Wednesday 14 March 2012

Symbolism vs Tax


You know, I try to blog at least once a week but I see that I have somehow missed a week without realising it.  Could be because we are still waist deep (we were neck deep so at least there has been some improvement) in end of year financials here.  Moving on …




I listed some earrings for the first time in my etsy shop this week.  I have avoided making earrings for such a long time – it’s not because I don’t like them, I think it's more because I hate making things I can't see myself wearing.  I had my ears pierced when I was quite little. Years of wear have stretched the holes, so now I only wear very lightweight or small hoops (sorry, I know that’s a bit gross).  I’m also conscious that some people, including me, can have a pretty nasty adverse reaction to non precious metals.   But, I field tested a pair I made using copper wire and was pleasantly surprised to find I had no reaction to it at all (I know some people are allergic to copper though).  Ideally, I’d use sterling but it’s just so ridiculously expensive – maybe plate might be an option.


My work is still tending towards the tribal.  I haven't listed the above piece in the shop yet, but I'm very happy with the way it turned out  - after several remakes!  In its first iteration I used a textile necklace, but it looked all out of balance and I much prefer the braided leather.   I added the dangly side pieces (trade bead tassel and bedangled cotton reel) after much debate, again it was a question of getting the balance, look and feel, right.  I've decided to call it 'Nomad' as it was inspired by one of my salt bags which has lots of trinkets woven into the fringe.

Talking of textiles, I dug out my old inkle loom this week and, when I’ve got the energy, I thought I’d try  and make some woven strips for necklaces.   A few years ago I was very into tablet weaving – you can create some fantastic patterns.  It is incredibly time consuming though.  I've also got an Ashford table top loom (simple one-heddle) and thought I might have a crack at weaving some wrist cuffs in very plain colours, perhaps grey, which I can then embellish with bits and pieces.  I've completely forgotten how to warp both looms so will have to look online for some advice.

I’m reading another very interesting book I picked up in a junk shop - Magic Symbols by Frederick Goodman.  Again, I should stress in the interest of transparency, I am a sceptic and not at all a believer in these things.  I do however, find symbolism completely fascinating – it’s like a code (and no, in case you are wondering I am really not a fan of Dan Brown, I pretty much loathe the Da Vinci Code). This book explains the origin and meanings of such symbols as the Ouroboros.  It’s incredibly detailed and I have to admit to wondering whether the author has made some of it up!

‘til next time



10 comments:

  1. I love your earrings, the combination of textures and materials is stunning. What is that big piece that you've wrapped? Shell? I'm gonna have a look at your shop see if there's any description. ... wow loom weaving! You're a multi talented lady :)

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    1. Thanks so much. I'm taking an educated guess that they are abalone shell - certainly looks like it - as the bracelet came from a thrift store. I think most of my best finds come from digging through boxes on the floor of charity shops. Kate

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  2. these pieces are beautiful. i look forward to seeing your woven creations. i have been wanting a loom - very costly. i have to stick to macramé by hand for now.

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    1. I reckon some of the most beautiful weaving (particularly tribal weaves) is done on a simple backstrap loom - they are very easy to knock together from cheap bits and pieces. I've got a great book on backstrap weaving I found in a thrift store which I'd be happy to give you. Convo me if you are interested and I can pop it in the post.

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  3. Everything here is extraordinary... I love all of them. taxes suck. We've finsished ours.

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    1. Finished - yay - even got a tiny tax return. Suppliers of etsy, here I come ...

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  4. Beautiful, I love the detail and found objects in Nomad and those blue beads in the earrings. Woven cuffs would be really cool.

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    1. Thanks so much. I've just finished weaving my first cuff, it's still on the loom so not totally sure how it's turned out yet.

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  5. Ha ha, I wonder if that's why I haven't made many earrings either - I have the same baggy ear thing going on! Wow, you should definitely be making more though, as these ones are wonderful! I adore Nomad as well, and the cuffs sound very exciting. Much better than doing taxes!

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  6. Thanks Petra - I've been so distracted with weaving that I haven't made any more earrings yet. By the way I absolutely love your little amphoras (actually I don't think that's the right spelling of the plural, oh well).

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