Destructive Testing

Upcycling/recycling is becoming more mainstream!

Upcyclers give new life to items that might otherwise be tossed.

Michael Smith is an artist who uses re-purposed materials to make pieces of art, such as this little free library at his Shorewood home, which is made from a kitchen cabinet. It holds 100 books.

Angela Peterson

Michael Smith is an artist who uses re-purposed materials to make pieces of art, such as this little free library at his Shorewood home, which is made from a kitchen cabinet. It holds 100 books.

By Kathy Flanigan of the Journal Sentinel
Oct. 26, 2012

Unlike recycling, which breaks down material to create something new, upcycling gives new life to materials or items that might have otherwise been tossed in a landfill.

Michael Smith, of Shorewood, turned rounded metal pipe into a free-standing piece of artwork in his backyard. Used roller derby helmets became lamp shades.

The little free library in front of his house was fashioned using an old kitchen cabinet from Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Wauwatosa. Smith put a back on the cabinet and topped it with old tin ceiling…

View original post 760 more words