Broken skateboards are a reality of the sport and those who enjoy it, but tossing them in the trash is something that doesn't happen for one skater-turned-artist.
Alex Wells, the 16-year-old owner of ReBoard, decided one day after seeing some recycled skateboard jewelry on the Internet that he could skate his way right into that business.
"I saw one picture on the Internet--one ring, and was like 'Wow, I think I can make that and even make it cooler," says Wells.
The next day, at Escanaba High School, Wells made his first ring. Since then, his vision and his business have grown. Instead of just making one ring, he makes five or six rings a day as well as belt buckles and necklaces. Depending on the piece he's working on, Wells can take between 20 minutes to two hours to create a single piece. Of course, it all depends on the shape of the skateboard he has in his hands when he starts.
Each broken skateboard can make up to 10 belt buckles and 20 rings.
Currently, ReBoard jewelry can be purchased in the Skin Deep shop in Escanaba, online at
Wells' etsy.com page and will soon be available at
Ground Zero in Marquette.
Prices range from about $20 for belt buckles to $15 for rings and $10 for necklace charms.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Alex Wells, ReBoard
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