designer's library

Rebecca Overmann

Ever since I saw her jewelry at the DWR Craft Within Reach event last month, I can't stop thinking about Rebecca Overmann's work! I'm saving up to buy some rings, a bracelet, earrings....

Thorn

I have a love for objects that are a mix of high and low sensibilities. For example: when designers use sturdy/ permanent/luxurious materials to make riffs on our disposable culture--like Lorena Barrezueta's ceramic dishes in the shape of aluminum pie pans or these ceramic party cups. So naturally, I immediately enjoyed the necklace above designed by thorn that elevates the beer can tab's status above invisibility. Hmmm...gold-plating a beer can tab...I guess that's one way to commemorate a night of drunkenness! Wow, that's one special night. [Discovered through the Cursive New York blog.]

Nel Linssen and more...

I discovered this Dutch artist awhile back through Phoebe's blog. Nel Linssen has been creating extremely elegant, sculptural, and textural jewelry from paper for over 20 years now. The bracelet shown above (bottom image) was created in 1986.

Speaking of Phoebe, she recently "tagged" me and has been told by the blog gods that I must share 6 "weird" things about myself. I wonder if this whole thing started off as sharing "3 awesome things about yourself" and then somewhere along the way it got to some blogger jerk who changed it to 6 weird things. (Thanks alot whoever you are!)

Thank you Phoebe for thinking of me and tagging me--(I thought it was cool that your grandma knew Eva Zeisel!). Anyway, here are my 6:

1. I enjoy speaking in the 3rd person, especially to give myself props, as in: "Meg, you rock!" (always said facing a mirror).

2. I love to buy Greatest Hits Albums from musical artists who are under the age of 25.

3. I'm a bit of a rock snob. I only listen to obscure indie bands like Matchbox 20, Goo Goo Dolls...

4. I don't really get my inspiration from the things I post. My inspiration really comes from fortune cookies and occasionally a sip of Jack.

5. Tom on myspace really is my friend--we even had lunch the other day!

6. I take chain letter-type requests very seriously.

Since this chain letter demand didn't come with any severe consequences (like your blog will evaporate into cyberspace dust if you don't tag 5 other bloggers) then I'll just end the tagging here. I know, call me a party-pooper!

Three 5 Eighty 5

You know, I love jewelry made of unusual materials. Check out these beautiful earrings designed with thread from Atlanta design group, Three 5 Eighty 5. Although the materials are simple, the overall design, pattern, and craftsmanship have a luxurious feel. When I saw these earrings on my friend, Gert, last week, I couldn't stop staring at them. And naturally, I wanted a a pair (or two) for myself, but she didn't know the name of the designer only that she bought them at a boutique. So I thought I'd try to do a quick search on Etsy and luckily for me I found them. I bought the two pairs above, though I contemplated getting more. But I guess I should save my money for all the Christmas gifts I have to buy. Can't wait to get them!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Wood Beads

I'm a fan of objects made of humble, everyday materials, especially when designers take such materials to make elegant objects. My latest obsession: jewelry that uses wood beads. I first saw Becky Lee's work at Relish at Home in Berkeley. (Kelly, the shop owner, has a knack for discovering some of the cutest things!) Becky plays with scale with different bead sizes in her necklaces and bracelets. The composition of beads looks eclectic, casual, and arbitrary to stunning visual effect.

And I saw this designer, Malin Nyman-Smallcombe on DailyCandy LA today. She uses wood beads with jute rope (another humble material). Kinda reminds me of the necklaces my daughter makes in preschool (and yesterday on her play date)...but of course, these necklaces are far, far more sophisticated and innovative!

INTO

Whenever I check the Papa Stour website, I always check to see if INTO has any new designs on the site. Her knitted designs are thoughtful, well-crafted, and include cute details--like the buttons or bobbles (that is also used to introduce a splash of color) on the felted bags.

I'm mostly working off-line for the next 3 weeks or so, but I'm hoping to post a little bit everyday...

Poppi

These are the cutest rings designed by Dawn Benedetto for Poppi (based in Alexandria, Virginia). The rings are held together by an elastic device so that it fits nearly every hand--really ingenious and gorgeous too. I love the Petal and Roe rings. They come in a vast rainbow array of vibrant colors making it hard to choose. And the clusters of glass look almost good enough to eat--like candy! I was introduced to these rings by my friend Kelly, at her shop, Relish at Home...and still haven't gotten around to buying one yet!

Vick Bevan

It's great when designers cross-pollinate disclipines, especially when the pair seems unlikely; in this case: ceramics and jewelry. The simplicity, rich hues, and organic looseness of the doughnut shaped forms, turn these tiny porcelain pieces into wearable art. Although it doesn't seem like she's updated her site since '04, hopefully her items are still available for purchase. I've been drawn to Vick Bevan's work for quite sometime, but I haven't gotten around to buying any of it...

Marzio Fiorini

Again with my inclination for jewelry made of non-traditional materials, here's a designer (Marzio Fiorini) who uses rubber in imaginative ways. The extent of my experience with rubber jewelry was wearing those black rubber bangles back in the 80s. (Thank you Madonna.) I like his choice of colors and especially the way his earrings look like they're made of coral. It's hard to believe that they're tiny pieces of rubber. The circular-form necklace appeals to my mod sensibilities--though I don't know if I could pull off wearing it.

If you're interested in buying some of his jewelry, they're available online at SFMOMA. The Museum Shop has a larger range of his stuff if you can visit.

Jane D'Arensbourg

What do you think of when you hear the word "Pyrex"? I think about clear glass baking dishes or those milky white vintage casserole containers. And of course, I start imagining the food that comes in them like brownies, bibinka (a filipino dessert), casseroles...rice krispie treats. Now, I'll have to add jewelry to that list of Pyrex glass imagery. (Yes, this is jewelry made from Pyrex!) It's fascinating to see something as humble and clunky as Pyrex transform itself into an absurdly delicate, georgeous necklace or pair of earrings.

I love it when designers use non-traditional materials in their work...especially in jewelry design.