From Objects of Industry to Vessels of Beauty

At ZMJStudio, each piece begins with raw materials and an honest process—no shortcuts and no mass production. My mission is simple: Controlled Fire. Lasting Form. Grounded Design. This philosophy is the result of over 16 years of experience working with glass and metal, materials that demand absolute control, patience, and heat. Today, I want to share the story behind one of my most personal collections: the transformation of reclaimed industrial brass into wearable objects of peace.

The Art of Transformation

I am acutely aware that bullet casings carry a heavy history, especially in a world marked by conflict. For me, choosing to work with this material is an act of intentionality. It is a process of reclaiming a “case for violence” and turning it into a “case for beauty”. After 16 years at the bench, I have learned that even the most rigid industrial objects can be softened when shaped by fire and formed with intention.

A Study in Sensory Contrast

The beauty of this series lies in the sensory experience of the materials—the “hard and soft, industrial and organic”.

• The Weight of the Brass: I work with hand-cast and reclaimed brass because it carries a grounded, substantial presence and a natural warmth.
• The Clarity of the Glass: I pair this metal with borosilicate glass, which offers a luminous depth and internal movement that contrasts sharply with the metal’s grit.
• The Scent and Sound: In the studio, the air carries the sharp, metallic tang of brass being polished and the steady hiss of the torch as it melts glass into a molten glow.

Hero Pieces of the Collection

Each piece in this series is made individually—no molds and no repeats.

• The Emberstem Pendant: This piece features a cluster of individually hand-formed glass flowers gathered at the mouth of a reclaimed brass casing, a symbol of life emerging from metal.
• The Verdigris Eye Casing Pendant: Here, crushed turquoise glass is suspended within clear borosilicate and set into a brass casing, creating a quiet, luminous focal point.
• The Bullet Casing Quartz Ring: A raw pink quartz point is held by a reclaimed casing, balancing the jagged beauty of the stone with the geometric structure of the metal.
• Make Love Not War #4: This pendant houses carefully arranged parakeet and rosy bourke feathers within an industrial casing, highlighting a soft, organic contrast.

Join the Movement

These are not just accessories; they are small, contained studies of material and light, meant to be held over time. By reclaiming these fragments, I am performing a quiet protest that celebrates renewal over destruction.

Explore the “Make Love Not War” series today and find a piece that speaks to your own journey of transformation.

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