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Meet Coffee Pod Creations, a sustainable jewellery designer with a penchant for upcycling disposable coffee pods into unique wearable pieces.
SoLo Craft Fair sits down with founder Vicky to discuss how she settled on coffee pods, her passion for sustainable designs in a take-make-waste climate, and her tips for other creators and makers hoping to start a small business.
“I’m Vicky and two of my main passions in life are teaching and jewellery. I’m a qualified teacher working in a Special Educational Needs school, and balance my career with creating from my kitchen table. Jewellery has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.”
“In fact, my first job was in a jewellery shop, in Hampshire at the age of sixteen – it was a varied role, the highlight of which for me was interacting with customers and running workshops to teach people to make their own necklaces and accessories. I absolutely loved it and although I was working, it didn’t ever feel like a chore!”
“Although I don’t have formal training in arts or crafts, I’ve got well over a decade’s experience working with a range of mediums – including glass, silver, beads and clay. As well as teaching and jewellery, I’ve also been environmentally aware – I studied Geography at Royal Holloway University, London and took a keen interest in sustainability of supply chains and the human impact on the environment. When you combine a love of jewellery, creating and an acute awareness of sustainability, that’s how Coffee Pod Creations was born a few short years ago!”
“I launched Coffee Pod Creations three years ago after reading some truly staggering statistics on the sheer number of single use coffee pods that are simply thrown away. Did you know that 29,000 coffee pods are disposed of every single minute? That’s so much aluminium that just goes straight to landfill and damages our environment… I thought to myself, There must be a better way.”
“As aluminium is lightweight, versatile and hypoallergenic it’s an ideal material for jewellery making. I decided to make a difference by lovingly upcycling these pods. I began experimenting with how the different patterned pods could be incorporated into unique pieces of wearable art – the result being a variety of items, ranging from stud and tassel earrings to brooches and limited edition cufflinks that I sell at affordable prices meaning they’re good for both the environment and your pocket!”
“Stud earrings have proved a best seller as they are versatile everyday earrings. For those who want their accessories to make a statement and be more artistic, the floral brooches have been very popular. When I’m able to launch ‘limited edition’ ranges from rare patterned pods those sell out quickly too! My designs reflect the coffee pods I receive. Sometimes I'm only given a handful in a certain colour or pattern, which in turn makes some items limited edition (so be sure to check out my Etsy shop to see what's new!)”
“I'm continually reviewing my designs and thinking of alternative ways that I can upcycle coffee pods and other materials. The pandemic has caused quite a change in that my business model has become predominantly online. I’ve discovered a great community who support small businesses, including SoLo Craft Fair!”
“My top tips for aspiring makers? Do what you love and love what you do. Think about what you’re making and why – if you feel passionate about it, your enthusiasm will inspire others and enable you to build momentum.”
“More and more of us are beginning to ask how and where our clothing is made – I think we should ask the same questions about our jewellery and accessories. We all have a common goal for a sustainable future. I’m proud to say that Coffee Pod Creations looks beyond the traditional take-make-waste model and focuses on upcycling for the good of us all.”
“Culturally, the coffee capsule is a symbol of a busy lifestyle. My work represents the opposite: the slowing down and appreciation of the little things. It is a conscious move towards a more sustainable jewellery practice. I believe Coffee Pod Creations encapsulates the creative spirit in us all. I hope you will join me on this fascinating journey of discovery to see where it leads.”