In most people's eyes, used coffee grounds belong in the trash, but local artist Monica Yocom sees it differently. To her, coffee grounds are raw materials to create with, and using her unique vision of seeing possibilities in everything, she has crafted coffee grounds into original, wearable works of art.

"I use whatever materials I have on hand to create," says Yocom. "I think that being resourceful is a great way to create the life that we want."

Yocom created "CoffeeGroundArt" as a way to spread joy through creativity and resourcefulness. Inspired by her artistic curiosity and a background in sculpture, she discovered a way to make a type of "clay" out of used coffee grounds. Experimenting with the texture and forming it into various sculptures and objects, from bookmarks to vases, Yocom eventually created her coffee necklaces, adding a flower, a moon, a shell, even custom designs, atop a coffee base.

"I love wearing my necklace, which has an Ohm sign," says Yoga teacher Chandra Gero. "People always want to know where I got it, and where they can get one!" she adds.

Several local outlets, including Café Aroma, Conejo Coffee, Clout Malibu, I.G. Boarding Shop, and The Body Sanctuary have begun carrying the coffee necklaces, and they are also available at www.thecoffeering.com.

Made from 100% recycled coffee grounds, the necklaces enable the artist to give goodwill to many.

"Everything that I create sends a message about spirit," says Yocom. "When you give a gift to someone it's really about the story that the piece carries, either one of the past or one that you will create while you carry it. Unusual materials make for a really fun story," she adds.

As an artist, Yocom puts much love into each work of art she makes.

"When I am creating a piece, I imagine it being held, discussed, enjoyed. This visualization is what actually enables me to create a really special piece," she explains.

Creating and spreading joy, rather than making money, is what drives Yocom to dedicate her time to art.

"I give quite a few pieces away. It brings joy to both of us. It also reminds me that this is the flow that allows me to create in the first place," Yocom says.

Born into a family of artists, Yocom's life has been filled with creativity. She sculpts, sings, and writes her own original songs, as well as painting, inventing, and teaching art to others, especially children.

"Anyone has the capability of being an amazing artist or inventor," encourages Yocom. "Creativity is not limited to creating something tangible either. It's really just using resources to make your life more appealing."

As an art teacher, Yocom strives to help others realize their potential.

"I love to help people change their limiting beliefs. It really gets people excited over the new possibilities for them," she explains, adding, "Even children live with limiting beliefs. A younger child in one of my art classes had thrown down a paintbrush and said 'I just can't do it!' I told him, 'It's up to you, you can stop, start over, or you can keep doing it until you are happy with it.' Perhaps someday he'll be a professional finger painter," she says with a smile.

According to Yocom, life is art, and she wants to spread love and inspiration to others through her own creativity.

"When people wear my jewelry, cuddle my dolls, or sing my songs, I want them to hear and feel the message behind them," she explains. "I want them to be inspired to create their own joy, but most of all, I want them to believe that they can."

To see Monica Yocom's work, visit www.familyofartists.com