MINED reCREATIONS – JOANNE JONES
ALL MINED reCREATIONS ACCESSORIES ARE HANDCRAFTED FROM RECLAIMED GARMENTS
Joanne Jones, of mined reCREATIONS, is an artist “in the jeans” and has always had a flair for fashion. Memories of hugs from parents dressed in denim have led to Joanne’s attraction to the fabric loving its warm touch and approachable aesthetic. It is Joanne’s desire to instill this warmth into every mined reCREATIONS handbag. Joanne creates one of a kind handbags inspired by the elements of cubism, the desire to create a really great purse, and her stewardship of the planet. Her company is driven by her compassion for young people in developing countries in need of funds for education. Her enthusiasm for the creative process leads to a unique finished product. All mined reCREATIONS accessories are handcrafted from reclaimed garments, and benefit young people in economically challenged countries; essentially breathing in new life to create something wonderful.
Sewing since she was 7, Joanne began her company in 2005. She created her masterpieces from her rustic, professional studio in her home in Cambridge, Ontario Her inspiration comes for that which is expressed…it comes from within. A shape comes to mind and then she expresses it through the recycled textiles. Her most creative time is when she is alone in her studio, maybe watching her most recent binge on Netflix, and the world seems still around her. She considers each piece that she creates a gift. The careful and fun placement of the recycled clothing she receives from her customers is done with them in mind.
In 2006, when I met the Marimba Kids from the Soweto area of Johannesburg, South Africa, I connected with 6 young female members of the band (the band was made up of 26 children ages 14 to 18 years) and their personalities touched me. In speaking with these young women, I saw a chance to blend my passion for design and my drive to save the environment, with my desire to create opportunity for the economically challenged young people of the world. By giving new life to old fabrics and accessories in our handbags, memory pieces, mittens, and hat designs, and by contributing a portion of the proceeds of sales to scholarships for these engaged and already successful students, mined reCREATIONS could provide the funds for them to attend post-secondary education and experience the doors which it can open. A portion of the sales from each mined reCREATION is used to pay for an economically challenged student to attend school (elementary, vocational, or college/university). They are not “single story” people. They are interesting people with complex and wonderful lives. Learn more about our current and alumni students below.
As of December 33rd, 2016, we have donated approximately $107,000 toward education funding.
December 5, 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of mined reCREATIONS. Ten years of creating one-of-a-kind handbags, satchels, totes, and duffles…all from recycled clothing. Ten years of relating with each of you as you express your personal taste, your views on what makes the perfect bag, and the personal tales of your lives. Together, we have funded the post-secondary education of seven women, and the elementary education of one boy.
It has been a wonderful decade. As we move forward, we also look forward to talking with you about where we are going, and how best to continue working toward a world where every child has access to education.
