How It’s Made
Every bottle that comes in goes through a hands-on reclamation process. Labels, lids, and plastic components are removed by hand, then each bottle is cleaned and dried. From there, the glass is transformed.
Batches of bottles are kiln-heated to 1100°F, then “water-shocked” — pulled from the heat and dropped into ice-cold water. The sudden temperature drop fractures the glass from the inside out. After cooling and drying, the glass is hand-broken and further pulverized into different grits using a heavy-duty grinder.
It’s slow, physical work. Eventually, I hope to bring in an industrial glass crusher to scale the process, but for now, it’s a labour of love and experimentation.
The reclaimed glass sand becomes: Textured sculptural surfaces on my cloud works, mixed with resin to create sparkling, durable finishes. Terrazzo-style plaster products such as aroma stones, diffuser plates, ornaments, coasters, and décor items. Material tests and R+D prototypes for larger installations.
Why I Do This
This project started with a simple question: What could be made from the waste we create every day? I use Saje products myself and appreciate their values, but essential oil packaging has no formal recycling stream. The bottles are small, heavy, and often end up in the landfill.
My practice has always centred on material reclamation, but I’m not interested in making recycled art look recycled. I want to elevate it — to take overlooked waste and turn it into something refined, thoughtful, and worth keeping. Luxury, not landfill.
This initiative also acts as a pilot for a larger reclamation vision. Throughout my career I’ve explored glass reuse at many scales — casting slabs from liquor bottles, freeze-and-fuse tiles, waterjet-cut sculptures, and now glass-sand terrazzo. Some methods were too energy-intensive or hard on the body. This process is the sustainable path forward.
If community participation helps expand the experiment, it could eventually justify industrial equipment and larger sculptural works.
Saje Bottle Drop!
Every bottle donated pushes this project forward — fueling research, supporting sustainable production, and helping build future pieces. Small actions add up. If you want to be part of what comes next, start with one empty bottle.
How You Can Help
You can drop off any Saje GLASS packaging — essential oil bottles, roller bottles, and personal spray bottles. Lids included is fine. Empty and rinse if possible.
Each bottle contributes directly to new artwork, new prototypes, and the development of future large-scale installations.
Where to Drop
1. Saje Market Mall Calgary (During Mall Hours)
The Market Mall Saje team collects bottles on my behalf.
Just let them know they’re for Michelle’s recycling program.
If enough interest builds, this could help show corporate the value of expanding the initiative.
2. Saje Mt Royal Calgary (During Store Hours)
The Market Mall Saje team collects bottles on my behalf.
Just let them know they’re for Michelle’s recycling program.
If enough interest builds, this could help show corporate the value of expanding the initiative.
The Recycled Shop!
All profits from items in the recycle shop will go toward funding the purchase of an industrial crusher, so this program can expand!
Currently, all items are available for pickup at Saje Market Mall here in Calgary. In the spring, there will be a 24h secure pickup location added in North Calgary.
