Crochet

Last week, I came across the work of Nathan Vincent on Lost At E Minor. He creates 3D and 2D forms that question notions of masculinity and femininity. He does this by crocheting (a 'feminine' technique) traditionally masculine objects and symbols such as crushed beer cans and lawn mowers.

I really need to do something about learning how to crochet. Must buy Hookorama by Rachael Matthews.

Nerd Alert

Uni starts back in a couple of weeks and I've already started thinking about course work. I'm a nerd, I know. One of our units requires us to investigate a material that is not traditionally used in jewellery. So of course I've been ploughing through all my sewing boxes looking for ideas. I've also had a bit of a look at other jewellers who use textiles in their work.

Sally Collins is a Birmingham-based artist who incorporates textiles with metal work. I love how she uses the 'doily' silhouette with out making it look too prissy.

Another is Eva of Tinctory, a Czech artist living in the UK. She uses vintage and naturally dyed silk to smock wearable forms. They are almost a modern take on the Elizabethan collar.

My Obsession

While traipsing through Mount Lawley earlier this week, my doily addiction hit an all time low. I contemplated taking home a grotty crotchet blanket on the side of the road for verge collection, I even touched it. I'm one step away from becoming a crazy cat lady.

Doily

My heart skipped a beat when I discovered the Mega Doily from Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm starting to think that I may need to learn how to crochet...

Millinery

Always in the back of my mind, when I'm designing, I'm thinking of ways to incorporate my millinery skills. Often they emerge in my jewellery in subtle ways, but I would like to eventually think about the obvious connections between jewellery and millinery. I'm inspired by the work of milliner Justin Smith, and the way he thinks outside the traditional space that millinery sits on the body. I found it really interesting to listen to him discuss his work on The Guardian website - http://www.guardian.co.uk.

Australia Day

Thanks to Tuesdays festivities, some form of patriotism has stirred in me. I now feel a great need to purchase one of my favorite films, 'The Year My Voice Broke'. There is such a great feeling of nostalgia in this film - I love it!

Studio K

I love the cut out paper maps by Studio K featured featured on The Design Files. To me they seem almost like abstract lengths of lace - and a concept that could translate into metal.