What does the term upcycling mean? According to Wikipedia.com, "Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value."
So, you may ask why we are writing about this on our blog so we will answer. Many of the antiques you find today are some that have been upcycled. Take an old beat up chest. It looks ugly, however; it is more environmentally friendly to repaint and reuse. We have so many pieces of furniture in the antique mall that have been upcycled. Me personally, I LOVE the thought of upcycling.
It has been on my mind lately because one of our dealers, Lolly Molly, upcycles and upcycles in a unique way. She is now writing for her local newspaper about creative ways to take "waste" and make it purposeful.
Another reason I am writing this is because another dealer at the antique mall upcycled "waste" on a Christmas tree in a home on the Trussville Christmas Home Tour. (We are trying to learn how to post pics to show you what we mean...bear with us!) She used packing paper from an item she ordered and cut it into strips and made a bow for the top of the Christmas tree. Genius!!!! Why can't all of us think "outside the box".
I challenge you to "think outside the box" and become a little more environmentally friendly in your home decorating.