Our Makers

Isabella Haas - EDEL City / Dome Upcycling

Preserving nature has always been close to my heart. Already when I started my studies 25 years ago I wanted to find solutions to reduce the amount of waste on the planet instead of contributing to producing more waste. In my first student projects in 1992 I developed a waste separation bin for the office made from recycled plastic and a juice dispenser machine for the supermarket where customers could bring their own refill containers. At that time many of my colleagues were wondering what I was doing. To me those issues were important already then and now even more so. More and more people start to realize their importance.

I came to Finland in 1996 to study Design Leadership and define my role as an industrial designer in creating a sustainable society. Finnish design in every aspect has hugely inspired me with its high quality handicraft, timelessness, inspired by nature and practical approach. During my studies I wanted to find out how I can have a positive impact on people and the planet with my own professional skills and actions.

My mission is to bring well-being and happiness to people by energizing them through creative and sustainable activity. Each of us has the power to create the world we want to live in!

Jing Wang - Upcycle with Jing

Floral Moon Earrings

I began my journey in China, where I pursued studies in industrial design. Shortly after beginning my academics, the interest I had in studies quickly evaporated as I came to notice the foundations of my career pursuits were wastefully exploiting precious resources for structures that only further harmed the environment. It was at this important moment that I embraced my true calling.

I wasted no time in moving to Finland, where I redirected my energies into researching single-used plastic upcycling. Here, I would study sustainable waste practices and author a compelling thesis focused on the value of this process. But my journey wouldn’t end there. I stood up the first iteration of my current business at Aalto University, selling upcycled jewelry to the local community. I could never have imagined the level of demand that would follow, or where it would lead me.

Today, I operate my business from my home in Finland, the country that showed me how one person’s waste can truly become another person’s treasure. Ever since, I have served as an enthusiast for environmentally conscious production methods and remain a passionate supporter of jewelry that not only accents but represents the unique personality inside of each and everyone one of us.

https://upcyclewithjing.com

Kasia, Upstitch Studio

In Upstitch Studio in Helsinki we offer fixing and mending of broken garments and accessories, altering badly fitted or wrong sized clothes, creating new outfits and accessories from unwanted old clothes, recycled / second hand fabrics and factory waste.

https://upstitch.studio/

LA LOLA ANASTASIA

Created by a multi-talented artist and crafter from Peru. She makes stationary, jewellery, crochet and fabric accessories from recycled materials with a Peruvian twist.

https://instagram.com/lalolaanastasia

Dennis, OWUSU

Owusu builds on ideas honed in unique clothing with dual identities fused in bright and plain printed fabrics.

Roberta, Aza Ecotique

After moving from Italy to Finland 5 years ago, I found a deep connection with nature and a desire to take concrete steps to preserve the environment.

Aza Ecotique was founded with a passion for creativity and sustainability, starting from a simple idea to repurpose old garments into unique, eco-friendly bags. The business embraces a zero-waste policy, primarily repurposing preloved textiles. The production is centralized in Helsinki, where all materials are sourced locally, supporting Finland's circular economy and minimizing transportation emissions. This localized approach also allows for strict oversight of quality and ethical practices.

The commitment to sustainability drives every action we take, including the choice of our equipments: our studio operates with second-hand sewing machines and furniture.

Layla, PIGOCHET

I’m a passionate crafter living in Finland, and my journey into handmade creations began when I visited a local handicraft bazaar here in Helsinki filled with beautiful, unique items. Inspired, I turned to self-taught to learn the art of crafting, and soon, I was crocheting my favorite anime characters. What started as a personal hobby quickly grew as friends began requesting custom pieces, encouraging me to take the leap into selling. This led to the creation of Pigochet – a brand dedicated to blending your ideas with my creativity. I specialize in handmade crochet pieces that capture the magic of fandom and the joy of custom design, with a focus on quality and individuality.

Vivita, VIVI KNOTS

ViviKnots jewellery items are made with waxed polyester threads. This material provides long lasting bold colours, firm shape, and resistance to water. Each item is unique in its colours. ViviKnots designs are timeless and enriched with upcycled jewellery componnents. Repurposed jewellery line gives a second chance to ViviKnots beloved designs and old jewellery pieces.

Vivita Kaupere is an Artist Educator and Jewelry Designer. As micromacrame artist she has been shaping and designing her own jewellery line- ViviKnots. Her works consist of countless knots and endless threads. Each knot and colour line is a delicate finger work to reach the perfection of colour patterns that together form the designs of ViviKnots brand.

Gabrielle, Polly and Klaus

Polly and Klaus, named after my two rescue dogs, was inspired by the overwhelming amount of discarded textiles I witnessed at a Helsinki recycling center. I knew any product I made had to help reduce waste. Our original dog bed, filled with your own old fabrics, does just that—minimizing landfill while offering familiar comfort to your pet. We’ve expanded into dog ear clips, bags, and bow ties, plus tees made with eco-friendly cotton and recycled packaging when possible. Thanks for visiting, and feel free to reach out with any questions!

MERJA TASANKO