Recycled: Tubes, Plastic, Paper, Textiles, Metal and Cork Projects by Uta Donath, Eva Hauck, Claudia Huboi, and Dorothee von Rosenberg Synopsis Many useful things can be prepared from used bicycle inner tubes, paper, plastics, metals, textiles and cork. This book is based on the idea that reusable materials which would otherwise land on the waste tip can be processed in new special ways. Recycling is an important aspect of this book, but first and foremost it is about creating original, less costly but aesthetic living objects and accessories. "Recycled" is easy to follow, using step-by-step instructions on how decorative and functional products are created from discarded materials. Bags, rugs, lampshades, vases, baskets and even hammocks can be manufactured without difficulty. "Recycled" offers first an extensive materials science. Subsequently, the six main chapters follow on the subjects of tubes, paper, plastic, metal, textiles and cork. Drawings in the instructions simplify the explanation. Special knowledge for the designs is not needed.

Review 1 Without a long preface, the authors, all active in the design field, come straight to the point and present 8 pages of facts about the recycled materials used. They are bicycle inner tubes, paper, plastic, metal, textiles and cork. The introduction clarifies the practical part of the processing techniques used and where they are to be found in classical reference books, such as iron, plastic bags, felt in the washing machine, paper, sewing, weaving, etc. There then follows a detailed descriptions of 25 projects, with the original residential buildings and accessories that emerge. Function and aesthetics are always perfectly matched to the material. All models can be produced without special tools. The production does not require artisanal knowledge, but a good deal of patience in the collection of materials, preparation and processing is essential, however! Since selection criteria are included both in the material list and in the many workflow application tips and instructions, a trouble finishing is ensured. With each material, an average of three proposals is presented. The inner tube comes with or without a valve even for the 9 production tasks used. The rugged rubber with its patches and beautiful finishes is used to create patchwork bags, vases and hammocks. The game with a single color allows interesting cut-off effects in weaving, knotting and braiding. The finished surfaces are waterproof, slip resistant and ideal for carpets and mats. The processing of films, papers and other composite materials is the purest play area for people with fun techniques in paper and textile processing. It is laminated, patched, woven, perforated, sewn and the most unconventional in combination. The stubborn metal material is brought to heel by skillful selection of materials and related technology. Bottle caps are perforated and strung, flexible speaker wire is interwoven, sections of cans and wire grids are combined with felt in a piecemeal association and are used to crochet beads. The authors have managed a range of models that convinces with playfulness, clarity and surprising effects. Since the production costs are low and conventional manufacturing techniques are used in unusual contexts, some examples of the work are well transferable to school and vocational training. An excellent book on the creative aspects of recycling. (Posted by phoenix)

Review 2 Finally ideas that have fascinated me! Highly recommended. The material processing is well described. The price has me shrunk only a little while, but ideas like these should not, of course, be sold cheap. Thrilled! If you want to be creative with your recycling, this book is for you. (Posted by Minnie)

Review 3 The idea to cut plastic bags and arrange the new pieces and then merge by ironing to a new hard film is awesome. Once I tried it, I had a new idea and then another and so on. For that alone I am grateful to the authors. And what really makes the book for me is that the ideas are described and explained in detail. (Posted by Leo)

Review 4 Much food for thought here. Good book for the creatives. (Posted by Skip Hire)