What is upcycling?

At Glitzy Kitsch, we are big fans of upcycling. But what is upcycling?

"Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value." At least that's the technical definition.

We think it's a broader term, kind of a combination of repurposing and beautifying. We like to take items that have passed their normal lives and give them a facelift. Another term is eco-crafting. So that things have a second life, so to speak.

Taking old clothesline and turning it into coasters (coming soon the the Glitzy Kitsch site, these are beyond adorable so watch for them!). Taking thrift store clothes, adding our own fashion twists and embellishing them, pulling apart old knits to re-use the yarn, and taking apart broken watches to turn them into unique steampunk jewelry are all examples of how we "upcycle".

We live in an era where consumption of goods is rampant, but just because something is older doesn't mean it doesn't have value. And in this economy it makes even more sense to reuse, repurpose and recycle. Plus, we think it's a lot of fun to make great things out of "junk". We live by the old saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure". While we aren't trash picking, we are scouring thrift stores, garage sales and even our own closets and attics to find forgotten treasures and hidden gems.

Going green isn't just good for the environment, it can save you some green in your wallet too. Upcycled items are often less expensive than their new counterparts. And because upcycled items are mostly made by handcrafting artisans, you are supporting individuals instead of giant faceless conglomerates.

So the next time you are looking for something unique, amazing and one of a kind, think about checking out a handcrafted upcycled piece. You're helping the planet, the people and yourself!