In 19 days we will celebrate January 1st, 2018.  My how time flies!  I look forward to a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.  It is my sincerest hope that you all will enjoy the same.

2017 has been a good year!  Sales at Anne Gregory Jewelry have been regular, projects have been continuous in development and my ongoing study of metalsmithing has kept me inordinately busy.  I'm fortunate to have the opportunities I do!

I'm also fortunate to have met some fabulous people through my eCommerce pursuits.  It's to all of you, my dear customers, cheerleaders and contributors, that I dedicate this year-end blog post.  Without your ceaseless enthusiasm, kind words and patronage, I would not be able to satisfy my addiction for creativity in all things jewelry.  So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything!  May we continue to meet in cyberspace and warm each other's hearts!

Happy holidays!

Anne Gregory

Stores:

  AnneGregoryJewelry.com
  AnneGregoryJewelry.Etsy.com

Social:

  Twitter.com/AGregoryJewelry

  AnneGregoryJewelry.Tumblr.com
  AnneGregoryJewelry.Blogspot.com
  Facebook.com/AnneGregoryJewelry

  Flickr.com/photos/AnneGregoryJewelry
  Pinterest.com/agjewelry04/anne-gregory-llc

I was recently contacted by a fellow beading artist, Janine Learner, regarding photos I took for an item listed in my Etsy shop. She found these photos, amongst others, in use on another mass-marketing jewelry site. The pictures were of a jewelry set I created from a tutorial Janine sold me in the recent past. Janine takes an active interest in the use of her patterns and tutorials and, therefore, was able to easily recognize my work and pictures. I was understandably upset to view my artwork on a third-party website without my permission. I emailed the outfit immediately and requested they remove my photos from their unethical website, but to no avail.

The internet is a powerful marketing tool for products of all kinds and relies on great photography to drive sales. Piracy of these great photos has become rampant in recent years because it’s not only easy, but seemingly a victimless crime. Fraudulent mass-marketing sites use stolen photos to sell counterfeit–and, likely, non-existent–products to unsuspecting customers who have little ability to obtain refunds for items not received.

Photo piracy is a devilish problem to surmount, but we can take measures to make it harder for freebooters to succeed. Using digital watermarks is a start in that direction.  I began watermarking my jewelry images by using digital text overlay (with very little opacity so as not to impact the artwork) but I’ve since learned pirates can either crop or retouch the watermark with simple editing tools and insert their own. Now, I allow the watermark to intrude onto important parts of my images (using bold, legible typeface) making cropping and/or retouching the photos a lot harder to do.

Digital watermark protection is not a 100% guarantee photos will not be pirated but it’s certainly a huge step toward prevention. I urge my fellow artists to use strong digital watermarking as a preemptive measure. Not only will it protect our photos, but it will help thwart fraudulent sales to unsuspecting customers who happen onto illicit mass-marketing sites.

For more information on watermarking, read Bob Gallivan’s blog post (American Kumihimo Society website) here:  Bob Gallivan Blog Post

Pirated Photographic Artwork:  Anne’s Blog

Pirated Photos:  Peacock Beaded Kumihimo Jewelry Set

Visit my Etsy shop here:  AnneGregoryJewelry.Etsy.com

Trichinopoly Viking Knit

Since my last post, I have learned a new and exciting weaving technique which serves to broaden my educational journey in jewelry fine arts; it's called Viking Knit, or Trichinopoly Chainwork.

As the name would imply, Viking Knit or, circular knitting, was an art form practiced by the Norse in the 8th and 9th centuries to create jewelry and clothing articles from both metal wire and cloth fibers. The objects they created were used for utilitarian purposes and self-adornment but it was mercantile interests that helped fuel production.

Archeological digs (Anglo-Saxon Norse, Byzantine, Greek and Roman) have unearthed artifact hoards from as far back as the 1st century B.C.E.  An 8th-9th century silver paten (plate) was unearthed (along with 4 other metalwork pieces, including the famous Derrynaflan Chalice) at the site of what was once an early Irish abbey near Killenaule, County Tipperary, Ireland. The rim of this ancient vessel contains lovely Trichinopoly chainwork. Photos and additional information can be found at the following reference derived from James Graham-Campbell's book called, The Viking-age Gold and Silver of Scotland (AD 850-1100):

The Viking-age Gold and Silver of Scotland (AD 850-1100)

Viking Knit jewelry has been excavated from the burial sites of both men and women. Dress and hair pins were frequently found along side female skeletons, while neck chains carrying pendants depicting Norse nomenclature (axe head, Thor's Hammer, etc.) were found in gravesite's containing male bones. Today's Viking Knit jewelry is decidedly unisex in nature.

I began the hook and loop-type weave using a 36-inch length of wire and an existing wood dowel. But in my travels around the internet, I happened to come across a plastic gadget that was reported to be the latest and greatest for wire weaving, I purchased the Lazee Daizee (patent pending by Stephanie Eddy) and went to work creating wire rope in varying colors. I still wasn't sure I had hit on the best apparatus for wire weaving so I went back to the web and found there was another gizmo called Viking Knit Tool that was being used by a few good artisans. It, too, was a long, round wood dowel but with a plastic laminated exterior (patent pending by Barbara Gumeson) and, to my surprise, it is now my go-to rod of choice.

There are many fabulous people around the world creating Viking Knit Jewelry. Irene From Peterson wrote a splendid book called, Great Wire Jewelry. It got me from A to Z with the weaving technique. Lora-Lynn Stevens wrote an excellent research paper on Trichinopoly Chainwork. And British artist, Abbey Hook, sells a wonderful tutorial on Etsy called "Viking Knit Chain". It was her instructions on "how to add new wire" that allowed me to step up to the level required to begin selling my Viking Knit jewelry. Here are some links for reading if you're interested:

Irene From Peterson:  Great Wire Jewelry

Lora-Lynn Stevens:  Trichinopoly Chainwork

Abby Hook:  Viking Knit Chain Tutorial

Barbara Gumeson:  Viking Knit Tool

With so many good artists on the web creating and selling fabulous Viking Knit, I wondered whether they switched (like I had, innitially) from using a wood dowel to some new-fangled contraption like the Lazee Daizee (which I found to be pricey and more gimmicky with its flat sides than practical). They had not. In fact, to a person, the wood dowel is the rod of choice.

Here are some photos to enjoy:

Viking Knit:  Blue Artistic Wire Still on the Wood Dowel.

Viking Knit:  Just Taken off  the Wood Dowel but Prior to Pulling through the Drawplate.

Viking Knit:  After Pulling through the Drawplate.

Dragon Head Viking Knit Silver Bracelet


Viking Knit 16-inch Neck Rope

Adventures in Kumihimo

I've been feeling guilty about not writing blog posts in a more timely fashion. My excuse this month, however, allows me to feel a tad less delinquent:  I've been learning Kumihimo using a Marudai. What great fun! Many of you may be familiar with kumihimo but I'd like to offer a brief introduction for those of you who are not.

Kumihimo is the ancient art of cord braiding. Though the techniques were used by many cultures worldwide, the word has largely come to represent the textile traditions of Japan.

Historically, Kumihimo began around 645 A.D. But it wasn't until Buddhism (and the influence of other Chinese religions) was at its height during the Heian period (794 - 1185 A.D.) that cord braiding was elevated to its current functional status. Monks produced fine braids as a form of meditation. Their work was used extensively for temple interior decorations.

During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185 - 1573 A.D.) kumihimo demand soared. It was used to enhance armor for Samurai warriors and their horses. Braided ribbons were employed to wrap sword handles and to join leather and iron plates.

As the art form grew, so did the methods to produce it. Braiding stands became increasingly popular throughout the Orient. The equipment allowed for increased efficiency in the creation of more complex braids.

Braiding stands remain popular today in many parts of the world. The Marudai, in particular, is a favorite, among crafts people. It was introduced in the West during the 20th century.

The Marudai has a "stool-like" appearance. The Japanese version is made with solid wood (typically, hard maple). The top plate (kagami, or mirror) is velvety smooth and has a central hole where the finished braids are suspended with counterweights. The mirror is supported by 4 legs and a matching base plate.

My Western-style 26" (66 cm) Marudai

To create a braid, cords are wrapped around weighted bobbin's, or tama which hang freely around the mirror in specific locations. Quantity of tama and their positions on the mirror determine the type and complexity of the braid achieved.

70 gram Tama for the Marudai

It is said, Kumihimo takes a lifetime of practice and dedication. Why? Patterns worked on the Marudai require good technique and focused attention. Confidence and skill grow with practice.

Providing my eyesight doesn't fail me in old age, I look forward to a lifetime of continued practice and dedication using the Marudai.

Beaded Kumihimo by Anne Gregory

*Additional braiding stand photos can be found at Braid Society.

Does Color Matter?

Every year during New York Fashion Week, color experts from Pantone determine the hottest color trends for the up and coming fall jewelry season. And for the very first time, the range of tones identified for fall 2015, have a bona fide gender-neutral appeal. September will usher in a plethora of natural, bold, earthy hues that can be worn across men's and women's fashions. Some of the shades already being integrated into fall jewelry collections include:  sage, oak, cashmere, marsala, cadmium and amethyst, among others.

So I ask the question, "Does color matter?" In a word, yes! Color, as I wrote in a previous post, is integral to the human experience. It informs many of the choices we make daily. Our clothes and the jewelry we wear to embellish them make our bodies appear interesting and sexually attractive. Without proper color combining, jewelry especially would lack in vitality and be tremendously uninspiring. Color selection affects our minds and behaviors so it will, of necessity, make our lives more or less meaningful.

Attention to color trends was not my priority as a young adult. But with age (and what some would call fashion-sense maturity), color consideration has became increasingly important.
Recently, I made an unexpected visit to a satellite salon of a reputable national hair company. While I was receiving a brow wax, I was persuaded to stay for a much needed hair makeover.

The anticipated outcome was a return to my blonde roots but the gal mistakenly treated my hair a dark chocolate brown. Then (with my approval), she tried to lift the brown and ended up turning my hair a shockingly brilliant orange!

Three more attempts were made at blonde toning, but 9.5 hours later, I drove home in the dark with coppery orange/red hair.

Now let me say unequivocally, color consideration became paramount the next morning! What clothes do I wear? Are my purple-soled Nike's off limits? Is my salmon tank top too dull, or too bright? Should I change the blue bead in my necklace to white pearl?  So many questions!

You may ask, "Does she really dislike red hair?" Absolutely not! I have friends who enjoy some of the most gorgeous red hair ever to be seen.

The crux of the problem, as I realize it, is getting used to viewing my head in the mirror with something other than flaxen blonde strands. And because I wasn't emotionally prepared for the sudden change to orange/red hair, I had no point of reference for color coordinating clothes.

So, what's next on the agenda? I have a hair dresser lined up to help return my hair to its original blonde. (I admit, my ego received a serious blow at the hands of the supposed professional.) But until or unless she can effect change, does color still matter?

Not so much! Time has passed. I'm wearing what I please, and I just happen to have one of the most gorgeous dogs on the planet who also happens to have coppery red hair... WE LOOK ALIKE! Yes, Mango and I share the same gorgeous hair color! What more could a dog-loving person ask for?

So, here's to sweet Mango and our matching coppery red hair!

I will be posting a photo of Mango and I together soon!

Does Color Matter?

As someone who crafts salable art jewelry, I am often referred to, and by others, as "artist". The dictionary describes an artist as a person who practices or provides one of the various creative arts. I have never had an issue being called artist, but then, I've never given the matter much thought either.

I was watching a documentary one recent evening when I became interested in comments made by the accomplished Japanese sculptor, Etsuro Sotoo. He referred to stone, the medium of his craft for the last 37 years, as his master. His stone carvings, he said, are brought to life by the stone itself. He refers to stone as his machine, his heart, his teacher.
Rather than create art, Sotoo said he copies art. He copies nature. And he takes no credit for sculpture design because the design for everything already exists. The design for every thing exists in nature. And nature is perfect!

Immersed in thought later, I realized how profound Etsuro Sotoo's comments were. Nature is teacher. Everything we do has been taught us by nature. And, yes, nature is perfect! The dictionary describes nature as the phenomenon wherein features and other products are brought forth by the earth, as opposed to humans. These earthly creations include plants, animals, landscapes. etc.

Nature teaches me about love, about love of art. Nature teaches me about creation, about love for all creation. Whenever I feel happy, I will often take a photo of my surroundings, a photo of a beautiful flower, a gorgeous landscape, a photo of my dogs, my family or friends. Why do I take photos when I am happy? Because all of those amazing beings and creatures are a reflection of nature. They are nature. And nature is perfect.

Today, I put the finishing touches on a beautiful bracelet. I called it Morning Glory Bracelet because I wanted the jewelry to reflect the beauty that is the natural, sun-loving Morning Glory flower. It is perfect.

As a child, and later as a young adult, I was never fond of antiques. They often held a musty smell and were not of pristine condition (a requirement, I guess, for a young, uncultured mind)!

We had a marvelous antique establishment in my home town prior to college (I didn't think so at the time). And anytime I would tour the store with visiting relatives, I literally couldn't wait to get back outdoors to breathe fresh air.

In middle age, however, I have come to appreciate the artistic value of historic collectibles.

I recently acquired two Vintage Beaded Purses from the estate of my husband's family. The age of these reticule's (as they were once called) is at least turn of the century.

Despite the understated appearance of the vintage purses, there is something in viewing that stirs my heart. Perhaps it is the experience of satisfaction the creators might have enjoyed with the fulfillment of ambition. My sentiments, no doubt, are comparable in achievement.

In my visual pursuit of online classic memorabilia, I developed a healthy enthusiasm for vintage chain maille purses. So much so, in fact, I decided to create two impressions of my own:  the Victorian Gate Mesh Chatelaine Purse and the Silver Mesh Chain Maille Coin Purse.

Victorian Gate Mesh Chatelaine Purse

Silver Mesh Chain Maille Coin Purse

The stainless steel jump rings used in the purses were tumbled and polished prior to assembly. Stainless steel is strong, dependable and satiny smooth to the touch. It is a great medium for vintage-inspired purses.

I hope to add future chain maille purse styles to my repertoire in the near future.

Here's to dreamy dreams and beaded/chain maille visions!