top of page
KBS Background

Recycled Plastic in jewelry?  A new direction in my art jewelry. I had to show you!

     I have been working double time lately. I've been keeping up with new work for each season for this website, for Artful Home, and for American Craft Council Pop-Ups. In addition to the on-going work, I have dived into using recycled plastic. That's right I'm digging into my recycle bin and using single use plastic in my jewelry.

     I couldn't wait to show you what I have been up to. Here is the latest. As you can see a lot goes into each of these creations. My intent is that you don't immediately see recycled plastic, you see color, good design and craftsmanship.

2nd Chance Necklace
Fearless Magenta Upcycled Brooch

    Fearless Magenta is a brooch you can wear to make a statement. The petals are from a shampoo bottle. The plastic petals and beadwork sit on a sterling silver backing where the brooch mechanism has been soldered.

Fearless Magenta Upcycled Brooch
Tres Petals Upcycled Brooch
Tres Petals Upcycled Brooch

"2nd Chance" pendant necklace hangs long and moves fluidly as you move. The petals in the pendant come from shampoo bottles and ride on a copper frame. The pendant is suspended from a ombre crocheted rope with copper end caps and a copper hand forged hook closure..

Here are two angles of the "Tres Petals" brooch. So far, my favorite piece. It just fell together. The vitamin bottles I've been getting lately are this yummy indigo blue and begging to be part of this new adventure upcycling plastic. I used the shape of the bottle in forming the petals, but felt they needed veins. I used tiny Delica beads in graduated colors, and it worked to well. The backing that holds the pin back is pierced sterling silver repeating the shape of the bottle petals. The final touch was the orange Czech flower beads peeking out the top. Don't you love how the light reflects through the indigo blue?

Sunny Brooch/Necklace
Illusion Upcycled Brooch

The "Sunny" necklace speaks Summer. Oversized and statement making this versital brooch/necklace is so fun to wear. The upper petals are prescription bottles and the bottom layer of petals is from a bodywash bottle. The petals are attached to a copper dome with beadwork and the backing that holds everything together and supports the brooch mechanism is sterling silver. A bead crochet rope can be attached so you can wear it as a necklace or detached and you have a brooch.

SOLD

I was pushing the envelop by using clear plastic. There is a lot of clear plastic that passes through our lives, so I felt compelled to use it in some way. This was a fun challenge finding a way to cause the petals to be seen despite there transparency. That transparency  provoked the brooch's name "Illusion." You will notice this is the exact same design as "Fearless Magenta" above. What a difference color makes?!?

Blue Lagoon Upcycled Necklace

"Blue Lagoon" is yet another jewelry piece created from my vitamin bottles. Each link is cut, shaped, and embossed before being stitched together with the tiniest beads. The toggle closure is also beaded helping to create a bold oversized look.

Illusion Upcycled Brooch
Sunny Brooch/Necklace

"Illusion" sold recently in an ACC Pop-Up online exhibit. This showed me that at least one person was willing to pay for the craftmanship that goes into these pieces. I've only just begun this journey with upcycling recycle. I've learned a lot about the material and I'm sure I will learn more. Please stay tuned.

bottom of page