STYLE FILES: Hippie Kingdom's resourceful jewelry

Sure, you can recycle newsprint by placing it in your recycle bin and waiting for the collector to pick it up. You can save it after reading and use it to pack boxes when mailing something or moving. You can even wrap gifts with old newspaper.

But how about wearing your old newspaper?

No, I do not mean making a newspaper hat as you did when you were a kid. What I do mean is wearing beautiful pieces of jewelry including earrings, bracelets and necklaces made entirely of recycled newspaper.

Devi Chand, an artisan from Chennai, India, has some resourceful ideas for newsprint as well as other materials. Starting the creative process at an early age, Devi used to make Christmas ornaments out of empty bottles and old candy wrappers. Coming from a household where creativity was encouraged, Chand went on to become a graduate of Accessory Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in India.

A fan of bright colors and patterns that inspire positivity, Chand likes to have fun with the designs and aims for a simple, yet fashionable accessory. The designs represent happiness, a positive attitude and an overall appreciation for life.

Finding new in something old is a passion of Chand’s, and she likes to be able to reuse her items that someone else might call trash.

“I love to make recycled and eco friendly jewelry,” she says. “I hate to throw away things, I stack them up. My grandma used to tell me that anything that is preserved and unused will find a use in 12 years.”

Preferring to work from the balcony of her house, Chand is inspired by nature and the creation of life. Her eco-friendly approach is appealing in the rather recent global pursuit for environmentally friendly items. Using media such as craft paper, newsprint, natural clay and hemp cord, Chand’s designs all have a unique look, making the items not just pieces of jewelry but rather beautiful pieces of art. Embroidered yarn rings, newspaper necklaces, recycled envelope necklaces and more are sure to represent new and creative ways to wear items normally thrown away.

Check out Hippie Kingdom on etsy.com or on Facebook, and start your responsible shopping today. You can also subscribe to Chand’s newsletter at http://eepurl.com/D0CJ to get updates on new products. Happy shopping at Hippie Kingdom!

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