Designer - Kerrie Mould

Brought up in New Zealand by actively anti-waste parents, as a youngster I was always finding new uses for things, from altering op shop clothing to repurposing objects. And, after a small indulgent blip in my 20s, inevitably I carried this mentality into my adult life.

I established ode to elma after relocating to Melbourne in 2016, with the aim of challenging preconceptions about repurposing and using recycled materials by showing that you can indeed turn ordinary, everyday materials into beautiful, functional, quality design.

In memory of my Nana ‘Elma’, ode to elma is a nod to a time where people mended, recycled and reused everything - out of necessity and hardship. Ironically, what was once seen as frugality or thriftiness is now ‘hashtagged’ sustainability, and we have now come full circle to rethinking the way we live and what we consume - as a necessity, due to the growing climate crisis.

Always hungry to learn more and progress my sustainability journey, I recently completed a Diploma in Sustainable Living through the University of Tasmania. The process of imagining and creating pieces that are truly sustainable brings me joy and I am genuinely grateful that I get to do what I am passionate about.

Initially starting with a selection of pendant lights constructed from 100% recycled paper pulp the ode to elma range has more recently expanded to include fruit platters and trinket bowls. The material creates a truly unique look and organic feel, resulting in designs that are not only mindful of the environment but also beautiful and functional. Inspiration is taken from the natural world around us with a focus on texture, colour and form.

Each piece is individually handcrafted in my Melbourne studio.