current projects

australians currently hold the title of biggest single-use plastics consumers per person in the world; in 2021, that average was about 147kg per person, with only 14% of that (20.58kgs) being recycled. my own awareness of the volume of single-use hard plastics passing through my house has really been amplified since having kids. think formula lids and scoops, the snap-close lids on some disposable wipes, and those round food pouch lids. ultimately plastic is inevitable, but how we dispose of it is where it really counts! 

there are so many amazing makers in the world like Single Use Multiverse, Banish (both AUS), franka and Brothers Make (both UK) who have been transforming plastic bottle lids and other hard-to-recycle plastics into the most incredible items such as jewellery, pens, beads, buttons and more. their dedication to transforming common household waste items into functional products is incredibly inspiring and has made me catch the highly contagious FONDSCI (Fear Of Not Doing Specific Craft Immediately). so here we are.

in a few short months i have managed to amass a collection of hard plastics from a range of different sources, enough to fill an entire shelf in our shed (whoops). after some extensive research about the types of plastics that exist, their different melting properties and necessary safety precautions (thank-you Precious Plastics Melbourne) i’ve been able to start experimenting through the use of a sandwich press, heat resistant gloves, silicone food mats, proper ventilation and a whole lot of patience. there has been a LOT of trial and error, particularly with what colours will melt together nicely and what will end up looking like a brown sad slice of wagyu beef, but the fun is all in the unknown!

there is still much to be said about finding my style, refining my techniques, and even actually deciding what i hope to make with all of this plastic. but the process of experimentation and figuring it out as i go is more exciting for me than the final product. i’m excited to see where this all eventuates and what i am able to create, and hopefully there will be some fun, vibrant additions to my shop soon 🙂