K is for Keyboards

Source: Borganic on Folksy

The humble computer keyboard often gets overlooked when we think about computer technology, but it's always been there, even now, just under the screen. And they've acutally changed alot since the days of floppy discs. Some of them are in two parts, some are all curvy like space ships and some of them are completely hypothetical touch screen pixels that don't even get bits of crisps stuck inbetween. I remember when the keys were ten feet tall and you could lose whole pencil sets next to the massive return button. So what happened to all of those keypads? Since the introduction of the Europe's, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive (they love a catchy name) consumers and retailers should now be sorting these and other tech bits into special recycling feeds so that the bits of precious metal and heavy plastic can be used for more techy stuff in the future. But there's nothing to stop you from making quirky with your qwerty before it heads off to the scrap heap.....

The Power is Yours

Source KeyedUp on Etsy

Source KeyedUp on Etsy

Source: Borganic at Folksy

The crafters at Folksy and Etsy have been getting busy making blinging baubles from F4s and power points.   Get your geek on with a selection of silver plated Mac-tastic jewellery from KeyedUp is the perfect accessory for the chic eco geek. Each ring, necklace, earring, or cufflink is handmade from recycled computer keyboards mounted on hand-cut Sterling Silver of Stainless Steel. Borganic is the work of crafter Judy Innes of Edinburgh, who uses recycled and reclaimed materials to create broaches and earrings.  Borganic likes to mix it up and their Keyboard broaches include recycled foam, latex and even wallpaper.

 Qwerty Interiors 

Source: Brood

Source: Design Milk

Recycled keyboards aren't the first thing that you think of when you think of sleek interior design but here a few surprising entries from across the web.  Tecoart's iMac keyboard Pendulum Clocks would make a great accessory to the Macquarium. Add to it the Wolfgang Keyboard Bench by Nolan Herbut, made from 2000 pressable keyboard keys, and you've got yourself one green office space.

S is for Shelving

Source Stella Bleu at etsy.com

As upcycling projects go, shelving is one of the most versatile means of creating something new from something old and kinda flat. Within a home, a creative display can become more than just a storage unit, it can become a conversation piece. There seem to be very few limits on what makes good upcycled shelving.

Guttering

This entry was submitted to us by my good friends, The Doyle Family from Abby's World. They're ever inventive and this bit of DIY is a terribly inspired way to display their little girl's bounty of books. 

Upcycled Rain Guttering into Childrens' Bookshelves

Recycled Rain Guttering into Children's Bookshelves

Suitcases

Part art installation, part shelving unit, this is the creation of self professed 'Martha Stewart of Junk' and editor-in-chief of Fleamarket Style magazine Ki Nassauer. Made from vintage suitcases, this is a beautiful way to display the spoils of one's travels.

Source Apartment Therapy

Industrial Piping

Designer Stella Bleu proves that upcylcled industrial piping is a remarkably flexible material for creating new and interesting shapes for bookshelves. Both rugged and contemporary,  each shelf is made from salvaged piping and also works as a lamp. Stella Bleu's pipe designs also extend to creating clever clothing storage solutions, lighting and sculptures.  

Source: Tree Hugger

Source Stella Bleu on etsy.com