bricolage (bri·co·lage) n.
- (in art or literature) Construction or creation from a diverse range of available things.
- Something constructed or created in this way.
The artist Cynthia Korzekwa introduced me to this word a few years ago, and the word and its sentiment have made a lasting impression on me. I love the way the word rolls off my tongue, and I love the re-purposing of tired old things into new, useful, attractive things.
It’s fair to say that re-use on this scale is not going to solve our waste issues, but it is rather a creative response to the consumerist world that we live in. Bricolage is an opportunity to express our distaste of the persistent ravaging of our planet for raw materials to make MORE NEW THINGS, while not adding to the problem of waste.
I’ve curated this Etsy Treasury to showcase some lovely examples of bricolage.
‘Bricolage is my favourite word’ by tracystokes
 large needle felted woo… $170.00
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 Recycled Metal Fish Bon… $225.00
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 Little Bird On Teacup R… $6.99
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 Wine Barrel Ring Hangin… $65.00
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 AWESOME fused glass bow… $180.00
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 Recycled light bulb vas… $12.50
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 Succulents / Herbs/ Pla… $17.99
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 Recycled Art Sculpture … $50.00
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 Bicycle Mama with Child… $29.95
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 Blue Lady, Original Pai… $65.00
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 Metal & Glass Assemblag… $38.00
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 Anglerfish, upcycled, m… $28.00
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 Dachshund – upcycled do… $52.00
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 Shebeening – Original P… $105.00
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 Modern art Owl painting… $32.00
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Treasury tool supported by the dog house