Melted Bead Lampshapes - Recycled Mardi Lights by Unique Products (GALLERY)

When you think of New Orleans, you think of Mardi Gras....and beads. Some of those cheap gaudy beads don’t go to the landfill. They get melted down and made into the most colourful and pretty lampshades, chandeliers and wall sconces. They “have the colour and glow of stained glass with the durability of plastic!” These are designed by Unique Products - a team of recycling artists, Mark Kirk and Heather MacFarlane located in where else? New Orleans. They also make unusual and attractive nightlights for children in their Etsy store. All their lighting products are UL issue with a range of bulb wattage.

They do undertake commissions for their broad range of unusual homewares, not just lighting.