Exploring Wabi Sabi - Mariko Sumioka Jewelry

Mariko Sumioka combines aspects of Japanese 
architecture with the Zen concept of Wabi Sabi 

to produce intriguing, colorful jewelry.

Inspired by temple architecture
 (especially rooftop shingles)
this artist works with materials like bamboo, 

gold, silver, copper and pearls.  She explores textures
 and colors using techniques like enameling,
soldering and patination to achieve a delicate blend of
wabi sabi and urban sophistication.

The distinctive aesthetic of wabi sabi (finding
 beauty in the impermanence, imperfection 
and incompleteness of all things), is
precisely what attracts me to her work.

 

Here's an example of bamboo with pearls.

Reminds me of ice crystals.

 

 

This artist has also collaborated on several projects with

fashion designers as seen with these unique
bangles and neckpiece.
I love the patination on the bangles.
 

 

See her entire collection at Mariko Sumioka.

Micro-Macramé - Ifat Nesher Jewelry

Micro-macramé jewelry created
by Ifat Nesher is made with 
pure linen or waxed cotton threads,

combined with all sorts of wonderful things like
Murano glass from Venice,
terra-cotta, coral,
 seashells and driftwood.

She uses macramé techniques and multicolored threads
 to create intricate, freeform woven pieces with 
striking patterns and beautiful textures.

Some designs are light, delicate and feathery.
Others are rugged and suggestive of shipwrecked netting.
 Each is handmade and
no two pieces are exactly alike. 

 Sometimes photographs aren't enough to
showcase the work and in my opinion her
imaginative designs seem to come to life,  
and are best appreciated, when worn.

 

 

 

To see more of Ifat Nesher's work
visit her website and Facebook page.

Beading With Love - Zoya Gutina Jewelry

Beaded necklaces by Zoya Gutina are

elegant masterpieces of beautiful design, expert technique
and exquisite color combinations.

Richly embellished with multiple layers of beads
each creation is a lush, dense, three-dimensional
object of beauty. 

Each piece is obviously a
work of love and devotion.

The next one reminds me of snow and ice crystals
found while on a winter's walk.

 

 

 

Of her creative inspiration, Zoya says,

"Inspiration for my designs come to me night and day.

At night, when I close my eyes, fantastic colors

and forms appear before me.  Often, I cannot even

find beads or stones equal to these glorious visions.

During the day, my inspiration comes from the

trees and flowers of spring,  frozen geometry of winter,

and the beautiful rise and set of the sun."

 

See more at Zoya Gutina's website and Facebook page.

Can't Tie Me Down - Eleanor Bolton Jewelry

Eleanor Bolton has developed

specific signature techniques

to coil, twist and hand-stitch cotton rope

into large-scale yet lightweight jewelry.

  

The unexpected use of rope as

material for jewelry is bound to 

make a bold statement.

Using simple colors allows

texture to take center stage.

Designs range from simple and streamlined

 to complex and convoluted.

All are beautiful and intense.

 

Each piece holds a subtle surprise -

usually a tiny bit of contrast color

hidden within the coils.



 

Visit Eleanor Bolton's Facebook page for more

information and photos of her work.

Bangles are Just the Beginning - Liz Hamman Jewelry

Liz Hamman's bangles

are truly one of the most unique

types of paper jewelry I've had

the pleasure to see.

Fused into a dense mass of paper pulp

every bangle is made from an entire story book

she has salvaged from second-hand stores

and recycled into paper art.

It's especially fun to see the main character
of the story prominently displayed along
the interior of each bangle while
the exterior is equally distinctive

with layers of swirling color that seem

similar to a wood-grain mokumé gane effect.

It interests me that books are treasured and yet

neglected objects, the materials they are made from

are humble and transient whilst the content

and experience of them remains with us

and enriches our lives.

I am interested in exploring these qualities of

value/non-value and transience/longevity

 to produce work that is wearable and unique.

But bangles are just the beginning of the range

 of work Liz Hamman creates using maps,

documents and even Monopoly money.

Explore more of Liz Hamman's work here.



Layers of Lace - Clizia Ornato Jewelry

Clizia Ornato creates elegant silver filigree jewelry

 designed to resemble delicate, handmade 

embroidered lace.

 

The craftsmanship put into each piece is remarkable.

Some are simple, some are elaborate and 

each unique design is made by hand.   

The collection is called, Lo Voglio

which in Italian means I want it. 

The attention to detail is evident in 

her wonderfully refined work and

her feminine designs have a timeless appeal.

 Bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants, 

and earrings all showcase her distinctive aesthetic.

I especially love what she calls 'Baciamano' bracelets
which translates as 'Hand Kiss' - these bracelets wrap

 around the wrist as well as over the hand.

The bottom line is the more I look, the more I see 

and the more I want this romantic collection.

See each of her other collections

as well as more of the Lo Voglio collection

at Clizia Ornato's website.