Biota Keepsakes™
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 @wearethecityinagarden
Exploring, collecting, and safekeeping pieces of chicagos natural ecosystem🐚🌸🍃 !
Biota a Latin translation from the Greek "biotē", meaning life or way of life, is defined as the flora and fauna of a geological period and place. Biota Keepsakes encapsulates chicagos biota with each custom soldered piece that is crafted from invasive or unnatural material from around chicagos green-scape.
*Biota Keepsakes current items range sliding scale from $5 to $60, with Custom Keepsakes ranging from $5-$30 based on materials used, meaning anyone can afford a one-of-a-kind keepsake!
Many of our earring shell sets are resourced from Lake Michigan's beachfronts! Where invasive mussels like Zebra Mussel & Quagga Mussel Shells wash up in tides. Only taking certain amounts of shells knowing the supplies I need to stock on and leaving spaces as I found them!
With Special collections showcasing forgotten natural material from local thrift & antique stores that have discounted real sea-shells from all over the world brought back to Chicago and sadly forgotten about and donated. These sentient animals once had lives within the ocean, were harvested for commercial use and unfortunately now have no meaning far from home...until they meet me! As I give them new life as repurposed accessories for another to cherish!
Special Collection from Little Village Discount
If you want to bring your own Keepsakes for me to encapsulate and give new life - please keep an ethical practice in mind of location rules for harvesting/removing materials from!
There are two pathways of submitting your own piece either online through our google form application linked here: APPLY TODAY OR in-person at select market events! Where I will post on my social media stories the application form and perform hand-wiring on the spot.
Encapsulating Options:
1. Hand-Wire Pendant (using aluminum wire)
2. Soldered Accessory (using copper-tape and lead-free tin wire)
*Stone Paper Weights
*Sea-Urchin Air Plant Holder
Contact for any larger requests such as bulk orders of 20+ (like Bridal Shower Gifts) or Community Workshops that require longer planning.
Email : somoslosurbsinhorto@gmail.com
Customer Reminder: keep your accessories safe as they are delicate !
:*(