I’ll have to agree with the sentiment of the hand-made pillow that proclaims “It’s always happy hour somewhere!” Oh, yes it is.

Then there’s another pillow featuring an exotic, colourful bird and the words Bowie, The Serious Moonlight Tour on it. Both these pillows began life as t-shirts and by the skilled hand of a crafter named Everything is Tickeyboo, became funky decor.

In fact, mostly everything at the Mozy Rue ECO Collective in Winnipeg’s South Osborne neighbourhood began life as something else. That’s sort of the point.

There are earrings made from soda bottle caps. I’d have to say the Dad’s Root Beer ones are my faves (yes, I have a little love affair going on with root beer).

There are contemporary bangles formed from 40 per cent recycled resin. And there are stylish handbags that once served as a vinyl cover for a pick-up truck box.

How Mozy Rue ECO Collective Got Started

Jody Dickson, AKA Mozy Rue, thought it would be a great idea to gather together her crafty friends and open a storefront.

Most of the crafters already have online Etsy shops, but this was a way for customers to see their creations up close and personal.

The collective includes six crafters, all with a bent for the sustainable, upcycled and eco-friendly. New artists come into the fold weekly, so there’s always something new in the shop.

Artists in Action

On the day I visited, Lisa and Sean, the husband and wife team behind dConstruct jewelry, were discussing an upcoming family trip as their hands kept busy at the in-studio workshop table.

The crafters take turns staffing the shop and using the spacious worktable, giving shoppers a chance to see the artists in action.

So what’s in store? You can put together an impressive wardrobe with a couple of one-of-a-kind pieces from The Velvet Vixen and Voila by Andreanne.

Need a housewarming gift? I would opt for a chunky concrete bowl made by Outcast Designs.

If your niece’s birthday is coming up, may I suggest a belt buckle crafted from an old skateboard deck? Handmade skincare products, stationary, home décor, jewelry, accessories and art make up the ever-changing mix.

Mozy Rue ECO Collective's Hours

• Tuesday and Wednesday, Noon-5 p.m.

• Thursday and Friday, Noon-9 p.m.

• Saturday and Sunday, Noon-5 p.m.