Buyer’s Edge: Out of the trash and into fashion

You’ve heard it: Green is the new black.

From switching to compact fluorescent bulbs and buying rain barrels to buying locally and recycling Coke cans, more and more Americans are going green. But Coke bottle jewelry? Juice pouch purses? Forty-year-old license plates turned into art? Look around, and you’ll find artists in Atlanta and across the country are developing surprising creations from items we think are perfectly ordinary.

THE REAL THING

Atlanta artist Kathleen Plate of Smart Glass Jewelry Inc. uses recycled glass from bottles of beer, wine, Aveda, Skyy Vodka, Perrier and Pellegrino to create her jewelry. Plate’s “wearable art” is handcrafted and earth-friendly. The large charm necklace is on an adjustable sterling chain and features clear glass circles from a beer bottle, teal from a Riesling bottle and pine from red wine or champagne bottle. Recently Coca-Cola commissioned Plate to create a line of jewelry made from old Coca-Cola bottles. The Coke Circle Ring necklace is from the neck of a Coca-Cola bottle and is one example from that collection.

Bottom line: The charm necklace (above), available in a variety of colors, retails for $248, and the Coke Circle Ring necklace retails for $82.

Where to buy: At www.smartglassjewelry.com, or locally at Festivity 4 locations, The Bilthouse, Satoria in Marietta, Salon Red and the World of Coca-Cola (Coke items only).

Info: For more on these pieces, visit www.smartglassjewelry.com.

TAGS AND ART

Aaron Foster made a map of the United States from old license plates for a friend and business partner whom he was trying to romance when they lived in Atlanta about seven years ago. “She was impressed but not enough,” he laughs. She did suggest that he make another and sell it, and he hasn’t stopped since. Foster is back in California now, and his career has expanded to include hosting HGTV’s “FreeStyle” series, and his art has expanded to include roadside nostalgia signs, memorabilia and more maps, all made from vintage plates. The USA map signature piece —- using license plates from all 50 states hand-cut in the shape of the states —- is 57 inches by 36 inches. He has other fun, unique pieces as well, including a ‘57 Chevy shown on an upholstered leather background and a Seaside Motor Court / No Tell Motel .

Bottom line: Foster’s signature USA Cutout Map is $3,900 plus shipping; the ‘57 Chevy piece is $1,500 on wood and $1,750 on leather; and the Seaside Motor Court sign is $3,750.

Where to buy: All are available at www.aaronfoster.com

Info: www.aaronfoster.com

RECYCLED AND RECLAIMED

Atlanta artist Margaret Taylor used to work alongside her dad on house projects, which explains the appreciation she has for all things architectural. She’s fascinated by their history, textures and their intrinsic beauty. She started Dryads Dancing 15 years ago with unique birdhouses from reclaimed materials and picture frames made from old tin ceiling tiles. Today, with former Atlanta artist Simone Wilson, Dryads Dancing not only offers those distinctive frames and birdhouses but also is a source for handmade furniture, decorative accessories, mirrors and garden art, all created from recycled and reclaimed materials —- flooring, roofs, screens, beams, tin tiles and more. Whimsical pieces like butterflies made of rusty roof tin and recycled stair spindles for your garden and Bingo board lamps mix with practical products such as the picture frames and a patchwork bed frame.

Bottom line: Classic Dryads Dancing quilted tin frames range from $42 for a 4-by-6 frame, to $264 for a 16-by-20. The butterflies go from $38 to $48, and come in small, medium and large. The Bingo lamp is $195; $220 for the black Bingo board.

Where to buy: They are available at www.dryadsdancing.com

Info: www.dryadsdancing.com

CHIC HANDBAGS FROM … JUICE PACKS?

They’re standard fare for many kids: those juice pouches that they jam the straw into, drink the refreshing contents and then throw away. Few people would see an eco-chic purse in that package, but they’re not Marty Stevens-Heebner, head designer and founder of Half the Sky Designs (referencing the adage “Women hold up half the sky”). Called Rebagz, Half the Sky’s products are hand-woven from recycled juice packs or cut and sewn from recycled nylon rice sacks. Highlights of the line include the ever-so-stylish Chained to Me Clutch in silver, which is made by turning the recycled juice packs inside out. The now famous Multi-Colored Large Tie Tote, which is the bag of choice for the endearing title character on “Ugly Betty,” is both practical and distinctive. The Life is a Circle Bag, from their recycled rice sack line, was just named Best in Show at the NY International Gift Fair by New Age Retailer. Plus, Half the Sky Designs is a fair-trade company, and sales enrich the lives of poverty-stricken women in the Philippines. Chic, eco-friendly and globally responsible —- that’s a good combination.

Bottom line: The Chained to Me Clutch in silver (above) retails for $60; the Multi-Colored Large Tie Tote for $95; and the Life is a Circle is $62.

Where to buy: Rebagz are available at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Marriott Atlanta or Natural Body/10Ten in Atlanta, or online at www.rebagz.com.

Info: www.rebagz.com

ELEGANT CUFF LINKS

If you’re from Chicago or New York, love the Cubs or the Yankees, and want an understated way to show your colors, this site is for you. Cuff links, pens, even pendants are made from bits and pieces of your ballparks. (Sorry Braves fans, nothing for you so far.) But sports rivalries aside, the site also features distinctive cuff links, pens and jewelry for men, including retro fountain pen nib cuff links.

Bottom line: Distinctive cuff links, pens and jewelry. pen nib cuff links (above) come on a gold-plated sterling platform and retail for $140.

Where to buy: In Atlanta, Tokens & Icons items are available at Terra Cottage on Howell Mill Road, the High Museum, Highland Gifts, Worthmore Jewelers and LeeBrant Jewelers. Info: www.tokens-coins.com

WATCHING AND CLOCKS

Flea markets, antique stores and junk shops are Minnesota artist Debra Dresler’s sources for the interesting bits and pieces she uses to create her imaginative series of art watches and clocks. Vintage typewriter keys are transformed into bracelets and watches, and Brownie and antique bellows cameras and even dial telephones become distinctive clocks.

Bottom line: Time pieces with an artistic flair. Antique bellows camera clock retails for $276.

Where to buy: Dresler’s designs are available at www.StrokeofArt.com and through the Uncommon Goods and J Peterman Home catalog.

Info: www.StrokeofArt.com