Kelly Kraus

Creative Reuse

I’m a maker that specialises in creative reuse.

Whenever possible, I use things that already exist as my raw materials instead of always defaulting to new. It makes the most of the time, energy and resources that were used to create the things in the first place and reduces the environmental impact of my creative practice.

My main materials are bicycle inner tubes and old toys and games.

Bicycle inner tubes are often thrown away once punctured – especially from bike shops, where people wouldn’t pay the mechanic’s time to do a puncture repair. My toys and games come secondhand, too, and many are missing pieces and unable to be played as normal.

But just because they’re damaged, or old and worn, doesn’t mean they’re without worth.

I love taking things that someone else would consider rubbish and giving them a new life as something practical or fun- such as baskets, accessories, homeware or quirky jewellery.

I work to create final pieces that make the most of the material’s characteristics and minimise waste. And better yet, I get to showcase and celebrate the wear the materials developed in their previous lives to make something unique!

While I normally work out on my home in Pant (south of Oswestry), I’m looking forward to popping up at English Bridge Workshop.

I sell my creations under my business name Team Sikel (pronounced “cycle”).

Visit

English Bridge Workshop
Abbey Foregate
Shrewsbury SY2 6AD

M: 07460 134316

Open Days

November 23/24