The concept of "Upcycling"

One of my favorite things to do in my jewelry design is to use things that need new life. Many people use the word "recycling" or "upcycling" to describe this method of taking something that is used and repurposing it into something new. I love this concept. It is good for the environment and allows for creative expression through everyday items. Here are some examples of things I have used in pieces I consider "upcycled".

1.) Old bottle caps and pop tabs.
I really enjoy taking old bottle caps and turning them into interesting jewelry pieces as well as magnets and coasters.  I myself use resin and confetti or other "found objects" to do this.  I have seen other artists simply use paper print out and glue.  The sky is really the limit. 
I have also seen other artists, such as Cindy's Creative Crochet, using pop tabs to create new and fun
accessories.

2.) Vintage costume jewelry bits and pieces.
This is hands down my very favorite kind of thing to upcycle.  I love to buy and use old vintage costume jewelry pieces in my newer designs.  For example, this sim
ple bracelet  was made by taking this old vintage milk glass neck
lace,

and adding in czech glass beads and findings in my normal stock.  Lovely, simple and upcycled.  I've done LOTS of pieces like this and
they are some of my best sellers.

3.) Sea shells, watch parts and other "found objects" available.  Anything you can find in your everyday surroundings is considered a "found object".  I've seen LOTS of creative ideas with this concept.  I myself have used pressed flowers, watch parts, microwave parts, computer mother boards, confetti, catalogue and magainze cut outs, cigar bands and so much more to create unique and unusual jewelry pieces, magnets and coasters.  There is really no limit to what a person can do with found objects.  A friend of mine in an art class once used a large clam shell she had.  She actually punch some holes in it and placed rivets in the holes!  It was an amazing piece and a stunning idea. 

So, whatever you choose to recycle or "upcycle", be it old clothing, vintage pictures, pop cans, bottles... have fun with it!  Everything has the potential for creative rebirth in the right hands!

Cindy's Creative Crochet

Today's featured Artfire artist is called Cindy's Creative Crochet!
Cindy started crocheting about 5 years ago. she's a self taught crocheter and still can not read a written crochet pattern. She also has begun making creative things out of pop tabs! Cindy is the mother of 5 children between the ages of 6 and 12 and is happily married. she also enjoys belly dancing, baking and making ice cream.
I asked Cindy a few questions about herself and her crafting. Here are her answers.
How did you first get into your craft?
The crocheting I saw a friend crocheting and figured out how to do basic chain stitches and the rest followed. I began with the wire after seeing a very simple chained copper necklace, and decided to try. I have very large hands and can\'t get a bracelet off the rack that fits me, so this was a great thing.
Is there any other particular artist or person in your life that influences or inspires you?
I love to make jewelry with beads made by my friend Elaine of Tooaquarius (mailto:www.Tooaquarius@artfire.com ) and my kids and husband are a huge support.
What are your favorite materials to work with and why? Well Elaine's beads as mentioned, they are so cool as soon as I see a new batch of them i have ideas on what other beads to use, colour wire ect and copper wire, it just has a nice warm natural feel to it.
Is there anything that you do that you think makes your creations stand apart from similar ones/ your competitors?
Not too many people use the pop tabs or crochet wire! I make up my own designs so they can\'t look too much like other peoples designs. I also do a lot of custom orders so people can really have what they want.
Anything else you would like my readers to know about (sales, coupons, other services you offer)?
As I just mentioned i love to do custom orders so if you see something in the shop that appeals but you want a different colour scheme, like the design but want it as a necklace rather than bracelet or a larger or smaller size, please feel free and welcome to ask! Currently I am working on making pop tab belts, not sure when I\'ll have them up, but hope for it to be within the next couple weeks.
You can find Cindy's lovely crocheted creations on Artfire at
Cindy's Creative Crochet