Yes. I pulled this forgotten metal bicycle basket out of the actual garbage can while we were walking our dog. My husband looked at me like I was crazy, but I was thrilled! I can see how this, with a little love and reshaping, would make a fabulous addition to our home.

One idea is to hang it in the bathroom to house lightweight items like toilet paper and/or washcloths and hand towels. Another thought was to utilize it in the kitchen for storage of onions/potatoes and the like, after a good cleaning of course! The possibilities are endless….

And, while I was at it, I had to get a picture of Bonsai inside the basket. I mean, really, how cute is this?

Do you have ideas on how to incorporate this item into a home? I’m interested in hearing your thoughts!

Are these not the coolest?! Tracy Melton of focuslineart on Etsy.com creates these lovelies. These original pieces are painted on dead elm trees which the artist cuts down herself with a chainsaw. I love when an artist can take something from their surroundings that is otherwise expired or useless and turn it into such a beautiful item full of new life.

Each an every one of Tracy’s paintings is so gorgeous. Good luck deciding which set of 3 you’d like to purchase! I know I can’t. While I’m particularly drawn to the cooler paintings, I would be thrilled to own any of these beauties. Aren’t they just perfect placed over the bed? I’d love to add a set to my home.

I’m currently loving Half Pint Salvage’s lovely upcycled/recycled creations made from salvaged materials. I simply adore the weathered, yet fresh feel of these pieces. I’m so tempted to order one, but I cannot choose a favorite! Head over to HalfPintSalvage.etsy.com to take  a peak at the shop!

While not your conventional beach experience, visiting Glass Beach on Kauai was a lovely adventure! We hopped over to Kauai a couple years ago while living in Honolulu. While we were there, we stopped off at Glass Beach. There is a dump off to the left just around the bend where the glass comes from. Decades ago, locals used to dump their old cars and trash at this spot. Now it’s a lovely weathered wall of fused, rusted metal. The old car parts and garbage are uniform in their orangey-brown goodness, and have become one with the rocks and earth. It’s really remarkable.

Here are some snaps of what we experienced. It’s amazing how beautiful and interesting trash and decay can become, isn’t it? Want more info on Glass Beach? Check out this article.

Juxtaposing unrelated elements is just lovely, isn’t it? While Dustin had our old television opened up (attempting to fix it), I grabbed a piece of scrap paper and whipped up a crane. It founds it’s home among the television’s innards before it was sent to its final resting place. It was a neat moment to capture.

How bizarre are these fantastic creations!? Reclaim2Fame specializes in utilizing at least 80% recycled materials to create these wonderful sculptures. Check this shop out. If nothing else, you will be pleasantly amused by the creativity you’ll see. My favorite is LITTLE ONES 24 – FEED ME. I love it!

Never underestimate your trash and discarded materials, just start playing and piecing… who knows what you can create!

Whenever I see old tires on the freeway or anywhere for that matter, I always have this urge to bring them home and revive them into something new… I haven’t done it yet, but these folks have. How cool are these handmade items? Click on the photo if you want more info. All items can be purchased on Etsy. I particularly like the bike chain bracelet from TheInnerWorks. Very cool.

Yesterday, our local thrift shop had a 50% off sale on EVERYTHING. I snagged this pot for about 80 cents. I have a fondness for these colored pots. Currently, I’m using one as a hanging planter seen here. Typically, you’ll find them in bad condition for cooking, but they make wonderful holders and containers for other things! And, I don’t mind the “worn” look at all. It adds a bit of character.

Here, I’ve taken an item otherwise destined for doom and repurposed it into a lovely fruit bowl for our kitchen. Simply remove the handle, and give it a good scrub in hot soapy water. Rocket science? No. Instant cheer added to kitchen? Yes! Who says you can’t buy anything for a buck these days?

Tune in tomorrow for Where We Live Wednesday!