Beautiful biodegradable dinnerware created from fallen leaves
Maker VerTerra says: “Our production process is simple and transparent: After collecting fallen leaves that would normally be burned, we apply steam, heat and pressure to transform the leaves into durable products that will naturally compost in 2 months.”
Driftwood horses made by sculptor Heather Jansch. Check out her site for other pieces.
For additional inspiration, see earlier Unconsumption posts on uses of driftwood, fallen branches, and other plant material here.
(via architizer)
What a cool project. And another good use of natural materials.
(More coffee-related posts here.)
Cross-file under “uses of natural materials” and ”Easter-related things”:
To dye eggs using natural materials, consider using these food items:
- purple cabbage — turns white eggs blue; brown eggs = green
- red onion skin — makes a lavender or red coloring
- beets — turn white eggs pink; brown eggs = maroon
- yellow onion skin — turns white eggs orange; brown eggs = rusty red
- ground turmeric — gives a yellow coloring
- Celestial Seasonings’ Red Zinger herbal tea — provides a lavender color
Other tea varieties, coffee, blackberries, and grape juice are among other items that will stain eggshells.
For additional information, including how-to / DIY details, see Vibrant Eggs, Dyed Naturally | The Kitchn.
Hong Yi paints using coffee stains
Posts about Shanghai-based artist Hong Yi, who also goes by the name Red, have been making the online rounds recently. Last month, I spotted a photo of her painting of former Houston Rockets basketball player Yao Ming, for which she used a basketball to apply red paint to some surface (canvas? paper?), and now this coffee-rendered piece has turned up. Check out her work, if you haven’t seen it. [A time-lapse video (here) of Red moving her coffee cup to “paint” the above-pictured piece is interesting to watch.]
See also: Earlier Unconsumption posts on creative uses of natural materials here.
Could this be a tabletop holiday tree? A jewelry holder? Something else?
Use your imagination!
(via Shelterness)
For your viewing pleasure, and as inspiration for uses for existing things, here’s a roundup of wreaths — spotted on various Web sites. The majority of these wreaths aren’t holiday-specific, so they could be enjoyed year-round. Several links below will take you to pages that feature additional photos and/or how-to details.
- twigs, via Camilla Fabbri’s Family Chic blog
- succulents (a living wreath), via MomsGoingGreen blog
- wood scraps, via Design*Sponge
- plastic dry cleaner bags, via Design*Sponge
- greeting card pieces, cut with the aid of a stencil, via Good Housekeeping
- neck ties, via Good Housekeeping
- fabric scraps, via ReadyMade
- sweater pieces, via Family Chic
- newspaper, via Family Chic
- fabric (burlap scraps), via RUPiperDesigns on Etsy
Which one’s your favorite? Post links to other designs — traditional or non-traditional — to share with us and others.
Related: See our holiday-themed album from the Unconsumption Facebook page.
[Reblogged from the Unconsumption archive.]
Today’s how-to: Make “roses” out of maple leaves — a DIY project from clay, fiber and paper artist Kate Hust.
Materials needed: leaves, twigs, floral tape, scissors.
Details: diy project: autumn leaf bouquet | Design*Sponge
Want to see earlier Unconsumption posts on things made from leaves, twigs, and other natural materials? Click here.
File under “creative uses for downed tree limbs.”
(via Colossal)
Adding credit for the artist, Meghan Finkel, who makes her “Branch Lights” from fallen branches, and touchconceptstore, where her work can be purchased.
(via placestoputstuff)

