While recently scouring the internet for great eco fashion finds to blog about, I discovered a few designers who are turning vintage camera parts into wearable accessories. Now, I certainly wasn’t the first to discover Craig Arnold, the Aussie whose passion for cameras and recycling led him to develop his re:vision collection of “camera cuffs.” I give credit to the folks at Gearfuse, GeekSugar, Inhabitat, and Five Non Blondes for scooping Craig’s work, but I’m going to go one step further and give you more than just a product write-up.


In my research, I also found artist Debra Dresler’s camera lens watch on 3r Living. A common trend in creating eco-friendly jewelry, turning non-traditional materials and everyday objects into accessories is no new idea. But, here’s what I’m wondering – is vintage camera part turned accessory a new eco-fad? While I personally don’t love any of these looks (although you may just catch me in one of Craig Arnold’s simple cuffs), I do appreciate original concepts and unique finds. I also have a few friends who would go gaga over these picks.

I think I’m still on the fence about this one, so I’m going to leave it to you to decide. Is it rad or bad?

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I'm feeling nostalgic these days as my husband and I prepare to leave San Francisco after what has been the best 12 years of my life.  We are moving to Utah for an exciting job opportunity. From what I've heard mountain living has its rewards, especially in a state with some of the finest powder skiing.  I am really looking forward to our adventure in the Wild West, but I'll be leaving California with an ache in my heart.

I've been perusing the internet recently looking for a special gift that a certain someone, who may or may not be married to me, could give me as a reminder of our time in California, and San Francisco in particular. I believe I've found just the thing with this special bracelet from artist Stephanie Lindsey.

The signed, limited-edition bracelet in sterling silver is made from a vintage 1940's postcard of the Golden Gate Bridge. I may be leaving San Francisco but this bracelet will always remind me where I left my heart. Available through The Artful Home for $555.

I’ve heard of sewing and embroidery, knitting and crochet - I’ve even tried my hand at a few of the aforementioned crafts. (Didn’t your grandmother enforce the “you should know how to mend, sew a button and knit a scarf” rule, too?) But felting is new to me.

I've been delighted by Etsy's  Made by Moxie, one sassy and inspired artist known for her needle felted art. She explains her craft as the “…process of turning wool fiber into felt using barbed needles that force the fiber to attach to itself.” Luckily, I don’t need to understand the how in order to enjoy the what.

Check out her rings and bracelets and finger puppets and necklaces. If you ever needed a reason to smile, look no further than the mod pendant I'm ordering in orange ($28).

Brazil is, among many things, a country of artists, many now using their talents to send a message of environmental awareness told with imagination and beauty. We love TOUCH, a division of the Los Angeles-based Zoe Melo design group and a cooperative marketing effort showcasing the work of contemporary Brazilian artisans with a green mission, making objects that will enhance your space with an international sensibility.

I love the oversized, modern jewelry of Mana Bernardes, like this necklace made from recycled PET bottles, and the Kraft paper vases (above) dyed with natural pigments made by Domingos Totora. In the United States, these beautiful objects, recently exhibited in Paris (I found them through Deux Frontieres blog) are sold at Finch in Austin, Grasshopper 510 in Chicago, and other select retailers, with more coming soon. 

Beadiful Boston artist Catherine Howe started making her own jewelry five years ago when she had trouble finding looks that fit her style.

Not only has Catherine created one-of-a-kind memorable jewelry, but she also gives back as one of the featured artists for Nest. The Build a Nest program helps women in developing countries to start their own small businesses.  Catherine Howe has created a business to care for herself and her family, and that very business helps women in developing countries care for themselves and their families. Now that's beadiful!


Images/purchase: Beadiful

During the surge in mod furniture in the 60s and 70s, Lucite was all the rage. Lucite, an acrylic product similar to plastic, was used as an alternative to glass. It showed up everywhere - from tables and chairs to bathroom tiles - and was popular for its vibrant luster.

The large amount of lucite products in circulation meant a lot of waste. But lucite is beautiful, and deserves a second life. Fortunately, designers agree. Jewelry designer Rachel Essex has a vintage lucite and plastic pendant collection (shown above). Be sure to check out her pink lucite. (Desiring something more clear? BUZZ has just the thing.)

But its not just lucite that's making a splash. Plastics are showing up in conscious jewelry at an alarming rate - alarming because it's hard to admit to having a preference for plastic jewelry. Batucada Paris has a line of jewelry made from low-impact plastics that is absolutely stunning. Yes - stunning plastic jewelry.

Things really are changing.

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Glass artist Kathleen Plate has elevated glass bottles to high fashion. Inspired as a young girl by the sun-catching textures of stained glass, Kathleen has emerged as a pioneer in eco-design with her recycled glass jewelry design group.

The coca-cola line features glass circles and hoops made from rescued glass bottles, like this three-ring lariat necklace - a piece of unmistakable casual elegance.

The recycled glass line features one-of-a-kind pieces hand made from recycled bottles in a stunning range of colors inspired by traditional stained glass hues. Bottle sources include soda and beer bottles, as well as other sources. Kathleen's works are handcrafted using sterling silver fixings and chains. Vibrant and simple, they add a cheerful punch to your accessory inventory.

There's even a handsome pendant perfect for the guy in your life...just so you don't feel guilty when you snap up all the pieces in the women's section! (Earrings, shown, $58.)

Image/purchase: Smart Glass Design

The antiques of the future might be a bit difficult for dealers to classify. For instance, in the year 2060, when an antiques dealer is inspecting some Verdier Jewelry, she might have some trouble in determining if the piece came from 2008 or 1933. This is because Verdier uses authentic vintage materials from the world's "old school" jewelry factories.

The company uses lucite, glass and metals originally manufactured in the 30s, 40s and 50s, and merges them with modern production techniques, like this 1940s glass pendant on a vintage enamel chain, or the vintage jet plastic flowers pictured above.


The results are vintage beauties with a modern twist, to keep historians of the future on their toes.

Prices, ordering, information: Verdier

Last Sunday after brunch, my friend and I hit Melrose for window shopping, and there it was: a white porcelain key hanging from the neck of a very hip woman. There it swung, elegantly and simply by a thin, black leather cord.

Now, I’ve done my eco-homework. Porcelain falls into the green category, and it’s inexpensive. Green, simple, unique - a porcelain key is a gem of a jewelry statement that won’t break the bank.

Purchase a set of five keys (ranging in size from 1.5” to 2.75” long) for $40 at the Curiosity Shoppe - and gift them or keep them or save them for that special someone who finally deserves the actual key to your eco-heart.