SRAJD: Self-Representing Artists in Jewelry Design: KYOTO JAPAN June Week 1 Exotic Locations Theme SRAJD Jewelry Challenge

Our theme for June is “Exotic Locations” and the entries for this week’s design challenge were inspired by the theme of “Kyoto, Japan”.

To read more about our challenges and/or to get in on the action, click here.

Tammy Adams of Paisley Lizard

One thing I noticed in my image search for Kyoto were red pagoda structures. I decided to try a little wire-weaving to make this pagoda-ish pendant. I used the same gold artistic wire to make the fancy chain, beaded links, and clasp.

Tammie Everly of TTE Designs

My pieces is called "Sakura". This is the Japanese word for Cherry Blossom. When I googled Kyoto, it showed many images of cherry blossom trees. I made this set using Premo polymer clay and a fun technique that incorporates artist pastel chalks.

Jo Pound of Jewelry by Jolane

The earrings represent the cherry blossoms and the fans from Japan.

Cheryl KauhaaPo of Jungle Beads

I love the color and shape of these beads! With their oriental influence, I felt black accent beads and Swarovski crystals complete the cultural look. Sterling silver findings, Swarovski crystals, Bamboo agate, carnelian, black E-beads. Necklace 23".

Pamela Hollis of Pebbles at My Feet

I feel that my style is to "paint" with stones and let the stones be the focus of whatever piece I'm doing. With these earrings in natural blue turquoise chips, pink coral, and black (probably dyed) onyx, I paint an impression of Japan - the graceful angled rooftops, cherry blossoms, and black lacquerware - using the varied shapes the placement, and contrasting colors of the beads.

Laura Bracken of Bracken DesignsStudio Art Jewelry

There is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto called Kinkaku-ji, which I think translates to Temple of the Golden Pavilion. During restoration of the historic pavilion, the building was gilded (painted with layers of gold leaf). It is said the gold employed was to mitigate and purify any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings towards death. My piece represents the pagoda style tiered roofs of the pavilion with homage to the gilding. I’ve added three pink accents to symbolize the cherry blossoms of the beautiful surrounding gardens.

Laura Bracken of Bracken DesignsStudio Art Jewelry

For my second piece, I went with a Japanese design aesthetic of minimalism, while again paying homage to the same temple with dark steel representing the roof with a bronze accent as the gilding.

Kelly Hosford Patterson of PyxeeStyx

"Sadako & The Thousand Cranes" - The auspiciousness of the origami crane finds it's origins in Kyoto with the man named Abe no Seimei who works as a spiritual adviser to the emperor. He's believed to have mystical powers rivaling those of the Wizard Merlin. Legend has it that he folded a paper crane and turned it into a real one. Fast forward over a thousand years, and we meet Sadako. She was exposed to radiation of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima as an infant. By the time she was twelve she was dying of Leukemia. Hearing the legend she decided to fold a thousand cranes so she could live. When she realized she was going to make it she changed to world piece and an end to suffering. "I shall write peace upon your wings, and you shall fly around the world so that children will no longer have to die this way." – Sadako … I'm adding my energy to Sadako's wish for world peace.

Kelly Hosford Patterson of PyxeeStyx

"Fushimi" - A snuff box, upcycled from a mint tin. Decoupaged with Geishas and Japanese paper inside and out. Topped with a dragonfly, and finished with a long fan tassel. The red arch above the box is the traditional entryway to a shrine or temple. Signifying you are crossing over into a sacred place. This vessel will hold close whatever is sacred to you.