Every Lost & Found piece incorporates “reclaimed” materials. By giving discarded, unwanted or unneeded items another life through a beautiful piece of art jewelry it takes the concept of recycling into a new realm of possibilities. Re-using materials lengthens the life of individual objects which decreases our impact on our environment by keeping materials out of the landfill and lowering the demand for virgin mining. These creations can encourage people to look twice at something before they mindlessly toss it away, asking themselves if there is anything it can be turned into to give it another life, keeping their own creative juices alive through conscious reuse! Denise balances her jewelry making with teaching environmental education programs in local schools. She has a BA in Outdoor Education from Prescott College and many years working seasonally for various outdoor education programs. Her backcountry travels brought her through ranching areas where rusted bailing wire was frequently found beneath your hiking boot. A wire bracelet was woven and a seed was planted. A keen eye was developed to find usable materials in the wilderness and in urban life. Time spent in both places informs the creative process, like balancing rough and rusty metal washers with smooth freshwater pearls. By mimicking natures built in system of recycling, where byproducts simply change form and have a new purpose, Denise seeks to actively participate in this cycle and help bring it further to the forefront of everyday living for both the community and herself.