I have always had a passion for green issues and doing what I can to protect my little corner of the planet.

I use low energy bulbs, turn the tap off when brushing my teeth, unplug appliances when I’m not using them – all the day-to-day little things most of us try to do in the hope that they will one day add up to a big difference.

But, there is one green issue that I feel really passionate about and would like to share with you – my enthusiasm for recycling, a concept so simple it never fails to amaze me that so many people find it so hard to do.

My husband and I have always recycled – paper in one box, glass in another, everything washed out and put out every other week for the council to take away and send off to some unknown land where our rubbish is magically turned into new things.

However, it was when searching for a 1st anniversary gift for my husband, which is traditionally paper, that I suddenly started to wonder what actually happens to all these clean jars and old newspapers we so meticulously put out week after week.

Not being able to find a satisfactory answer to that question I felt inspired to find my own use for the everyday things we all throw away. What I discovered was an incredible outlet for my creativity that turned the contents of my recycling box into beautiful things!

I began experimenting with paper, closely followed by anything and everything I had to hand – newspapers, wrapping paper, old buttons, jumpers, even bottle caps from hubby’s favourite tipple! The results amazed me.

My first piece was a pair of recycled cuff links for my husband – a successful 1st anniversary gift! I made them using old buttons and chain for the backs and recycled paper for the decorative fronts. He was impressed not only because I had taken the time to make them myself but also the fact that just a few days before he was reading the newspaper that had now been turned into beautiful gems for him to wear on his cuffs.

From there I began making things for friends and family for birthdays. I made necklaces, bracelets, earrings, all the while experimenting with a variety of materials for each piece. It was my loved one’s responses to my creations that encouraged me to go out and try to share them with the world.

I launched Blackberry Winter in May 2009 and it is my hope that my earth-friendly jewellery will be something people can enjoy and feel good about wearing.

It may only be a few small steps but they all add up to make a big difference.