Reclaimed Copper Pots - Cookies Anyone?

March 17th, 2008

To be honest, maybe cookies wouldn’t go great in these jars, but so much more would…

copper pots

These beautiful Roycroft Boxes, or pots plus lids from BTC Elements are made from reclaimed copper that’s been gathered, melted, and hammered into the lovely image you see above. Another perk is that the pots are fair trade with the coppersmiths of Cobre Importers of Central Mexico. Each piece is signed by the artisan who makes it.

With three sizes to choose from you could keep tea, or dried herbs, incense; all sorts of cool things in these, in the bath, bedroom, or kitchen. See more photos, including some nice close ups at BTC Elements.

Ouno Design Textile Pillows

March 15th, 2008

Ouno Design creates and sells so many wonderful items that it’s hard to choose a favorite. No worries though, because I did.

First a little bit about the lovely company. Ouno Design specializes in handmade, modern, future-friendly, sustainable green design. That’s a mouthful, but they pull it off well. Ouno salvages vintage and remnant materials to use in their designs and hand produces pieces that are green and beautiful. Their product line covers items like area rugs, wall hangings, throws and bed covers, huge furniture-like cushions, fashion, artwork, and more.

My favorite items from Ouno Design are the vintage textile pillows.

vintage green pillows

Throw pillows can add snap to a simple couch, bedroom, or living area design. These pillows are made from vintage or salvaged textiles, or occasionally from new organic, sustainably produced fabrics (organic cotton or bamboo). These are not just temporary pillows, they’re beautiful and sturdy enough to become long-term home decor.

They offer many varieties in stock, but it is dependent upon material stock. They note that you can ask for something to see if they have it - i.e. a specific color or texture. Visit Ouno Design to learn more

Banana Leaf Lamp & Paper Bowl

February 10th, 2008

Brastilo is a great company, with plenty of lovely items for your sustainable home. Brastilo home products are created with renewable and eco-friendly materials. Brastilio has this to say about their wood use:

“Our wood comes entirely from specially planted and managed forests located in the south of Brazil in the states of Santa Catarina, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul. Brastilo currently cultivates over 40,500 acres a year in our pine forests, which yield over one million cubic feet of lumber annually. When harvested, the largest pieces are used to make furniture, while smaller pieces are converted to fiberboard and paper.”

Two unique pieces that I like in particular include…

Blue Paper Bowl: Made from recycled newspaper!

recycled newspaper bowl

Banana Leaf Hanging Lamp: Made from banana leafs. At first I wasn’t sure about this lamp. But I kept going back to look at it. I think, that in the right home it would look great. The colors are unique, so it’s not going to work anywhere, but I can see it in a white heavy space, or maybe natural toned space.

banana-lamp

banana-lamp

Brastilo has furniture, accessories, and more. Pay them a visit, you’ll love their sustainable decor ideas.

Slumped Recycled Vases

February 2nd, 2008

Check out what Branch has direct from Oregon! Recycled glass made beautiful again. These Slumped Vases are double cool - made in a electric furnace powered by wind energy.

recycled vases

Branch is chock full of lovelies for your home - I especially love their bedding options.

Glass Dotted Vase

January 29th, 2008

Glass is a good product for eco-friendly homes because it’s recyclable. This glass, in particular is perfect for nature-minded folks.

The Dots Vase from Acacia is beautiful. Hand blown with subtle irregularities, and each dot is based on a vintage fabric or antique botanical print. On the back is an antique botanical image of chrysanthemums.

glass vase

I think it’s perfect for a simple wildflower or daisy arrangement.

Sleepy Vintage Fabric Owl

January 28th, 2008

How cool is this little guy?

stuffed owl

At first I was thinking, child’s pillow? But no. This little owl is actually useful and non-toxic. This Sleepy owl (this one is called mellow yellow), available at Pouch’s Shop at Etsy is made with vintage fabric, and filled with non-allergenic stuffing and chemical-free French Lavender. Lavender is a nice sleep aid so having this fellow near your bed will be relaxing. Pouch offers up an idea of hanging him in your closet to repel moths. That’s what I’d like him for. I currently use cedar blocks, but I drip lavender essential oil on the blocks as well. I’d hate to hide him away, but it would be a nice treat every time I open the closet.

stuffed owl

More than anything, I think this represents a great way to reuse items in your home. You can change the colors up and use some of your fabric scraps to create really adorable items. Items that serve a new purpose. Or, if your short on time these Pouch owls are ready and waiting.