Pretty Pencil Box Pendant

I just looked through my latest Uncommon Goods catalog and just had to share this awesome pendant, made with slices of real colored pencils.  I just LOVE how they combined the round cross-sections on bottom with the angled cuts on the top.

I have the resin and molds to make something like this, but am not sure I'd want to attempt the precise cuts it takes to get these all sliced just right.  These are hand made in Massachusetts by someone who knows what they are doing!  What a great way to use up some of those little pencil stubs that are too short to draw with!

Pick one up for $65 at Uncommon Goods...they also have matching pins in a circle or heart shape ($38), as well as a teardrop necklace ($60).

(Here's a previous post with more colored pencil jewelry, too)

DIY Recycled Ornaments from "Michele Made Me"

Check out these pretty plastic bottle ornaments from Michele Made Me, along with instructions to make them yourself!

She also has another tutorial to make these adorable little greenhouse ornaments from recycled plastic.  Love them!  Plus, who doesn't want to gaze into a tropical little greenhouse when there are inches of snow on the ground? Her ornament tutorials appear to be an ongoing series...can't wait to see what she comes up with next!  Thanks, Michele!!

"Fantastic Recycled Plastic: 30 Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination"

I just came across this fun book over at Craftgossip, where you can read a review and even post a comment for a chance to win your own copy!  I have these bins in my studio that are full of recycled materials, waiting to be repurposed...wine corks, bottle caps, and of course junk mail.  I also have a bin full of miscellaneous colorful plastic parts...lids from bottles, bread bag tabs, and even the tops of spice jars with the little holes in them.  I've been waiting for something to inspire me to turn them into something cool, and this seems like a great place to start! 

I haven't seen the book in person myself, but thought I'd share the review over at CraftGossip, and get you all in on a chance to win a copy too!  Good luck!  :-)