Reduce. Reuse. UPCYCLE.

Earth Gathering has really got my thinking about the different things people can do to help look after our planet.  Most people have a trash can or a box specifically for recycling.  Recycling is very important, but even better is Reusing!  By Reusing an item yourself you save time, energy and fuel, as well as producing less emissions.

As an Artist the idea of upcycling is both fascinating and beautiful to me.  I love that you can take something that originally would have been thought of as trash and turn it into something useful and creative.  For example my Owl piece was an upcycled plank of barn wood. Even though the wood had dents and paint splatters on it, it didn't matter because it gave it character.

Funnily this piece sold at Earth Gathering.

Here are some more artists i found on Etsy.com that Upcycle -

Upcycled Word is an artist that works in a Library.  All of her creations are made from unwanted or unloved books that needed a new home. 

Upcycled Book Earrings

Beer Can Darl upcycles vintage recycled Americana.  I particularly love his use of vintage beer cans to create maps of America and famous quotes.

United States Map - Vintage Upcycled Beer Can Collage

Smokin Axe creates beautiful Guitars out of upcycled Cigar boxes. Even the guitar necks are made from recycled and re-purposed engineered wood.

Las Cabrillas 3-String Hollow-Body Electric Cigar Box Guitar

I do not know, personally, what attracted these Artists to Upcycling. It could have been the interesting characteristics of the items they use, it could be that they enjoy hunting for those uniquely aged objects that need a new home. What ever their reasons they are all helping the Earth by not contributing more unnecessary waste to landfills across the world.