Quick Links:
I. My Style
II. Materials Used
III. Creative Process
IV. Necklace Types/Configurations
V. Sizing
VI. Collections & Categories
VII. So Much Love
VIII. How it Began
IX. Disclaimer
I. My Style
CHARMS!! and More CHARMS AND PENDANTS! The symbology of the materials I utilize allows me to tell a story within the art... and the art is so much more than the utility of it-- to only be worn...
My favorite color is purple, second is red, aquas and berries, gemstone color palettes. I love metallics, anything glittery and shiny, blingy, chunky, furry, velvet, hardcore...
I love using and making big chunky exaggerated components, I love working with all materials but chaining and using contrasting metal-finished charms, chains and pendants is where the fun is. My favorite imagery and art movements are impressionism (Van Gogh) and Surrealism, DALI, Esher, Maxfield-- anything fantasy and unbelievable. Art Nouveau EVERYTHING, I love scrolling/filigree and whimsical imagery...
I love using rare materials and opposing styles, I love asymmetry over symmetry. I love mixing styles, mashing, layering, referencing all styles. I particularly love Steampunk, Heavy-Metal and Rocker, Bohemian (modern hippy), Nautical, Pirate, anything Alternative. A few more favorite styles include: Industrial, Gothic, Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Fairytale, Mythological, Legendary, Beachy, Day of the Dead, Halloween, Holiday and Seasonal, Urban, Tribal, Modern, Retro, Art Deco, Avant Garde, CUBIST and Geometric, Rock-a-billy, Pin-up, Tattoo, traditional and non-traditional--everything...
I love repurposing, upcycling and found object. It's easier to be original if your supplies are not used traditionally. I love using old skeleton keys, watches, belts, purses, jackets, vintage, thrifted and so on. In order to be original in a sea of other Handmade Jewelers, one can really set themselves ahead of others by reusing materials; it's an opportunity to be original. My necklaces are never duplicated, they are "clever" meaning that they are designed to be worn in many different ways instead of just one traditional configuration. I also make sure there is detail in the back of the necklace that complements the front...
No two-pieces are ever the same, just like our beautiful selves in this crazy, cruel and wonderful world...
II. Materials Used
Velvet, ribbon, lace, fabric, suede cords, leather, braided and rope cords, many various and eclectic beads, Hemp cords, glass and crystal beads, gemstones, semi-precious, stone tumbled smooth or coarse/raw, rhinestones and rhinestone chain, chains, (ie. cable, curb, etc.), charms and pendants, repurposing, upcycling, found object and and vintage, pearls and various beads, cat’s eye, turquoise, bead chips, seashells, flat coral, beaded and "blingy", small bottles, glitter, keys (inexpensive layered materials) and so much more...
III. The Creative Process
It's like a puzzle, I'll pick something that I want as the focal piece and build around it, I'll map it out first on a flat surface. I try to look at it as a painting in regards to composition where the neckline and chest are the canvas. I spend a lot of time troubleshooting because how it lays in front of me flatly does not translate 3-dimensionally, designing is nothing how it's going to hang- the jewelry is sculpted. The Art of Jewelry is defined and established. The piecing together part of the process is very time-consuming for sure, so this is heavily why I consider what the overall value is, when pricing something, it's all about the time it took. More about the process..
Nothing is set in stone, if you don't like the direction I'm going with something we will just adjust to meet your needs. I leave all pieces with creative space to personalize/finalize the design. One of the final stages of creation is to make sure all the connectors are stable, durable, working fasteners, cleaned ups and rhinestones set.
IV. Popular Necklace Configurations
1) Charm/Choker/Lariat - simple and traditional, but never basic. There needs to be a good range of jewelry that isn't complicated and easy to wear, that can be worn daily. Totally affordable for everyone and yet still clever, a minimum 3-charms.
2) Drop / Y- / Necktie / Tassel Pendant - the necklace can be worn short or long and hangs like a necktie, elements are chained vertically, displayed blunt and plunged deeply, the pendant itself can be fringed, tasseled or blunt.
3) Wrap-Arounds - different styled sections lined up and chained together horizontally. Linearly lined so the necklace can be layered, worn long or as a choker, wrapped around as a necklace, bracelet and/or anklet.
4) Fringe - typically a choker or collar necklace whose elements hang off the pendant horizontally in a line, like a "fringe" as the pendant or focal point.
5) Chain-Key Classic Fringe - I use a horizontal section of chain, and build vertically off that first chain section. Components of necklaces are often beaded, and fringe-displayed; the set-up, the bones, the framework of the design, how it's put together and then displayed determines this unique configuration. I do a lot of these, a style I use mostly because it's dynamic both horizontally AND vertically. I often use keys as the focal pieces with this setup, it presents a nicely-layered and balanced contrast in composition.
6) Statement - necklaces are MEGA, and make a Statement all about the beautiful person wearing it! It's the main focal piece of the entire outfit, they are my favorite to make! Making each one is a journey in itself for me. They take a long time to make, so they are often much more expensive. Each piece tells a story, about me AND the person wearing it. They embody multiple necklace types and genre styles (ie. Steampunk and Bohemian paired) all mashed into one giant, beautiful piece of art that covers the entire chest. They're complex and complicated, just like the story it represents...
