Author name: malini

The Maleficent Choker: A Bold Statement in Gothic Jewellery The Name: Dark, Elegant, and Powerful The Maleficent Choker gets its name from its sharp, spiky design—a piece that exudes both elegance and an ominous edge. I wanted something that felt mystical, bold, and slightly sinister, just like Maleficent herself. This gothic choker is not just an accessory—it’s an attitude. The Inspiration: From Frustration to Trademark Design The first Maleficent Choker came to life a week before the legendary Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) festival. At the time, I was preparing for a bicycle fair, crafting more minimalist jewellery to cater to cyclists, who often prefer simple designs. The fair didn’t go well, and I felt completely disheartened. I almost gave up. But frustration can be a powerful creative force, and that night, I decided to break all the rules. Instead of playing it safe, I crafted two or three ultra-dramatic, over-the-top gothic necklaces. I worried they might be too bold, too intense—maybe even overwhelming. But at WGT, they sold out instantly. Festival-goers couldn’t get enough. As the event went on, I worked tirelessly, making more as fast as I could. What started as an experiment became a defining part of my collection. Now, the Maleficent Choker is my signature piece. The Look: Gothic Drama at Its Finest This choker is designed for the dark at heart—a piece that blends elegance and edge, rebellion and refinement. 💀 How to Style It: High-neck dresses make this choker the centerpiece of your look, turning heads with a powerful statement. Low-cut tops with thin straps create a sexy, fierce vibe, letting the dramatic spikes frame your neckline. Perfect for gothic events, concerts, and festivals where you want to stand out with an eco-conscious twist. The Unique Touch: No Two Are the Same Unlike mass-produced accessories, every Maleficent Choker is a one-of-a-kind piece. Even if I tried to replicate it, the result would always be slightly different. That’s because: Each recycled inner tube has its own texture, width, and flexibility, depending on its previous life. The design is handcrafted, meaning every choker has its own individual character. This uniqueness makes the Maleficent Choker extra special—and worth every penny. The Maleficent Choker Is has a warranty of 2 years. As the spikes are long and could get stuck under a bag or anywhere, these could come off, so we give the service of a 2 year warranty, so your also always sure to have a sustainable juwelry piece.  The Materials: Sustainable, Strong, and Stylish ♻️ Upcycled Inner Tubes: Motorcycle inner tubes form the choker base for durability and structure. Bicycle inner tubes create the soft, flowing stripes for contrast and movement. Some versions use motorbike inner tubes for the stripes, adding extra strength, enhanced with rivets. ⚙️ Metal Details: Nickel-free rivets for a hardcore industrial aesthetic (always check if you have ultra-sensitive skin). Metal snap buttons for secure closure and easy wear. Final Thoughts: Wear It, Own It, Love It The Maleficent Choker isn’t just gothic jewellery—it’s wearable art. It’s bold, dramatic, and made with sustainability in mind. If you love statement pieces that combine eco-conscious craftsmanship with dark, gothic elegance, this is your must-have accessory. 🖤 Dare to be different. Dare to be Maleficent. 🖤

Creating Tyre Tube Jewelry with Precision and Love If you’re into upcycled jewelry—especially something as unique and sustainable as tyre tube creations—having the right tools is absolutely essential. When I first started creating accessories from tyre tubes, I thought I could get by with just any tools. But quickly, I realized that the difference between a good product and a great one lies in the tools you use. One key piece of advice I always give to fellow makers is: don’t go for the cheapest, but also don’t splurge on the most expensive. It’s all about finding that perfect balance. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a variety of tools, and in this post, I’ll share the ones I swear by in my atelier. However, keep in mind that what works for me might not be perfect for your projects, so always test things out for yourself! Let’s dive into the best tools I rely on for creating tyre tube jewelry and accessories. Plus, I’ve sprinkled in some tips to make your own creative process a little easier! 1. Scissors – A Maker’s Lifeline Finding the right scissors for cutting tyre tubes has been a real challenge! Tyre tubes aren’t like leather, so leather scissors don’t work here. The rubber is thick and has a different texture, making it tricky to find scissors that cut through it cleanly. I’ve tested many, and my go-to is a Japanese bonsai scissor. It’s razor-sharp, but be careful: you don’t want to cut without full concentration, as mistakes happen quickly! Here’s a little trick I use: I wrap paper tape around the handle of the scissor that I’m holding. This eliminates the need for a plaster if I happen to get too excited and make a little mistake. Trust me, this has saved me from many sore fingers!   Here the Link to similar oner.  2. Pins – Tiny but Mighty You might not think much about pins, but they are key when working with tyre tubes! I love using tailoring pins with their heads for making small marks before punching holes in the rubber. They are also invaluable for holding everything in place when assembling things like harnesses on my mannequin. It’s the small tools that often make the biggest impact!   I bought these on the Turkish market in Berlin.  3. Hole Puncher – The Secret to Precision Ah, the hole puncher—this is hands-down one of my favorite tools in my atelier! It’s especially perfect for watches, where I need small, clean holes. I prefer smaller holes because they prevent the rubber from stretching or breaking. When you’re working with materials like tyre tubes, you want things to stay sturdy and secure, and the right hole puncher makes all the difference.   Here the Link to the Puncher 4. Pliers – The Right Grip Matters Not all pliers are created equal, and finding the right set for my projects was a bit of a journey. When making earrings, for example, I often work with tiny jump rings. For this, I need pliers that are both strong and precise. My go-to pair has rills that help fix the ring in place, which is crucial when pressing the rubber tube into the hoop. It’s the little details that make the process smoother and more efficient! Here the Link to the Plier Set 5. Button Press – A Time-Saving Essential Let’s talk about the button press. I actually own TWO of these bad boys. At first, I only had one, but swapping out the heads for different button types was a total pain! One time, I even lost a piece, which sent me into a panic. So, I bought another one—and it was a game-changer. With two button presses, I can breeze through button work, making my pieces faster and more efficiently. If you’re into creating jewelry with buttons, trust me, you’ll want one of these in your arsenal.   Here the Link to the Press 6. Stencil Puncher – Perfect Prints Every Time This one is a recent addition to my toolkit, but already, it’s made a huge difference in my workflow. A stencil puncher doesn’t necessarily save time, but it does make sure every print is perfect. The precision is amazing, and it’s been an absolute game-changer for creating products that are always accurate in size and shape. This is especially important for my online shop, reblack.shop, where consistency in every item is key. Here the Link to the Puncher. Here the Link to the ordered shaps.  Do You Have Any Favorite Tools? I’d love to hear about your favorite tools! Whether you’re an experienced jewelry maker or just starting with upcycling, every artist has a few secret gadgets that make life easier. Feel free to share your thoughts and tips in the comments below—I love connecting with fellow creatives and learning from each other! By investing in the right tools and experimenting to find what works best for you, you’ll elevate your art and craft to the next level. Don’t be afraid to play around with new gadgets, because sometimes, the smallest tool can make the biggest difference!

A Playful Twist on Upcycled Inner Tube Jewelry The Name: Inspired by Chatty Birds on a Wire Ever watched those cartoons where birds sit on electric wires, gossiping and teasing each other? That’s exactly the playful vibe I imagined when I created The Birds on Wire Necklace! It’s simple, funky, and full of character—just like those animated birds chatting away on the wire. The Idea: Giving New Life to Leftover Materials It all started while I was deep into cutting feathers for my Feather Earrings. After hours of work, I noticed a pile of oddly shaped little triangles—too small for earrings but too interesting to throw away. At the same time, I was working on my Night Sky Necklace, and suddenly, inspiration struck! What if I turned these scraps into tiny leaves? With a small hole punched into each one, they could be strung together like beads. I experimented with adding actual beads but ultimately loved the minimalist, all-black look. And here’s the coolest part: This necklace is upcycled from upcycled material—waste from a waste-free process! Sustainability at its finest. The Look: Edgy, Elegant & Versatile I love how the necklace drapes—starting as a choker at the top and cascading downward. It adds a touch of boho-chic elegance while keeping a cool, modern edge. For styling? A simple V-neck shirt or sweater makes this piece pop, giving it the attention it deserves. It’s perfect for anyone who loves unique, sustainable fashion with a bold twist. The Materials: Sustainable & Durable Bicycle Inner Tube: I specifically use bike inner tubes because they’re soft, thin, and flexible, making the necklace light and bouncy. Recycled Rubber Leaves: Each tiny leaf is cut from leftover scraps of bicycle tube, keeping the design sustainable. Stainless Steel Hardware: The clasp, crimp ends, and chain are all stainless steel for durability and nickel free. The gold version is gold-plated, but over time, it may develop a coppery patina—adding even more character! The Photoshoot: A Special Moment Taking pictures of this necklace was a blast—especially since I got to reunite with my friend Kimmi after years apart! It was a day filled with creativity, laughter, and of course, stunning jewelry shots. Final Thoughts: A Necklace with a Story The Birds on Wire Necklace isn’t just a piece of jewelry—it’s a story of creativity, sustainability, and transformation. Every element, from the upcycled rubber to the hand-cut details, is made with love and intention. Want to add a touch of eco-friendly, upcycled elegance to your wardrobe? Check out the Birds on Wire Necklace in my shop and join the movement of sustainable fashion with a soul.  Wear it. Love it. Upcycle it. 

New Country, New Challenges, and a Whole Lot of Fun Moving to a new country—especially one with a different language—can feel like jumping into the deep end. And let’s be real, the older we get, the more we question our life choices. Am I doing the right thing? Will I fit in? Do I really need to learn a whole new set of bureaucratic nightmares? Luckily for me, Switzerland isn’t too much of a linguistic shock. With German, Italian, and French floating around, I can mostly get by. But oh, Swiss German… that’s a different beast. It’s like German, but with a sprinkle of French influence and a whole lot of “Wait, what did they just say?” moments. I’m getting used to it—slowly. Embracing the Swiss Way of Life Switzerland isn’t just about mountains, chocolate, and luxury watches. There’s also the sacred lunch break—a glorious 1-2 hour pause in the middle of the day, kind of like a Spanish siesta. And guess what? I love it. That’s why I’m currently sitting in a cozy café, writing about my Swiss adventures. One of my biggest challenges now? Registering my business here. Switzerland has its own rules, and as a small business owner, I need to finally learn bookkeeping (sigh). Let’s be honest—most artists aren’t huge fans of accounting, but we all have to face the numbers eventually. My Creative Space in the Alps On the bright side, my new workspace is amazing! I have an entire 15m² room dedicated to making jewelry. That means:  A photo studio table A massive worktableThree shelves packed with finished designsA big shelf for my pre-cut and prepared tire tubes And the best part? A veranda where I can use my laser cutter (because, surprise—burning tires stinks and probably isn’t great for my lungs). Oh, and did I mention the view? Alpine mountains as far as the eye can see! City vs. Countryside: Why I Chose Nature After years in Berlin, moving to the countryside feels like hitting reset. Here, I can go on hikes, take motorbike tours, and just breathe. No city noise, no chaos—just me and nature. To be fair, Berlin isn’t the same city I moved to 13 years ago. But that’s life, right? We change, cities change, and sometimes we need a new adventure. Swiss People Are Adorably Polite Working in Swiss cafés and restaurants has been a fun way to meet people. And honestly, the Swiss are so sweet! One of my favorite things? When they see a group of people, they don’t just say hi—they say “Grüße Zäme!” (which means hello everyone). It’s such a small thing, but it makes me smile every time. The Motorbike Dilemma Now, let’s talk about my motorbike. It didn’t fit in the van when I moved (oops), so it’s still waiting in a Berlin garage. I looked into special train transport, but it turns out those services only start in May—because, of course, seasonal plates only start in April. So, what are my options? Ride it down—Make a stop in Frankfurt at a good friend’s house (but first, figure out if I can get a temporary plate now that I don’t live in Germany).2. Try to fit it in my tiny flower-covered car—which means disassembling the front air stopper and mirrors. A high-risk, high-reward mission. Wish me luck—I’ll update you on how it goes! What’s Next? Once my motorbike is here, I’ll start exploring Switzerland on two wheels. Expect more blog posts about my rides, scenic routes, and why working with tire tubes to make jewelry fits so perfectly into this adventure. Until then… Be free, ride free, feel free!

From Rubber to Radiance: The Art of Upcycling Inner Tubes into Stunning Jewelry This is the heading Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Introduction In an age where sustainability is more important than ever, upcycling has emerged as a popular trend. One creative avenue for upcycling is transforming old inner tubes into unique and fashionable jewelry. Not only does this practice give new life to discarded materials, but it also promotes eco-friendliness and offers an opportunity to express creativity. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating world of inner tube upcycling, provide you with some fun facts about tires, and inspire you to craft your own stunning pieces of jewelry. The Art of Upcycling Inner Tubes Upcycling involves taking something that is no longer useful and transforming it into a product of greater value. Inner tubes, typically made from durable rubber, are a perfect material for this endeavor. Here’s how you can start creating your own jewelry: 1. Gather Your Materials You will need: Old inner tubes (from bicycles or vehicles) Scissors Crafting tools (pliers, hole punch, etc.) Optional: paint, beads, or additional embellishments 2. Clean and Prepare the Tubes Thoroughly clean your inner tubes to remove any dirt or grime. Cut them into various shapes and sizes, depending on the designs you want to create. 3. Create Your Designs Use your creativity to craft unique pieces. You can make bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings by weaving, layering, or forming shapes from the rubber. The black and shiny texture of rubber offers a sleek aesthetic that pairs well with other materials. 4. Assemble and Finish Combine the pieces using jewelry findings such as clasps, hooks, and wires. Consider adding beads or charms for extra flair. Finally, ensure all edges are smooth to make the pieces comfortable to wear. Fun Facts About Tires While you’re getting inspired to create beautiful jewelry, here are some intriguing facts about tires that highlight their importance: Recycling Potential: About 75% of the rubber used in tires can be recycled into various products, including rubber mulch, playground surfaces, and, of course, upcycled jewelry. Durability: Tires are designed to withstand immense pressure and harsh conditions, which makes inner tubes particularly resilient and long-lasting, providing an excellent material for crafting. Environmental Impact: Approximately 1.5 billion tires are discarded each year in the United States alone. Upcycling initiatives help reduce the waste that ends up in landfills and contributes to environmental degradation. Innovative More Uses: Aside from jewelry, upcycled tires are also used in a variety of creative DIY projects, including handbags, wallets, and home decor items, showcasing their versatility as a material. Rubber Production: Natural rubber is derived from the sap of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). However, the majority of tires are made from synthetic rubber derived from petroleum, which further highlights the importance of reusing materials that are already in circulation. Conclusion Upcycling inner tubes into jewelry is a creative and sustainable way to express yourself while reducing waste. By using materials that would otherwise be discarded, you not only create beautiful accessories but also contribute positively to the environment. So, gather those old inner tubes, unleash your creativity, and embark on your journey of upcycled fashion! Call to Action Have you tried making jewelry from inner tubes before? Share your creations with us in the comments below or tag us on social media! Let’s inspire each other to make sustainable choices and create art that reflects our values. Happy crafting!