Beyond The Recycling Bin: A Sunshyne Silverwear Giveaway!

As most of you know, all of the wearable creations I make have an element of recycling.  I absolutely LOVE when an artist makes something beautiful out of something that might have ended up in a landfill. As a society I believe we need to do a lot more of that. 

Test Tube Chandelier by Pani Jurek

As a way to spread knowledge about the many marvelous things that can be created from recycled, upcycled and reused materials I am doing a special giveaway where you can enter to win a

$25 Sunshyne Silverwear gift certificate!

To enter, go to my Facebook Fanpage  and find the giveaway post pinned to the top of my page. 

In the comments of the post, paste a link to ANY item that has a recycling element to it. Then "like" the comment that you believe is the most original submission. (sorry, you can't "like" your own submission) 

Every "like" you get from others on your submission is another entry for you! So don't forget to share with your friends and ask them to vote! 

To get you started, here are a few wonderful Facebook pages that share an array of extraordinary products and artwork made with reclaimed ingredients. 

Eco-artware.com

Recyclart

Custom Made.com

Here are just a few of the curiosities you will find from the links above...

Sculptured animals made from shattered glass

Night-lights made from vintage cameras 

Garden Alligators made from recycled used tires.

So go ahead and explore the marvels of modern recycling! 

Do it. Live it. Teach it.

In addition to introducing and exploring the creativity of the artists in my life, once a month I am going to take the time to share new ways I am making my life more Eco-friendly.  Some easy, simple things anyone can do to make the world a 'Greener' place. I'm calling this segment 'Do it. Live it. Teach it'
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For my first installment, I would like to show you how i made this cute, fashionable dog collar out of an old button up shirt. I found this fun tutorial on Sew Doggy Style Blog. I thought it was so cute I had to share it AND it is SO simple. The only things you need are:

~ An old button up shirt with a collar. This project is made extra easy if the collar has a button already on it like the one i am using.  (best to try the collar on Fido before you cut it up to make sure that it will fit)

~ A bottle of Fray Check. This is used to stop fabric from fraying. (this can be found at any craft store. I got   mine at Joanne Fabrics for $1.50 with their online 50% off coupon.)

~ A pair of scissors

~ And of course an adorable model for your finished project.

The shirt I chose to use was found in the back of my closet. It was used while painting my hallway years ago so unfortunately cannot be donated, but will be *PERFECT* for this project.

Step 1.

Cut the collar right off of the shirt.

Step 2. 

Use the Frey Check on the cut you just made. 

Step 3.

Oh wait, there is no step 3...your project is finished! (see, wasn't that simple)

Now for the fashion show...

I know some of you out there who dont have a dog are thinking that this tutorial wont do you any good. Well THINK AGAIN! These cute collars also can also spruce up a child's old teddy bear, they make GREAT GIFTS for the dog lover in your life, or hell, spice up your love life by surprising your significant other by wearing the collar (and ONLY the collar) The possibilities are endless....;)

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As for the rest of the shirt, I up-cycled it by making it into 2 chew toys for my 2 good doggies. 

First, I took out all of the buttons. (and put them in my 'pile o craft supplies' for later use) then cut the shirt into 12 long strips, 6 strips for each toy.

Tie 6 strips together, leaving about 4 inches of cloth at the end.

After that, I just braided the strips and tied another knot leaving 4 inches of cloth at the other end and VOILA! A handmade toy your canine companion is sure to love.

Best part is, you just saved yourself at least $20 by making these items yourself rather than buying them at the big box pet store.  What could be better than being green while saving some green?