Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Second Time Sweethearts

Love is sweeter the second time around when it comes to up-cycling the past into heart-melting tokens of love for that special someone on Valentine's Day.

 

These Etsy up-cycle artists have created perfect gifts using vintage jewelry, paper ephemera and even skateboards!  Shop early for the best selection and don't forget to favorite these shops to keep up with innovative ideas in up-cycling!

 

Top shelf vintage Valentines look oh-so-adorable propped up in old flower frogs!  Find both at VintageShoppingSpree where holiday ephemera and true vintage craft supplies are offered at affordable prices!

 

AmySueCollectibles creates romantic vignettes using old jewelry, found items, and dreamy fabrics.  An up-cycler extraordinaire, this Etsy artist transforms today's cast-offs into heirloom treasures. 

 

 Take bits of old jewelry, add Victorian sensibility and top it off with unbelievable prices and ADifferentPlace is the exquisite result!  Truly one-of-a-kind gifts dwell here!

 

 RVRAL revives old skateboards into hip wooden jewelry with appeal across the board!  Rings, earrings, and pendants perfect for the eco-enthusiastic.

All bibliophiles will find love at BookwormSalon!  Vintage dictionary pages host original printed artwork perfect for display throughout the year.  Request a custom order to have this artist make something extra special for the love of your life!

To keep the love going, search up-cycled heart on Etsy!

 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Love Me Two Times

The season of love is fast approaching! Let your love save the environment by giving Valentine gifts made from recycled parts.

 Etsy up-cycle artists are busy creating unique tokens of love so shop now to grab that special gift before it's gone!

 

Perfect sentiment banners are even more heartfelt in recycled paper!  Artesenias knows a thing or two about love!  This Etsy shop is a must-fave for personalized party favors and wedding essentials.  Shop this fab store now until 2/14/14 and receive a generous 15% off your purchase!  (Use coupon code BYYOURHANDS15)  Now THAT is sharing the love!

Give your Valentine the gift of garden flowers. Vibrant colored seed bombs from PulpArt come with whimsical planting instructions just right for classroom parties, wedding favors or for the seasoned gardener.

Show your love with one-of-a-kind jewelry incorporating up-cycled elements.  Wearwolf  transforms the unwanted into whimsical "must-haves".  This lovely heart pendant is cut from a discarded metal shade! Swing into this store and be amazed by the beauty of recycling!

Keep the kiddos busy with imaginative and colorful Valentine crayons from Arttotheextreme.  Imaginations run wild in this shop where up-cycled crayons are re-purposed in fun new shapes. Shop this store for birthday gifts and favors throughout the year. 

  Kids of all ages love to give and receive whimsical stuffed animals!  Swing in to theRemakerie for up-cycled sweater menagerie for the softer side of Valentine's Day!

LegendCrafters used old license plates and reclaimed wood for this token of love perfect for year-round décor.  Check out this Etsy up-cycle artist for rustic Valentine gifts, stunning cutting boards, and wooden home goods.

 To find more up-cycled Valentines search recycled Valentine on Etsy.

 

 



 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Wired

January is upon us: a time for resolutions, organization, and fresh ideas! Time to get wired with these Etsy up-cycle artists making the most with metal minimal!

Shed new light with re-purposed lamps from GlassRedux.  Bright décor for every personality is currently on sale so swing in now for the best selection!

Simple whimsy of vintage glass and wire makes MildredandPerry an up-cycle standout!  Be sure to check out this artist's line of vintage embellished jewelry as well.

Play a new tune in 2014, with a signature piece from BluceDesigns! Using recycled guitar strings, this Etsy artist creates one-of-a-kind jewelry with stunning simple lines.  Shop her store early to pick up the perfect Valentine gift.

 Imagination runs wild at HeathenWireWorks where whimsical steampunk bugs mingle with hand worked wire gems. Up-cycled imagination indeed!

Don't fix it if it's not broken.  For industrial chic storage solutions to meet those New Year organization resolutions head over to ionesAttic.  The past is well preserved in this Etsy vintage shop.  With well stocked shelves in a great variety of goods, this shop is a perfect splurge on a chilly January day!

To find more inspired wired goods, search up-cycled wire on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Quick Holiday Vignettes

Oh the excitement and joy!  Families are gathering and tables are almost ready for festive feasts, laughter, and new memories to be made.  Why not take a few minutes to create centerpiece-worthy table toppers from left over decorations.

Every year the decoration bin bottom grows deeper with broken ornaments, figurines without a village and random offbeat menagerie. It's a sinkhole of misfit décor! But how can one throw sweet pieces in the trash?  Everything has a bright side, right?

By using simple household items the cast-offs can be up-cycled into jolly new holiday vignettes.  

 

Salt, or sugar, in small jars makes a perfect base for glittered candles.

Sculpt large snowdrifts using wool roving, fiberfill, or batting. And any household mirror can be transformed into an instant skate pond.

These wee snow babies lost their original lighted snowscape to one unsupervised pet many holidays ago.  They are so happy to be up and skating again!

Place up-cycled vignettes in the entry, a side table, alongside the appetizers, or anywhere compliments are sure to gather.

 

A very Merry Christmas to all and to all a good up-cycle!

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Bajingled & Bedazzled

Christmas parties bring out the inner up-cycler in us all as swarms of non-thrifty people journey into Goodwill in search of the all mighty ugly Christmas sweater!  That bedazzled yarn thingamajig adorned with frightfully festive creatures, jingle bells, and glitter glue.  It's the chance to become a walking tree ornament for a day, but one has to have a magical attitude to truly bring the sweater to life.

These Etsy up-cyclers offer ugly gems with a humorous twist. Shop quick as the last party weekend is fast approaching- but favorite these sellers because the laughs last all year long.  A festive browse pairs well, mid-party, with after dinner drinks!

AuntSistsersPicks is yuletide humor done right! Warning: sipping eggnog while browsing not advised due to laughter choking hazard!

 

Everyone is in the spirit at UglyXmas!  Decking the halls with rock star attitude. 

 

Swing into TangledTinsel where all is "relentlessly tacky".  This shop owner lives up to the promise!

Who doesn't look awesome in an ugly Christmas sweater? Check out these two hamming it up at LaneysThisandThat.

Need more? Give the gift of laughter this year with Rock Your Ugly Christmas Sweater

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Supply List

All crafters know there is no such thing as too many supplies. These Etsy up-cyclers have just the right item for that special handmade project.

The perfect vintage photo can be found at VeetzyInnovations.  Instant downloads means a speedy trip from inspiration to work table.

Etsy up-cyclers often share their supplies alongside their finished pieces.  ChartaAnthology offers stunning, one of a kind journals certain to inspire!

Recycled fibers and remnants gather at JoiedeWeave.  Pick up everything from trim to completed pieces in this Etsy shop.

 EthelusVintage offers fabulous ephemera at affordable prices.  Check out how this Etsy up-cycler uses paper goods in creative ways.

 

Button, Button... Who has the button? AddVintage does! In all shapes and sizes!  Find the perfect embellishment for the final touch here.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Tree Trim

 

 December has arrived and it is time to deck the halls with up-cycled merriment! With so many talented Etsy artists creating stunning holiday decor from the recycle bin, it's easy to outfit the whole tree, the house and everyone on the gifting list.

 

These Etsy artists offer unique hand-crafted ornaments to suit every taste.

 

Light paper whimsy and airy recycled wool delights dwell at TheRehatchery.

BeerCanDarl offers truly unique gifts made of recycled beer cans. Honor the beer lover's brand loyalty with one of a kind ornament festive enough for year-round display.

Art meets play at EarlyMorningProjects where playful ornaments capture the imagination. Shop here for vibrant up-cycled fabric rugs, too!

 

Using vintage tart tins, French script and photographic images, Hopeandjoystudios  makes everything merry and bright!

Bibliophiles flock to Gabblehatch where old books find new lives in cherished ornaments and journals.  Find that very special something for the book lover here!

Search upcycled ornament on Etsy to find more fab artists making the most of their recycle bins!

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Cozy Up

The chill has finally reached me here in Galveston and now I can join the world in layering on the blankets and cozying up by the fire.  Vintage quilts and woolen blankets are the easiest way to add recycled charm and warmth to your home.

 

November 30, 2013, is national "shop local" day so be sure to support your local antique dealers and search out vintage quilts with community roots.  But if you can't find what you're looking for in your town,  these Etsy vintage shops have you covered.

 

 

 DairyFarmAntiques Is a trip down memory lane, filled with vintage goodies to inspire tales of Christmas past.

For everything masculine chic turn to fe2oxide.  In addition to fabulous wool blankets this shop offers unique finds for the industrialist on your list.

Dreamy quilts and blankets can be found alongside vintage fashion and accessories at drowsySwords. This shop has something for every vintage lover! 

Striking patterns, easy care, and affordability are bringing afghans into vintage vogue.  These labors of love add instant cozy to the cold winter nights ahead.  Grab this stunner at VintagethatsMintage!

Lisabretrostyle2 offers a nice selection of woolen blankets as well as a bevvy of vintage goods for every nook and cranny of your home. 

For more fab vintage warmth on Etsy search vintage quilt or vintage wool blanket and be dazzled by the recycled beauty made generations ago.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Hostess Gifts

It's party season!  Beloved friends and family members are hard at work preparing festive feasts and readying heart-warming homes for merry laughter. 

This year reward your special hosts with an up-cycled gift to show your appreciation.

These Etsy up-cyclers make extraordinary gifts from the recycle bin and cast-off clutter.

 

 

 The gift of a re-Lit candle from LindasOtherLife not only delights the receiver but proceeds from these up-cycled wine bottle candles help to support local literacy initiatives in this retired teacher's community.  Once the candle has burned down, the holder becomes a drinking glass and the gift of literacy lives on.

Up-cycled wool reigns supreme at aliciatodd!  Vibrant colored ornaments fashioned from felted sweaters make bright and cheery hostess gifts so pretty they won't be packed away at the end of the season.

Wine always makes a perfect hostess gift but add whimsy with a gift from GulfCoasters and no one will ever look at a cork the same way again.  The imagination and ingenuity make this Etsy store a must-shop this season.

These aren't your mother's pearls!  Ok maybe they are- but they have been updated to modern chic and oh-sooooo-fab!  TheOpulentSquid repurposes old pearl strands into drool-worthy pieces at nearly-a-steal prices. Your host will love this gift throughout the year!

Art meets functionality at mybonny.  Aprons made of collage sewn vintage textiles create art to wear that will keep the conversation flowing.  This is the apron worn after the hard work is done. Check out this Etsy artist's gallery but be prepared to linger a while!

Wishing you all a very happy party season and reminding you to shop local, buy American and as always, recycle what you can't reuse.

 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

 

Jacquie's Up- Cycle Nation: Baggage

We've all got baggage- Why not make the best of it! 

This simple up-cycle makes use of all those random scraps, souvenirs, paint, and everything else in the stash closet.  It also creates a new attractive space to stash more stuff!

The only true essentials for this project are Mod-podge, a good paintbrush, and patience. 

Choose a suitcase that is made of hard plastic.  These vintage cast-offs are in abundance at thrift stores.  This dud cost $5.99 at Salvation Army.  A bargain for me and the money goes to a good cause: a win-win up-cycle!

Use old book pages or scrap paper to create the first layer.  Mod-podge directly to suitcase. This takes a lot of Mod-podge and I found a large household paintbrush to be the best tool for the job.  Use small paper strips along skinny areas and rounded corners.  Leave some areas bare as these smaller spots can be covered with paint.

If papers bubble or come loose, simply pull them off and cover with new paper.

Let mod-podged paper layer dry over night.

Use acrylic paint to brush over paper and bare areas of the suitcase.

Now begin adding a new layer of visual interest.  Using a bottle cap as a stamp, I made loose polka dots in the lower corner.  Get creative with old stamps, freehand drawing, or markers.

Adding layers becomes addictive! 

The suitcase becomes a great place to display accumulated stickers and snippets hidden away in idea folders.

Smaller tidbits get their own special place on the suitcase sides.

 Washi tape looks smart along the structured lines of the suitcase.

To protect layers as the design builds, spray suitcase with a clear coat. 

There is no real end to the suitcase I am working on.  Though it is done "for now", I have a feeling there are many more layers to come.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl