What The Heck Is Upcycled?!

When I first started my shop on Etsy this is exactly the question I asked! "What the heck is this upcycled business". To me it sounded like a take on recycling. So I did what any other curious mind would do, I Googled it! 
Google informed me upcycling is the process of taking wasteful or useless products and converting them into new materials or products for better environmental value. 
To me this sounded like an awesome idea! Up until this point I had been purchasing all my materials at the local bead store and crafting new product. But why would I buy beads when I can use good product beads that are no longer being in use?! 
I began to look through my own as well as my friends' and families jewelry to find items that are no long used.  I found so many fun and awesome upcycled beads and pendants to get my business started! And from here grew my upcycled and repurposed section of my shop! 
I hope I can keep my upcycled section growing and produce beautiful high quality products. So far upcycling has tested my artistic side at a new level! 

                                                  Upcycled Turquoise and Gold Bracelet

                                             Upcycled Gold Pendant and Pearl Necklace

                                          Upcycled Pearl and Gray Rose Bracelet

Cool Down

I have been honored to have my turquoise stone earrings featured in Sarah from Blue Button Baubles treasury! Let me first start by saying I LOVE greens and blues. This treasury features an array of these beautiful colors found in items such as; necklaces, earrings, scarves, art and even champagne flutes. Yes, champagne flutes! 
Sarah from Blue Button Baubles http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueButtonBaubles lends her hand in this beautiful and original Etsy Treasury. 
Click, comment and send this treasury out on your social media! Or better yet, pick out something special for yourself or your valentine! Who says it has to be pink! 
Cool Down Treasury

My Gothic Valentine

This time of year traditionally screams red and pink. However,  Holly from The Rotten Rooster (an adorable shop on Etsy, come check her out http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRottenRooster )has chosen a different route. A route she likes to call "My Gothic Valentine".  If your love life screams punk or edgy this is the Treasury for you. Simply Brilliant! 
Each item featured in her treasury is a handmade by other Etsy Artists and screams the best of the best! Nail polish, body butter, jewelry, and even photography. Whatever your Gothic heart desires Holly has compiled in this lovely and edgy treasury. 

Holly was kind enough to feature an item from my shop! The item she features is shown above and happens to be my American Red Cross donation bracelet. What this means is that 50% of the proceeds from this purchase will be donated to American Red Cross to assist in the effort of Hurricane Sandy.  So if  roses and mush aren't your style for this Valentine season check out Holly's treasury! 
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTkwNTkwMXwyNzIxMjQ5NTA1/my-gothic-valentine?index=1&ref=pr_favetreasuries