Upcycled Plastic - Rachel Darbourne Jewelry

Designing jewelry from
recycled plastic is what 
Rachel Darbourne does well.
With creative thought this artist designs
upcycled, innovative pieces that look
 more like paper or silk than plastic.
But they're not paper nor fabric,
they are made from
100% recycled polyethylene
 (the plastic found in supermarket bags 
and other packaging).

These pieces are appealing with their concentric

circles of different sizes and (sometimes) colors.

Who knew that a simple object like plastic

could be elevated into works of art?

 

 

In her hands this used packaging material
is repurposed into remarkable and colorful jewelry
that proves upcycling can be synonymous with
beautiful and inspired handcrafted work.

Be sure to visit Rachel Darbourne's website
to see more of this innovative work.
 

Fun and Colorful - Liz Hall Jewelry

 Colorful jewelry created by Liz Hall

makes me think of fun every time I see it.

Her work is recognizable yet most of it

is one of a kind.

Creating her elaborate work with PMC

and embellishing it with stones, polymer clay,

 glass, or whatever other found objects

 may catch her eye, this artist

has a wonderful ability to translate her ideas

into delightful and intricate compositions

of ever-changing patterns and sequences.

It never gets dull.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a whole lot more to
see on her website.

 

Shimmery Shibuichi - Achieving Complex Colors - Jill Hermans Jewelry

I recently came across this beautiful

lustrous jewelry created

by Jill Hermans.
The shimmering colors drew me
as strongly as a moth to a flame;
as one's angle of viewing changes the
 nuanced colors change as well.

She achieves a compelling range of
colorful effects by applying heat to

 shibuichi, an ancient Japanese alloy

of 75% copper and 25% silver. 

There's something about   
her work that I find peaceful and relaxing;
when I read her description of her work,
 it helps to explain why:

“…..At the present time my mind is occupied with the Japanese alloy shibuichi, and Japanese ideals of beauty and truth that seem to click so well with this rich material. By juxtaposing simple shapes and forms with rich and intricate surface colours and textures I am able to create a balance between simplicity and complexity. These explorations result in playful works that push the boundaries of conventional perceptions of the material, while still staying true to the essence of the metal.”

Her textural designs contrast well
with the variegated colors and each
piece presents new, unexpected combinations.

You can see more (much, much more)

at Jill Hermans website.



Making a Statement - Francisca Bauzá Jewelry

Statement jewelry is meant to make a statement.

Necklaces created by Francisca Bauzá

make a bold statement - both in terms

of color and size.



First, let's talk about the colors.

Simply stated, they are beautiful.

 This artist's collection features enameling

 on copper and silver.

Some of the colors are 

 gentle and muted.

They look like gently brushed

watercolors - a mere whisper of color.

Then there are the deep jewel tones

that almost vibrate with intensity.

It all works together in visual harmony.

Now let's talk about the size.

The separate components

are fabricated in a range of sizes

and when all the components come

together the result is a

gorgeous, oversized

statement piece that

can take your breath away.

The combination of size and color

creates a necklace that makes

an audacious statement.

It's a perfect combination.

Here's an example. 

This floral necklace uses a range of

warm tones from the

 palest shades of blush, carnation and rose

to deeper shades of ruby, magenta,

scarlet and russet.

This pleasing palette provides luster and depth

that is wonderfully captivating.

 

And the effect when worn is bold and strong.

It's a real show stopper.

Other pieces in this collection feature

colors like topaz, amber,

goldenrod and mahogany.

Again, each component blends
harmoniously with the others.

Working with a cooler range of color

also provides

interest and visual intrigue.

Here's a gorgeous example of her work in blue tones.

 From the tiniest hint of robin's egg blue and aquamarine,

to dabs of cerulean and splashes of turquoise,
each color adds depth and interest to the necklace.

This necklace is stunning.

The play of light and color

in each translucent color creates

luscious, glossy surfaces with mottled effects.

Creating variegated hues and patterns

on each metallic component allows

the artist freedom to combine

color and effect in endless combinations.

The final result is eye catching.

As I said earlier,

statement jewelry is meant to make a statement.

If you make a statement be prepared

for a reaction.

These pieces will

always spark a conversation.

And attract lots of attention.

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Don't say I didn't warn you.

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For more photos of this

collection you can visit the artist's website.