Escama Studios: Upcycling Aluminum Pull Tabs into Elegant Accessories

Escama Studios merges "humble" materials with traditional design. Their products are conceived by designers in America and Brazil and created by members of a Brazilian cooperative. This unique handcrafted product line has been featured in fashion magazines like "Elle" and "O," and they have gained a following in the fashion world. Everything about Escama Studios is creative and unique. What's truly amazing is that it all began with recycled aluminum pull tabs.

The Products

Escama Studios started in 2004. Since then, the company has sold 70,000 bags. All purses are designed with crochet in mind and created with recycled pull tabs. If you didn't know their messenger bags and purses were assembled using discarded aluminum pull tabs, you would imagine they were crocheted with shiny metal threads.

Their jewelry is just as fascinating as their bags. Bracelets are pull tabs connected by large jump rings. Some necklaces are similarly constructed. Others are woven or fastened together to create unique silver collars. All pull tabs used are 100% post consumer recycled aluminum. Artisans purchase tabs by the kilo from aluminum recycling centers.

Another unique feature of Escama accessories is the hang tag. Each tag asks: "Who Made This?" They answer the question by naming the person who created the item. A purchaser may go to the website and view a picture of the artisan who made the item they purchased. If they choose to send them a message, they may do so on line.

The Company

Escama Studios is one of a growing number of 'socialpreneurs.' That's a newly coined expression to describe businesses that combine the marketing of products with a heightened social conscience. Socialpreneur businesses can be non profit organizations. They may also be privately owned and operated by concerned citizens who see the value of doing good. Many of these businesses sell goods created by the at-risk populations that benefit from their sale.

Raising the Quality of Artisan's Lives

Each Escama Studios artisan is a member of the cooperative formed to create their line of products. In just a few years, the cooperative has grown from 12 to 100. Each member earns a living wage. Above and beyond their earnings, Escama Studios is committed to finding ways to help raise the quality of their lives.

Escama Studios donates money for artisan computer literacy training. They have established accounts in the names of 70 artisans through HSBC, a Brazilian bank. They deposits artisan payments online for safety and security. The company also donates a percentage of the profits back to the artisans. One worker used "rebates" to set up a convenient cooking space in their work area. Another purchased computer equipment. A third stocked up on supplies for future creations.

Escama Studios is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, an organization that promotes fair trade.

Source:

Escama Studios website: http://www.escamastudio.com/index.html

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