Object Fetish Holiday Show

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

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!

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 Guidehttp://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

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!!!

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