When I attended the Camp Pixelache event in Helsinki, Finland in May I met members from the group Kulturlabor Trial&Error which is a Berlin based collective of designers, craftivists, thinkers, doers, artists and project managers. Members of the group use media, handicrafts and arts as tools to work with local communities and other groups to exchange knowledge and skills and to experiment. The projects explore creative activism, sustainability and the development of social networks, using principles of D.I.Y, Open Source Culture and non-formal education.
At Camp Pixelache, two members of Kulturlabor Trial&Error were there setup at a table. They had some of their books on display – which included Upcycle It! A book about upcycling, and has lots of project ideas of how to turn trash into useful and beautiful things. Upcyling is the practice process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.
The Upcycle It!” project started in Berlin as a way to look more closely at what people actually throw away. What is the impact we have as citizens on the environmental situation? What are our habits and choices that we make about what to throw away? What are other ways to use our trash?
Members from Kulturlabor Trial&Error started to re-mix handicraft, existing knowledge and new techniques with upcycled materials. They created workshops about trash and sustainability in various locations in Berlin, Germany and Asturias, Spain. The ideas from the workshops were put into a book and videos. The workshops often focus on one material each time, and a brief history and overview of the material is discussed first. Then – the creative construction, design, and crafting begin. Want to make a light out of an old umbrella, a zippered container from two plastic lens caps, a bottle cap welcome mat? Upcycle It! is a great book with information, inspiration, and great project ideas.
The great thing about the book is that you are able to download and print the book online so you can get started doing upcycling projects. I am interested in starting a meetup/ group to hang out and do innovative, creative and imaginative upcycling projects. I am planning to propose using the upcyling book and workshop format. So if you live near me – I’ll see you near the trash container!
Image Source:
Upcycle It! – website
Upcyle It! Book Online – (Read, download, and Print for free)
Links:
Upcyle It! Book Online – (Read, download, and Print for free)
Kulturlabor Trial&Error