Writer Archives 
Eco-Spark: Old Jewels to New (with a bit of inspiration!)
by Pepe Newton on 10/18/10 | View Comments Comment(s)
I just simply adore the gorgeous enamel costume jewelry produced from the 1920’s to 1960’s, and it seems there are a lot of ‘Etsians’ out there that feel the same way. There are many jewelry designers on Etsy who take the old and make it new with a nod to …
Eco-Spark: Recycled Wood
by Pepe Newton on 10/09/10 | View Comments Comment(s)
Well, when I started writing articles about recycled things I thought maybe 3 or 4 would be the limit, but we’re already up to 7!! And I just keep finding more and more amazing recyclers. This week I have been searching high and low through Esy shops to find people …
Eco-Spark: Recycling Clothes
by Pepe Newton on 9/26/10 | View Comments Comment(s)
In this installment of my series about Etsy artists and crafters who recycle different things in order to create something new and beautiful, I am looking at clothes.Yes, there are plenty of vintage clothes on Etsy, and I love nothing better than trawling the racks of my favorite antique clothes …
Eco-Spark: Recycling Toys
by Pepe Newton on 9/14/10 | View Comments Comment(s)
There’s something about second-hand markets and “junktique” stores that I love. They hold a great magnetic attraction for me. When I see an old toy or teaspoon, or bit of junk with a funky color or interesting design, I really have to resist the temptation to …
Eco-Spark: Metal Recycled and Made New
by Pepe Newton on 8/28/10 | View Comments Comment(s)
Brittle Starfish | $200 | JohnBinetFauvel
As I trawl Etsy looking for interesting recycled things to feature on the blog I am continually amazed by the beautiful creations people make from what others would call bits of junk. Bits of metal, wire, tin cans and old bottle caps, which would …
Eco-spark: Re-using and Recycling Paper
by Pepe Newton on 8/23/10 | View Comments Comment(s)
Bob the Paper Bird | $65 | PolkaDotSunday
As any mother will tell you, you can make just about anything with a bunch of old newspapers and tape. And paper is the theme of today’s article, another in my eco-spark series on recycling and reusing. Papier mâché is …
Eco-Spark: Upcycling & Recycling Bits & Bobs
by Pepe Newton on 8/16/10 | View Comments Comment(s)
The Eco Boxy Felt Camera Case by claraiuribe
In praise of people who are committed to crafting in an environmentally friendly sort of way, I am sharing some Etsy finds that reuse old stuff to make nice new things. Upcycling!
In my last article I wrote about some of the great things …
EcoSpark: Reusing & Recycling Plastic Bags
by Pepe Newton on 8/12/10 | View Comments Comment(s)
recycled grocery bag basket – pink and green watermelon
Many people in the craft world are taking environmental issues into their own hands and I say “good on them”! I am going to use the next few articles I write for Handmade Spark to explore how etsy artists and crafters …
