Upcycled Design Lab Blog

Upcycled Artist Trading Cards

Well my accomplishments from yesterday are not all that impressive but I did in fact create which I haven't done for several days. So in that sense my efforts were rewarded. I did set up a couple of rules for myself. 1) I pulled out a couple of drawers of my craft supplies from a little corner storage cabinet. 2) I already had some pre-cut blank trading cards cut from a cereal box (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") 3) I gave myself an hour 4) I had to use just what was out on the table Here is the outcome:... Read more →

In the beginning....I made a green ceramic "cat"

Since I was on the subject of less than successful projects the other day and I still have not started a new and satisfying project, I thought I might take you back to the beginning. All the way back to 2nd grade and a project that can only be called my green "cat" blob. It's green well because it's actually green. It's a cat because I deemed it was a cat when I made it although there isn't much evidence to prove that it is a cat. And it is a blob because there is actual physical evidence to show... Read more →

Arrrrgh!!!

I haven't been feeling like writing lately and I suspect that it is because I am between projects. I haven't felt very inspired to start any new projects and the couple that I have attempted have become total messes so far. My one little seedling that I was sooo proud of has gone to the that little plant heaven in the sky and I am expecting the PETA of the gardening world at my door any day to site me for the unethical treatment of an English Daisy Sprout. I hope to be back on track soon with some new... Read more →

Upcycled Necktie Purse

I don't know why but I have recently discovered that I love to sew by hand, which of course in this day and age, is a ridicules waste of time. So I have decided to consider it sort of like meditation to alleviate some of my guilty feelings about all the other things I should be doing. It kind of works. As a side note I have actually tried meditation and found that I am remarkably inept at it. Who knew it actually requires a skill set that I don't have. How very impudent of me to presume that anyone... Read more →

Upcycling Logos - Vote for your favorite

These logos may be used for school projects, events and promotional material for upcycling. Please credit this site and or Upcycled Design Lab when using these logos on any printed material. For internet use always link images back to this post. Please do not alter or use these designs as any part of a company logo. Thank you. A while back I was looking for an upcycling logo and when I couldn't find one I decided to make my own. You can read the original post on my first blog here. Option A A few months later I decided to... Read more →

Compost bins, garden knee mats and survival stories

It's been a bit cloudy here the past few days although the weather is still pretty mild for this time of year. And I am still dreaming of lush and colorful gardens this summer. I finally dove in the other day and made a small compost bin from some wire fencing, I guess that's what it is I don't really know but I found it collecting dust in the garage and thought it might work. I "sewed" it together with some florist tape to make the circle and used some cut pieces of wire hanger to stake it to the... Read more →