I never regret reading Regretsy, the hilarious site that shows handcrafts gone wrong. The snarky site’s quickly attracted quite the following of fans who enjoy laughing at other people’s blood, sweat and tears — and already has a book out: Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF.
How’s this book green? Well, many Regretsy showcases are green upcycling projects gone wrong — like a rusty cheese grater — some cheese still attached — turned into a clock, chewed up gum turned into a “gum art painting” of a smiling pear, or a discolored log complete with “original tooth marks” from a beaver hollowed out into a “treasure box.”
One extra cutting craft-wreck’s a Coke can sliced up into a scary-sharp looking pair of earrings (“Tetanus shots not included”):

I laughed over that last one for a little while, then thought, wait — and looked in the mirror. OMG!

Yes, those too would be upcycled soda can earrings, made by annabuilt. Of course, I’m of the opinion mine look — if not cute like my friends tell (lie to?) me — at least less dangerous. Which is to say: The line between innovative upcycling craft and regretful pile of junky crap is quite thin!
Regretsy the book’s divided into entertaining chapters — some expected, like “Art” and “Decor,” others not-so-expected, like “Pet Humiliation” and “Vulvacraft.” Yes, Vulvacraft. Each chapter begins with a short hilarious essay by April Winchell, creator of Regretsy, who shares not just astute insights –
Fans of dressing animals often insist that the pet ‘enjoys it,’ but this is, in fact, a terrible lie. Dogs do not appreciate having to take a crap in harem pants.
but also her own stories of Regretsy moments, like henna-ing her dog a neon orange. Especially interesting are the details of April’s experiences with Etsy crafters who get Regretsied — some who get enraged, others who get entrepreneurial:
After I featured a beaded butterfly brooch that readers described as looking ‘like it was hit by a car,’ the seller posted new photos, showing the brooch under a tire and stuck to a windshield. The brooch sold immediately, and she has a new legion of fans.
Ever tried your hand at a coulda-been-green project that turned out so fugly or stinky it almost turned you into an un-environmentalist? Share your stories — so we can all laugh in commiseration at your eco-Regretsy failures. If you’d rather laugh at the humiliation of others, Regretsy the book can be yours for $14 — while Regretsy the site’s always free to visit.



Siel, you are pretty without wearing corporation colors.
Comment by David Rice — May 7, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
Oh no, the craft on yours is way better! It looks as if it were made in proper metal working shop. The Regretsy one looks as if it were made using a rock.
Comment by Susan Geist — May 8, 2010 @ 6:29 am
I love the site Regretsy. I can’t believe some of the stuff people make. I suppose it’s always true though: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Comment by Emily — May 8, 2010 @ 7:10 am
haha, this Regretsy makes me chuckle!
I think it’s great to focus on beautiful upcycling products for obvious reasons as you usually do; that’s what I usually feature on my own green blog too, but I’m glad you also discuss re-purposed failures also, to educate the public, & so that the creators can learn and grow, and hone their craft!
I feel like it’s such a new art form, but like all things new there are some artists standing on wobbly legs right now, and some could do better!
Tiffany´s last blog ..Greenpeace Earth Day Video WOWs With a Show of Hands
Comment by Tiffany — May 10, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
It’s especially funny that a lot of Regretsy stuff gets sold, I think. Do the buyers actually wear / use them — or simply keep them around to chuckle at once in a while?
Comment by Siel — June 19, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
i liek your earings better! love regretsy!
Comment by christine rudnicki — July 16, 2010 @ 10:38 am
Regretsy is hysterical! I’m tempted to make something really bad, just to get in there!
Comment by Anne — July 22, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
Thanks christine :) I like mine better too :)
Anne — I’ve thought that too — but I can’t think of any good ideas! Making bad stuff takes a lot of work….
Comment by Siel — July 29, 2010 @ 7:56 pm