5 minute read
OFF THE CLOCK: NURSE JULISSA
OFF THE CLOCKJulissa intuitively combines colors and caps, seeing what flows well together.
Nurse Transforms Vial Caps Into Wearable Art
By Maggie Aime, RN
EVER WONDERED what happens to those colorful little medicine vial caps once you pop them off? Meet a nurse with a knack for seeing potential where others see waste. She skillfully repurposes those caps into something extraordinary: Custom-made badge holders!
This nurse — Julissa Arauz — finds inspiration in the most unexpected places and gives the term “nurse entrepreneur” a fun, creative, and colorful meaning.
A Peek Into Julissa’s Creative Space
Step into Julissa’s creative haven, and you’ll likely catch her meticulously assembling her one-of-a-kind badge holders. Her creative journey begins with her fascinating imagination. “I think it’s how my brain works,” she shared with a spark in her eyes. “It’s easy for me to find inspiration in anything — it’s my creative mind at play. I see colors and shapes of different elements, and it’s always been a part of me to activate that creativity, to design or create something from anything.”
Her canvas of choice? The often-overlooked medicine vial flip-off caps. “They come in different sizes and so many different colors,” she noted. “To me, it’s satisfying to combine them, put a little embellishment, and see what comes up. Each one is unique in my brain.”
Thinking Outside The Vials
Her creative process is one of spontaneity. Julissa explained, “I never have anything in mind when I create except the center — the little embellishment that’s going to bring the flower together.”
This usually includes stumbling upon a charming find at a store — a Disney character or a seasonal decoration. With that starting point, Julissa intuitively combines colors and caps, seeing what flows well together.
The Art Of Layering
Julissa began stashing away these caps about five years ago. As word spread about her crafty badge holders, nurse friends happily collected and passed along caps during their shifts, increasing her stockpile.
Once Julissa gathers a bunch of those caps, the crafting adventure begins. With tools laid out and supplies in place, the construction itself is a layering process she describes as a puzzle or playing Tetris.
She starts by gluing caps upside down into a flower shape. Once assembled, she flips them over and begins layering the flower petals on top of each other. She moves them around, deciding which colors go where, adding a design here or a sparkling embellishment there.
Build Your Own? Yes, You Can!
Julissa often gets special requests when nurses see her sporting her colorful hand-crafted badge. “When somebody sees the one I’m wearing, they compliment it,” she shared. “Then I tell them it’s made from medicine vial caps, and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I see!’”
And here’s where it gets interesting. The inevitable question follows: “Do you sell them?” And Julissa, being the creative entrepreneur she is, nods and shares her Etsy shop information.
Sometimes, she’ll take requests for personalized designs, like including a nurse’s initials or their favorite colors. Other times, they simply pick out a readymade badge that catches their eye. Either way, nurses are delighted to wear little pieces of art that not only showcase Julissa’s innovation but also a part of caring for patients.
No Challenges, Only Fun!
Juggling two nursing jobs and a thriving side gig might seem like a lot, but Julissa’s secret lies in planning. With the luxury of knowing her schedule in advance, she strategically allocates time to work on her creations.
Crafting these clips is more of a passion project than a job. She views the entire process as an enjoyable learning experience. For her, there’s no challenge, just pure fun.
Mindfully Made
Julissa’s attention to detail extends beyond the cuteness of her creations. She considers the practical needs of certain healthcare specialties. She mentioned, “I started making them for people who work with powerful magnetic technology, so they need to be metal-free.”
In specialty fields like radiology, metal parts could be dangerous. So Julissa painstakingly removes any metal ring from the back of the caps and uses a non-metallic lanyard instead of traditional retractable reels. She also meticulously selects embellishments free of metal components. It’s a thoughtful touch that allows healthcare professionals with unique work constraints to still flaunt their custom-made badge holders.
Go For It!
For those contemplating diving into the world of creative pursuits or exploring a side gig, Julissa had a straightforward mantra: “Go for it!”
She continued, “You won’t know if you don’t do it, and nobody can take that experience from you.” Whether the project takes off or not, you will grow from putting yourself out there. “Do it because you enjoy doing it. That will be rewarding in itself,” she added.
Julissa’s innovation proves vial caps deserve a second life. It’s also an invitation to pursue your dreams with an open mind and let the creative process be its own reward.
Want your own? Visit Julissa's IDStitch Etsy shop on etsy.com.
