Layered Pendant Project

Here are my inspiration pictures for the pendant project:

ACC trip

I went to the American Craft Council show on Wednesday and I loved it! I have never been to anything as big as this show with as many vendors so I was excited as soon as I walked in. I am really interested in talking to people and finding out about different techniques that I may want to learn. I talked to a lot of artists and learned some great things. I was most interested in the work by Keith Lewis. He uses anodized niobium, and he told me how exactly to get the metal to change colors, which I found very interesting. Another artist that I liked talking to was Debra Adelson, who works with carved acrylic. She starts with a clear acrylic block and ends with brightly dyed, delicate pieces of jewelry. Kristin Perkins is another artist that had work that I enjoyed. She used lampwork glass, which I have been interested in learning how to do for a long time. Her pieces were so neat and beautiful that you would think they were cast in molds. I spent a lot of time listening to George Sawyer explain his Mokume technique. The process in creating one of his pieces seemed very long and difficult, but produced a beautiful result. These are just a few of the many wonderful artists that I met. Everyone had such unique and beautiful work that I hope to be able to go to the show again.

Candle Holder

I just thought I'd share what I am working on now for my lighting project. This is my model for the design that I decided on. The finished piece will be a tea light holder out of 20g copper, possibly with a heat patina, I think I might want it purple =)
enjoy!

AVM

I have been working what seems like forever on research and ideas for this project, which can only be made out of natural materials from an animal, vegetable, or mineral.. My problem that I am trying to fix with a tool is not having enough places for my jewelry. I feel like it takes over everything, then I can't find it when I need it. So I am making a jewelry tree! Most of the products made for jewelry organization are made out of wire or some kind of metal, so I thought about making something out of wood (a vegetable)! My ideas were to either make something that hangs on the wall or is free standing. Also, the other thing that I need to decide is if it will be a carved, single piece or have 2 pieces fit together, sort of like this (but imagine a pretty jewelry tree instead of dinosaur)

Thats a very brief description of what I have done so far. I have a few different samples, but I feel like none of them are terribly interesting. Like I said, I feel like I have been working forever, so it'll be nice to get some feedback in class.

Flowers and Garland and Lights!

Another designer that I have become really interested in is Tord Boontje, who Janet showed us one of our first classes for the lighting project.. After looking through all of his work I REALLY want one of his pieces; they're beautiful! Also, I found that he has made some lights with tyvek, which I found really cool since I sew the stuff.. Here are some of his products that I love..
I especially love these little necklaces! They come in packs of 3 charms and are all absolutely adorable!
Go see everything else he has! --->

awesome designers

So, I have been researching designers lately for a paper and have come across a few that are new favorites.. Besides Kate Cusack who I mentioned in a post the other day, I have discovered Margaux Lange, who makes interesting pieces of jewelry out of barbie parts.. It sounds bizarre, but they're actually pretty cool! Here are a few of her pieces..

For the rest of Margaux's designs you can go here.

zippers!

I have just discovered Kate Cusack and her zipper jewelry, and I am in love! She creates necklaces, bracelets, and pins out of only zippers. These fun little pieces come in all types of colors and designs.. I want one!



She also does wonderful work with plastic wrap (seriously!) Check out her website here.

An exciting new semester!

I am really excited to start designing and creating many new things in all of my classes this semester. I finally get to start working with metal and making things that I'm interested in! I love anything with bright colors and unexpected materials, but I also love vintage-looking pieces. I can't wait to start finishing pieces and putting my designs and ideas up here!