Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Upcycling

Definition: Upcycling is "The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value"


We all have had that feeling while getting ready to throw something out that "Gee, maybe I could use it for something....?"  Yet it gets thrown in the trash.
Well, it is our job as artists and pickers to see the possibilities and produce the vision. It is a mission I embrace with open arms.
At times it's just a matter of taking a neglected, abused and beaten item and bringing it back to it's rightful place in the world, and other times we bring things back to serve another purpose. We are doing the earth and humanity a great service.  And having a dang good time doing it. :)

Old Costco step stool ladder in sad sad shape until I re-painted the metal and cushions. Candle sticks all saved from a boring existence and given a fresh, fun look.
Snow White was heading for the dumpster in the sky until I rescued her and made her into a chalk board ~ fun for little kids and big kids.

Antique stained glass window made into a coat, hat, purse rack with old door knobs I have found.

So next time you go to throw something away stop and think "Gee, someone can make something out of this!"  and donate it or put it to the curb.  We'll find it.

Peggy ~ Goodgosh

9 comments:

Peppercorns said...

Peggy, this is great! You did a beautiful job on your step stool. I have one I restored too, and they are wonderful. Also adore the upcycled stained glass. You have an amazing imagination (sometimes scary though). LOL

Love upcycling. It adds a lot of interest to life and home.

Linnet said...

Peggy ~ wonderful article & advice to all ~ unfortunately we all need reminding from time to time! LOVE what new life you gave all the pieces shown ~ you really are talented!

www.vintagenowandthen.esy.com

Raige Creations said...

I love the stained glass window and doorknobs! I have a box full of old doorknobs my husband found at a house about to be demolished. He has done nothing with them and refuses to part with them. I can say we have LOTS of things like that, that we will find a good use for someday! :)
great post!

VintageEmbellishment said...

I think antique dealers were the first recyclers.....LOL!

I love what you have done and If you find another antique leaded glass window....send it my way please!

Great article ♥

jj said...

Loving this, good job Peggy!
amazing what a little paint and elbow grease can do!
What a great idea for the old door knobs....and of course I love the chalkboard!

goodgosh said...

Thanks everyone! Happy to say the red stool sold and that window is joyfully hanging at home much loved. It did have a mate, but I sold that one.
I try to encourage people when they see these things that there will never be another just like it so if you like it, buy it otherwise it might not be there when you come back. And I don't like whiny people. :)

And I think you're right VE.

M.M.E. said...

Those windows are gorgeous! My grandparents have the exact same stool! What great uses for old things. I make sure to donate everything I decide to part with, because I know there are craftier people than me out there who can give things a second life.

Doodle said...

Very well done GG. What a creative mind you have - a true visionary for upcycling stuff. Wish I could send all my stuff you way ~ some things just deserve a better life than the trash truck.

Unknown said...

What a great post. I love that recycling has become upcycling. It has a much more positive ring to it. You start to understand why reusing something for something else is valuable.