With plaster antlers and synthetic animal hide adorning eco homes everywhere, why not faux taxidermy? If you like the rustic look but aren’t feeling a real head on your wall, the faux mount may be right up your alley.

You know taxidermy, the art of mounting stuffed animal heads on a wall. Yes, it is an art. Not for everyone and many may even feel it’s a little creepy. But as the daughter of a talented and ethical taxidermist I can tell you, however you feel about it, there are those who are good at taxidermy and those who are … well … not.

There is the straightforward, hunter-esque sort of taxidermy. There is a bit edgier side to taxidermy, as well. Something for everyone?

Maybe.

If you are a home décor fanatic, you may be attracted to certain trends that are less than eco. Antlers, hides and skins are a big deal right now in interiors. They look cool. But do you feel okay about having animal parts tossed (however tastefully) around your home?

There is salvation for those of us looking to get in on the latest without the an-animal-lost-his-life guilt. Sub in plaster or ceramic antlers for the real thing. I love my fake sheepskin throws. You can even buy authentic looking faux animal hides to use as rugs.

Now for that head you’ve been longing to hang on your den wall? Enter, faux taxidermy. “Animal heads” made from metal, cardboard, wood, fiberglass…you kind of have options, here.

Ok, so most of us are not exactly lusting after a wall mounted head, faux or not. Safe to say, it is most likely something we can live without. And like traditional taxidermy, there is both good and weird stuff out there.

Now take a look at Mbare’s Recycled Metal Wall Art. These pieces are not only pretty and super unique, but made in Zimbabwe from recycled car tin.

One of a kind wildebeest, kudu, or springbok to adorn your living room? Pretty cool. Daniel, the man who makes these works of art, learned the craft from his father and now supports his own family with the business. Each piece sells for $58.

Has your idea of taxidermy changed? Can you see yourself purchasing a piece of faux taxidermy? A colorful water buffalo would look mighty nice sidled up against your artificial zebra print rug.

Related on EcoSalon

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THREADED: Julia Ramsey Sheds Her Skin About ‘Pelt’

Walking Away From Wool

Images from Mbare.com

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Finally, a paperweight for potty-mouths.

The next time you’re backed into a cubby you don’t want to be in, feel free to drop the ‘f’ bomb. At the office or at home, metal artist Fred Conlon‘s recycled steel sculpture offers up an abstract expletive for just about any situation.

Conlon crafts his colorful prose from recycled and reclaimed materials which are designed to rust with age.

Handmade in Utah, the ‘f’ bomb paperweight is yours for $50.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.

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Before I proceed to all the drool-worthy jewels by Mollie Dash, can I just say, how great is her name? Mollie Dash. It’s a little like “Nancy Drew” – maybe that’s why I think it’s so cool.

Now that you’ve got way too much information on how I spent the majority of my youth, let’s get down to business.

Mollie Dash designs jewelry using “discarded, thrifted, donated and yard sale-derived materials.” The Five Strand Bracelet shown above ($130) is already in my shopping cart. It’s best described by the artist as “a lovely mix of various chains and knotted sections of Ethiopian brass beads”. Lovely is right on, as well as rough and rugged and sexy.

Another unique piece by Mollie Dash is her End of Day Necklace ($125) made using leftover chain scraps from her own studio. The Heart Locket Necklace ($120) is precious and the Triple Chain Necklace ($125) is spectacular; my favorite by far but it’s also sold out, sparing my bank balance.

Eco all around, Dash avoids leather and plastic, and when packaging her wares for shipment, she reuses anything she can find. She’s an artist whose life and home are as green as her work. What a catch and what a name!

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Remember that squiggly little sign from math class that looks like the number eight turned on its side? It may not have sparked your curiosity then, what with its connection to tedious concepts like set theory, projective geometry and hyperreal numbers. (I definitely napped through those classes.) Well, the Infinity wine rack is my kind of math lesson.

Handcrafted to perfection by master artisans, this eco-friendly accent displays your favorite whites and reds in endless style. Not enough free counter space for this bulky piece? The Cocopa wine cabinet that I discovered over the summer can adorn bare wall space or an empty corner in your kitchen or dining room. (Available at The Nest Store for $140.)

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