At Earth911, we get giddy about finding new uses for ‘stuff’. Over at our YouChange marketplace, you'll find loads of eco friendly and unique upcycled products - products like Cangles upcycled jewelry.
Using post-consumer aluminum cans, Cangles (Cans-into-bangles) artisans hand make upcycled jewelry that is sure to quickly become a conversation piece. That Coca-Cola can sitting on your desk? Well, it just might end up upcycled on someone’s wrist or ears someday if the folks at Cangles have their way. As one YouChange reviewer put it recently, ‘…Never would have thought of using cans for jewelry.’
Head on over to our YouChange marketplace where you can purchase Cangles;
Bangle Bracelets (buy here)
Coca-Cola Retro Bracelet (buy here)
Coca-Cola Large Flower Hair Clip (buy here)
Coca-Cola Square Earrings (buy here)
Bottling an idea
In 2009 while road-tripping across the country on family vacation, conversation soon turned to the increasing problem of discarded cans polluting our oceans and landfills. All four family members, none of which with a background in jewelry, decided right then and there that they would like to be part of a solution – if even a small one. A housewife, a retired AT&T problem-solving technical specialist, a court reporter, and a commercial tile layer became Cangles artisans. Know a Coca-Cola collector? Cangles' upcycled jewelry makes a great gift!
Put your wrist into it
Cangles Bangle Bracelet
I know what you might be thinking by now, what about getting ‘cut’ by the metal? Have no fear oh champion of waste reduction. Bangle Bracelets are one-half inch wide and have silver-colored, aluminum trim ensuring smooth edges all around. Once around the wrist, each handmade piece closes via a magnetic clasp for easy on/off. A note – Cangle bangle bracelets are meant to be worn loosely.
Since each piece is handmade, a one-size-fits-all mindset is well….so last years’ style. Bangle Bracelets retail for $17.95 each and come in three sizes; small - 7 1/2 inches in circumference; medium - 8 1/4 inches in circumference and large - 9 inches in circumference.
Cangles Coca-Cola Retro Bracelet
Looking for a little added flair, you’ll want to check out the Coca-Cola Retro Bracelet which retail for $17.50 each. Inspired by jewelry from the 1960’s, each Coca-Cola Retro Bracelet band measures an inch wide with 1/8" silver-colored edging.
Each flower has 4 layers, 2 matching the recycled can and 2 matching the silver trim. Retro Bracelet’s are available in four sizes:
extra small - 5 1/2" long
small - 6 1/4" long
medium - 7" long
large - 7 1/2 inches long
Bracelets not really your thing? Cangles also hand makes a Coca-Cola Large Flower Hair Clip (below) for $12.00 each and Coca-Cola Square Earrings for $12.00 per pair that are definitely worth checking out.
Cangles Coca-Cola Large Flower Hair Clip
Looking at the whole picture
Made-to-order upcycled jewelry is shipped it in a box made from recycled materials. And since each Cangles jewelry piece is made from recyclable aluminum, they are ultimately recyclable should you ever decide you no longer want the piece.
Now that's worth toasting to! Still looking for more eco friendly gift ideas?
Feature image courtesy of Kevin O'Mara
The post Unique Upcycled Jewelry Truly Worthy Of A Toast appeared first on Earth911.com.