Romance in Metal - Valerie Ostenak Jewelry

Sometimes I dream about

the gorgeous jewelry created

by Valerie Ostenak.

Her work is so beautiful

it takes my breath away and

 sets my unconscious mind

into overdrive. 

It's easy to interpret my dreams --

I want to wear this jewelry!

 

Fluid and flowing designs are

brought to life in metal.

Her collections celebrate

the contours and shapes suggested by all sorts

 of complex forms found in nature,

such as raging rivers, swaying branches

and delicate tendrils of flowers.

Also, one can see Art Nouveau

influences in her work.

 

 

 

Her Elemental Collection features

silver, argentium silver, 14k gold, freshwater pearls,

gemstones and Swarovski crystals

in myriad curvilinear designs.

 

 

 

 

 

Each piece overflows with movement and energy

and an enchanting play of light on metal.

 

 

 

 

Skilled as both a blacksmith

and as a metalsmith she combines techniques

from both disciplines

to create this sculptural jewelry.

 

 

In her Garland Collection she incorporates

freshwater pearls, glass and/or Swarovski crystals,

silver and/or 14k gold with mild steel.

The steel gives this collection bold

emphasis and structural design.

Her work is an ongoing dialogue between

her blacksmith forging techniques, her

silversmith craftsmanship and her

design skills in art jewelry.

Each is superb.

 

Much of the charm and beauty of

these pieces lie in the wonderful variations

of form, shape and feel

that this artist offers.

These variations are seen in

her bracelets and earrings also.

But most of all,

this artist infuses her work with

the essence of romance.
And you can't go wrong with Romance.

For many more images of this

lovely work you can visit her

website.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Heather Goldberg Jewelry

We adore all the fascinating art-to-wear

jewelry created by Heather Goldberg.

Each piece is composed of all natural fibers

such as cotton, silk, cashmere, mohair,

bamboo and merino wool, and each one is

embellished with Swarovski crystals. Draped

over one's body the necklaces exude

a magical life of their own.

Heather calls her work Shadow Play and it is

an apt name for these works of art.

The interplay of light and dark colors, ethereal

and solid fibers, and layers upon layers

of textures are tantalizingly lush.

Soft pastels intermingle with shades of black,

gray, beige, and white - these muted colors

allow the intricacies of the materials

and the techniques to take center stage.

Many fiber art techniques are used in each

composition including loose weaving,

knotting, wrapping, twisting, draping,

 and knitting. All this fuzzy, sleek, floating

softness gets interspersed with crystals –

a bit like finding visual treats tucked

here and there. No doubt each majestic

piece easily stands out in any crowd.

One of our very favorites

is called "Sonnet"

We love the color choices in this

necklace called "Ash"

This study in black and white is

called "Infinity"

And this one is called "Division 2"

 
 

This multicolored gem is

called "Sail the Ocean"

We find so much inspiration in this work.

The eye roams over and over each

piece seeking and finding more

and more visual delights.

Each necklace is more exquisite

than the last - truly no two pieces

could ever be alike.

Each has a personality of its own

with impressions ranging from the

ethereal to the robust, the sassy to

the refined. The enchanting way the

materials flow effortlessly into

each other continuously draws

our attention around and around.

And around.

It's difficult to stop.

 

Enjoy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Jacqueline Cullen Jewelry

We are intrigued whenever we see
an imaginative use of
an unusual material in jewelry.
One jewelry artist we have recently
become aware of is Jacqueline Cullen
who is noted for using an ancient material
and transforming it with modern techniques.

Her specialty is Whitby Jet.
Jet was used (and popularized)
in Victorian mourning jewelry.

By using one specific type of jet,
that found only along the shoreline of
Whitby in England, Jacqueline honors a
material that is now rare and might easily
be forever lost to us. With every piece
presenting itself in a raw and ragged state,
what might be considered detritus
to someone looking with a casual eye,
to this artist every crevice and
every imperfection becomes a source
of potential beauty. It is in the
 cracks and fissures
that the artist labors to
create her beguiling jewelry.

By inlaying precious materials such as gold
or gems or crystals, she transforms the old,
the worn and the ragged into works of
elegance and creativity.

It is precisely these imperfections
that eventually become
lovely works of art.
The deep, lustrous shine of the jet
becomes a rich background for the
detailed and minute embellishments
that the artist creates.

Here are a few examples of her
finely-crafted work.

From her Fine Gold Collection we see
a hand-carved Whitby Jet pendant
inlaid with 24K gold.

Here is an example of a pendant from her

Swarovski Crystal Collection.

From her Granulation Collection, we can see 

earrings with 18K gold granulation.

          And here is an example of a 

bracelet with 18K gold granulation.

There is so much here to inspire us.

The idea of making such wonderful

handcrafted jewelry

by using what may be considered

a rather mundane material

and then transforming its simple nature 

by adding precious metals and

other materials is both 

imaginative and inspiring.

Share your thoughts with us.

We'd love to know what you think.

Enjoy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Emiko Oye Jewelry

Recycling and reusing items is very much in vogue

these days, and the expanded spectrum of materials

and techniques used by jewelry artists ranges from

items destined as trash to

items deemed as still useful.

Jewelry created by Emiko Oye uses this

expanded spectrum of materials and techniques
to create what she refers to as 'urban jewelry.' 
Emiko currently creates jewelry made with
toys - more specifically, the perennial
favorite known as Legos.

Here is an adorable necklace called "Silver Hubs"

made from repurposed LEGOs and sterling silver.

Here we see a playful bracelet called "Checkers."

The imaginative use of sterling silver is more

pronounced with this piece.

These whimsical earrings also include sterling silver

along with Swarovski crystals.

These are called "Purple Reign."

Recylicng and reusing has become common.

But it's the uncommon use of common

materials that inspires us.

Inspiration can be found anywhere.

To us, this is the true definition of inspiration.

Do you believe that inspiration is everywhere?

Are you inspired by everyday objects,

the seemingly mundane, things

taken for granted?

Where do you find your inspiration?

Let us know your thoughts.

We'd love to hear from you.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

M. Sturman Jewelry

Enchanting designs combined
with superb craftsmanship
are the hallmarks of jewelry
created by the M. Sturman studio.


M. Sturman designs are handwoven

and crocheted by Peggy Sturman

using gems, pearls, vintage

beads and Swarovski crystals.

Each lovely design is guided by

color, shape, and texture.

Here are a few examples

of the broad range of

work that Peggy does.

Here is her Ruffled Cuff bracelet.

 

This freeform handwoven

collar is called, Be Mine.

This lovely necklace is called,

Sunshine and Flowers.

Each creation is a visual harmony

of light and form, elevating

her rich and lavish designs

to something wonderful and enchanting.

We adore it all.

What do you think?

Let us know, we'd love to hear from you.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad