By Miriam Beloglovsky
With the instability of prices affecting the precious metals market and the skyrocketing costs of jewelry making supplies, learning how to make paper jewelry has become an interesting and inviting alternative. Paper Jewelry offers versatility and the opportunity to contribute to a green economy by recycling materials readily available at home.
The main question to ask as you learn how to make paper jewelry is how to transform the material into a high fashion and artistic medium. With this in mind, selecting papers that have intricate artistic designs can make a difference in your work. Learning to fold the paper integrating origami into the design will also enhance the jewelry you make.
Paper has been used widely by contemporary jewelry artist. They have integrated it into their work in a variety of ways; from casting to folding, from cutting to creating three dimensional forms. Many artists have made their own papers from recyclable materials and others use recycled paper to create their work. The possibilities are endless.
Learning how to make paper jewelry includes finding different ways of making the jewelry permanent and sustainable. Laminating and using different lacquers to protect it are just two of the many solutions available. When you laminate paper in increases its thickness and adds support. You can laminate the paper using other materials such as linen and other fabrics. When using glue to laminate you need to rub the paper with a soft cloth to smooth the paper and prevent buckling.
Paper is fairly easy to work with and can be cut and scored with a craft knife. Once you have cut the paper, you can use the knife handle to score the paper which will make it easier to fold. You can always use tape to reinforce a fold.
Learning how to make paper jewelry can also save you time and money. You can create prototypes of your jewelry designs before you execute them in metal.
Integrating stamping into paper jewelry can bring dimensionality and interest to a piece. You can use the jewelry design stamps on the paper once it has been laminated to create intricate designs. You can also use the stamps with inks of different colors to add interest to a piece of jewellery.
Paper can be combined with silver, copper, wood, by stitching, riveting and gluing. Paper can be made into beads that can be combined with other gemstones to create Bohemian Jewelry. The main thing is to be creative and let your imagination run wild.
Papers from Japan can help you achieve that high fashion look when learning how to make paper jewelry. The beautiful patterns found on Chiyogami are inspired from kimono textile motifs and feature breathtaking designs from nature. Many of the Japanese papers feature both antique and contemporary patterns of plum blossoms, lotus, lilies, bird cranes, and other motifs that embody metaphor of good fortune, bountiful long life and elegant grace. Thus Japanese paper jewelry is worth investing in because of their symbolic values.
A wet sheet of paper can be pressed into a mold. Once the paper dries it retains the shape of the mold. Paper can be soaked into a liquid made of water and glue or it can be made into a pulp and then presses into the mold. This formed paper shapes can then be used a cabochons and bezel st into silver or copper metal.
Learning how to make paper jewelry has also helped many impoverish communities to generate income. Women in Uganda have been creating beads out of recycled paper and selling them in the 'Fair Trade Market." This has allowed them to become self reliant and to support themselves and their families.
To learn more about jewelry making visit theartofmakingjewelry.com
Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques - A Resource Guide for Artist and Designers. This website was created to share information about the art of making jewelry with other jewelry artist and designers.
