To celebrate Earth Day, Beyond Junk is offering 25% OFF all purchases, all week long. Use coupon code EARTH13 to save!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Happy Earth Day!
To celebrate Earth Day, Beyond Junk is offering 25% OFF all purchases, all week long. Use coupon code EARTH13 to save!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Motor Winding and Vintage Flowers Wild Woodland Necklace
I love the unusual combination of mechanical parts and computer components merged with elements from the natural world, like flowers, vines, and leaves. This necklace from SleeplessStoryteller is one of my favourite recent designs that showcase this juxtaposition. As with my other pieces, you'll find many of the supplies you need at at Beyond Junk and other Etsy sellers.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Recycling Keyboard Keys
'Crafty Keyboard Keys' by beyondjunk
Have you noticed how often we go through clunky plastic computer keyboards? Crafting with keyboard parts starts conversations about recycling, fashion, and more.
Treasury tool supported by the dog house
Monday, March 18, 2013
Are Raw and Eco-Friendly the Same in Gems?
I've been developing a serious crush on rings, pendants and other designs that feature uncut, rough or raw precious gems. You'll find some seriously edgy yet stunningly beautiful designs out there, so if you haven't searched for 'uncut' or 'raw' while browsing the interwebs, I highly recommend it. Start with Google Images.
I know many of these stones have a lesser ecological footprint as they don't undergo cutting or polishing, but I expect most were still mined. What gemstones, raw or otherwise, can qualify as a 'green' choice? So I thought I'd do a little research and see if I could get a clear answer. Most searches for gems and gemstone mining bring up commercial sales. A bit frustrating, but I finally consulted Wikipedia directly.
As with other mined metals, the gemstone mine and the practices it employs are as varied as the gems themselves. To be sure you're using an eco-friendly stone source, you need to investigate the mine it came from. Surprisingly, lab-created stones may be the most environmentally friendly choice, but you won't get that endearing, rough-hewn look.
I now have an improved appreciation for the additional research and sourcing done by fine jewellery artisans who go the extra mile to provide eco-friendly recycled (whenever possible, non-mined) stone and metal sources.
Here are a few amazing examples:
image from PointNoPointStudio
image from VKDesignsJewelry
image from SSMDesign
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Reclaimed Wood Table Wishlist
I've been lusting after a dining room table made of salvaged wood for the past few years, so I thought it was time to put a wishlist here on the Junkpile. Putting my dream reclaimed wood tables all in one place won't produce the floor space or the funds required to bring one home, but aren't they lovely to look at? I think my next Treasury wishlist will look at recycled modern chairs. Just a hunch.
'Reclaimed Wood Table Wishlist' by beyondjunk
If you've been daydreaming about a reclaimed wood table as long as I have, you'll love browsing and lingering through this breathtaking list.
Treasury tool supported by the dog house
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Egg Carton Flower Craft
My son brought home a handmade flower from day care recently. (Well, really the day care sent it home; my son is too young to craft just yet.) But I still love it and I wanted to share it here on Beyond the Junkpile. It's an easy project that's a fun way to recycle with your kids.
You'll need:
- Egg carton
- Pipecleaner
- Recycled construction paper
- Recycled crayons
- Ribbon
- Tape
- Scissors
- Hole punch
Optional:
- Paint
- Stickers
Pull the pipecleaner through the hole and create a knot on either side of the egg cup. Once you've secured the flower portion, add your leaves and tape them in place.
Decorate your gift tag rectangle with the artist's name, or dedicate it to a special recipient. Punch a hole in the paper near an edge, ideally where there's no artwork. Tie the tag to the pipecleaner with the ribbon.
If desired, decorate your flower with a little paint and add a few pretty stickers to your name tag. You could absolutely customize this project to suit your own tastes and available supplies.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Why Do I Craft?
I ask myself this question constantly, and for many reasons. The answers are varied too, and I'm sure this is the case for many other artists.
Sometimes I wonder why I put so much work into something I don't actually have to do.
I have to feed and care for my son. I have to go to work. I have to put one foot in front of the other every day. But nothing and nobody forces me to do the extra work of running Etsy shops. (Or writing novels, for that matter, but that's an entirely different post.)
Sometimes I wonder what sparks the ideas that float into my mind and latch on with such force that I'm compelled to bring the image to life.
I could be more discerning and only create the very special necklaces, pendants, rings and earrings that I personally want to own and wear. But instead, the urge to create prolifically is so strong I prefer to send them out into the world to make room for the next creation.
Most of all, I wonder where this is all going. I'm not really trying to replace my day job, although many other crafters and writers intend to do exactly that.
I don't know how long I'll make jewellery. I don't know if I'll always be a writer. But I hope both parts of who I am last for many more years. And I hope that when I no longer enjoy these pursuits, I will give myself permission to let them go.
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