Recycle symbolic necklace two bracelets as part of the California Collectioin

Recycle features a necklace made from recycled HDPE plastic from milk bottles stored within a fruit crate. The necklace transforms a material typically thrown away into two extraordinary bracelets. While the necklace looks pokey it is quite soft. Recycle is part of the California Collection, a 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.

Recycled tin cans, aluminum rivets, 10k gold rivets, wood, brass escutcheon pins, steel nails, handmade paper.

Dimensions of fruit crate label: 10” H x 10 15/16” W x 1” D

Dimensions of fruit crate: 11 1/2" H x 13 3/8" W x 11 3/4" D

Available for purchase or exhibition

The labels looks flat but it is constructed from multiple layers of tin cans.

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.

The layers of recycled tin cans, literally float above each other moving away from the flat plane of the wooden fruit crate.

Recycle lettering from recycled tin floats above the surface

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.

Recycle neckalce from milk bottle plastic on model

This necklace inspired a whole new series of work. Fabricated from post consumer recycled plastic, it is convertible into two bracelets. Each of the tentacles was cut by hand.

View more jewelry made from post consumer recycled plastic 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.