Dream of my own design

Elokuje Handicrafts is a small Finnish handicraft jewellery company owned by me Anne Kleemola. Several years ago, my long-time artisan mother and I started thinking about jewellery stuff together, and we tried different materials. The company name, Elokuje, had popped into my head much earlier, which I then finally registered as a business at the end of 2017. 

Making and tuning by hand has always been present at our farm home. Recycling, reuse, and DIY recycling have been practiced long before it became hip. My main job is a graphic design for my one-person Elovisual business. For my computer work, this is an excellent counterweight and as a visual designer I can do all my marketing materials myself.

Over the years, the “collection” has changed its shape from boho chic-style surf jewellery into upcycled jewellery. In this abundant and rubbish-drenched world, the use of upcycled and surplus materials seemed to be the only reasonable option to fulfill my own design dream. Not only is it ecological, but it also limits the design ideas very well.

Cyclo Cross -kisat Raksilassa 2020. Kuva: Mika Kankainen.

For the love of the sport

The surplus materials I use in my jewelry come from my hobbies. The largest and most visible jewelry collection of Elokuje is Remankeli, which uses as material parts of mountain bikes that have ended up as scrap from the northern trails, such as inner tubes and chains. As a mountain biker myself, I have access to good sources of jewelry materials. Numerous local and familiar enthusiasts ensure that there is always something to work with.

Article about Remankeli in Mun Oulu publication: "Remankeli features brilliant tires and chains."

Skinnaamista Lyngenissä

Nice recycling materials

The unique and colorful jewelry material is climbing skins and skins of cross country skis. My SkiSkins jewelry is therefore made from fun decorative pieces created from leftover parts of backcountry skiing skins. I also enjoy myself in the backcountry on unmaintained slopes.

The collection is brought to life by a pleasantly soft dyed surplus reindeer leather. I buy it in pieces from Finnish glove manufactures. Bohemian and colorful JaloKuje stone jewelry is made from time to time when the desire to handle and combine old gemstones strikes.

Kuvia matkan varrelta

  • Elokuje Handicrafts DesignTorilla Pikisaaressa

    Elokujeen's first event: DesignTori Pikisaari 2018

  • Pikinen käsi pitelee katkennutta pyöränketjua

    The hands of the chain breaker

  • Isä sirkkelöi vanhasta ladonseinästä korutelinettä

    The jewellery stands are also made from up-cycled materials. Dad is sawing the wall boards of an old hay barn.

  • Remankelikorujen tuotekuvausta lähipolulla

    The bracelet photo shoot is in progress.

  • Äitin kanssa Remankelipajalla Toholammilla

    With mom at the "workshop" in Toholampi

  • Titta på Tuira 2019

  • The cross race of Krossikommuuni 

  • Team shirts after the Ylläs MTB race

  • Remankeli Jewellery at the Hidden Trails rental shop in Äkäslompolo, Lapland

  • Plywood signs

  • Black Crows - bowtie model at Pallas Fell in Lapland

  • Designtori Pikisaari 2023