Upcycling Plastics and the Fish Sculptures in Rio

I discovered these amazing fish sculptures when a Facebook friend posted a photo of them.  Created out of plastic bottles, they were installed on Botafogo Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,  in time for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development last week.  The conference was a follow up to the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development, also held in Rio.  A sign near the sculptures said (in Portuguese) 'recycle your attitude'.

Image ©  Reuters

We on the Etsy Trashion Team are familiar with recycling our attitude.  It's about thinking of the impact of what we buy and consume.  It's about looking at trash and seeing the possibilities.  Here are a few terrific examples...

Spalted Maple Pendant with Upcycled Plastic Bottle
Image © Tangora Designs

REcap Bracelet from Upcycled Marker Caps
Image © Twitch and Whiskers

Upcycled Plastic Phone Card
Image © Junck

Here's to a sustainable future!

 

Earth Day Sale

Be on the look-out for this avatar!

Starting today and running through Earth Day

the etsy Trashion Team is having a sale to celebrate!

Participating shops will display this avatar.

Simply check out each shop for the details!

or
Click here for an updated list!

Image © junck

How2 Tuesday: Mini Mini Cards & Case

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Mini-Mini Cards & Case

by Etsy Trashion Teammate Tammy of Junck!

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Inspired by an empty Tic Tac® box, these mini-er than mini business cards are a fun way to market your shop! I used a large box for this tutorial but you can size your cards to fit the standard box as well (they’ll just be even mini-er!)

Here's what you need:

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- an empty mint box

- heavy card stock
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- a ruler

- scissors or cutter

- rounded corner puch (optional)
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Step 1:
Peel the label from your container and pop the top off.

Soak both pieces in hot, soapy water and then rub clean (this should get rid of any label residue). Mineral oil will remove any remaining sticky bits but you’ll have to wash the box again with soapy water to remove all traces of oil.

Allow to air dry completely.

Before you make your mini mini cards, you need to take two

measurements: the height of your container and the width of

the lid opening. These measurements will determine the size of

your mini-mini cards. The cards need to easily slide out of your

container. For example, the measurements I took from my

large container meant that each of my cards needed to be

4/8 of an inch wide by 2 1/4 inch long.

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Create your mini-mini cards!
You can design them on your computer and print them out.

If you want double-sided cards, you may have to do some test prints to ensure your front and back images line up.

Or... you can cut your card strips and write them out by hand.

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Cut ‘em out!

(round the ends for added flair!)

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Have some fun!

Add some quotes, maybe a discount code, a holiday greeting etc.

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Make lots!

(the large container shown here holds 120 cards).

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Place your cards in the container and pop the top back on.

Your ready to start marketing your shop! I’m sure you can think of many creative ways to utilize these teeny promo tools!

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Have fun!

Images & Text © Junck

Trashion Team Spotlight- Interview with Tammy of Junck!

Shop name: junck

Shop address: http://www.junck.etsy.com

Other sites: http://www.flickr.com/photos/junck1/





Trashion materials: credit/gift cards, box card, pillowcases... anything I can find really!

What do you transform them into?
I transform the credit cards into jewelry (rings, bracelets, earrings) and hairbands or headbands. I make business cards from old box card (cereal boxes etc.) and I make skirts, shirts and dresses from pillowcases (old and new) my current favourite is a skirt I made from my old Star Wars pillowcase!!

How do you do it?
For the jewelry, each item has a process that is a slightly different. For a necklace, I cut up the cards into smaller pieces (I call these my "card beads"), sand the edges and drill holes into each piece. I often add other beads to these card beads by stringing them onto headpins which I then attach to the card bead.


Shop name: junck

The box card business cards are pretty self explanatory - but I am a graphic designer by day, so I am compelled to cut each card from the most interesting section of the box!

Do you remember the first thing you made using the trashion concept?
I grew up in a trashion house!! I first thing I can remember making is a doll. I made her from one of my uncles old hankies... she didn't have a face but she did have a scrap piece of rabbit fur for hair!

What are your current projects and what is on the horizon?
I just started making rings and hairbands with the card beads and I'm loving them! I want to try making some boxes from the cards as well... On the horizon? I need to get more items in my Etsy shop!



Why should people buy handmade and from trashion?
When you buy something handmade, you really feel you have made a contribution. You can clearly see how your purchase affects the maker - its nice to be thanked by the creator of the item! You feel more connected to the whole process... its a good feeling!

When you purchase from a Trashion member, you've not only supported an independent artist, you are helping the environment! MORE ART/LESS WASTE!

Anything else you'd like to add?
There are so many incredible shops within the Trashion Team! It is SO inspiring to see such creativity!! Thank you for the interview!

Thank you for sharing your innovative work with us Tammy!