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Detroit

How Rebel Nell Turns Fallen Graffiti Paint into Jewelry

Detroit social enterprise Rebel Nell turns fallen graffiti paint into jewelry while supporting women facing barriers to work. Here’s how its sourcing, process, products, and design experience work.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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Rebel Nell makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gifts from fallen graffiti paint, pairing a Detroit material story with a mission to support women facing barriers to work. The company says it collects paint that has already fallen or been removed during mural cleanups—it does not scrape walls itself. It also keeps the technique that reveals the colors beneath the paint’s surface layer secret.

What is Rebel Nell?

Rebel Nell is a Detroit-founded social enterprise co-founded by Amy Peterson and Diana Roginson in 2013. Peterson’s interest in Detroit street art, the city’s resilience, and creating opportunities for women informed the idea of turning fallen paint into wearable pieces. The company describes its work as joining jewelry-making with employment, equitable opportunity, and support for women facing barriers to work.

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Rebel Nell’s story page reports that it has hired 40+ women out of shelter living and had 36 graduates. Those are company-reported figures; the sources available do not independently audit the totals or definitions. Michigan’s Economic Development Corporation also describes Rebel Nell as employing women facing barriers and providing wraparound support. Rebel Nell’s mission and Michigan’s success story provide further detail.

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Where does Rebel Nell get its graffiti?

The company says it gathers fallen paint in Detroit, Atlanta, and Miami. It may also receive paint scraped by organizations during cleanups to prepare walls for new murals. Rebel Nell names the Detroit Riverfront, Eastern Market, and The Alley Project as examples of organizations that have brought it paint. This is the company’s account of its sourcing practice.

Rebel Nell says it does not scrape graffiti from walls. Its FAQ describes the material as paint that has fallen or been collected as part of cleanup, rather than art removed by the company. Rebel Nell’s FAQ answers questions about sourcing and the making process.

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How does Rebel Nell make jewelry from graffiti?

Rebel Nell says it uses a “super secret process” to reveal colors beneath the paint’s upper surface. The company does not disclose the technique, so details such as solvents, heat, or other treatments should not be assumed.

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A PBS WEDU Arts Plus interview shows other parts of the fabrication process: workers prepare metal sheet, draw and cut shapes, apply the graffiti, shape and bind the pieces, coat them with resin, sand the edges, polish, and drill openings for chains or earrings. The interview does not reveal the concealed color-exposure step. The PBS segment documents the visible fabrication work.

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What does Rebel Nell make?

The company’s storefront lists necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, other jewelry, gifts, and accessories. Materials, finishes, and availability differ by listing, so check the individual product page for its exact specifications. A particular piece may use a meaningful material beyond graffiti; rely on the listing rather than assuming every item is made the same way. The current storefront shows the available categories and individual product details.

Rebel Nell also has a documented history of making pieces for a specific site. In 2018, Ford commissioned a limited-edition collection using fallen graffiti paint gathered at Michigan Central Station. Ford’s account described a strict “no peel” policy and quoted Amy Peterson saying, “We have respect for the muralists and the artwork they left behind.” The collaboration is documented as a 2018 project; that account does not establish that the collection is still available. Ford’s account of the collection explains its connection to the station.

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Can you make your own graffiti jewelry in Detroit?

Yes. Rebel Nell’s Detroit design experience lets participants create jewelry using fallen Detroit graffiti. The company describes the activity as roughly 30 minutes. Its experience page lists a price range of $40–$120, says jewelry is sold separately, and gives a 2–4 week estimate for pickup or delivery of custom pieces. These are terms published on the experience page and may change, so confirm them when booking. See the current design-your-own experience details.

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How should you care for Rebel Nell jewelry?

Rebel Nell recommends wiping pieces with a polishing cloth or gentle fabric, avoiding harsh cleaners, and removing jewelry before excessive exposure to sun, water, or chemicals. The company specifically warns that perfume and hairspray may dull resin. It also describes its jewelry as nickel-free and the graffiti as coming from newer sources that use acrylic-based paint; these are company-provided material statements. Check the item listing for piece-specific materials.

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The company says it will address damage caused by a quality issue and asks customers to contact it for repair instructions. It says it cannot repair damage caused by normal wear and tear. Its FAQ also describes replacement pricing for lost pieces and half-price replacement of a single earring. Contact Rebel Nell to confirm current repair and replacement terms before relying on them.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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