Keeping the World Beautiful with Beans Things

Funky Blue and Orange Tree PendantI love jewelry, one of the reasons I started beading is so that as a broke college student I could still have fabulous accessories.  I find that just the right piece can make all the difference in the world - spruce up jeans and a t-shirt, add a little sparkle to a sundress, or just make you feel special.  A new piece can convey a mood, make a statement, or simply look pretty.

Beans Things' jewelry does all of this.  Beautifully created with breathtaking images, each piece also has a environmental  feel.   She takes this approach even one step further with her colorful fun home items.  Visually, they are inspired by nature. Not just in the imagergy, but in the natural simplicity,  the colors, and the harmony of the images with their settings.  Part of this harmony stems from the fact that they are made from upcycled materials. 

Because these are upcycled elements, as opposed to mass-produced materials, every item is unique.  Given as a gift, you don't have to worry about it being something a friend already has.  It's also this uniqueness that makes them so special.  They each are thoughtful and individual, and make a special statement.

Jeanna, owner of Beans Things shares her unique approach as an environmentally friendly designer. 

Up-cycled Fruit Punch Juice Pouch

When did you start Beans Things?

I started BeansThings officially in Jan of 2009.

Bird Bottle Cap MagnetsYour work has such an environmental theme, how did you get the idea to use recycled materials?

I have been creating since I was a child. At a very young age I was made aware of the impact that we have not only on our environment, but to our earth’s animals too. I hold these two causes dear to my heart. I really strive to be as environmentally friendly as I can. I bought a custom stamp so I can make my own business cards using pieces of greetings cards I get from my work. I re-use or create my own shipping envelopes. And I am going to begin up-cycling bottle caps to make my magnets, once my current "bought" supply runs out.

How often does this environmental theme find its way into the images on the pieces themselves?

All the time. Almost all of my images I use are upcycled from various printed venues. Magazines, catalogs, advertisements, brochures, etc. Therefore, most pieces are one-of-a kind items. I constantly keep my eye out for anything that I think would make a great pendant or magnet set. When I find something that works, it is like Christmas morning for me! I choose each image thoughtfully and spend much time on each item from start to finish. I try to keep a nature/earthy feel to my items.

The pieces you make are so striking. How do you choose the images for them?

If it is eye-catching, and I think it may sell, I try to use it. I try to stay nature-inspired though. I love the items that are tree or plant related. It is hard to sell some of the things I create cause I fall in love with it.

You can find Beans Things' upcycled creations at her Etsy and Artfire stores.