Kyla Clincke, ReLoved - Jewellery with a Past

Kyla Clincke has always looked for ways to create a second life from previously loved materials. Initially a hobby, Kyla fell in love with the artwork from the past and being able to work with the beautiful silver and copper plates to create a renewed piece. Thus ReLoved: Jewellery with a Past was born...or perhaps re-born.

The items Kyla creates at ReLoved focus on upcycling, which is the process of repurposing previously loved items like plates and silverware into creative new uses like jewellery. Most of which comes from Kyla's own foraging through garage sales and secondhand stores, while some are given to her by friends and family. The majority of what is upcycled comes from silver and copper dinner ware pieces from the late 1800's to the 1940's in England and Canada. This period includes the Art Nouveau movement, which was characterized by the creative use of elegant curving outlines of images and objects in functional items.
      

Kyla developed a passion for upcycling from a young age. Recycling was a family value and her family participated in 'blue box' recycling programs long before it was a standard municipal service. Reusing household items to create earrings or friendships bracelets fostered her creative side and at the same time developed the skills needed to upcycle a variety of materials and metals. 

To no one's surprise, Kyla professional career has been working in waste management and recycling programs. Seeking to upgrade her upcycling, Kyla took a metalworking class at the Neil Balkwill that helped her learn how to cut, carve and shape edges in metal, skills most necessary to her craft.

Whatever the source, Kyla's passionate about incorporating the existing creative elements into her upcycled creations. What may have been a small design engraved in a silver plate may now be the focal point of a unique necklace or bracelet. Her jewellery is also often finished with enameled coatings, to add colour and preserve the piece. She sometimes incorporates shots of colour too, from anodized titanium pieces. Every single pieces she creates is completely unique and one of a kind. 

Kyla enjoys doing commissioned work, even more fun when she gets to make something special out of family treasures. It's an area she wants to expand. And Kyla admits to no strength in social media and management but enjoys working with her daughter who helps greatly in this area!

ReLoved jewellery has been recently featured in QC Gifts Boxes and is also available for purchase individually. 

Also in QC Gifts blog