Artful Jellyfish-like Bowls From Upcycled Plastic PET Bottles (Photos)

Photos: Gülnur Özdağlar Plastic bottles -- that environmental bane of a disposable, modern society -- can be both an abundant form of pollution in waterways and oceans, as well as a materials source for mind-boggling art. In the skillful hands of Turkish architect and upcycling designer Gülnur Özdağlar the unremarkable PET plastic bottle is transformed into gorgeously diaphanous and functional objects like bowls and jewelry. Using simple tools like a candle, scissors and a soldering iron, Özdağlar upcycles bottles into a bewildering range of ephemeral accessories that under the light, look like fantastical, tentacled sea creatures or little undersea treasures. So from this: ... to this: That's pretty neat! Alchemy of upcyclingAs TreeHugger Lloyd has mentioned before about how 'redesign', not recycling, will be the wave of the future, Özdağlar asserts that large-scale recycling is not the solution, rather ... the real solution is "upcycling" rather than plain recycling.

Potato paint recipe, esprit cabane, make your own paint This peasant paint recipe dates back to seventeenth-century Northern Europe. It is recommended for walls and can be directly applied on plaster or over a coat of light-colored acrylic paint that has been delicately sanded. This paint is natural, inexpensive and very resistant, and can be colored to suit any taste. Natural colors such as sienna or ochre are enhanced by potato paint, which will develop a pretty patina effect over time. Combine with a slightly sanded gold frieze for a handsome result. Apply at least two coats. Cook about 5½ oz. (150 g) of potatoes, then mash and mix with 10 to 12 fluid oz. boiling water. In a bowl, dilute 5½ oz. (150 g) chalk powder* in 5 fluid oz. cold water. Your paint is now ready to use. * Chalk Powder: Finely ground natural chalk.