April 2014 | the ReFab Diaries

Celebrate Earth Month by supporting Retrash — a new book about upcycling, recycling, and living a sustainable lifestyle.

Nathan Divine, founder of the website Retrash, is a kindred spirit. I can't remember how I found his site, but I remember the thrill!  Nathan has spent the last 3 years gathering inspired projects by amazing artists. And, in turn, inspiring people to rethink the way they look at trash. Now he's put all of his findings in a coffee table book by the same name (Retrash). The book features the work and ideas 82 designers in 20 countries, including Australia, USA, Germany, Spain, UK, Canada, Israel, France, Romania, Malaysia, South Africa, Thailand, Netherlands, India, Portugal, New Zealand, Italy, Argentina, Belgium and Hong Kong.

I've had the opportunity to see some of the projects ...  and I've created a little sneak peak below of the some of the amazing refashions and upcycled jewelry ideas. To coincide with Earth Day, Nathan launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to print the book (on 100% recycled paper, of course). Just two days into the campaign, it's about 60% funded. How cool is that?



It's Earth Day. So I'm sending a rather literal message here ... upcycling going global? Upcycle old globes? Have some fun but let's remember that we only have one of these Earth things. We should probably take care of it.  :)


Going clockwise:

1. What I believe is a now famous Wendy Gold upcycle - the Flutter by Globe

2. An old favorite of mine published by My Sister's Suitcase in 2012

3. A fun planter with butterflies ...

4. And another Wendy Gold creation. Peace.











I found out recently, care of BA's inflight magazine, that there are over 900 used bookshops in Johannesburg. This makes it a record holder. It's also home to Collector's Treasury - possibly the largest used bookshop in the southern hemisphere. As a South African, I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I've never really considered JhB a "destination". I pass through there on my way to Cape Town. But. Now I have this extremely interesting nugget of information, I might make an effort in the future.


As always, I used random.org to pick the winner and it chose entry #30 ... that'Kaitlin Ballesteros! Kaitlin, congrats! Expect an email from me later today to get your shipping details.  :)  

Thanks to everyone who entered for your interest and great comments. Be sure to follow Laura on Facebook and keep an eye on her store. She's constantly updating her line and is a great source for custom jewelry (weddings etc).  



Victoria (Confessions of a New-Old homeowner) is my hero for this refab. It pretty much nails everything I hope to capture in an upcycle, repurpose or makeover. Something ugly is made beautiful. All parts are used - zero waste. Both "afters" make sense and work in her home. The whole thing was done on a dime.

The two sets of instructions are housed in different places. Start here and check out the whole blog while you're at it. Instructions for the cage light are housed at Brooklyn Limestone.







Old encyclopedias ... big, heavy and out-of-date content wise. So how about turning them into sturdy bookshelves? The "bookshelves made of books" thing never gets old. I love the twist on this one and the fun color choice. Complete how-to at Instructables





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