10 Ways To Boost Your Microbiota On Etsy

Each of us is a walking world of microbes... read on, though, before you start scrubbing! The few dangerous microorganisms tend to get all of the press, but the vast majority of the bacteria, protozoans, archaea, fungi and viruses are indifferent, or even beneficial to us. Artists draw inspiration from all sorts of unlikely sources - even your gut flora! This 'probiotic' collection of work created by scientifically minded crafters, is designed to foster appreciation and understanding of this hidden world, which we are just beginning to understand.

Black Petri Dishes Silk Charmeuse Scarf

Michele Banks

Who says bacteria aren't beautiful? Glamorous and geeky at the same time, this gorgeous silk scarf is printed in vibrant rainbow colors, with a collage of microbes in culture. (Available from artologica.etsy.com)

Bacterial Capsule Hand-Pulled Linocut Print

Cassandra Krone

Decorate your walls with abstract bacterial art. This print is based off of the nose and throat dwelling pneumococcus. This bacteria can be a goodie or a baddie, so roll the dice and hang one on your wall. (Available from LoveBacteriaArt.etsy.com)

Thermochromic Linocut Louis Pasteur

Ele Willoughby

This colour-changing thermochromic linocut portrait shows microbiology pioneer Louis Pasteur, surrounded by bacteria. If you heat the print above 30C (86 F) the bacteria turn colourless and disappear, reappearing only when it cools. The print itself is a metaphor for pasteurization! (Available from minouette.etsy.com)

Microbe Buttons

Nicole Edmond

A diverse selection of protozoans and other microbes are exactingly depicted in this collection of handmade buttons from emerging artist Nicole Edmond. Nicole uses etching, silkscreening, and other print-media techniques to explore the grotesque beauty within the infinitesimal world that surrounds our everyday lives. (Available from NicoleEdmond.etsy.com)

Saccharomyces - Budding Yeast Earrings

Kimberly Falk

Fermentation, gratification and ornamentation for all beer drinkers, wine connoisseurs and bread lovers alike with these sterling silver Saccharomyces yeast earrings. (Available from Ontogenie.etsy.com)

Sparkly Petri Dish Coasters

Erin Hayward

Use these petri-dish inspired coasters to protect your furniture when you're feeding your gut bacteria a tasty beverage! (Available from ProtonPaperie.etsy.com)

Microbe Collection Watercolor Print

Sandra Black Culliton

Artist Sandra Black Culliton utilizes the fluidity and transparency of watercolor to convey the beauty of microbes as they appear through the microscope. From gram positive cocci to acid fast bacilli, this fine art print gathers various bacteria into one stunning display. (Available from sandraculliton.etsy.com)

Articulating Microbiology Keepsakes

Chris Taylor

Many of these microbiological cast creations have articulating parts, allowing you to peer within at the marvelous microscopic machinations of life! (Available from tcustom.etsy.com)

Pseudomonas earringae Bacteria Earrings

Peggy Muddles

Pseudomonas syringae may infect your beans, but are perfectly safe for your ears (and they produce a protein that makes ice for your local ski hill, so we love them no matter what they do to our beans). (Available from theVexedMuddler.etsy.com)

Microbial Art Glass

Jane Hartman

A wide range of microbial glass art items made by Jane Hartman. These include wall panels, dishes, menorahs, and pendants featuring viruses, bacteria, protozans, and fungi. (Available from trilobiteglassworks.etsy.com)