Made in Chicago: Recycled Rings

By Jess D'Amico in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 13, 2008 7:10PM

For our part, we've never found diamonds that interesting. Sure, they're sparkly, but they also spark war and social injustice. Give us a brilliant blue sapphire or glittering ruby for our precious jewels. We love the jewelry on Recycled Rings because it joins our love of re-imagining traditional rings and the knotted designs with tiny beads sewn in are unique and wonderful (like the Middlebury ring, shown).

Recycled Rings is the concept and shop of Michelle Kendrick, 29, a Chicagoland native. Michelle is currently an Art Therapy grad student at the Art Institute and also makes recontructed clothing as Strong Girl.

We asked Michelle to fill us in on her recycled lifestyle and she gave us info on how to make a recycled ring, barbie clothing, and ailurophobia.

Chicagoist: How do you make your art stand out from everything else out there?

Michelle: That’s really hard to do. Being original is difficult. I try to experiment with different materials to keep it fresh.

C: Where do you want to go with your art? Where do you see yourself in five years?

M: I want to be doing this full time and would like to see my line of jewelry in more boutiques worldwide. I would also like to be showing my paintings and drawings in a few galleries in five years. My “art” art can be seen on my Etsy page

C: How did you start making stuff?

M: My mom was always crafty so I think I got it from her. She would have me cut pictures from magazines and make my own little books. I did a lot of coloring and drawing. She got me into sewing too. She would make my Barbie clothing out of old clothes, so she was reusing things before it was the big trend!

C: Why is the sky blue?
M: Maybe it’s sad.

C: What does your process look like?

M: I take a ring and wrap the stone with thread to create a nice base for me to embroider into. Then I sew French knots into the layers of thread, sometimes I add a few beads, and that’s it!

C: What's the best thing about Recycled Rings?

M: I think it’s original.

C: Tell us a secret. . .

M: I’m scared of cats. I guess that’s not a secret to people who know me though.

C: What's the Chicago art scene look like for you?

M: I think it’s fresh and exciting and there are a lot of wonderful artists in this city.

C: Any advice for beginners wanting to sell their stuff?

M: I still feel like a beginner myself! I think I would just say don’t get discouraged, which is easier said than done.

Think your stuff should be up here? Tell us: MadeinChicago[at]Chicagoist[dot]com