Parchment Blossoms - Ulrike Hamm Jewelry

Trained as a goldsmith, Ulrike Hamm's skills

are well honed and meticulous.

However this artist doesn't work in gold or

any type of metal;

instead she works with parchment. 

And her jewelry is elaborate, intriguing and delicate.

Parchment is a durable material

made from the skin of an animal

 (usually goat, calf, sheep or deer)

and was commonly used as a

 writing paper up until medieval times.

 While not as common today, its strong

and elastic nature does lend

itself to exploration and many creative

 possibilities - including jewelry

 that is translucent and delicate.

The artist explains her point of view

and methods on her website,

Parchment is not a common material . . . it is a stubborn, mysterious, vivid, precious and unpredictable material that wants to be explored and conquered. Its inspirational appearance and characteristics allow me to constantly discover new aspects and possibilities . . . . I develop three-dimensional forms out of the flat surface and test different dyeing or printing techniques on it. I dye the pre-cut parts in various stages in a colour bath, and while they are still elastic I shape and assemble them into jewellery.

Her explorations of this material lead to jewelry

that, as the artist says, "reward us with a

 vitality of colour, graceful shapes

and a resilient lightness."

It's easy to love her floral-themed bracelets

and earrings.

We've shown another artist who also works

with animal skin in experimental ways,

 Marta Mattson and her work is equally

as intriguing.

The translucent quality of parchment

 lends itself extremely well

to the delicacy and softness of

these handmade blossoms.

This one is a definite favorite of mine.

 

Unusual materials handled in unexpected ways

lead to exquisite pieces of jewelry

that can take one's breath away.

This artist creates floral pieces

with subtle colorations

and lifelike realism.

More information is available

at Ulrike Hamm's website.