DETROIT (WWJ) -- Per tradition, the Big Heads will be marching along Woodward Avenue during America’s Thanksgiving Day parade on Thursday.
This Small Business Saturday in metro Detroit, there will be a way to have one of your very own -- or at least, part of one!
Detroit-based jewelry maker Rebel Nell is partnering with The Parade Company to take pieces of retired Big Heads and create one-of-a-kind jewelry for men, women and children.
Rebel Nell CEO Amy Peterson tells WWJ’s Sandra McNeil that the line includes necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings -- and even cuff links, money clips and bottle stoppers.
“We really showcase the history of the Big Head itself, as well as the paper mâché effects,” Peterson explains. “So all the pieces, you’ll see part of the newspaper, and it’s more often than not written in Italian, because these were usually made in Italy. And then you’ll see the colors of the Big Head on it.”
Originally crafted in Viareggio, Italy over 80 years ago, the Big Heads have been created and maintained in Detroit since the ‘80s, and an important part of America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for generations.
Rebel Nell, which launched in 2013, takes meaningful materials and repurposes them into “wearable art.” The company also provides “employment, equitable opportunity, and wraparound support for women with barriers to employment,” according to their website.
On Wednesday, Rebel Nell opened a second storefront in Twelve Oaks Mall, located in Novi.
A portion of the proceeds from their new holiday collection will support the Big Heads.
Find out more about Rebel Nell’s partnership with The Parade Company and the process of creating the Big Head collection on on their website.
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