I'll be the first to admit that I'm rough around the edges. I like things that may be considered ugly or junky or taboo. I like being a black sheep. I like my jewelry to have some bite.
I'm big on re-purposing elements in my jewelry---not from a tree-hugging recycle-hound standpoint (not that there's anything wrong with that), but from a "I really love the look of this old bead/rock/found object" standpoint. Stuff may be busted or have a crust on it---a patina of time, if you will. I like that.
Along these lines, one of the things I love playing with are vintage industrial metal bits. They're old, they're beaten up, they're rusty, they may be broken and unusable in any other application. I like the challenge of looking at an object and then figuring out how to bring it back to life in unexpected ways.
Like this pair of earrings that I made for myself that feature some old industrial metal rings. What they were used for at one time, I have no idea. But they're pitted and corroded and covered with a layer of dark green verdigris patina...and I love them. I kept it simple by hanging them with two unusual lightweight vintage German wood beads. Each bead sports a little filigree bead cap to add some verve, plus my own headpins, ear wires, and soldering. Blackened metal because YES, please.
These are the kind of earrings that I wear everyday. They make a confident statement without clubbing you over the head. Some people may call it an "industrial chic" trend, but I just call it ME.
Happy Wednesday!
Nikki
LoveRoot on Etsy
Nikki, I have watched your work from the moment I found hand-crafted, Artisan Jewelry. Fancy title, innit? It has fascinated me, as it does many others. You have given me a very clear picture of YOU at the worktable, or wherever you might be staring at that found object. I can see it, and see the wheels spinning! With one sentence you have made me want to go searching for things! More fun when you just come across them, I suppose, but still. . .". . .but from a "I really love the look of this old bead/rock/found object" standpoint". Thank you for putting that out there. I will always look at small old things in a different way. And I love love the earrings. Love 'em!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you're a member of EE now, Norbel! You've always been such a kind, inspired, encouraging member of the art jewelry community! :)
DeleteMe, too! I love rusty bits. I love repurposing things. That is how I got my start and I feel that I have lost that a bit. That is the meaning of the name "treasures found" for my company Tesori Trovati! These are brilliant and certainly one of a kind! Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteAhhh, your name now makes complete sense to me! It is weird how our artistic journey sometimes takes us away from the path that we originally started on. Not a bad thing! Movement is good :)
DeleteOkay...I want you to write descriptions for my jewelry please! I mean, your designs, in and of themselves, are always fabulous. But, I look forward to your written word as much as drooling over the goods. That is a gift!
ReplyDeleteHeheheh, maybe if the jewelry designing thing doesn't work out for me, I can hire myself out as a copywriter ;) Thanks for the kind words, they mean a lot!
DeleteI keep saying you are such a talented lady! Gorgeous jewelry, beautifully written post. And yes, you got me looking at used/old objects at a completely different way as well. Thank you for opening my eyes.
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