You may remember my recent post about artists from around Etsy using recycled materials and turning them into real works of art. The response was so overwhelming, I decided to turn it into a series!  So many talented artists and crafters have made it their mission to choose recycled materials and breathe new life into them. And it never seizes to amaze me what they come up with. Obviously, there is so much to explore, so lets begin today’s tour!

I am going to focus on – what else? Jewelry!

*Please pin images from their original source!

Angela of Arrow Sarah re-purposes watch gears and recycled silver by turning them into these elegant steam punk style pendants:

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Don’t you just love the wood slices she uses as photo props?

Next up is Amber Dragonfire, who also happens to be a practicing witch! Her  response caught my attention, because she incorporates items we would not typically asscociate with jewelry into her creations. Let’s just say, she had me at “road kill”! Ever the inquisitive person I just had to check this out! Here are a couple of examples of her work…

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You can look at many more of her creations in her shop here and read up on the meanings of her finds and why she chose to add them to a particular piece!

If squirrel and raccoon bones aren’t your bag, swing on over to the next shop!

Erica, owner of Misty Mountain Forge is a metalsmith who specializes in crafting nature inspired pieces that reflect an organic and rustic vibe. In her unique shop she offers an array of customizable and a nice selection of unisex jewelry. Stop on over and check out her beautiful shop! Some of her creations include this rustic free form silver ring:

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Dawn from Jewelry Art by Dawn reuses components from old, broken pieces of jewelry as well as found items whenever she can. Aren’t the results just beautiful? I wish I could paint like that…

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I particularly love how she  takes mementos provided to her by buyers and turns them into meaningful and sentimental treasures! What a thoughtful way to keep memories alive and present!

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Heather from P is for Paper creates one of a kind soldered glass pendants by taking miniature pictures from vintage children’s books and turning them into framed, wearable artworks! I might have a thing for adorable narwhals!

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And who can resist this non-smelly version of a skunk?

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I will leave you with that for today! Aren’t you impressed by the way all of these artists breathe new life into items that would either be discarded or forgotten and turn them into treasures for a whole new generation?

Have I inspired you yet to try your hand at creating with recycled materials? Maybe you look at handcrafted artisan jewelry in a new light? Or do you already seek out items that have been up-cycled? Sure would love to hear from you!

Stay tuned for more up-cycled art soon!

Karin