A year ago, I solidified a partnership with Duckfeet USA and what started as a fun idea turned into one of the most fun projects I’ve ever worked on.
How it Began
A couple of years back, I participated in an online maker market hosted by Duckfeet USA. When they learned I was using up-cycled leather, they sent me a bunch of leather box handles that had been hanging around (all their shoeboxes have leather box handles). The leather handles was high-quality and came in a bunch of great colors, so I made some fun earrings with them. Making these handles into earrings gave me an idea…
I reached out with a question:
What if I created a program where Duckfeet customers could turn their leather box handles into earrings instead of throwing them away?
They said yes.
It took some time to get off the ground, but that one “yes” became something really amazing. Those beautiful leather handles designed to carry a pair of well-loved shoes began a second life as lightweight earrings.
The program officially launched on Earth Day, which felt fitting. Since then, I’ve transformed over 100 box handles into earrings and shipped them to more than 30 states across the U.S. Every single pair represents something bigger: a small decision to choose sustainability, creativity, and intention.
One of my favorite parts of this process is the personal connection. When someone sends me their handle, I create two custom pairs of earrings just for them. And if there’s any material left? I turn those scraps into additional designs, making sure nothing goes to waste.
So many people sent me notes with their handles; they were excited about the program and the idea of up-cycling their leather handles.
But as with many good things, this chapter is coming to a close.
The company distributing Duckfeet in the U.S. officially closed its doors this March, which means the above is my final round of handles from that partnership. It’s bittersweet. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust, the collaboration, and the opportunity to bring this idea to life but it’s hard to say goodbye to something that worked so well and brought people a little joy.
That said, it’s not entirely the end.
I still have a small collection of handles left, and I’ll continue making earrings with them and sell them on my site and at shows until they’re gone. I’m also keeping the custom listing open for anyone who may still have a handle tucked away and wants to turn it into something new. I’m told Duckfeet in Denmark (where the company originated from) will be distributing to the US so I’m hoping in the future I may be able to partner with them and get this program up and running again.
Even though the original partnership has ended, the idea still matters.
This project has proven that small, thoughtful ideas can ripple outward. That waste can be reimagined. That something as simple as a box handle can carry a story far beyond its original purpose.
Thank you for being part of this journey, for supporting handmade work, for choosing more mindful consumption, and for believing in the beauty of second chances.