Paper recycling

The Earth is filled with beauty, and we should care for it the best we know. I just watched Oprah's show about Earth Day 2009. It is sad to think how the Oceans are full of plastic trash. A bird caught in a plastic bag. A turtle got a plastic ring stuck around its shell when it was young, and was greatly disfigured as a result. What can each of us do to better the conditions? Terracycle makes new stuff from plastic trash. Like this tote bag made from target plastic bags.

My mail box is constantly filling up with paper. It inspires me to find clever ways to recycle it. These bowls at Jubella are cute, and such an easy project too.
Maybe I could make some boxy ones for organizing jewelry in the bathroom drawer? The frame could be made out of used cardboard, covered with paper scraps for a decorative effect.

Rice lamp

After a lot of brainstorming about my Ikea rice lamp, I got the idea of converting it into a hot air balloon. Basically, I'll paint the lamp in muted colors and hang a basket underneath, with a little explorer friend inside.

If you are looking for a less whimsical idea to make over your rice lamp, take a look at Pickles' free crocheted rice lamp pattern. They call it Nordic Light Pendant.

Hot air balloon photo from KDH at sxc.hu.

Knack

Knack is the name of a store in Greenville, SC, United States. I think the name is about having a knack for nick-nacks? Inspiring makeovers of second hand furniture.

Light up a cup

I love cups and mugs, so I would feel quite at home with these lamps. Go to domestic construction's etsy shop.

Recycled china

I can't believe these rings! They were made from broken porcelain cups or saucers. They were found in a store in Stockholm, Sweden. I stumbeled upon them on the talented illustrator Cecilie Ellefsen's blog.

Kvist = Twig

Inspired by nature, industrial style and recycling, Kvist is one of my favorite interior design shops in Oslo, Norway. Their shop has a mix of designer classics, vintage and 'innovative stuff'.

Here are some of my favorites: At the top you see a Bird welcome matt & designer classic chair (Designed by Norman Cherner 1958), the fragile cups by Sara Skotte are quite unique (they're called movement), the candle holder represents Kvist in a good way (and I love it for it's originality) and in the bottom right corner a set of vintage china with new photo transfer. Love it!