Super Eco

Photo credit: Lost and Found Art

Wondering what to do with that spool of baling wire you've been hoarding? How about those old rusty washers? Or bicycle cogs? If you are sustainable designer Denise Rowcraft of Lost & Found Art, then you know exactly what to do with all this stuff that we'd otherwise call junk: turn it into awesome, one-of-a-kind upcycled jewelry.

Many pieces are unisex, and each one reduces the amount of junk headed for the landfill, cuts down on the need for raw materials and creates a wearable piece of art. Prices range from $30 to $300 and her pieces can be found at retailers in the Bend, Oregon area and through her etsy shop.

Go back for a sec to that etsy link. Go on, click. There, in addition to jewelry, you'll also find recycled wall art, unique pieces made from stuff like old bicycle parts, a heating grate, washers, and wool. Like Diane says, they are a "creative reuse of post-industrial materials resulting in one of a kind pieces of art that embody the essence of balance."

That's our kind of thing. Digging recycled jewelry? There's more:

• Brown Banana by Gabriel, awesome bracelets and other pieces
• Marjorie's Cracked, from old broken plates (you have to see them)
• 2ReVert, from old skateboards
• Autumn Place Arts, from old typewriter keys

 Enjoy!