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Sunday, March 5, 2017

January-February 2017 Design Challenge Theme: Jewelry Inspired by UNITY

Here are the entries from members of the SRAJD Organization for the following theme challenge:"Create a piece of jewelry that inspires or represents UNITY".

Click on any artist's name to see their website and more of the awesome jewelry they've made.

Click on an image to see a larger version of the jewelry.

Lise Anderson of Raspberry Fields Design
This boho style charm bracelet is a collage of different cultural elements. There are brass charms in French and Spanish (Amour and Te Amo), a hamsa hand and an Asian fan, a Chinese character for long life, and a key with a heart. There are Mexican agates and other stones that were tumbled by my husband's stepfather in the 1960's, a patina cross, and lots of Czech glass. It's meant to symbolize the beauty across cultures of both natural elements and symbols of love and peace that are cherished by many across the globe.
 
Donna Jo Wallace of Naturally Nickel Free 
There is a poem by Edwin Markham called "Outwitted":
     "He drew a circle that shut me out-
      Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
      But love and I had the wit to win:
     We drew a circle and took him in!"
The circles we draw in our lives often tell us who's "in" and who's "out." The circles in this piece remind me to always challenge myself to make that circle bigger and more inclusive. The rainbow colors show the beauty of all of our diversity, and also reflects the symbolism of the LGBTQIA community. We are more beautiful, more powerful, and better together.


James Johnson of Indigo Turtle Art
     These pieces incorporate the materials traditionally found in a China hutch ~ the China dishes (porcelain), the crystal stemware (Swarovski crystals) and the silver serving pieces (metallic luster trim, ear wires & head pins).
     Holiday’s are known for uniting friends and family and usually include a special meal. The tradition of setting a beautiful holiday table with the treasured family heirlooms from the China hutch is fast becoming a thing of the past. I've taken these high quality materials which were treasured by past generations and united them into wearable art for present and future generations to enjoy; thus allowing this combination of beautiful materials to continue to enhance our lives.
     This set is part of a new series ~not only are these pieces united by materials and colors, but I created a way to add smaller crystals to the pendant which match the accent crystals on the ear wires and create a more unified look.






Michele Dodge of Lava Jewelry
I sketched a shape that came to mind when thinking about unity, then I hand-forged these earrings out of sterling silver and added sparkling garnets to them.

Tammy Adams of Paisley Lizard
I had many ideas for this "unity" theme but kept coming back to the yin-yang symbolism of opposites that complement and exist as equals, each one having at its core a bit of the other. I used polymer clay to create a pendant and earrings. 
 
Marcia Tobolsky of Design Images
Doodling copper wire with black leather necklace design and stones.
 
Diane Crockett of Spirit ArtWorks
I have been working on ways to add "Bonus Buy" features to my products. Since the design will usually incorporate something than goes together but can be worn in different ways, I thought this might also symbolize unity. In the piece I chose to enter, the main focal expresses unity by using mixed components and a repurposed heart, gifted flowers by Cornelia Lentzke, and colors to match the necklace.....but there is more! The necklace can change lengths from 16" to 24" or any side between, lot can be foiled and made into a bracelet. Also there are three more focals, each on a lobster clasp, that coordinate with the necklace but have different themes. There is a Mabe' Pearl Cross wrapped in Silver with a Swarovski Crystal, a New, Repurposed Cowboy Hat Pin on a Mother of Pearl Carved Flower, and a Cinnabar Pendant. Matching earrings are included...that represents a lot of ways to wear and enjoy the coral, pearls, Crystal and silver set!

Thank you to all the SRAJD members who took part in this design challenge!  And thank you to all the viewers who read our blog!

The next design theme is "blue". Make a piece of jewelry that represents "blue" in any way.

If you're an active SRAJD member, click here to submit something you create for the next design challenge.

And if you like a piece of jewelry you see here, please leave a comment for the artist and/or check out their shop (click on their name)!

Thanks! 

4 comments:

touch of silver said...

The eloquent and thoughtful descriptions are as pleasing as the pieces themselves...well done!!!

Tapestrygal said...

I am forever amazed with this group of Artists. Wonderful job. So glad I don't have to choose a winner.

Unknown said...

Such amazing pieces and the inspirations! Job well done SRAJD members! Loved reading about each piece.

Carole Isenhart / James Johnson said...

Great collection of pieces, love the stories behind them, we are honored to be part of this amazing group of talented artists!