The Art of Healing: Project RE Made

Introducing Project RE Made, the newest entrepreneurial initiative for women in our Survivor Development Program. Each survivor can design and craft an artisan product, stock it in our store, and receive commission from the sale. This initiative differs from our own Rethreaded products as it is a completely individualistic endeavor. When a product is crafted in our production department, it may pass through many hands in every stage of leather prepping, sewing, and being assessed in a quality assurance check. For Project RE Made, the business management as well as the design and development process is entirely in the hands of one survivor who works on the project at home.

Many of the women at Rethreaded have found healing and solace within creative endeavors. They find that taking part in different forms of artistic expression has been beneficial for their mental health and emotional regulation. Typically, in our morning meetings, several pairs of hands will be crocheting or sketching as it helps them focus on the topics and allows them to be more present. As beautiful woven blankets, watercolor prints, and cute crocheted dolls have been created, Kristin Keen wanted to give the survivors a chance to share their creations with the world.

“I wanted to start Project RE Made for so many reasons.” Kristin stated, “I saw that our staff had so much talent, they just needed a platform to shine! I love entrepreneurship and know how empowering it has been in my life and wanted a chance for other women to experience what it’s like to run their own business.”

Once a survivor opts in, they get to decide on what they want to make, the name of their business, what they will keep stocked, and how much they should charge based on the cost of their labor and materials. This has allowed them to make executive decisions and expose them to the logistics of running a business.

This voluntary program has survivors who work across our company in business development, operations, and finance, source their own materials and designs to handmake beautiful works of art.

The pieces in Project RE Made are available for purchase only in our brick-and-mortar store. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, made from the hearts and hands of each survivor.

Bookmarks by AJ

AJ has always had a deep love for art. Throughout her life she has found solace in painting, drawing, and losing herself within a book. In combining her passions, she has created her own line of hand painted bookmarks. When you reach for an AJ bookmark, she hopes the sentiment, “we stand in the sunlight at last” resonates with you as it has driven many of her designs. Love and light can be found in the smallest of things, even a bookmark.

Pretty Little Keepsakes

Angelina has always looked for the beauty within the unassuming. Over the last year she has found an avenue in which she can pour the whimsy and light she possesses into everyday objects through her brand, Pretty Little Keepsakes. Her glittering, hand-crafted keepsake boxes dance in the sunlight, letting her customers store their treasures within a beacon of love.

EvanedeN Designs

When Asia first started her journey of self-care, she turned to crocheting and discovered a newfound passion for textile arts. Each one of her pieces is made with upcycled yarn, donated by her community. Her brand, EvanedeN Designs, includes an array of products from zippered pouches to stylish shawls, each with detailed stitching for a one-of-a-kind design. Her hope is that you will not only appreciate the beauty of the product, but the immense time and care she puts into each one of her designs.

Jade Did

Jade Did is a unique jewelry brand that combines artistry with sustainability. Each piece is meticulously hand-crafted by Jade from vintage jewelry and an array of beautiful beads. Inspired by the jewelry her mother used to craft when she was a young girl, Jade pours out the love and creativity passed down to her from her mom into every accessory. The pieces are hypoallergenic and nickel free to ensure that customers with sensitivities can wear them comfortably. Her hope is that the beauty of each piece shines through and empowers the hearts they grace.

Sew What?

Products sewn to fruition. Sew What? is a woven textile brand specializing in freehand embroidery displayed in frames.

Pour Paintings

Pour Paintings is more than just a collection of artwork for Kris; it’s a symbol of her mental resiliency and excitement during her healing journey. Each painting is unique with different people being able to see different stories through their own perspectives on the canvas. Through pouring, spinning, and meticulous breathwork Kris has been able to create beautiful pieces of art that resemble the chaos amongst the calm of a life lived. To preserve and protect the painting, each piece is sealed.

Plants, Pours & So Much More

Plants, Pours & So Much More was created by LJ, a lifelong creative. She rediscovered her passion for art and creativity five years ago through the therapeutic nature of working with plants. Her collection includes a variety of items which tell the story of her creative journey. As she started to care for her plants, researching soil types and additives, she realized she could also tend to their generic terracotta pots. She began to experiment with hand-painted designs for each plant, putting her passion and creativity towards the entire look of the plant. In falling in love with the medium of painting, she also poured out her enthusiasm into hand-poured canvases. Although she offers several types of art, her care and creativity are present in every item she sells. LJ uses her art to inspire other women who wish to follow their dreams and reignite their artistic abilities.