Revolutionizing Jewellery with Recycled Sponge: Spongla

Beliczay Zsófia's Award-Winning Design Embraces Circular Economy

The inspiration for Spongla came from the growing global trend of circular economy and resource efficiency. The concept of reusing waste materials in design is not new, but Zsófia took it a step further by choosing a material that has seldom been used by artists - old foam mattresses. Her aim was to create jewellery that, at first glance, did not obviously appear to be made from waste.

The process of creating Spongla involves tearing or cutting the foam into pieces, stringing them together, and dipping them into paint. The paint does not alter the original touch of the foam but transforms its visual appearance. Once dried, the pieces of the mattresses become wearable art.

Despite their size, the pieces are comfortable and easy to wear due to their near weightlessness. They interact with both the wearer and the viewer, provoking curiosity and surprise. The true nature of the material is revealed only upon touching the pieces.

The Spongla project started in October 2015 in Budapest and was completed in September 2016 in Budakeszi. The works were exhibited at the Jewellery Night exhibition in the Balloon Gallery in Budapest in November 2016. The design was awarded Silver in A' Jewelry, Eyewear and Watch Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade rewarding top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs.

Through Spongla, Zsófia has demonstrated the potential of up-cycling and urban mining in the world of design. She has shown that with creativity and innovation, even discarded materials can be transformed into something beautiful and valuable. Her work serves as an inspiration for other designers to explore unconventional materials and contribute to a more sustainable future.