Phiona Richards - Book Sculptor

One thing I know to be true... wearing paper jewelry is a great way to get conversation started. I'm positive that would be the case with the captivating pieces Phiona Richards makes from retired books. She combines stitching with folded book pages in a myriad of ways - for example, this playful Four Bead Necklace that looks both vintage and modern.

Phiona began her career as a book sculptor while at De Montfort University in England by carving reclaimed books with a band saw, blade, and scissors. "As a child I was brought up with the importance of 'make do and mend', a phrase that stays with me to this day. I take my inspiration from needlework techniques that historically form part of a woman's ritual domestic routine."

Shortly after graduating in 2008, Phiona was named a Young Meteor at Lustre, a Contemporary Craft Makers Market. She was requested by the event organizers to create a new body of work for the show, which led to her signature jewelry line. Phiona calls the collection Organic Repose as it embodies femininity - natural, but sophisticated.

See more of Phiona's work in her Rare Notions gallery.