Marije Pöpping is a visionary creative, dreamer, and founder of Studio POPPING.

"Growing up near the national park De Veluwe in the Netherlands, I have always felt connected to nature. I would wander through the forest, drawn to small, almost unnoticed details: a patch of moss in shifting hues, the way light moved across a quiet stream. Even then, I felt an instinct to lose myself in natural forms, textures, and patterns. To find beauty in what was easily overlooked.

For a long time, I believed there was little space for this sensitivity in a world that values efficiency over wonder. I began to see it as something insignificant, rather than an asset. I pushed myself to meet expectations that never truly resonated with me, until, at the age of twenty-seven, I found myself burned out.

I reached a threshold, one where I could continue running, or begin listening to what had been quietly present all along. In the stillness that followed, something shifted. Not suddenly, but gradually. A remembering. The rustle of leaves, the shimmer of a butterfly’s wing. Small reminders of who I was before the world began to define me.

Slowly, I allowed my hands to return to making. In doing so, I was not only rediscovering creativity, but reclaiming a way of being.

Studio Popping was born."

What most people ask me about

How did you start creating butterfly wing jewelry?

Studio Popping began as an exploration of materials and form. During my graduation project in Fashion & Branding at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, I researched artificial nature and experimented with ways of preserving natural elements.

When I started working with butterfly wings, the material stayed with me. Over time, this research evolved into jewelry. After a period of distance, the work returned in a more refined form, transitioning to glass as a durable and enduring material.

Since then, Studio Popping has been developed in collaboration with local artisans, refining a method that honors both the fragility of the wing and the permanence of the object.

Where do your butterfly wings come from?

All the butterflies we work with have been sourced and prepared with the utmost care and responsibility. They have lived their full lifespan and passed naturally. We partner with one of the most respected taxidermy companies in the Netherlands, known for their dedication to butterfly conservation and rainforest preservation in various parts of the world. You can learn more here.

What's the best way to take care of my jewelry?

To keep your jewelry looking beautiful for as long as possible, a little extra care goes a long way. Here are some simple best practices:

  • Remove your jewelry before sleeping, exercising, or engaging in physical activity.
  • Avoid contact with lotions, perfumes or any chemical products. Exposure to extreme temperatures and rough activities that could scratch the glass should also be avoided.
  • Store your jewelry in a clean, dry, and dark place when you're not wearing it -  this helps prevent tarnishing and damage.

For sterling silver pieces, here's a helpful tip: wear them often! Regular wear actually helps slow down the tarnishing process naturally. If your jewelry does become tarnished, gently clean it with a small amount of silver polish and a soft polishing cloth.

Extra Important: Make sure your jewelry stays completely dry. Water can seep beneath the glass and cause serious damage to the butterfly wing inside. This may result in moisture build-up or visible condensation, which can harm the organic material and accelerate deterioration. Keeping your piece dry is essential to preserving its natural beauty.