"Eco MaGs by mayah" from re-used bottle caps 2011
"Eco MaGs by mayah" using tile samples 2011
I try to make each refrigerator magnet with the Three R’s in mind: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse. Each magnet is handmade with re-used and found materials from my own home or close by. The only materials I purchase are the non-toxic glues and the magnets.
The bottle caps, jar lids, and plastic container lids come from organic juices, organic foods, and vitamin supplements used by my family (The glass bottles and plastic containers are recycled or re-used). All bottle caps, lids, and any other materials that were in contact with food or liquids are thoroughly hand washed in hot water with eco-friendly dish soap and air dried prior to use.
The corrugated cardboard filler inside the caps and lids and the plastic coatings on some of the magnets are re-used from packaging materials. Other materials used as a base for the magnets are floor or bathroom tile samples that are re-used.
The sea shells are found on the public beaches of Southern California; no shells are taken from State Parks (illegal). The snail shells are found on my property; no snail bait or insecticides of any kind are used. No animals are killed for their shells; the shells are found empty, then hand washed and air dried. The feathers and seed pods are found around my neighborhood; I grow the Job’s tears in my own back yard (the small grey or white seeds).
Besides the shells, seeds, and feathers, other decorative items on each magnet are re-used from magazines, greeting cards, old junk jewelry, candy wrappers (washed), scraps from other art projects such as construction or tissue paper, or other found or re-used objects.
I've been thinking about selling these at farmer's markets or flea markets--what do you think? I'd appreciate your feedback!