Artist: Rachael Colley

A woman wears a large neckpiece made form cylinders of wood, some are natural and some are scorched.

Rachael Colley, Neckpiece, Elder Mix.
Organic materials, fabric cord.

Rachael sources organic matter from common land to develop new biodegradable materials.

Her wearable works challenge the throwaway culture of costume jewellery. She considers how consumers discard their pieces replacing them with the latest styles. Her pieces have a limited lifespan and are designed to return to the land to biodegrade as fashions change. Respecting the end of an object’s life can create new rituals, whilst recognising the value of craftsmanship. This idea resonates with ancient ritual practices; celebrating the nourishment that is provided in many ways, by both the land and craft.

Make a neckpiece with dried avocado

Have a go at Rachael’s making project.

Share your act of commoning by posting a picture of your project using #WeAreCommoners and tag us on instagram, twitter or facebook. If you prefer, you can email a picture to us at [email protected] and we can share it for you.

instructions for making a necklace.

Click on the image to download the PDF instructions.

Be inspired by Rachael’s own creations made from dried peel.

a beautiful necklace made of dried fruit peel
a beautiful necklace made of dried fruit peel
a beautiful necklace made of dried fruit peel
a beautiful necklace made of dried fruit peel


Where Next?

Fourthland: The new land we seek the new land we dream

Watch Fourthland’s new film.

a black and white photograph, exterior. Two large rocks with a person visible behind them holding up a bunch of grasses. The rocks are surrounded by trees.

Commoning Action 20

Take part in this immersive connection with Nature created by CAP

A man wearing a denim shirt and jeans in a park leaning on yellow strings which are tied around a tree. A woman with brown hair is opposite the man in the park, holding onto one of the strings to support the man leaning.

Artist: Fourthland

Rituals of making.

A close up of the exhibit, two rustic bowls on black stands and a large hanging decorated with small bundles of straw.

Artist: Gelawesh Waledkhani and Lise Bjørne Linnert

Collaborating with undocumented migrants in Norway.



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