With the world full of so much stuff, it's hard for me to justify buying new, factory made things when it comes to fashion and design. Yes, I understand there are certain things you should buy new, of course, but I genuinely feel that every little bit helps.Here's the deal. When I think of all the plastic being churned out rapidly into our environment, I feel like it's my responsibility as a creative person to find materials that already exist. Also, it's amusing for me to pick through antique stores, estate sales, thrift stores, and my friends and family's junk to find hidden gems. So today, I'm going to share with you four ways I use salvaged materials creatively and, with this inspiration, I'm going to sneak in a few of my new offerings for you! I've been working on a lot of new goodies!1. JewelryI love taking jewelry apart and putting it back together again in more modern styles. There are loads of ugly, outdated pieces that are just sitting around out in the world waiting to be loved. I make old jewelry into new jewelry. Sometimes I find things that are great just the way they are and only need a small fix. Then other times, I use jewelry in my mixed media artwork. Repurposed jewelry can be tricky, though. It needs to be weighted well and lay right. To see more of my jewelry designs, click here!2. Vintage and Antique DecorEver since I was a teenager, I loved picking and collecting. Now, my taste is a bit more refined than when I was sixteen, thank goodness. I love seeking out beautiful and functional items that are still in great shape. Not to say I don't love signs of age and a lovely chippy patina! I also love thinking of ways to repurpose vintage and antique pieces and use them in new ways. I like my home to be a work of art, and now I'm offering my vintage collection online!3. Mixed Media ArtworkFound objects, ripped up fabric, jewelry components, paper scraps, and natural elements. It's all good! I love combining unexpected elements into a composition and layer, layer, layer! It gives me a challenge and provides the viewer with a surprise! To see more of my mixed media art, click here!4. ClassesNow that I'm comfortable with using these materials, I want to share this salvaging knowledge with you! I'm usually offering several mixed media art classes through my local classroom at University Art. If you're in the Sacramento Area and want to learn how you can do this, too, please check out my Classes & Events page for more info!Thanks again! Don't forget to check out my new listings. I've been working my booty off getting these new collections together and up on the website. Hopefully, you enjoy them! Much love! - Jennifer

Jennifer Laurel Keller

Art, Instruction & More

Tahoe in Fall

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Sonoma 40th Birthday Trip

In the Forest for our First Anniversary

Road Trip - Natural Beauty

Timelapse Painting: Beach Day!

Salvaged Style: Four Ways I Repurpose

Brushes I Love: Brands & Series

Abstract Therapy

Halloween Collage