PHOTOS: Recycled and Handmade Etsy Finds

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As our savvy staffers know, the internet is chock-full of innovative reuse ideas and do-it-yourself projects aimed at creating a unique new item out of what is normally considered waste. But there is one magical place on the Web where crafters, creators and artists from around the globe come together to put their quirky-cool designs on display – the artisans treasure trove that is Etsy. Since we’re always up for replacing a mass-produced trinket with a handmade item, Earth911 rounded up 14 of our favorite recycled Etsy finds for your viewing pleasure. So, ditch the mall and spice up your home, garden and closet with one of these one-of-a-kind pieces.

Homepage Image: Photo: Etsy user Eisman Design

1. Light Bulb Vases

light, bulb, vases, vase, flower, flowers, carnation, carnations, window, windows, recycled, upcycled, repurposed

Photo: Etsy user SASQUATCHsCREATIONS

heart, hearts, pillow, pillows, throw, striped, red, vintage, suitcase, blue, paint, wallpaper

succulent, succulents, cactus, cacti, windowsill, window, sill, orange, oranges, clementine, clementines, tangerine, tangerines, planter, wood, box

top, spinning, spinner, kids, toy, recycled, skateboard, skateboards, decks

mason, jar, jars, chandelier, chandeliers, outdoor, outdoors, sunset, pink, blue, dusk, twilight

bike, wheel, clock, recycled, red, hands, silver, metal, steel, bicycle, upcycled, repurposed

welcome, wood, recycled, turquoise, blue, cut, out, letters, sign

rose, petal, pillow, pillows, throw, living, room, sofa, couch, vintage, antique, chair, love, seat, cushion

grape, vine, wine, barrel, ring, chandelier, hanging, light, wood, natural, driftwood, napa, valley, california, country

antique, blue, mason, jar, canning, earrings, earring, handmade, sterling, silver, turquoise

floppy, disk, blue, disks, notebook, notepad, paper, spiral, handmade, homemade, DIY, recycled, upcycled, repurposed

recycled, salvaged, scrap, wood, picture, photo, frame, art, coffee, tea, kitchen, olive, oil, vinegar, bottle, bottles

recycled, magazine, magazines, bracelet, jewelry, handmade

vase, wine, bottle, bottles, recycled, wood, flower, flowers, rustic, decor

Hollowed-out incandescent light bulbs make fabulously unique mini-vases for fresh flowers. But if you don’t quite know how to hollow out a bulb yourself, Baton Rouge, La.-based crafter
David Saltzberg sells several striking variations in his Etsy shop, SASQUATCHsCREATIONS.

This lovely set of three hanging light bulb vases ($32) is connected by a 4-foot chain and screw hooks for easy mounting. Just fill with water and add your favorite cut flowers for a quirky look that’s sure to get noticed.

Other light bulb creations in Saltzberg’s shop include a standing vase and an oil lamp that’s perfect for eco-minded dinner parties.

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