6 Free-Spirited Paper Jewelry Artists

I debated putting up this rather frivolous post about paper jewelry considering the current upheaval in the lives of Ukrainian people, as well as Russian citizens who want no part of war. However, while destructive acts can be made to happen by a single person, so can beautiful ones. With that in mind, enjoy a brief distraction via a look at paper jewelry created by talented hands around the world.

 

 

Dagmar Schwald in Germany is a master tailor who not only designs clothing, but also fanciful paper jewelry. Her website, Dasu, Fashion Design and Production, explains that she is a qualified dressmaker with years of experience who offers customers an all-round package of their personal dreams. 

 

 

How pretty is the vivid pink and purple necklace that speaks of spring with its unfurled paper string leaves? And warm weather lovers will appreciate the many shades of green in this chunky triple layer statement necklace that combines wooden and mother of pearl elements with rolled and folded paper beads.

 

Visit Dagmar's website and find her on Instagram, @dasu.schmuckdesign

 

 

Sara of Samarmia in Italy makes modern paper jewelry adorned with special findings that I haven't seen elsewhere. She delights in using cardboard, paper, semi-precious stones, glass, silicone, decoupage, and more to create unique pieces. These eye-catching earrings and brooches are in the Duet Collection and feature rich color on each side. 

 

 

 

I'm always curious where business names originate, so I asked Sara about Samarmia. She explained that the letters are a combination of Sa from Sara, mar from her husband Marco, and Mia, their beloved dog... how nice is that?!

Sara can be contacted via Instagram, Facebook, or email her at samarmiabijoux at gmail.com

Jennifer Black of Twice Told Studio in San Francisco creates original collage art, handmade books, cards, postcards, and now - paper jewelry - with materials that others might have discarded long ago.

 

Beneath the Horizon is a lovely dual-sided collage art pendant that includes a vintage button and metal charm. Even the inside is paper - layers of gessoed junk mail are glued together to form a solid block. 

 

Vintage lovers will also appreciate these Sewing Pattern Earrings that Jennifer collaged from old patterns along with illustrations cut from pattern envelopes. Like the pendant, they feature a different design on the reverse side. [edit: This pair has sold, but contact her via the shop link as perhaps she can make you a similar pair.]

 

There are many more choices in her shop and she is on Instagram, @twicetoldstudio. 

 

 

Rosie Schinners of Arco & Iris Design (the name is derived from the Spanish word for rainbow, arcoiris) in Salt Spring Island, Canada is a jewelry and collage artist.

 

 

If you love quirky jewelry, Rosie's recycled newsprint paper pulp pieces will fit perfectly into your wardrobe. Each step is done by hand, from the making of paper clay to applying decorative papers from around the world. The chunky spring green hoops feature green printed lokta paper from Nepal. Cat lovers will delight in the cute teal and gold lokta paper earrings. 

 

See more in the shop and on Instagram, @arcoandirisdesign.

 

 

Elena Carey of Folkloric Jewelry in Brooklyn, New York creates small batch ephemeral jewelry with high quality materials. These light and pretty dragonfly dangle earrings feature resin-protected paper as well as kyanite and turquoise stones.

Hand marbled peacock paper from Italy is the focus of this unusual pendant necklace. Elena drilled tiny holes in the resin-coated paper disc through which she stitched fine gold fill wire to attach gleaming garnet gemstones. The bronze chain coordinates with the paper stitching beautifully.

Elena's website is Folkloric Jewelry and she also has an Etsy shop, Shop Folkloric. She is on Instagram, @folkloricjewelry. 

 

Paper Jewelry Japan was featured on this blog in 2020, but is showing so many new designs I just have to include the shop in this post too. The company originated when exclusive designer Chihiro Furugen developed a metal allergy that led to making jewelry that all women can wear with peace of mind. 

 

 

Before the company's launch more than a decade ago, much deliberation went into selecting the ideal water-resistant, flexible paper that would hold up to wear despite the fine cuts. Even the necklace hooks are made of paper, while pierced earring hooks are resin.

 

Paper Jewelry Japan is on Instagram, @paperjewelry_japan.

 

Stay tuned as I have another group of fabulous paper jewelry designers on my radar who I look forward to featuring soon. [Edit: And now here is Part II.]

 

 

 

All Things Paper is an AWIN (Etsy) affiliate.