This post just makes my heart pitter patter with Portland pride. There’s a new kind of exhibit right now in town, the first one of its kind at The Museum of Contemporary Craft where all art and design projects are made from re-purposed manufactured materials. ManufRactured, runs through January 9, 2009. Here are some examples from the exhibit:

Cat Chow’s dress made out zippers and more zippers and just zippers.

Another example of Cat Chow’s works again made out of zippers as a decorative piece.

Jerry Bleem’s piece made out of thousands of staples, layers upon layers which hide the base material.

Boris Bally’s “Man in Stereo”: Serving platters from re-purposed traffic signs.

Very creative. Many reflect a strong social statement which I find interesting. For more on the meaning behind the works, visit the musem’s website: museumofcontemporarycraft.org.

An interesting take on re-using newspapers for something cute and functional. These would make fabulous tabletop pieces and good conversational items. From MNLStyle, these vases actually hold water and I love the texture. The red vase (shown at right) was made by a community in the Philippines living near one of Manila’s largest dump sites. This group (according to the website) is trained and employed by the Filipinas Fair Trade Venture Group, an inspirational organization committed to providing sustainable development to disadvantaged people. That’s wonderful.

Oh those Japanese. Can you imagine sitting there with 138,000 recycled metro tickets and making the above piece of art? Pretty dang impressive if you ask me. Check it out. The mural 10 x 7ft, is a part of a temporary installation to celebrate the opening of Tokyo’s new Fukutoshin subway line. I’ve never been to Tokyo but it sounds cool already. As reported by PinkTentacle, “Created by volunteers from Takashimaya and other Shinjuku-area businesses, the work depicts Astro Boy, Uran, Professor Ochanomizu and Higeoyaji (Mr. Mustachio) in Shinjuku along with the new Fukutoshin train.”

More of an up close and personal view. I’m starting to see numbers…

Now I see it. Uy Vey. My grandmother would be impressed with this one. Me too.

This adorable and and eco-stylish coin purse offered by Eco-Handbags is perfect for summer and fall. I love that it’s handmade from a mix of 100% repurposed candy wrappers, soda labels and food packages and it’s fairly traded. Funny, its black and white stripes remind me of the old packaging on Juicy Fruit gum. That makes me giggle. Bonus: It’s water resistant which is perfect for where I live in Portland Oregon. That and its affordable price of $30 bucks.

Just another earth friendly fabulous resource to share. You know how stressful it can be when moving time comes. Why not save money and the environment by purchasing used cardboard boxes? They are just as sturdy, smell good and are as clean as new ones. Plus it just feels better to know we are doing our part. Check out UsedCardboardBoxes who give a portion of their proceeds to help plant trees through TreePeople.org or check your nearest Craig’s list.