Paper & Resin

Trying to free up some space around the house I came across a giant box of photos. It was such a wide range of embarrassing, yet youthful images of me. Everything from being the AquaNet soaked walking fire hazard with blue mascara and an oversized string of pearls, to the poodle-permed, acid-washed denim everything, to the grunge flannels, combat boots and purple hair. I wish I could say those were from costume parties, but in my diluted teenaged mind I was stylin’. You’d think my parents would have tried to stop me, but I think they were too busy trying not to laugh at my appearance.

Perhaps that’s how Facebook came about. Just think of it, you have a giant box of embarrassing, yet highly entertaining photos of old friends. You just want to share the laughter, right? Well, what better way than to post all those hilarious images of your friends. Note I didn’t say photos of yourself – those usually get posted by your friends trying to share in the hilarity. But those “friends” weren’t ever known for their comedic style and come to think of it, you’re not sure why you would have ever hung out with such an un-funny bunch of people like that in the first place. But then seeing your photo with the stir-up leggings, oversized shirt and giant silver chain belt – perhaps it’s a small miracle anyone still talks to you after all.

The majority of my jewelry from this period in my life has gone to that big jewelry box in the sky, but I used to love bracelets, the more the better. Half of my arms would be covered in a multitude of colorful jellies, or dozens of cheap metal bangles, or when I could sneak it from my mom’s dresser, a vintage turquoise and brass cuff (although looking at it now, it is a bit reminiscent of the Wonder Woman cuff). Then right around college I stopped wearing most jewelry, but now ...mumble, mumble... years later, I am rediscovering and embracing my giant and colorful jewelry past. This year I’ve been letting some of those past memories guide me on my experiments with colored tissue paper and resin. Here are a few early samples of the bracelets and earring sets to come...