Painter and jewelry artist Alexandra Abraham from the United Kingdom says, "I want my jewelry to bring new life and meaning to the found, the forgotten and the seemingly mundane." Abraham's jewelry is made with china shards she finds on the banks of the Thames River or Hampstead Heath, vintage buttons from her mother's sewing basket, or gold coins from her father's old treasure box. Abraham combines the 'found' materials and wraps them in 23 karat gold leaf.
Abraham says, "The surface and edges of these river washed fragments have a wonderful softened patina. They just need fitting together like a jigsaw puzzle." The Bangle (above) is made with blue china fragments from Hampstead Heath and old coin. The Brooch (below) is made from old china, clay pipestem from Hampstead Heath, and Venetian glass.
I like how the ancient look and irregular shapes and patterns of the china combine with the gold leaf to create an elegant effect. If you like these pieces, Alexandra will make a custom piece for you using your own old jewelry, buttons or coins. Go to Alexandra Abraham to see more.
What a wonderful gift! Using the buttons, etc. on your work is a great way to share your mother-in-law's spirit with others.
Posted by: Sandi | January 25, 2010 at 03:04 PM
I love the use of "found" pieces. My mother-in-law bequeathed her sewing basket to me--adding buttons and hardware from the 30's to the 60's to my bags always feels like a gift from her & a link to the past.
Posted by: Julianne Fuchs-Musgrave | January 25, 2010 at 10:16 AM