Earlier this summer, I went to Guelph, Ontario's Art on the Street - a wonderful collection of artisans displaying and selling their wares on that hot, hot July day. I was delighted when I came across Nicole Gagnon who creates minimalist and often exotic wood jewelry for her Etsy store, NG Nicole Gagnon Wooden Designs.
What's different are the clever ways she uses the simple shapes to make contemporary style jewelry. She clearly loves the natural feel and look of wood. She said, "For my creations, I hand select the woods from my suppliers; always rummaging for the most interesting grains and colors. I often shop at specialty wood mills because I enjoy the unique richness of the exotic woods."
None of her wooden pieces are stained. Instead, Nicole uses the natural wood colors, sometimes making layered pieces as with her necklaces so the design is reversible. She finishes her designs with just a clear water based layer.
She takes advantage of light and dark wood colors. Some of my favorite designs are indeed her marquetry ones. I also like the way she teams up the warm wood with cold metal.
Nicole's shop is a delight to explore - great photographs and a wonderful set of shop process pictures which she also shared in her booth display. She also sent me a few more of her workshop.
An all round inspirational designer!
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
What's different are the clever ways she uses the simple shapes to make contemporary style jewelry. She clearly loves the natural feel and look of wood. She said, "For my creations, I hand select the woods from my suppliers; always rummaging for the most interesting grains and colors. I often shop at specialty wood mills because I enjoy the unique richness of the exotic woods."
 |
| Bloodwood and Pearl Earrings |
 |
| Ebony and Pearl Earrngs |
Nicole's shop is a delight to explore - great photographs and a wonderful set of shop process pictures which she also shared in her booth display. She also sent me a few more of her workshop.
 |
| Reversible Padauk and Ebony Geometric necklace |
 |
| Paudauk Wood and Aluminum Strip Cuff Links and Tie Pin |
 |
| Reversible Bloodwood and Poplar Geometric necklace |
 |
| Zebra Wood and Turquoise Earrings |
 |
| Walnut and Maple Earrings |
An all round inspirational designer!
Before You Go:
- How to Make Painted Wood Jewelry from Popsicle Sticks
- Easy Geometric Wood Earrings to Make
- How to Make Wooden Pendants Tutorials
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
You're not kidding she's an artisan!
ReplyDeleteNot many women work in wood!
I'd love to see her workshop. I just love to go to any store that sells wood. It automatically makes me want to start renovating! My mother was exactly the same way. There's something about the smell of it.
I was born in Guelph - and I long to see it again - the old stone houses - the grand old trees...is the crown still hanging over the square downtown Pearl?
Anyway - What a lucky find. I'm going to peruse her shop. That tie and cufflinks look like something my man would love to wear!
Thanks for this expose on a wonderful artisan! We have far too few of these!
Yes, you are right. Not many women work with wood. I just love her contemporary designs and the fact that she doesn`t stain the wood.
ReplyDeleteThat`s cool you were born in Guelph. It has a charming city center. I don`t think there is a crown hanging but then I didn`t look! I will check next time I am there!