The necklace contained within the fruit crate converts into two bracelets (see below.) Constructed from recycled HDPE plastic from milk bottles,  the material which we would normally throw away has been transformed into the extraordinary. It looks really "pokey", but it is actually very soft. Each one of the tentacles is cut by hand.

The layers of recycled tin cans, literally float above each other moving away from the flat plane of the wooden fruit crate. The vintage paper Handsum Fruit Crate label (shown left) served as inspiration for my fruit craft label created from multiple layers of post-consumer recycled tin cans.

Originally the labels were printed using a lithography process which developed into a highly competitive industry in San Francisco, California during the early 20th century.
Fruit Crate label from recycled tins on the fruit cratei:  10” ht. X 10 15/16” w. X 1” d. 

For all of my work, the evolution of metalworking techniques developed over 23 years is a tool directed by the concept of the work. Most of my construction methods are based on fundamental skills such as riveting, and cutting with a jeweler ’s saw or hand shears. 

Custom made wooden fruit crate display materials: wood, brass escutcheon pins, steel nails, handmade paper. 
DIMENSIONS: 11 1/2" ht. x 13 3/8" w. x 11 3/4" d.

These bracelets and the fruit label are part of a new series of work constructed from recycled tin cans, cut and riveted with layers of images and symbolism of California. The reuse of post consumer material reflects California as both the ultimate consumer culture and the leader in the recycling movement and green design.  

It constructed from recycled tin cans, aluminum rivets, 10k gold rivets. RECYCLE lettering in multiple layers "floats" above label about 1/2".  

This necklace inspired a whole new series of work. Fabricated from post consumer recycled plastic, it is convertible into two bracelets.

View the entire series of jewelry from post consumer recycled plastic by clicking here. 

* As an example of recycling leadership in the United States, in "2009 San Francisco became the first city in the country to require that residents and businesses alike separate from their trash compostable items, like food scraps and recyclable goods, like paper, metals, and plastic, into separate bins.” These efforts have an "80 percent diversion rate, highest in the country."  "And that has led to a big reduction in the amount of garbage headed to the landfill,” according to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.