What color better defines summer days than blue? As we look forward to azure skies and warm, turquoise waters, now is an ideal time to treat yourself to a new piece or two of paper jewelry to welcome the season... it will be here before we know it! There's a shade of blue for everyone, no matter whether you're drawn to cool or warm tones.
Elizabeth Avakian: Abstract Shine
Elizabeth Avakian of Elizabeth Avakian Art in Maryland creates colorful abstract paintings, often with a bit of sparkle. Sometimes
she turns these pieces into eye-catching jewelry, like glossy earrings that
are composed of painting segments adhered to wooden shapes and coated for durability.
Liz's
art pendants are similarly made and each arrives with an 18" stainless
steel necklace chain. In addition to her Etsy shop, you can explore more on Instagram at @elizabeth_avakian_art.
Jen Smith: Cyanotype Stories
Jen Smith, a photo and jewelry artist based in Western Massachusetts, draws inspiration from nature. This Cyanotype Nature Necklace - her first large jewelry piece made from her own photographs - was included in a juried exhibition at the Vermont Center
for Photography.
Jen also crafts paper rings featuring her photographic nature prints. Her Etsy shop, Jen Smith Shop, offers custom photo rings, pendants, charms, and accessories. Her work has been exhibited
at The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Smithsonian Craft Show, and was featured in Martha Stewart Living magazine. She is on Instagram, @JenSmithStudio.
Dash of Japan: Playful Mizuhiki
Blueberry lovers unite! Yuki of Etsy shop Dash of Japan in Jacksonville, Florida offers over 400 styles of handwoven mizuhiki paper cord earrings and hair accessories. In addition to fruit motifs, you'll find floral drops and even coi and jellyfish!
Cat lovers, how purrrrfectly adorable are these tiny felines? Yuki uses authentic Japanese mizuhiki paper cord to create items that are beautiful examples of the ancient art. Prefer clip-on earrings? Several styles are available.
Japan Lany: Knots and Blossoms
Another mizuhiki artist, Ai of Etsy shop
Japan Lany in Hungary, crafts beautiful paper earrings that blend tradition and whimsy. The "Wind of Petals" pair features classic mizuhiki knots with painted floral glass accents.
Her pearlized earrings showcase two-tone cords. Mizuhiki is made from rice paper that's tightly twisted, starched, and colored - and sometimes even infused with thin strands of silk or Mylar. Originally, mizuhiki was used to tie up the hair of samurai.
Because the
website is in Hungarian, I suggest shopping on Etsy,
Japan Lany, (free delivery to the U.S.) or via Instagram direct message,
@JapanLany.
Naoko Yoshizawa: Paper + Silver
Naoko Yoshizawa, (
@naoko_art_jewellery on Instagram) based in Singapore, creates Japanese paper jewelry incorporating oxidized silver and hand-dyed finishes. This blue-toned necklace is especially striking.
A hand dyed flower brooch with an oxidized silver stem and leaves, and petals in soft shades of blue and lavender, is a beauty too. Contact Naoko via Instagram DM to place an order.
Takara Designs: Statement in Recycled Layers
You won't believe the variety of bold art jewelry that Takara Beatheagudell of Takara Designs creates in Chicago in many different materials. These two contemporary necklaces, the Doves Kinetic and Basquiat, are composed of recycled paper shapes that are layered, graphic, and full of movement.
The accessories line she began forty years ago has expanded to include clothing, both of which are sold in her colorful Oak Park boutique. Takara also has an online shop at
Artful Home and is on Instagram,
@takaradesigns.
Creations by Karine: Paper Meets Brass
Karine
of
Creations by Karine in France handcrafts lightweight, stylish earrings that pair Japanese paper with modern bronze, brass, and wood elements. The
patterned papers are protected under a resin coating.
Let's Talk Blue
Which of these styles speaks to you? Let me know in a comment on Instagram,
@allthingspaper.
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