Pipe Jewellery
The idea of re using and reclaiming materials is very much
my intention for this project. Taking a product that has a history and re
inventing it into a new modern functional piece of jewellery is extremely
exciting for me.
I have previously worked with broken clay pipes designing
and making jewellery for sale, which as inspired me to develop the idea of
using different materials in this manner.
I had discovered the broken pipes during a visit to the Tate
Modern Gallery, London, having walked along the beach of the River Thames, I
stumbled across broken pieces of Victorian Clay Pipes scattered along the
water’s edge.
The pipes originated
from the 15th century onwards and were clay pipes that when they had
been used was discarded into the river.
(All Pipe Jewellery designed and made by Sam Ellis)
The jewellery designed was simple and made to a good
quality.
The pipes were cleaned, sorted into specific sizes and
threaded and knotted onto leather. The leather cost £2.00 per 5 metre roll and
the pipes were free, excluding the time to make, which for simple designs was
approx 15mins, a bracelet sold for £12.00, which I sold x15 to x20 by
recommendation.
As the photographs shows, I designed and made different
bracelets and necklaces, keeping to the concept of making the designs simple,
but looking modern and to a high quality.
The intention with my current project is to utilise what I
have learnt from the Manchester Metropolitan Design Shows research, visiting
the different sales retailers and the experience I gained working with the pipe
jewellery to make jewellery from a re useable/ reclaimed material.
During a recent visit to the East Coast I found the ideal
material to work with. It showed history, was able to be reclaimed and could be
worked into making simple, bespoke jewellery.
The material was Whitby Jet, which I found on the beaches of
Robin Hoods Bay. I loved the connection to the pipe jewellery, as I was reclaiming
the jet and could take the product in its different sizes, shapes and make
stunning jewellery.
The black colour of the jet shouted out quality and I was
excited to learn how to work with this material.
Having worked with clay pipes, I thought it was important to
choose a different material such as Whitby jet to work with to enhance my design
and make skills.
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