also home to featured jewelry designer Lucy Sarneel.
Showing posts with label chaquira glass beads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chaquira glass beads. Show all posts
Thursday, December 23, 2010
LUCY SARNEEL
Located between the towns Hillegom and Lisse in the Netherlands is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, Keukenhof Garden. With an expanse of over 70 acres, the garden is home to an array of flowers including daffodils, narcissi, and hyacinths. The Netherlands is
also home to featured jewelry designer Lucy Sarneel.
also home to featured jewelry designer Lucy Sarneel.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
ROSANNA TREJO
The Mexican state of Oaxaca is a great location for finding intact structures
built during Pre-Columbian times. One such place to visit is the sleepy town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla. Mexico is also home to featured jewelry designer Rosanna Trejo.
Perhaps best known for silver production, and silversmiths like Antonio Pineda, Mexico is also an area known for its varied and colorful ceramic earthenware.
Pre-Columbian cultures including the Teotihuacans, the Olmecs, and the Aztecs highly influence the techniques and styles of modern ceramic pottery.
Trejo revisits time-honored ceramic handicrafts enlisting the ancient techniques to cultivate fun, festive designer jewelry. Those with inhibitions need not apply as watermelon slices, Mexican mugs, apples, and chili peppers are a few items immortalized in vivid, ceramic jewelry that is accented with wood and glass beads.
The former pre-school teacher embarked on a jewelry making career 32-years ago choosing to “feature regional elements like fruits, exotic birds, and Frida Kahlo” into her distinctive handmade jewelry designs.
Jewelry is all about personality; that of the designer and the wearer. This is not classic jewelry; it is playful and quirky.
It ultimately requires a certain mind-set; a personality that appreciates humor and a sense of frivolity. Cloris Leachman’s blithe and uproariously eccentric antics are a perfect fit with the bold colors, and dead-on replications.
I love the play of colors—the greens, reds, yellow—and the arrangement of the life-like shapes. I have not seen a lot of fruit-inspired jewelry done in this way.
Trejo foregoes the
simple, strawberry pendant necklace instead creating beautiful lei-like necklaces and charm bracelets drenched with ceramic fruit.
“I love the handicrafts from my beloved Mexico,” says Trejo, “My collections are influenced by Mexican attires, and varied details of my country’s culture.”
________________
Photo 1 (top right): Ceramic Watermelon Chic Bracelet
Photo 2 (center): Ceramic and Pearl Frida’s Little Deer Jewelry Set
Photo 3 (bottom left): Ceramic Tropical Cocktail Jewelry Set
built during Pre-Columbian times. One such place to visit is the sleepy town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla. Mexico is also home to featured jewelry designer Rosanna Trejo.Perhaps best known for silver production, and silversmiths like Antonio Pineda, Mexico is also an area known for its varied and colorful ceramic earthenware.
Pre-Columbian cultures including the Teotihuacans, the Olmecs, and the Aztecs highly influence the techniques and styles of modern ceramic pottery.
Trejo revisits time-honored ceramic handicrafts enlisting the ancient techniques to cultivate fun, festive designer jewelry. Those with inhibitions need not apply as watermelon slices, Mexican mugs, apples, and chili peppers are a few items immortalized in vivid, ceramic jewelry that is accented with wood and glass beads.
The former pre-school teacher embarked on a jewelry making career 32-years ago choosing to “feature regional elements like fruits, exotic birds, and Frida Kahlo” into her distinctive handmade jewelry designs.
Jewelry is all about personality; that of the designer and the wearer. This is not classic jewelry; it is playful and quirky.
It ultimately requires a certain mind-set; a personality that appreciates humor and a sense of frivolity. Cloris Leachman’s blithe and uproariously eccentric antics are a perfect fit with the bold colors, and dead-on replications.
I love the play of colors—the greens, reds, yellow—and the arrangement of the life-like shapes. I have not seen a lot of fruit-inspired jewelry done in this way.
Trejo foregoes the
simple, strawberry pendant necklace instead creating beautiful lei-like necklaces and charm bracelets drenched with ceramic fruit.“I love the handicrafts from my beloved Mexico,” says Trejo, “My collections are influenced by Mexican attires, and varied details of my country’s culture.”
________________
Photo 1 (top right): Ceramic Watermelon Chic Bracelet
Photo 2 (center): Ceramic and Pearl Frida’s Little Deer Jewelry Set
Photo 3 (bottom left): Ceramic Tropical Cocktail Jewelry Set
Saturday, September 25, 2010
JUDY RICHARDS
Serving as the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon is the judicial Pioneer
Courthouse. At 141-years-old, the structure was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, and still acts as one of four locations for hearings of the U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit. Oregon is also home to featured jewelry designer Judy Richards.
As shown in my profile, I was not what you would call a jewelry fanatic when I started this blog.
Aside from the “standards” like Neil Lane or Tiffany & Co., I did not know any other designer jewelry brands.
Of course now that has changed but even with all I have learned I am still discovering designer jewelry and unique jewelry styles that I would not have otherwise known.
Although I have featured designers such as Trace Palmer (Ireland), and Te Rongo Kirkwood (New Zealand) who create lovely pieces from blown or fused glass, I was not familiar with Richards’ lampworking technique that also requires the use of glass rods or glass beads.
Mandrels, striking, cold working, and annealing are just a few lampwork bead making terms I read about after doing a little online research. I also learned that this painstaking, “glasswork” art form is a centuries-old skill used in ancient Syria, Italy, and France.
Upon viewing some online photos of lampwork jewelry, it was clear that Richards’ jewelry is unlike anything I had seen.
She plays with organic forms and small sculptures giving her pieces whimsical originality. She even designs her own beads, such as her Hibiscus Bead, which are equally distinctive and quirky.
Courthouse. At 141-years-old, the structure was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, and still acts as one of four locations for hearings of the U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit. Oregon is also home to featured jewelry designer Judy Richards.As shown in my profile, I was not what you would call a jewelry fanatic when I started this blog.
Aside from the “standards” like Neil Lane or Tiffany & Co., I did not know any other designer jewelry brands.
Of course now that has changed but even with all I have learned I am still discovering designer jewelry and unique jewelry styles that I would not have otherwise known.
Although I have featured designers such as Trace Palmer (Ireland), and Te Rongo Kirkwood (New Zealand) who create lovely pieces from blown or fused glass, I was not familiar with Richards’ lampworking technique that also requires the use of glass rods or glass beads.
Mandrels, striking, cold working, and annealing are just a few lampwork bead making terms I read about after doing a little online research. I also learned that this painstaking, “glasswork” art form is a centuries-old skill used in ancient Syria, Italy, and France.
Upon viewing some online photos of lampwork jewelry, it was clear that Richards’ jewelry is unlike anything I had seen.
She plays with organic forms and small sculptures giving her pieces whimsical originality. She even designs her own beads, such as her Hibiscus Bead, which are equally distinctive and quirky.
A member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB), Richards initially “started out bead weaving, and then wanted to include lampwork in my designs. I took a class here in Portland, and trained with the ISGB,” she says. “I also took a continuing education class with Dustin Tabor, and Stepahnie Sersich.
I use ribbon cane a lot and do a lot of sculptural lampwork with soft soda-lime glass—I like the colors in soft glass. I do flower beads, horses, cats and have tried other things such as sea creatures.”
Inspired by the colors and shapes of natural surroundings, as well as the “watery nature of glass,” Richards injects a bit of instinct and intellectualism into her unconventional, vivid designs.
“I like to use my own lampwork beads with mini macramé, semi-precious stones, and precious metal clay beads. My approach is different in many ways and is truly my own. I am a very intuitive person so I follow my heart whenever I create a new bead or flower.
I also do a lot of thinking. The work can be difficult because I am working with hot glass. The glass has to be kept hot all the time so adding details to sculptural pieces like the horse has to be done quickly to avoid cracking.”
Along with her playful and somewhat off-center designs are more modern jewelry pieces of pendant necklaces and bracelets.
Like the mythical superhero, Richards plays dual roles enlisting two Etsy stores, Beads U Need, and Cats Paw Artifacts, as i
ndependent outlets for her modes of expression.
“There are two sides to me: one side loves simplicity, like transparent circle beads with ribbon cane; the other side is showy and loves to try new things and attract attention. I really love doing abstract lampwork.”
_______________
Photo 1 (top right): Lampwork 17-inch Ocean Jasper Necklace with Bone
Photo 2 (center): Lampwork Horse Pendant
Photo 3 (bottom left): Lampwork Amazonite Tibetan Prayer Box Pendant Necklace
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
TRUDY GALLAGHER and SANDRA TREMBLAY | BEJEWEL
Legend dictates that the high tides of Canada's Bay of Fundy are due to the thrashing of an enormous whale. The rolling tides noticeably influence the waters of the Shubenacadie and Saint John rivers. Canada is also the home base for jewelry brand Bejewel.
Like many blessed with artistic leanings, Bejewel's designers Trudy Gallagher and Sandra Tremblay lived with the nagging presence of creative frustration.
Like many blessed with artistic leanings, Bejewel's designers Trudy Gallagher and Sandra Tremblay lived with the nagging presence of creative frustration.
In the early 90s, Gallagher sat uneasily in the lecture hall of a British Columbia college listening to an instructor discuss abnormal psychology.
"I always thought that artists were people who drew pictures," says Gallagher. "It was an epiphanic moment when someone told me that I could actually study jewelry design."
"I always thought that artists were people who drew pictures," says Gallagher. "It was an epiphanic moment when someone told me that I could actually study jewelry design."
With no hesitation, Gallagher relocated to Quebec City courageously taking on the challenge of learning her art in a program taught in French!
Fueled by the life-affirming energy of finding "the thing I was meant to do" in time, her grasp of the language improved and she set up her company, Bejewel, in her basement.
Fourteen years later, with the company now located on Queen Street in New Brunswick, Gallagher would hire Tremblay who was creating jewelry in the wee hours before trekking off to her financial sector job. Gallagher instantly recognized a kindred spirit.
"If you are a maker, you have that unsettled feeling inside you. I knew that Sandra was a frustrated maker and that she had great potential," says Gallagher.
Fueled by the life-affirming energy of finding "the thing I was meant to do" in time, her grasp of the language improved and she set up her company, Bejewel, in her basement.
Fourteen years later, with the company now located on Queen Street in New Brunswick, Gallagher would hire Tremblay who was creating jewelry in the wee hours before trekking off to her financial sector job. Gallagher instantly recognized a kindred spirit.
"If you are a maker, you have that unsettled feeling inside you. I knew that Sandra was a frustrated maker and that she had great potential," says Gallagher.
The designers' minimalist yet colorful aesthetic brings to mind the unique, subtle forms of Scandinavian jewelry. Scandinavian jewelry style, generally speaking, is clean with virtually no frills of bright gemstones, intricate patterns, or surface textures.
Gallagher and Tremblay's design approach, however, is alternately linear and complex. From the beautifully sculpted, cupped sterling silver Satellite Dish disc pendant and earrings, as well as their ridged and hammered version, to the ethereal, sinuous multi-chain links of silver arranged in cascading necklaces and bracelets.
Accents of beach glass, chalcedony, bon bon glass, and crystals add color contrast that seems to soften the white metal. The color intensity vacillates between dusky, pastel, and translucent. The soft hues provide a tranquil energy that evokes the sights and sounds of the beach.
In addition to creating both custom-designed and ready-made trinkets, a project close to the designers' hearts is their Self-Perception/Self-Deception Jewelry Exhibit--where pieces are also sold--currently running at the New Brunswick Crafts Council Fine Craft Gallery through November 20, 2010.
The prompting to do the exhibition came from women's perceived physical imperfections, even when looking for jewelry. Women's self-defeating thoughts emotionally resonated with the duo.
"Our clients will say they can't wear a great piece of jewelry because their neck is too wrinkly, their fingers are too fat, their boobs are too big, or that they have no place to wear it," says Gallagher.
"I feel frustrated hearing comments like that. There is no real fashion police and I feel that there is nothing wrong with wearing a chunky necklace to your kid's soccer game. Sometimes I will say to them, privately, that `We all have earlobes, a neck, and a body. I think what you're talking about is self-esteem.'"
In light of their exhibition, the designing team is encouraged to keep stretching their creative bounds. "The company specializes in custom-made designs, but I feel that artistically you can strike a balance between commercial work and work that satisfies creativity," says Gallagher.
"I don’t believe it's a compromise; it's just a simple reality. We understand that we need to be well-rounded as business people and also as artists."
________
Photo 1 (top right): Sterling Silver Kyoto Wide Tapered, Multi-Chain Link Necklace
Accents of beach glass, chalcedony, bon bon glass, and crystals add color contrast that seems to soften the white metal. The color intensity vacillates between dusky, pastel, and translucent. The soft hues provide a tranquil energy that evokes the sights and sounds of the beach.
In addition to creating both custom-designed and ready-made trinkets, a project close to the designers' hearts is their Self-Perception/Self-Deception Jewelry Exhibit--where pieces are also sold--currently running at the New Brunswick Crafts Council Fine Craft Gallery through November 20, 2010.
The prompting to do the exhibition came from women's perceived physical imperfections, even when looking for jewelry. Women's self-defeating thoughts emotionally resonated with the duo.
"Our clients will say they can't wear a great piece of jewelry because their neck is too wrinkly, their fingers are too fat, their boobs are too big, or that they have no place to wear it," says Gallagher.
"I feel frustrated hearing comments like that. There is no real fashion police and I feel that there is nothing wrong with wearing a chunky necklace to your kid's soccer game. Sometimes I will say to them, privately, that `We all have earlobes, a neck, and a body. I think what you're talking about is self-esteem.'"
In light of their exhibition, the designing team is encouraged to keep stretching their creative bounds. "The company specializes in custom-made designs, but I feel that artistically you can strike a balance between commercial work and work that satisfies creativity," says Gallagher.
"I don’t believe it's a compromise; it's just a simple reality. We understand that we need to be well-rounded as business people and also as artists."
________
Photo 1 (top right): Sterling Silver Kyoto Wide Tapered, Multi-Chain Link Necklace
Photo 2 (center): Sterling Silver Northern Lights Bracelet with Multi-Colored Beads
Photo 3 (bottom left): Sterling Silver Milky Way Multi-Strand Necklace
Photo 3 (bottom left): Sterling Silver Milky Way Multi-Strand Necklace
Thursday, April 8, 2010
HUGO LARIOS
The construction of Mexico's Chapultepec Castle began over two centuries ago by the order of Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez. However, due to changes in Spanish captains overseeing the project, the fortress was not completed until after it was purchased in 1806 by the municipal government of Mexico City. Mexico is also the home of featured jewelry designer Hugo Larios.
Larios, a father of three and former accountant, draws much of the inspiration for his work from the manual arts of central Mexico's Huichol, or Wixáritari, people.
Although his Novica page contains only two items, they display Larios' amazing deft at capturing intricate patterns found in Huichol embroidery and beadwork. He handcrafts these items by threading multi-colored, tiny chaquira glass beads.
"My passion for jewelry is something I inherited from my parents," he says.
Larios, a father of three and former accountant, draws much of the inspiration for his work from the manual arts of central Mexico's Huichol, or Wixáritari, people.
Although his Novica page contains only two items, they display Larios' amazing deft at capturing intricate patterns found in Huichol embroidery and beadwork. He handcrafts these items by threading multi-colored, tiny chaquira glass beads.
"My passion for jewelry is something I inherited from my parents," he says.
"I have always felt an affinity toward designing and making jewelry although I studied accounting. I strive to honor the talent and creativity of Mexican jewelers, and the rich artistry of the Huichol people."
I would love to see more of his work. The pieces at Novica certainly display the painstaking aspect of building the complex, tapestry-like patterns found in Huichol artwork; although he creates a separate collection in silver and gold (these items are not featured on Novica or elsewhere that I know of), his beadwork is a great reflection of his love of culture and artisanship.
"I took courses in gemology and silversmithing. My first piece was silver and turquoise ring and I participated in an art-jewelry project cultivating celebrated works of art from sterling silver. To me making jewelry is relaxing--it is like occupational therapy."
_______
Photo 1 (top right): Huichol Exuberance Beaded Bracelet with Gray Chaquira Glass Beads
Photo 2 (bottom left): Huichol Protection Bracelet with Diamond Pattern Multi-Colored Chaquira Glass Beads
I would love to see more of his work. The pieces at Novica certainly display the painstaking aspect of building the complex, tapestry-like patterns found in Huichol artwork; although he creates a separate collection in silver and gold (these items are not featured on Novica or elsewhere that I know of), his beadwork is a great reflection of his love of culture and artisanship.
"I took courses in gemology and silversmithing. My first piece was silver and turquoise ring and I participated in an art-jewelry project cultivating celebrated works of art from sterling silver. To me making jewelry is relaxing--it is like occupational therapy."
_______
Photo 1 (top right): Huichol Exuberance Beaded Bracelet with Gray Chaquira Glass Beads
Photo 2 (bottom left): Huichol Protection Bracelet with Diamond Pattern Multi-Colored Chaquira Glass Beads
Monday, June 15, 2009
DIY PROJECT | MAKING JEWELRY BOXES
It's that time again. It's time for me to break from my normal posts and take some time to talk about . . . well . . . jewelry. I hope a lot of you are ready to channel your inner designer because I have more links on family jewelry-making projects.
In my first Splendor Sidebar, I suggested creating simple bead jewelry as an inexpensive way to get those creative juices
flowing. Today you and your family can try your hand at making jewelry boxes.
Check out JewelryMakingBasics.com and Ehow.com's articles to find out the materials you'll need to get started.
On JewelryMakingBasic.com, there are a number of jewelry-related articles you may find interesting including one about beginning a home-based jewelry business.
I have read that watches are pretty easy to make. All you need is a watch face and some pretty beads to make the band. AuntiesBeads.com has beautiful Geneva watch faces for reasonable prices, and if you look on the far right side of the page, you can click on any of the three photos of completed watches.
When you do, you will be taken to another page showing you the materials needed to build the watch, and there's even a link giving you instructions on how to make it.
If you still need a bit more coaxing, you can check out ExpertVillage.com's video of Debra Windsong making a watch using a watch face and colorful beads.
For those of you possessing sophisticated jewelry-making skills, and in need of some design ideas check out NinaDesigns.com, which specializes in offering design ideas to help bring that spark of creativity to a full-fledged flame.
In my first Splendor Sidebar, I suggested creating simple bead jewelry as an inexpensive way to get those creative juices
flowing. Today you and your family can try your hand at making jewelry boxes. Check out JewelryMakingBasics.com and Ehow.com's articles to find out the materials you'll need to get started.
On JewelryMakingBasic.com, there are a number of jewelry-related articles you may find interesting including one about beginning a home-based jewelry business.
I have read that watches are pretty easy to make. All you need is a watch face and some pretty beads to make the band. AuntiesBeads.com has beautiful Geneva watch faces for reasonable prices, and if you look on the far right side of the page, you can click on any of the three photos of completed watches.
When you do, you will be taken to another page showing you the materials needed to build the watch, and there's even a link giving you instructions on how to make it.
If you still need a bit more coaxing, you can check out ExpertVillage.com's video of Debra Windsong making a watch using a watch face and colorful beads.
For those of you possessing sophisticated jewelry-making skills, and in need of some design ideas check out NinaDesigns.com, which specializes in offering design ideas to help bring that spark of creativity to a full-fledged flame.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
JOKE SCHOLE
Today we stand inside a climate-controlled glasshouse of The Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden) in Amsterdam, Netherlands.We venture inside the Butterfly Greenhouse where, in addition to cocoa trees, we also see, what else, butterflies. Amsterdam is also the home of featured jewelry designer Joke Schole.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
ALICIA PILLER
Today we are in Chicago at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool.The landscape of blooming foliage, stone outcroppings, pavilion, and waterfall surrounding a lily pool provides a tranquil setting.
Chicago is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Alicia Piller.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
JOSCELIN COCKBURN
Today our setting is the Benmore Botanical Garden in Scotland.Here we will stroll within the majestic Avenue of Giant Redwoods, and crane our necks to view the magnificent conifer trees of Woodland Gardens. Scotland is also home to featured jewelry designer Joscelin Cockburn.
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