Fantastic Recycled Plastic: 30 Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination Paperback – November 3, 2009

I discovered this book on the Internet after I saw David's Plastiquarium creation (Wildacres Cascader) at Wildacres Retreat Center in Little Switzerland, NC last November of 2009. As soon as I saw this book, I ordered it right away. I found it to be one of the most informative and creative how-to books on creative repurpose and reuse of the plastic bottles and containers.The authors start with David's account on how he started to work with recycled plastic, and a brief history of plastic. W ell-detailed technical information on the packaging resins was provided on their characteristics, properties, and identification codes (1 PET, 2 HDPE, to name a few). With these plastics as medium in mind, explanations were provided on the use of various cutting, forming, and fastening tools in the art or craft projects.The chapter on the basics is very informative and full of details - even the anatomy of the bottle is identified and explained. Basic techniques on deconstruction, fastening, and forming are presented in both text and photos. The rest of the book is focused on projects that were grouped based on the following categories: jewelry, dimensional figures (birds, fishes, insect, sea lives, and reptiles), holiday decorations, lighting and toys. Each project-based chapter has a gallery of other artisans' works that are very fascinating, clever and inspiring.Many years ago, I have done one craft project that involved cutting up a few bottles, but I have never produced anything like the ones in the book. When I first opened the book, I was blown away by what can be done with these plastic bottles, and I am inspired to come up with more creative use or design.Several templates are provided at the end of the book, and also provided is a list of artists/craftspeople who contributed their work for the galleries in the book. However, their e-mail addresses and/or websites were not listed, and I would have to use search engines to find them if I wanted to contact them for purchase of their work.From reading one of the last pages, I discovered that David and Robin developed the proposal for this book during their summer residency at Wildacres Retreat Center. If I had not seen his creation on the wood paneled wall, I would not have known about this wonderful book. Even though you might not be inclined to start any of the projects, I still recommend this book for helping you see these "discarded" bottles in a new light - as an eco-friendly medium for creative reuse projects.

This book is excellent and informative. It teaches you how to create art out of recyclable materials in an easy-to-understand way. It also includes photos of various artists with their recycled material artwork.

This book is a wonderful resource for artists seeking greener ways to incorporate plastic into their own work. Well written, there are projects one can follow, or for me I plan to make my own designs but now have information on how I can make moveable parts and attach plastic to plastic with the detailed suggestions on how to do so and on tools to use.Every upcycled artist/artisan should have this book for reference.Suzanne in CT

I really like the cool projects in this book, even my 21 year old granddaughter liked then. They are very creative and look easy to make following the great pictures and instructions.

Tons of ways to recycle. Some things are a little younger than my 69 years, but i will still be using this book. Maybe I can donate to a hospital.

Got the book before I expected it - nice surprise. When looking through the book I noticed that I will need some tools to make some of the models. All the tools looks like what I have on hand. (or most people) The instructions look clear and complete. I will need to purchase some "extras" to complete these - for example - pop rivets, machine screws, brads and eyelets. Nothing to expensive. The first part of the book is a how to assemble very clear. I can't wait to try a few.

This book was inspiring, lots of photos and imagination. Would have like a little more instruction

Recycling is best served it you have something to use the recycled item for. That is wha this book provides: inspration and ideas of useful recycled products.