Flora Refashioned - How to Make Jewelry Cast from Nature

Posted on January 03, 2013 by Barbara Polinsky | 2 Comments

This past summer I was contacted by the Editor of Belle Armoire Jewelry and asked to write an article about casting Jewelry from nature. Specifically, how to make coiled twig rings. What a thrill to see it in print! Bell Armoire is published by Stampington Publications who are known for fine magazines on crafting.

FLORA REFASHIONED

by Barbara Polinsky

Belle Armoire Jewelry, Winter 2013

Have you ever seen something ordinary yet so profoundly beautiful that you wish you could freeze the moment in time? What if you can alter that object and use it in a fresh way? I enjoy trying to blur these lines between reality, fantasy and time. I usually trip over my most interesting ideas and this is exactly what happened one spring afternoon. Just missing the cross-town bus, I decided to meander home through Central Park instead of waiting for the next bus. Enjoying the magnificence of the day and deep in thought, I heard a loud snap and looked down realizing that I had stepped on and broken a branch a branch. Picking up the very ordinary twig I imagined what it would look like turned into metal and embellished with gems.

Fast forward a few years, I’m so delighted with how this lucky find has taken on a life of its own. The likeness of those little twigs, from that sunny say are now being worn people around the world as Wedding Bands, Engagement Rings, Earrings and Bangles. Who would have thought that a walk in the park would have been SO inspiring? I would like to share with you how my one-of-a-kind wild botanical rings are made.

These examples happen to be more sculptural than wearable because the organic elements I choose here are pointy and sharp. If you would like them to be more wearable and sweater friendly, I suggest you select a smoother shape for the top element.

I learned how to make jewelry using traditional Metal Smithing techniques and I often approach design from this perspective because of my background. It is possible to create a similar ring in wax, metal clay or a combination of techniques and materials. The instructions here are merely a suggestion. I create very much the way I cook – by trying a little of this and a little of that and not following too many rules. Any way you choose to do it, I highly recommend starting this project with a walk in the park – you never know where it may lead you.

For more examples of our jewelry cast from nature, please click here.