SparklyTrash started with some fixed up and redesigned jeans using old fabric scraps and lots of embroidery thread. I was encouraged by a wonderful friend to 'take my show on the road' so I grabbed a picnic blanket and headed to Newbury Street in Boston and the rest is history for me. I was blown away that people were interested in the things I had created and absolutely love the idea that my creations now live in all parts of the world.
Inside of reworking old jeans I now turn discarded plastic, metal and paper into fun jewelry and notecards. I can't pass by a container or bottle/can with great colors and shine without thinking about what it can become. I take all the items home and give them a thorough cleaning. I then hand cut all shapes and sand down the edges. They are then assembled together, shaped into cylinders and/or wire wrapped and a small hold is punched where an all stirling silver ear wire is added.
My notecards are hand cut from used paper bags (the heavier shopping bag types)... no paper-cutter here just me with a steady hand and a sharp pair of scissors. I draw the designs for my prints into foam trays (from veggies). I use all water based block printing ink to print the designs into scrap recycled paper. They are then glued onto the cut paper bags with water based adhesive and the lucky few are covered in glitter (how can I resist). My designs are inspired by my love of gardening and the many wonderful people and places in my life.
While SparklyTrash is a one woman show in terms of creating, I couldn't operate without the support of so many. From my yogurt eating coworker who saves me containers with cows and great pastel colors to a friend who works in a university library and brings me energy drink cans during finals (they have the best colors!) and my mom who saves every paper bag that crosses her path. I can't forget to mention my partner who puts up with me turning the house into a mess while I work in the middle of our small living room watching re-runs of old TV shows and my pup who keeps me motivated!
Every item i produce is unique and imbued with love throughout the entire process please let me know if you have any questions or are interested in any custom pieces! I love working with others to give new life to garbage!