by Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto (aka Vhils).

Shanghai

Italy

London

Moscow

Portugal

Honestly, I don't think I'll ever look at a crumbling wall the same again. Make sure to click through to Vhils' site to see more amazing examples of his carved wall portraits.

And given that I talked about a wall painting on the side of a house this past weekend on Facebook - it's a safe bet to say that I've got big outdoor wall art on my brain.

Would you dare to have a painting on the side of your house?

Until next time...

Mike

Fingers and Friends and DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Remember several weeks ago when I mentioned on Facebook that I electrocuted myself? Just found this photo that I took...shows the entry and exit point of my shocked little finger. I know, I know...it looks pitifully small and insignificant. But I promise you it gave me a real jolt and throbbed for the rest of the day!

Well, that's the end of the story about my finger. Now on to the 'Friends and DIY' part of this post. My friend, Marie, is the real creative type...but like many of the moms out there with small kids, she struggles to find the time to fully explore that side of her that just screams to get out. So when she does experiment, it's great fun!

On a recent visit, she showed me how she was recycling and folding magazine pages for a project. What she ended up with were tiny little 2 inch x 2 inch squares. That's definitely a project to sit with while watching the TV. And I shivered as I had memories of doing the same with my rolled magazine pages for the mirror. When her project was done, she showed us this board. Those are thumbtacks in the center of each square holding the folded magazine page together.

Well I thought that was destined straight for the wall for a solid dose of color happiness! And then she dropped a bombshell. "I'm thinking of using it for something else," she said. But she wouldn't say what until she was done. What could it be? A headboard was my best guess. No, that wasn't it.

A tabletop! She turned it into a tabletop for a ratty old table that she picked up at the thrift store for about $5, painted dark gray, laid her magazine art on top and covered with a piece of glass. Voila! Happy colors to sit beside and snuggle up on her sofa.

Well done, Marie. Well done!

Until next time...

Mike

Recycled and Repurposed Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:18:00 +0000

Although it's raining cats and dogs here today, I can't seem to get my mind off of all the possibilities of a recycled and repurposed garden. And thank goodness there are so many creative people out there to satisfy my inspiration needs! Here's some ideas that are screaming to be shared!

recycled pallet wall garden from Stacy K Floral

vintage wash basin and sewing machine stand from unknown source

recycled wagon wheel garden via Pinterest

painted wash basin garden via Facebook

recycled shovel flower from Turning Dirt to Food

repurposed funnel for mini garden from This Old House

recycled windows greenhouse via Pinterest

garden art from repurposed wagon wheel and spindles from RoboJunker

recycled garden tool trellis at BHG

driftwood arch at BHG

Have you started working in your garden yet? I'm itching to...it's just so gosh darn wet!

Until next time...

Mike

Lego Street Art

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:34:00 +0000

I've seen knit bombing, sweater bombing, plastic cap bombing, and I've even been thinking about organizing my own hubcap flower bombing in my town. Now there's Lego street art - aka Lego bombing!

It seems to be popping up around the world, and after searching through tons of websites that all listed source after source, I finally landed on Dispatchworks.info with an interactive map of the world - just click the country of choice to find the lego bombs in action.

lego in Arnsberg, Germany

lego in Barcelona, Spain

Lego in Lausanne, France

Lego in Nabeul, Tunisia

Lego in New York, New York

Lego in Venice, Italy

There are plenty more examples to see at Dispatchwork. Are you inspired to go out and lego bomb in your area? If you do, make sure to send Dispatchwork your photos and location!

Until next time...

Mike

How to Recycle Bedsheets

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:45:00 +0000

It all started when I got hooked watching the video showing how to recycled bedsheets into an adorable maxi dress. Then of course I had to go looking around for more. And I've decided...my bedsheets are boring!

woven rag rug from your recycled sheets at Craft Passion - includes tutorial

Don't miss this fabulous maxi dress made from a recycled sheet.

vintage sheet monogrammed napkins at Craftstylish

a 70s mod recycled sheet skirt at Lethal!

shower curtain made from recycled sheets at aboutgoodness.com

recycled-sheet girl's shirts from Jetta's Nest

dress made from recycled sheets at Dana Becher

tote bag made from recycled sheets at Matriochkaaa on Etsy

Fabric of Memory art installation from recycled bedsheets by Ellen Wishnetsky

What do your sheets look like?

Until next time...
Mike

Upcycle vs. Repurpose

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:41:00 +0000

Do you know "what's what" with the DIY terms upcycle vs. repurpose? I see these words used interchangeably over and over again, and often in the wrong context. So I thought I would share a quick lesson to help you distinguish your own DIY projects.

Upcycle, in very simple terms, is taking something and making it better. It's the reuse of an item that will still be used in the same way - but it looks new and improved. Upcycling can be achieved through paint, add-ons, new upholstery, etc. Here's a great example with upcycled side tables from Running with Scissors (includes a tutorial).

Repurpose, quite simply, is taking one thing and reusing it as something else. Like this fun example below of a footboard repurposed as a chalkboard sign from My Salvaged Treasures.

And guess what? Both of these examples are Recycled - which simply means that they aren't ending up in a landfill somewhere on the planet. They have been given a second life and another chance to be loved again.

Hope that helps! So what is your current project? Upcycled or repurposed?

Until next time...
Mike

1 Top, 16 Ways to Wear it

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:29:00 +0000

Today has really been a day of 'how to see things differently'. And in the process, I landed on some great videos that really have me rethinking how to use my wardrobe. And there's a bonus - no sewing!!!

In this first video, the super cute video host shows 1 sweater and 16 ways to wear it! But I'm quite sure this could work with a nice long top as well - at least I'm gonna give it a try!

She also shows 30 ways to wear a button down shirt. I'm more keen to try the sweater, but what's more important here is that she really has me thinking about what's possible in a new way.

I absolutely loved seeing this example from a young lady who inherited a top from her dad. When I see someone this young that is willing to experiment with repurposing, I have great hope for the future!

There are so many examples out there - now I just need to get some pieces out and experiment! How about you? Would you wear any of these styles?
Until next time...Mike

Recycled Road Sign Sculptural Fence

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:22:00 +0000

The latest edition of Artizen Magazine is published - turn to page 32 for my article featuring an unbelievable sculptural fence made from recycled road signs in Pennsylvania (United States).

You won't want to miss this project that took nearly 10 years to build, is as long as four (4) football field lengths, and represents a true commitment to community art and sustainability.

I would be so happy driving past something like this every day in my own community. Hmmm...maybe it's time to schedule a meeting with the city council! Do I dare? Do you?

Read full article here.

Until next time,

Mike

HGTV.com Reveal

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:59:00 +0000

It's official! Let my 15 minutes begin.

My DIY projects made it on the pages of HGTV.com - both of them! I was approached and asked if I had any unique storage ideas for the garage. Guess what? I didn't! My first chance to be featured by a major DIY big shot and I didn't have a single thing to share for the garage. I barely have any finished projects in my house...let alone the garage! So I whipped up a couple of things and sent them to the journalist and crossed my fingers. They used them both!

See HGTV.com slideshow here.

Of course when you release your stuff to the editors, they get to pick and choose what they want. And let me tell you, taking photos inside my dark little garage didn't give the best results. But let me share with you all the pics that I shared with them.

Hanging Hubcap Shelf

Made from my growing collection of abandoned hubcaps (I have plans to make more recycled hubcap flowers)

Garden Tool Grab

Made from a scrap piece of wood, 2 pieces of driftwood, an old wire basket, and a couple of little glass plates with recycled magazine pages mod podged to the back for an extra dose of happy for the garage.

You can probably just look at them and figure out how to DIY your own, but I'll share some before and after pics later this week so you can see the various parts I pulled together.

There was an extra bonus in all of this as well. One of my favorite artisans out there is Brian Carlisle with GadgetSponge. He makes the most wonderfully whimsical bird houses. The journalist who approached me also saw one of Brian's cool license plate clocks on one of my blog posts and I introduced the two of them - and Brian's clock made the cut as well. Congrats, Brian!

I love several of the other unique garage storage solutions, especially the file cabinet turned on its side as a tool holder. But you won't be seeing any more garage DIY from me for a while. I have a LONG list of things to play and experiment with on the inside of our home and in the garden!

OK. 15 minutes are over.

Until next time...

Mike

10 Ways to Recycle Plastic Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:56:00 +0000

Are you planning to go shopping this weekend? Don't throw out those plastic bags - I've got some fun DIY ideas from around the world that will get the "I need to try this" juices flowing!

During my (neverending) quest to find recycled arts and crafts inspiration the world over to share with you, I've recently stumbled on some seriously fun and funky ideas coming out of South Africa. There are some fabulous artisans being developed down there...like this colorful chicken made from recycled plastic bags from WOW Imports.

I'd have no problem being caught carrying around one of these little recycled plastic handbags of joy (also made in South Africa at African Home).

The South Africans are well recognized for their wrapping technique of recycled plastic bags, which inspired this limited edition Inkuku chair available at Ryan Frank, also made with recycled plastic bags.

Did you know that the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that there are 46,000 pieces of plastic litter, including plastic bags, floating in every square mile of ocean? That's why it's so important to support the creative individuals that are helping us all by reusing this 'nearly impossible to kill' material - individuals like Camila Labra in Chile who's boots are mostly made from fused plastic bags. They come in almost every color imaginable!

I keep staring at these bracelets to see if I can figure out how they are wrapped - these thrifted bracelets wound with recycled plastic bags are available from BTC Elements.

One of my dreams is to work with a company like rag-bag, a partnership between India and Holland to make these fabulous products made from recycled plastic bags, fused and repurposed. These are some of the best examples I've seen! And...if you have an extra 4 minutes to watch their motivational video, please do have a look. It's 4 minutes well spent.

It might not be breathable material, but this dress made from fused plastic bags at ThreadBanger is helping to reduce toxic plastic particles that enter our food chain via unsuspecting animals that accidently digest scrap plastic in landfills or on the streets.

I find the color combo in these recycled plastic bag trash cans to be as exciting as those found in recycled magazine page projects (like that mirror frame I made last year). Find these and LOTS of other recycled plastic products at The SPIRAL Foundation.

These massive mandalas on the wall by Virginia Fleck in the United States? That's right...recycled plastic bags fused together. Could you imagine such beauty from something that is destined for the trash each and every day?

And finally, our last showcase of the day is this fantastic recycled plastic bag carry-all from Smateria in Cambodia.

I don't want to bring down the party, but it's important to educate ourselves while we're having fun. When this little guy chews on scrap plastic found on our beaches and in our oceans, the sad fact is that he'll most likely die by starvation when the plastic clogs his intestines (info via Envirosax).

If you're not ready to DIY recycled plastic bags into a little something for yourself, make sure to find a plastic bag recycler near you - like Plastic Bag Recycling organization in the United States. Let's work towards keeping the plastic in our hands and out of the nature.

Until next time...
Mike

What's That ?!

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Velvet Chair) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:36:00 +0000

Are you ready for this edition of "What's That ?!" Take a minute to get yourself a cup of coffee, kick up your feet, and settle in to the blue velvet chair. This time we're paying a visit to Borneo-born Hong Yi, a young architect by day, artist in the after hours.

Inspired by one of his songs, Hong Yi pays homage to Taiwanese singer Jay Chou with his portrait. Can you see what she 'painted' it with?

How exciting to be this young and talented.

Like many, Hong Yi begins her day with a warm cup of coffee. It's what she does with it afterwards that is genius.

Most people find it annoying when the coffee spills over onto the saucer, making a mess. Not so with Hong Yi. She's creating!

By now I don't have to tell you that this portrait was made with coffee cup stains. Did you see it in the first photo?

Relax for 2 more minutes and watch the video as she creates this beautiful portrait.

Not finished with your own coffee yet? Why not watch as she paints basketball star Yao Ming - using a basketball as her paintbrush!

Go on...you know you want to. Get out some paper and start creating with coffee in hand.

Until next time...
Mike