We believe there are no quick fixes to a more sustainable future. We’re here to ask the questions, put in the time, and do the right thing to spark delight in ways that are positively impacting our product, people, and the planet.

The Full Circle Artist Program aims to keep our jewelry out of the landfill and to inspire art, creativity and dialogue around sustainable jewelry. Learn more about the Full Circle Artist Program here.

To reach this goal, we've collaborated with Canadian artist Danielle Krysa who has incorporated our jewels into unique pieces of art. Danielle's Full Circle art will be showcased in our pop up space on Granville Island 9/26-10/2 and auctioned online 9/26-10/4. Full proceeds will be donated to our tree-planting partner Ecodrive.

Collaborating with Danielle has been an absolute privilege and delight. Her ethos around recycling and creating beauty from broken bits could not be more aligned with the purpose of our artist program. The most fitting partnership for the launch of Full Circle and the results more magical than we ever could have imagined. 

After a few months of tracking her works in progress (and being surprised by the news of additional artworks!), we spoke with Danielle recently to learn more about her experience of creating art with recycled jewelry. 

LT: Tell us about the piece/s you created.

D: I was meant to make one piece, but wound up with five. I couldn’t stop myself! I ended up creating a series of mixed media collages on panel — two rectangles, and three smaller circular panels. I combined my usual cut paper flowers with the broken jewelry, coating everything in resin for a shiny, glass-like finish. Oh, and I also made a sculptural piece, housed inside a large glass jar.

What was it like working with our jewelry - saving them from the landfill and giving them a new life?

Since I was a little kid, I’ve had recurring dreams about finding treasure either in a cave, or a tiny shop I’ve never seen before. Opening the boxes and bags filled with your jewelry was like one of those dreams come true! I spent hours going through it, putting it into groups (leaves, circles, sparkly things), and as I did that ideas flooded my mind. In short, yes, I loved every single second.

Did you have a vision of what the piece would be when you started? If so, how did that vision change through the process?

I consciously decided not to think about the work until the jewelry arrived. I wanted to be inspired by the treasures I found, allowing them to lead me. As I sorted, resorted, and moved things around, the vision started to get clearer. I knew I had to have long pieces of gold chain hanging off of, and inside of, some of the work. I also knew I wanted to build flowers from the broken bits and pieces in order to tie into the work I’ve been producing over the last year and a half.

How did you find the creative process? Did you face any challenges while creating your piece/s?

I loved it so much (and might be addicted to working with broken jewelry now!). Given the fact that I’m not a jewelry designer, and have no idea what all of the pins and clasps are for, I did wing it a little bit when I was trying to attach chains together. Actually, i was probably good that I didn’t know any of the “rules”, because then I was free to do anything!

Do you have a favourite piece and if so, what makes this one special?

I think it’s a tie between “Broken Nest” and “Tangled Garden” [the two rectangular panels]. One of the first things I did after painting and prepping the wood panels was dump out a bag of golden straw. Okay, it’s not straw, but I have no idea what those gold 'sticks' are for!?* To me, it looked like a nest fit for a very discerning magpie. I also really love the chain hanging down from the top of “Tangled Garden”… in fact, I’d be quite happy to add a curtain of gold chains to everything I make from now on!

*The gold sticks are are called headpins and are used to thread beads or charms to turn them into hanging pendants for necklaces, earrings or bracelets!

Is there a particular message or story you hope to tell with your piece/s?

Yes! My work has been focused on seeing "broken as beautiful". We all face adversity and difficult times at some point in our lives, but those experiences can actually make us stronger, allowing us to bloom even more beautifully than before.