By M Kimball, ElephantBeads

JudysDesigns – Fold Formed Metalwork Earrings

We are living in an era of repurposing. It’s not just because of the Great Recession, theories about global warming, or fears about scarce resources. There is a new level of creativity on the rise that helps us see the things around us with new eyes – and to see our own power to create something completely new.

This creative urge has fueled the DIY and Maker movements – and it also fuels many artisans on Etsy. A number of DTeam shops feature upcycled, recycled or repurposed materials. Here are just a few:

Judy at JudysDesigns notes that many of the metalwork pieces she uses for her jewelry are from found metals. The thick wire is from a spool found in a car given to her husband for scrap. The sheet metal is from leftover home improvement projects, and the aluminum hoop earrings are cut from leftover sections of airplane strut material.

WhatsInGrampasShack – Painted Slate with Cardinal

Colleen at WhatsInGrampasShack notes that all of the slates she uses for painted home accessories were at one time on a church roof in Honeybrook, Pennsylvania. What a lovely example of recycling, repurposing and upcycling!

And finally, Lisa from LovinTheGoodOleDays upcycles clothing in her fashion creations. She adds bling to tank tops, and repurposes sweaters into beautiful dresses, skirts and other creations.

Upcycled Women’s Tank Top from LovinTheGoodOleDays

Each of these artists is using the materials around her to create something new, something that brings a fresh perspective into the world in the form of usable, functional artwork.