Shana Astrachan Designs

Custom Wedding Rings

2012-01-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

I was honored to make rings for my friends Reba and Andy. Reba's was easy, we came up with the design quickly together... little retro stars engraved into a slightly rounded band, inspired by the 'name necklaces' I had recently started making, and with a bit of a classic 50's look. And once we decided on the size and details it was done just as soon as we started the design process.

Reba's rings are the thinner ones on the right, 2mm yellow and white gold half round bands. The wider set to the left have gone off to a store in San Francisco as part of their wedding ring sample inventory. Orders are welcome on both.

This necklace is an example of the original design that inspired the rings, sold here on Etsy.

Andy's ring on the other hand was a much longer design and making process. They wanted a ring that incorporated gold that Reba found on her birthday the year before on a trip to Maine (where she is from). We came up with a design that was mostly silver with a band of gold running through it. The process of making the ring is documented here...

step 1: Melting the pure gold nuggets that they supplied (in the little vial) with some scrap added to bring the karat closer to 18k, see what a tiny nugget it turns into sitting here on a charcoal block!

step 2: The gold nugget is prepared to be drawn down into wire by adding a silver 'pull' wire onto it, before the drawing process it is hammered some to get the elongated shape started.

step 3: A draw bench is used to pull the wire through the draw plate (a steel plate with many small graduated holes), this wire was pulled about 20 times to get it down to a 18 gauge, it was annealed twice in between (heated to soften). The result is a wire that is about 6" long. Half is the gold side that we will use and half is the silver side that will be recycled.

step 4: The ring shank is made by soldering two pieces of half round sterling silver wire together, this makes for a groove that the gold round wire sits in, the wire is then soldered in the groove.

step 5: The piece is then rolled down through a rolling mill, this flattens the surfaces and elongates them. A few passes are made to get the correct flatness.

step 6: The flat wire is then bent into a almost round band, soldered, hammered round and cleaned up...

Done!

And now they are married! It really was such a special honor to attend their wedding and witness them exchange the rings I had made custom for them.

November 5th, 2011 - Rodeo Beach, Sausalito, California

More photos from their wedding can be seen here on photographer Alison Yin's blog

Mission Shop Reopens for Holiday 2011

2011-11-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

The shop is back for the 2011 Holiday Season! Open now through December 30th. We are featuring mine and Kelly Nedderman's jewelry and design work, along with gift items from Melissa Borrell, Christine Dhein, Robyn Dunbar, Reed Easley, Heathered, Casa M, emiko oye, T-We Tea.

There will also be rotating weekly trunk shows with guest artists:
Saturday December 3rd: Tree Trimming Party w/ Christine Dhein's Pin-up Ornaments and Elizabeth Street Cosmetic's Lipsticks and Glosses, 4-7pm
Friday December 9th: emiko oye Trunk Show and Valencia Holiday Walk, 4-7pm
Saturday December 10th: Ornament Making, 12-4pm
Friday December 16th: Derek Duncan Trunk Show, 4-7pm

Hours are Fridays & Saturdays 12-7pm, Sundays 11am-6pm
And by appointment 415.420.0527

Visit here for event listings and updates
https://www.facebook.com/events/251728731541874/

Mission Open Studios

2011-09-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

Join 10 artists from the Metal Arts Guild for Artspans annual Open Studios

OPENING RECEPTION Friday September 30th 6 - 8
Open Saturday Oct 1st from 12 - 7
Open Sunday Oct 2nd from 12 - 5

724 Studio, 724 Valencia Street @ 18th (next to Mission Cheese)

San Francisco, CA

Shana Astrachan • www.shanaastrachan.com
Raissa Bump • www.raissabump.com
Jeff Burwell • www.burwellarts.com
Rebecca Deans • www.rebeccadeans.com
Derek Duncan • www.etsy.com/shop/dmdmetal
Masami Kelly • www.masamikelly.com
Kelly Nedderman • www.kellynedderman.com
emiko oye • www.rewarestyle.com
Jenny Reeves • www.jennyreeves.com
Jenny Windler • www.jennywindler.com

More information about Open Studios SF at www.artspan.org/artists
More information about MAG at www.metalartsguildsf.org

Facebook invite here www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=263241323698194
My Artspan profile www.artspan.org/artist/shana-astrachan

Workshops at Workshop SF

2011-05-28T09:47:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends and Fans-
I am teaching a series of workshops coming up at Workshop in San Francisco. The first one took place this past Tuesday eve as half of the makeup artists duo Fox & Doll. We had so much fun teaching Beauty School Rebel. We covered faking perfect skin, glamorous cat eyes and classic red lips. It was so much fun! My co-teacher Elizabeth Fox and I am looking forward to our next two dates with Workshop, June 9th and July 15th. We are also working on designing a follow up class that covers smokey eyes and nude lips, hopefully coming very soon! Sign up for the next class here...

http://www.workshopsf.org/?page_id=140&id=704

In the meantime I am teaching a series or jewelry classes also at Workshop. Join me for Feather, Leather and Chains the evening of Tuesday May 31st. There are still just a few spots left so sign up now. In case Tuesday doesn't work for you we will be doing this one again on June 15th. In this class you will learn beginning jewelry basic skills and will walk away with at least two pairs of finished earrings and one necklace. Sign up for Tuesdays class here...

http://www.workshopsf.org/?page_id=140&id=710

Custom Candle Holders

2011-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Last month I made these custom candle holders for the new Locanda Restaurant on Valencia Street in San Francisco. This month they opened and it is so exciting to see them on the tables!

See the process here. And check out the restaurant if you get a chance, delicious!

The process started out with cutting up anchovy cans from Locanda's sister restaurant, Delfina.

Then to the drilling holes for the light to come through (16 hand drilled and deburred holes in each)...bending into the round (more like an oval to account for the next step)...riveting the seams...then really rounding out with a hammer and metal stakes (my buddy Reed really worked it here, thank you Reed).

The last steps seemed to take forever, cutting down the original lids and tension fitting them into the bottoms, each one was custom fit!

And then meticulously adding the smallest bead of JB Weld with then end of a toothpick (and lots of ventilation) to seal it up.

Done and delivered!

And there you have 40 candle holders filling up a lovely and bustling new restaurant in the heart of the Mission on Valencia Street.

Here are some more pictures from the amazing meal my sister and I shared at Locanda.

Shop closed till next holiday season

2011-05-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

A big "Thank You" goes out to all who supported the shop the past few months. It was a really great experience and I loved getting to see more of you all, along with connecting with new customers and the neighborhood. I am planning to do it all again next November. Till then I'll be working on my usual crazy mix of projects!

April's Kombucha Workshop

2011-04-15T00:24:00.000-07:00

Date & Time: Saturday, April 23rd, 11:30am till 12:30pm

Location: Urban Interstice Gallery, 3443 26th Street, between Mission and Valencia St.

Cost: $25

Kombucha is a fermented drink of a sweetened tea that has been brewed using a macroscopic solid mass of microorganisms. It's said to contain essential nutrients like viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and active enzymes, and have many health benefits!

In this workshop we provide you with an alternative to commercially produced Kombucha by teaching how to brew your own, saving you lots of money and getting unique flavors. I will show how to safely brew a supply at home. Plus each participant will go home with their very own S.C.O.B.Y. baby, the 'symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast'.

Class size is limited. Send an email to shana@shanaastrachan.com to sign up. Call 415.420.0527 with any questions

Bring:
a pen for taking notes
a tupperware container with tight fitting lid

You will take home:
printed recipe and directions
a S.C.O.B.Y. baby to get started

You will need the following once you have your baby home:
a large glass jar as pictured above
a dish towel
green or black loose tea
sugar

Name Necklaces

2011-04-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

Lucky Megan got this beautiful necklace from her hubby Andy this past year. She wanted a 'name necklace' so when Andy came to me with this special project I was excited to create a custom version just for her. In all gold this necklace sweetly has Megan engraved in a scroll font across the front. And how lovely she wears it!

I now make these necklaces also in silver and offer a few options for fonts. See the Fox and Doll versions created for Fox & Doll Makeup.

Custom orders welcome, listed here on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72166268/custom-name-necklace

Finger Saved by Ring

2011-03-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

It is true. One of my rings has saved a finger from being mangled. Kevin bought a ring from me in 1998 and had not taken it off since, that's 13 years! It has been so cool to see how the ring has worn over the years. We run into each other about once a year or so in the neighborhood and he always shows me the current state of the ring. What was once a concave textured surface slowly became convex, it has been fascinating to see this change over time.

The piece that saved Kevin's finger and the replacement

But recently Kevin contacted me because he was in need of a replacement ring, the original was crushed beyond repair. Someone had shut a car door with his hand in it, but luckily the ring on his pinkie finger was the first thing the door hit. Wow, it bent nearly in half and snapped. Not only was he lucky the ring was there but also that it opened up on the seam, from close inspection it seems this was likely the solder seam. Because it opened up he was able to have friends pry it off without having to rush to the emergency room. Wow what a story! I am proud to have contributed to saving Kevin's finger, and that he came right back for a replacement.

The original design as first created in 1996

Beginning Crochet Class

2011-02-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

Date & Time: Wednesdays February 9th and 16th, 6:00pm till 8:00pm

Location: Urban Interstice Gallery, 3443 26th Street, between Mission and Valencia Streets
San Francisco, CA

Cost: $45

In this class you will learn all the basics of crochet including chaining, single
crochet, double crochet, slip stitches, and color changes while making a wash cloth with a decorative edge or a skinny scarf.

Materials:
worsted weight 100% cotton yarn for wash cloths (a second color if you would like a contrasting decorative edge
or
worsted weight soft wool yarn for scarf
G or H crochet hook
darning needle for weaving in ends

Worsted weight is a medium thick yarn.

Class size is limited. Send an email to shana@shanaastrachan.com to sign up. Call 415.420.0527 with any questions

Kombucha Workshop

2011-01-15T16:12:00.001-08:00

Date & Time: Saturday, January 29th, 11:30am till 12:30pm

Location: Urban Interstice Gallery, 3443 26th Street, between Mission and Valencia St.

Cost: $15 to $25 sliding scale

Kombucha is a fermented drink of a sweetened tea that has been brewed using a macroscopic solid mass of microorganisms. It's said to contain essential nutrients like viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and active enzymes, and have many health benefits!

In this workshop we provide you with an alternative to commercially produced Kombucha by teaching how to brew your own, saving you lots of money and getting unique flavors. I will show how to safely brew a supply at home. Plus each participant will go home with their very own S.C.O.B.Y. baby, the 'symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast'.

Class size is limited. Send an email to shana@shanaastrachan.com to sign up. Call 415.420.0527 with any questions

Bring:
a pen for taking notes
a tupperware container with tight fitting lid

You will take home:
printed recipe and directions
a S.C.O.B.Y. baby to get started

You will need the following once you have your baby home:
a large glass jar as pictured above
a dish towel
green or black loose tea
sugar

A New Year!

2011-01-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

Hello 2011!!! A new year means new plans!!!
2010 was full of adventure and challenges. Looking ahead to the new year I of course expect more of the same...good travels, friends, business...along with the challenges of time, money, and all else running a business and balancing life brings. Some things I am thinking about doing or working towards in the coming year include opening a more permanent shop location, working on a book idea, teaching more workshops, and creating lots of jewelry and objects. I hope you will join me in following along to see what is next. Your feedback about my ideas and designs are always welcome.

In immediate news my shop at 3443 26th will remain open with limited hours until the permanent space comes together. I will also be of course open by appointment, just call 415.420.0527. Regular hours will be Saturdays from noon till 6pm.

The best way to check in is to follow me on twitter, http://twitter.com/ShanaAstrachan

In the meantime I thank you all for your continued support and wish you happiness, creativity and lots of love in the year ahead and always. Cheers. Shana

P.S. Check out the cover of the February/ March issue of Dwell Magazine, the building that my shop is currently located in is featured, along with my amazingly talented family.

Big Holiday Weekend!

2010-12-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

We are upon our last weekend of the holiday season. If you haven't made it in to see the shop and all the goodies we have now is your chance, this is the weekend to come! Address and hours are:

3443 26th Street between Valencia and Mission

Friday the 17th NOON till 8PM

Saturday the 18th NOON till 7PM

Sunday the 19th 1PM till 6PM

And by appointment - 415.420.0527

And join us this Friday December 17th for a jewelry trunk show with Kathleen Maley
Join us for a special showing and sale of Kathleen Maley's jewelry, 4pm till 8pm. There will be treats once again from Black Jet Bakery along with mulled cider. Please stop by to shop and celebrate the season with us!

Facebook invite here http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148942421825363

Christine Dhein Jewelry and Holiday Party!

2010-12-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Come join us Friday December 10th for a Holiday Party and Jewelry Show & Sale with Christine Dhein.

4 till 8pm at Urban Interstice Gallery, 3443 26th Street at Valencia, San Francisco

The Mission Holiday Block Party is happening all over the Mission from 5PM till 10PM, our shop at Urban Interstice Gallery is just one of the many places you should be.

We are starting the party a bit early a 4PM and will be OPEN TILL 8PM. There will be gingerbread treats from Black Jet Bakery and mulled cider. Please stop by and celebrate with us and the neighborhood!

For more info about participating shops check out www.getlocalsf.com

Christine will have a great selection of her signature rubber jewelry, along with her newest Pin-up limited edition holiday ornaments.

P.S. I am now on Twitter, please follow me- https://twitter.com/ShanaAstrachan

emiko oye Trunk Show & Holiday Sale

2010-12-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

Come join us Friday December 3rd for a Trunk Show and Holiday Sale with emiko oye.
4 till 7pm at Urban Interstice Gallery, 3443 26th Street at Valencia, San Francisco

emiko will have a great selection of her signature Logo jewelry, including necklaces and earrings.

Plus all new holiday trees and ornaments made out or recycled game boards, and logo themed holiday cards.

Then join us the following day for a holiday ornament making party from 1 till 4pm!

Hot Holiday Lips with Fox & Doll

2010-11-28T23:01:00.000-08:00

This Wednesday December 1st join
Fox & Doll at Urban Interstice Gallery
for our Hot Holiday Lips event!

Drop in Wednesday between 5pm and 7:30pm for a special ladies night with Fox & Doll.

We will be offering our signature lip treatment that includes smoothing exfoliation, super plumping hydration and an ultra moisturizing finish. Then we will pick out the perfect hot holiday lip color for you to take home from our all natural lip line from Primitive Makeup. We have the complete array of this award winning lipstick line, including their liners and glosses.

$25 gets you the full treatment and a lipstick color chosen just for you. Snacks and prosecco will be provided, including yummy cookies from Sugartits. Your perfect lipstick will be available for pick-up the following week.

Please rsvp to foxanddoll@gmail.com

And watch for next weeks posting with information about our next event, Ladies Brow Night, on December 8th. Put it on your calendar now!

Find out more about who Fox & Doll are here: www.foxanddollmakeup.com

Shop Open!

2010-11-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that came to the Opening Celebration of the shop this past Friday. It was a success! And our first full day open on Saturday was full of foot traffic and 'Make Your Own Party Cup' attendees, making it all a perfect first week kick off!

my lovely helpers emiko oye and christine dhein, also two very talented designers to be featured in upcoming trunk shows

such a perfect opening evening, thank you everyone!

crafty party cup made by our star crafter j-bo

and our OPEN sign

And a big Thank You to DailyCandy for covering the event! And mentioning hottie James Franco in the feature. Read about it here... http://www.dailycandy.com/san-francisco/article/92267/Shana-Astrachan-Jewelry-Satellite-Shop-Opens-in-the-Mission

Now for next week and the weeks to come, check out all the events coming up, starting with 'Hot Holiday Lips' with Fox & Doll then a Trunk Show the the talented emiko eyo showing off her logo adornment...

Wednesday December 1st - 'Hot Holiday Lips' event w/ Fox & Doll Makeup (5 till 7:30pm) *treats provided by Sugartits

Friday December 3rd - trunk show with emiko oye jewelry (4 till 7pm) *treats provided by Vanya's Kitchen

Saturday December 4th - WORKSHOP with ACCESSORIZE WITH TOYS, 'Crafting Holiday Ornaments' (time is 1 till 4pm) *fee is $25, includes all materials, beverages and treats
RSVP to emiko@rewarestyle.com

Wednesday December 8th - 'Beautiful Brow Night' event w/ Fox & Doll Makeup (5 till 7:30pm) *treats by Sugartits

Friday December 10th - Mission Holiday Art Walk and trunk show with Christine Dhien jewelry (4 till 8pm) *treats provided by Black Jet Bakery

Tuesday December 14th - 'Glowing Skin Spa' event (5 till 7:30pm)

Friday December 17th - trunk show with K. Maley jewelry (4 till 7pm) *treats provided by Black Jet Bakery

See more pictures and info on facebook. And please check back for updates! Thanks -shana

Opening Celebration at Urban Interstice Gallery

2010-10-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Please come out and celebrate the opening of my shop, located in the Mission District of San Francisco. Through November and December we'll be featuring my jewelry and design work, along with rotating weekly trunk shows with guest artists and beauty events hosted by Fox & Doll Makeup.

Opening night we'll have bubbles and snacks provided by some of our favorite local food artisans, Black Jet Bakery and Vanya's Kitchen!

Dates to put on your calendar now:

Friday November 19th - OPENING PARTY (time is 4 till 8pm) *treats provided by Black Jet Bakery and Vanya's Kitchen
RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/ShanaAstrachanJewelry

Saturday November 20th - WORKSHOP with ACCESSORIZE WITH TOYS, 'Make a Party Beverage Cup' (time is 1 till 4pm) *fee is $25, includes all materials, beverages and treats
RSVP to emiko@rewarestyle.com

Wednesday December 1st - 'Hot Holiday Lips' event w/ Fox & Doll Makeup (4 till 7pm) *treats provided by Sugartits

Friday December 3rd - trunk show with emiko oye jewelry (4 till 7pm) *treats provided by Vanya's Kitchen

Saturday December 4th - WORKSHOP with ACCESSORIZE WITH TOYS, 'Crafting Holiday Ornaments' (time is 1 till 4pm) *fee is $25, includes all materials, beverages and treats
RSVP to emiko@rewarestyle.com

Wednesday December 8th - 'Beautiful Brow Night' event w/ Fox & Doll Makeup (4 till 7pm) *treats by Sugartits

Friday December 10th - trunk show with Christine Dhien jewelry (4 till 7pm) *treats provided by Black Jet Bakery

Tuesday December 14th - 'Glowing Skin Spa' event (4 till 7pm)

Friday December 17th - trunk show with K. Maley jewelry (4 till 7pm) *treats provided by Black Jet Bakery

Please check back for updates! Thanks -shana

Tiny Stud Earrings

2010-10-19T10:45:00.001-07:00

The Tiny Studs website has launched!
www.tinystuds.com

The place to get small stud earrings for your second and top holes, or for that everyday simple stud you never have to take out. Great for guys too!

SPECIAL OFFER IN CELEBRATION
Now through October 31st receive 10% OFF any stud earrings and FREE shipping.

Just go to my etsy shop place order and include a note with your purchase saying "I love tiny studs". Your paypal invoice will be updated to reflect the discount within a day, then go ahead and pay, all items will ship within three days of receiving payment.

Thanks for celebrating with me!

Shana Astrachan Satellite Shop

2010-10-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share my latest news that I am opening a retail shop and show space in the Mission district in San Francisco. It is an extension of the Urban Interstice Gallery, located on 26th Street between Valencia and Mission. We'll be open for the months of November and December and carrying all works by yours truly! We will also feature other talented artists with rotating weekly trunk shows.

Location: 3443 26th Street between Valencia and Mission, San Francisco, CA

Hours: Open hours November and December 2010, Fridays and Saturdays NOON till 7PM

Party: Opening celebration Friday November 19th, 4PM to 8PM

And open by appointment, 415.420.0527

For more about Interstice Architects and their award winning designs visit their website
http://www.intersticearchitects.com/
And blog
http://www.intersticearchitects.com/blog/

From Geekery to Regality Exhibition

2010-09-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

From Geekery to Regality: Beauty in Reuse
showcasing work from the Metal Arts Critique Collective

Running Sept 1st through the 30th, 2010
Artists Reception Sept 24th, 4-7pm
Green Zebra
Crocker Galleria, lower level
50 Post Street, San Francisco, CA

For more information about the Critique Collective please visit our site:
http://critiquecollective.rewarestyle.com/

And for information about Green Zebra and the Environmental Action Center please go to:
http://www.thegreenzebra.org/eac/Green_Zebra_Action_Center/Welcome.html

International Jewelry Exchange

2010-08-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Members of the Metal Arts Critique Collective (MAC), Shana Astrachan, emiko oye, Christine Dhein, Kelly Nedderman, Aimee Golant, David Casella, and Reed Easley, hosted four members of the Jewellers and Silversmiths Network (JSN) of Farnham, Surrey, England in July as part of an international jeweler’s exchange sponsored by JSN.

JSN members Rebecca Skeels, Clare Stiles, Ruta Brown and Susan Levett, enjoyed a private curator’s tour of the Oakland Museum’s Modernist Jewelry collection as well as tours of Velvet da Vinci, the SFMOMA gift shop, and the Revere Academy. Visiting JSN members joined MAC for a special monthly critique. As invited guests, JSN members learned about the critique format, shared their work, and solicited feedback. Upon their return to England, JSN members planned to report back to their group and blog about what they had learned from their American counterparts.

For the second part of the exchange, the JSN has organized Material Connections, a one-day symposium to be held September 10, 2010 in Farnham Maltings, England. MAG/MAC members Shana Astrachan, Christine Dhein, Reed Easley and Kelly Nedderman will lead a panel discussion presenting how they as American designers combine alternative and traditional materials and the influences of the materials on the making process. Christine Dhein will also lecture on Recycled and Ethical Jewelry and co-present a lecture/demonstration on Keum-boo.

For more information visit the following link
http://www.jsnfarnham.com

Watch for a follow up report on our travels and Materials Connections.

-above entry reported by Christine Dhein

Custom Colors

2010-05-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Last week I completed a custom ring for Saskia, shown below wearing her new ring. I loved her color choices so and was pleased she got exactly what she wanted.

The custom order has re-inspired me to get working on a few more felted pieces and to play with combining some new colors. Here below are a few pictures of some pieces in progress.

Panels knit by my mom! Thanks for helping out mom! The panels will be washed over and over again so they felt into tighter squares.

The result will be a bracelet similar to this one made a few years back, made up of over 50 of the hand knit and felted pieces.

A new bracelet design in progress, still working out the details.

Not sure yet what I will do with these, maybe a new earring design.

My Mission Neighborhood Studio

2010-04-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

I went to some of the Mission Open Studios last weekend here in my neighborhood in San Francisco. I was totally inspired by some of the amazing workspaces I saw, along with the art of course. It made me a bit nostalgic for my old Yosemite Street Studio, a huge industrial space I shared with artist April Higashi and Deborah Boskin for many years. But then I came back to my lovely studio and was reminded how much I adore my current workspace. So just wanted to share a few images of my studio.

Object Fetish Holiday Show

2009-11-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

The website Object Fetish is having a holiday exhibition including two new sequins pieces of mine.
http://www.objectfetish.com/holiday/

The criteria for the show was "the new BLING”
What do you value? Is it gold and diamonds or plastic and trash? As our consumerist culture cuts back on conspicuous spending does that change how you make and what you make? Is it a new Bling for our new economy?

My pieces are inspired directly by fashion. They are made of plastic, and with minimal materials these pieces have a big impact. I was inspired by the idea of making jewelry to go specifically with an outfit. Paco Rabanne's linked dresses have had a continued direct influence on my work, so it seemed natural to make some earrings to go with one. And the red dress from Versace just seems to need a bit more 'bling'.

Black and Gold Earrings are inspired by the amazing dresses of Paco Rabanne. His 60's linked dresses are so playful and unique for their time. My sequins series emulates the drape, playfulness and impact of his dresses. This large muti-colored pair is made to be worn with this particular dress.

Inspired by this dress from Paco Rabanne

Black and Gold Necklace, also part of the series inspired by the dresses of Paco Rabanne, is made to be worn with a dress by another iconic designer, Versace. The red dress with plunging neckline and layered sequins detail would be equally complemented when accessorized with this neckpiece.

Inspired by this dress from Versace

Urban Renaissance

2009-11-20T15:51:00.000-08:00

My new piece "Green" is included in the exhibition
Urban Renaissance: New Visions of Jewelry and Sculpture

“Green”

What is Green?

When are products truly sustainably produced?

Who or what else suffers in the process?

With the commercialization of “green” products we are left wondering where the term starts and ends, and how much of our perception is part of a marketing plan.

Many of us know what it means to practice methods of conservation, use nontoxic chemicals, buy from manufactures that do the same, purchase only “ethically” sourced stones, etc. But is every aspect of the businesses you are working with “ethical”?

Is this “green”?

“Green” is the anti “fine” jewelry, a commentary on the trend of greenwashing in the marketplace. While strikingly luxurious and opulent, 90% of the materials to make this piece were either donated or repurposed.

-Shana Astrachan, Winter 2009

This exhibition features the work of over 60 members of the Metal Arts Guild of the Bay Area, exploring through a broad range of jewelry and sculpture what it means to live, work, dress and move in the complexity of our urban environments.

Arts &Crafts Cooperative, Inc
1652 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709

Hours:
Monday-Friday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 pm

Now through December 6, 2009

More information about The Metal Arts Guild can be found here: http://www.metalartsguildsf.org

And about the ACCI Gallery can be found here: http://www.accigallery.com

Special thank you to SCRAP in San Francisco for supplying 90% of the materials for the "Green" piece: http://www.scrap-sf.org

Etsy Love!

2009-10-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Etsy showed me lots of love this week.
Thanks Emily!

My gold stud earrings were included in the Etsy Finds: Libra vs. Scorpio
http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-libra-vs-scorpio-5740/

My gold sequin diamond earrings were featured in the 'Fall Fashion' Gift Guide
http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/fall-fashion/133

My disc ring set were featured in the 'Make a Statement' Gift Guide
http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/make-a-statement/37

Mixed-media Jewellery book release

2009-07-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

The new book Mixed-media Jewellery: Methods and Techniques, also known as Design and Make, has been released. It is written by London based jeweller Joanne Haywood. The book features some of my felted jewelry pieces.

The book can be purchased on amazon uk or us:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mixed-media-Jewellery-Methods-Techniques-Design/dp/071368867X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240822305&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Mixed-media-Jewellery-Methods-Techniques-Design/dp/071368867X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249041477&sr=8-1

Check out her recent blog posting about my work: http://theneedlefiles.blogspot.com/2009/05/shana-astrachan.html

Accessorize with Toys!!!

2009-07-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Another craft fair, another workshop...This past weekend emiko oye and I did our Accessorize with Toys workshop at the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco. We had tons of fun. And we loved working with the many talented crafters that came along. There were many fun charm bracelets and key rings created over the weekend. Here are some pictures of us in action and some of our renegade crafters with their creations.

see more images here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8936857@N03/sets/72157621756738856/

We teach our workshops all over the Bay Area at Art Centers, Museums, Craft Fairs, schools and even birthday parties. We are looking forward to doing many more in following year.

Our next workshop is at SCRAP on August 8th. You will have the oppertunity to use additional materials you find at SCRAP, one of our favorite resources for materials! Call or email SCRAP to register: 415.647.1746 or workshop@scrap-sf.org

Object Fetish

2008-11-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

Object Fetish

Check out the recently launched art jewelry site, Object Fetish. I am one of the featured artists they are showing. It is a beautiful site and I am in great company with many other talented designers. They also have a fabulous blog if you want to stay up to date on all things Art Jewelry.

And check out the video they made of me talking about my work!

Craftzine Blog

2008-11-03T07:29:00.001-08:00

My crafty wedding bouquet, made for my buddy Reed Easley, was featured on Craft magazine’s blog! The bouquet is made of vintage raffia ribbon flowers I made on a loom I bought from Cathy of California at Maker Faire.

Assisted by some other crafty buddies we created the base by carving it from a large styrofoam sphere and covering it with pleated white cotton, tulle, and a large satin bow. The handle was a screwdriver wrapped in floral tape and inserted into the foam base. This was a fun process and inspires perhaps more bridal accessories to come...

Reed and I

Close-up of her hairpieces

Our Critique Collective along with many of Reed's family and friends had a hand in creating crafts for the wedding, including over 1,000 handmade paper flower decorations, the place settings, alterations to her victorian inspired dress, and even the wine. Reed made the beautiful glass neckpiece and hair pieces she is wearing, and she and her husband Sean Sullivan made amazing sets of wine stoppers as gifts for everyone. It was a beautiful and super fun wedding.

Hundreds of flowers in process

Daily Dream-Daily Doodle post

2008-08-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

Check out the post this week on Daily Dream-Daily Doodle with a mini interview of me and my inspiration.
Experience with your art Part-4 FIELD TRIP

LUCKY!

2008-06-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

This week one of my favorite boutiques and retail venues for my jewelry was featured on Lucky Magazines website as the Boutique of the Week. And they featured my Gold Sequins Bib Necklace! Thanks Lucky!

The Candystore has a great site in addition to their store on 16th Street in San Francisco. And they sell my pieces on the site.

Critique Collective Project no. 3

2008-06-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Starting this year our Critique Group (10+ years going) decided to start doing group projects. Inspired by our 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition held last fall at Blue Space Gallery in San Francisco, we wanted to begin assigning each other projects to inspire us to create work outside of our usual realm.

Project no. 1 (given by yours truly) started with an assignment to create a pieces (any piece) made out of a project that you either never finished or was not happy with. This was basically an exercise in remaking and reusing materials in innovative ways.

Project no. 2 was assigned by Emiko Oye, and was to document the process of making a piece using film, video, or any other chosen medium. I wrote up the process of my fist project plus set up this blog! I will post my project with images in the very near future.

Project no. 3 has just been completed and is shown here. David Casella gave us the challenge to make a piece out of a grab bag of items he selected. I pulled a bag of five black zipper pulls. I was inspired to keep it simple. The neckpiece I created is shown below. The chain is sterling silver and contrasts nicely with the black painted metal of the zippers. This piece hangs very beautiful and is quite hot and sexy when on!

Zippers fresh out of the grab bag.

Hot Zipper Neckpiece.

Accessorize with Toys

2008-05-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

Our Accessorize with Toys Workshop at Maker Faire was a success once again. Emiko Oye and I taught this as part of Swap-O-Rama-Rama for the third year. We teach kids and adults how to make cool jewelry from recycled toy and game parts. We had so much fun and are looking forward to teaching this workshop in other locations, thanks to some leads we received while there. Thanks for having us Maker!

Emiko and I armed to Make!

We even had repeat fans of our workshop!
(see the 'happy maker' pic from a few weeks back)

Neat to see this video up from the Maker Day on Make Magazines blog.

And see all our workshop pics here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8936857@N03/sets/72157604870088704/

Maker Day

2008-05-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my experience about Maker Day, an afternoon of presentations by innovative minds on the Future of Making. But lucky for me (and you) my buddy Emiko already wrote up our day. Check it out here on her new blog...
http://blog.rewarestyle.com/

Garth Johnson's talk on Extreme Crafts, one of my new favorite sites! http://extremecraft.typepad.com/

Maker Faire Workshop

2008-04-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Next weekend (May 3 & 4, 2008) Emiko Oye and I will be teaching our popular Accessorize with Small Toys Workshop at the Maker Faire in San Mateo.

Revitalize old toys into jewelry. San Francisco jewelry artists Emiko Oye and Shana Astrachan will show you how to approach jewelry making with alternative materials and some simple craft tools. Particiapents are encouraged to bring small plastic and rubber toy parts to work with or contribute. All ages are welcome!

More info can be found at:
http://makerfaire.com
http://makerfaire.com/pub/e/1268
http://www.swaporamarama.org/makerfaire08.htm

A happy maker from last years workshop.

Last Saturday at the SFMOMA

2008-04-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

Me and Gio (my amazing assistant) at the SFMOMA Trunk Show.

It was a great success thanks to all of those that came out!

SFMOMA Jewelry Trunk Show

2008-04-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

SF MOMA Jewelry Trunk Show
Saturday April 12th, 10AM-3PM
http://sfmoma.stores.yahoo.net/trunkshow.html
I invite you to come visit and see my new jewelry.

or view my work at these sites:
www.ShanaAstrachan.etsy.com

http://ShanaAstrachan.supermarkethq.com

www.flickr.com/photos/25057921@N03

www.shanaastrachan.com