About PlatypusMax

PlatypusMax is an online shop selling handcrafted barrettes, jewelry and gift sets that are inspired by nature, sustainably made, and minimally packaged. All pieces are designed and created by artist / maker Rachel Summers. A reverence for nature and eco-friendly practices are central to my philosophy. That is, to keep the carbon footprint of everything I create as low as possible, with minimal trash output, non-toxic materials and nature-focused designs. This means that my core materials are sourced as either pre-consumer waste scraps or small off-cuts to maximize material use, ethical practices, and without the use of new plastic materials. Additionally, I will fund the planting of 1 tree for each item ordered via Ecologi / The Eden Reforestation Projects. Trees are one of the most tangible ways to help us fight climate change. Leather is one of my favorite materials, and I use it to make barrettes, earrings and other accessories. It is a wonderful natural, biodegradable material to work with as it holds impressions in a range of colors and textures. This allows me to create beautiful, functional pieces that capture natural impressions of various plants and other natural elements. I like to work with simple tools including handmade stamps, a hammer, a mechanical press, a sharp knife, rivets, dyes and paints. Embossed patterns are either hand-tooled or created by pressing plants or other natural textures and found objects into wet un-dyed leather. Read their story