Five Favorite Eco-Friendly Etsy Artists

Etsy is a unique online community that allows artists to sell their beautiful works of art to an international audience. A multitude of the artists found on Etsy seek to be environmentally friendly and create exquisite masterpieces from recycled and reclaimed materials. Here are five of this author's favorite eco-friendly Etsy artisans:

Bottled Up Designs

Avid antique bottle collector and reclaim artist Laura Bergman lives in the Pennsylvania Amish Country and reclaims antique bottles and glass from the bottle dumps that are located in the scenic wooded habitat and rural farmland in her area. Ms. Bergman's reason for performing this task is out of concern for the environment and the wildlife that dwells in the woods in which the glass is found. Ms. Bergman takes these pieces of glass and creates beautiful reclaimed glass earrings, necklaces, and ornaments.

Each one of Ms. Bergman's creations comes with information on where the glass contained in your selection came from as well as the age of the glass. By purchasing one of Ms. Bergman's works of art, you can help to reduce the amount of glass in the bottle dumps as well as help to support an individual who desires to help her environment as well as the wildlife in her area.

Beach Glass Memories

The jewelry designer of Beach Glass Memories uses 100% pure beach glass in her designs. Beach glass (also known as sea glass) is the result of glass that was once cast into the sea becoming smooth and sculpted by the movement of the sea. Thus, beach glass is like a gift from the sea.

Utilizing a natural resource that is readily available on beaches like beach glass in jewelry masterpieces can help to deter the desire to mine for gemstones which can potentially harm the environment. By purchasing one of Beach Glass Memories' lovely creations, you can enjoy the beauty of a gift from nature.

Zinnia Bags

Marley, the designer of these fantastic eco-friendly boho bags , uses recycled fabrics from previously used tablecloths, dresses, and other such items to produce her environmentally friendly works of art. These bags are roomy and fun, and each one is unique.

By purchasing these one-of-kind accessories, you can make a fashion statement, have an extraordinary product, and help to keep more items made from fabric out of the landfill. You can be fashionable and "green" at the same time.

Lauren's Lovelies

This artist is a graphic designer by trade, and this skill shows in her eye-catching recycled domino necklaces and keychains. This artisan takes old dominos and paints them with vivid colors and appealing scenes from nature. She states that she enjoys "making something out of nothing," and indeed, her domino paintings illustrate this gift.

By selecting one of these picturesque domino masterpieces, you can help to keep more items out of the landfill and sport a lovely accessory that is sure to be a conversation piece. Also, worthy of mention is this artist's latest endeavor in making coasters out of tiles and decoupage.

Sydney Designs

This Seattle-based artist uses vintage wallpaper acquired from an old farmhouse in the Midwest to construct her exclusive recycled note cards, rings, and pendants . These exceptional products are sure to impress their recipients and help to reduce the mass production of paper.

Whether you are looking for a gift for yourself or for a loved one, you may want to keep these gifted, eco-friendly artists and their environmentally conscious masterpieces in mind. Also, since all of these five artists are located in the United States, you will help to promote your national economy.

Sources:

http://www.etsy.com/people/BeachGlassMemories

http://www.etsy.com/people/bottledupdesigns

http://www.etsy.com/people/LaurensLovelies

http://www.etsy.com/people/sydneydesigns

http://www.etsy.com/people/ZinniaBags