Book Review: The Art of Jewelry: Paper Jewelry

I found the following book at my local library:
The Art of Jewelry
Paper Jewelry
by Marthe Le Van
Lark Books
ISBN: 1-57990-814-4

The book is hardcover and beautifully photographed.  Instructions are in large enough print so that they can be easily read.  The author not only includes pictures of paper jewelry, but instructions and on occasion, templates.  The price on the cover is $24.95, but with a little research, you can find it for less than $20.00

Some of the 35 projects include paper I normally don’t have around.  Maybe you do, but I don’t have acrylic sheets, vellum, or a huge quantity of high-density polyethylane-fiber envelopes.  In other words, the emphasis is not recycling.  Fair enough.  Every book cannot have everything for everyone.

I tried one of the simpler projects, and was able to successfully complete it.  If you have any background with paper art, you should be able to follow the instructions.

The best part of the The Art of Jewelry: Paper Jewelry: Ideas for paper jewelry I would describe as more elegant and upscale than you normally see.

The worse part for me was probably the more complicated projects seemed just a bit out of reach.  For example, the picture on the cover was a bracelet made from 700 2-inch circles of white vellum.  It is beautiful and I want to try it, but realistically I doubt I ever will.  700?

In retrospect, I suppose it is not important that I can create every one of the 35 projects.  They have beauty as presented.  That alone has value.

Keep Creating,
Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

Minor Differences in Bead Shapes

You can make a minor change in cutting paper to create a different paper bead.

There is an “8” shaped bead and an hourglass shaped bead.  You’ll see below. [Reminder: I do not have elaborate software to create my templates This was generated in Word.]

It makes sense once you think about it.  Which look to you prefer?  The paper on the right is simpler to cut.  It is a triangle inside of a rectangle.  But I believe the paper on the left is easier to roll into a bead.  It is a trade-off.

The fact this is so minor has made me unsure of whether to post, but I decided to go for it.  I hope I’m not the only one who thinks about this when I see these beads in different shapes on the internet. [now see Feb 19, 2012 for more]

Personal Note: As most readers already know I want to encourage everyone to be creative in their own way.   However, these past few days have been difficult for me.  Our 23-year-old cockatiel is ill.  We have shared our lives for a long time.  If you have an animal you understand.  Any kind of accomplishment has been a struggle.  There is more, but not today.  Today I talk about beads.

Think Creatively,
Janet (janettalk)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

How does one follow Janna Syvanoja’s jewelry?

Before I added my last post I knew trouble was ahead.  How could my paper beads follow Janna Syvanoja’s beautiful work?

I am avoiding that and instead adding the work of Holly Anne Mitchell.

Based on a search of the internet I believe that the above necklace is probably her most famous piece.  However, the paper bead necktie below may be my favorite.  It is so creative and detailed.  It must have taken a tremendous amount of time.  Before this, I never thought of using paper beads for neckties. (and I am confident this is something I will not try!)

I would be remiss if I didn’t include the link where I first read about Ms. Mitchell.  She was written about in Michigan Today, University of Michigan.

Copyright related issues are always a concern.  I am not asking to copy their work. It is my own curiosity.  I’d really like to know how Janna Syvanoja makes those smooth cuts and folds for her paper jewelry, and how Holly Mitchell added the tube beads to the above necklace.

[I have to ask, do these two ladies humble you as much as they humble me?)

Think Creatively,
Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry

Paper as a Fine Art

I reviewed over 20 websites of professional artists who have their paper art in museums, featured in store windows, etc. The search was not exhaustive, but Janna Syvanoja is the only person who made jewelry using paper.  It was surprising.

Ms. Syvanoja has been frequently written about.  Her paper jewelry is incredible.

The movement in these necklaces is inspired.

I can’t find a site specifically by Ms. Syvanoja, but please research to find out more about her and her art.  Click on New York Times for a brief description.

As for me, I continue to search out professionals who use paper to make jewelry. I am also interested in how paper beads are used other than in jewelry.  I will report that information when I find it.

Think Creatively,
Janet (janettalk)
www.etsy.com/shop/paperchasejewelry