bracelets + bangles

Long Hexagonal Necklace (oxidised sterling silver, AUD $345) by Emma Sher

Melbourne jewellery designer Emma Sher currently has her work on display at the Charles Smith Gallery in Fitzroy (Melbourne). Emma's first solo exhibition is titled "Progression" and explores her gradual transformation from art & design student into professional jeweller. Each piece is a further refinement of what has been learnt from creating the piece that precedes it.

Triple Entwined Bangles (sterling silver, AUD $415) by Emma Sher

My favourite pieces from this collection use the geometric imagery of the crystal system of gems, along with facetted and flat stones. I love the play between 2D & 3D, and the delicate linework which sits beautifully within sterling silver.

Crystallized Cufflinks (AUD $245) by Emma Sher

Emma works from her studio in Collingwood (Melbourne), which she shares with three other jewellers. She first began designing jewellery in 2001, and studied Engineering Design (Jewellery) at TAFE before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Gold & Silversmithing at RMIT in Melbourne. She has exhibited work both nationally and internationally and was a finalist in the Kaiserman Jewellery Prize.

My Etched Heart Necklace (AUD $345) by Emma Sher

All of Emma's works are handmade - either one-offs or limited edition pieces. If there's something special you have in mind, she can also custom make pieces to order. The silver limited edition works (many of which are pictured here) can be made with either an oxidised or unoxidised finish, and can be created from yellow or white gold. The agate and freshwater pearl pieces are one-of-a-kind, and can be made to order with preferred colours and styles.

Triple Geometric Necklace (AUD $345) by Emma Sher

I REALLY love this piece, the "Triple Geometric Necklace". The repeated shape has a wonderful sense of balance. Although each shape is essentially flat, each would appear slightly different to the others depending on the curve of the body and the angle of viewing - like glimpsing different facets of the gem all at the same time.

Ladybug and Rose studs (AUD $100 - $480) by Emma Sher

The studs pictured above have been especially popular at the Progression exhibition. Most are priced under $200 too...
Pictured left to right are:
Ladybug Studs #1 - Sterling silver sapphire, diamond, AUD $160
Ladybug Studs #2 - Sterling silver sapphire, diamond, AUD $180
Ladybug Studs #3 - Sterling silver, sapphires, AUD $200
Rose Stud Earrings - Sterling silver, AUD $100
Rose Stud Earrings - 18ct Yellow gold, AUD $480

Oval earrings - sterling silver, freshwater pearls (left, AUD $225) and Oval earrings - sterling silver, pink tourmaline, 18ct yellow gold (right, AUD $345) by Emma Sher

Emma finds inspiration in her collection of organic, man-made, modern & vintage materials and objects. She uses precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold and silver as core materials and focusses on how the elements relate to one another. I love the gradients of pink tourmaline!

Aqua Agate Necklace (long, AUD $895) and Mauve Agate Necklace (double, AUD $875) by Emma Sher

See more of Emma Sher's work at www.emmasherjewellery.com or check out her blog at www.emmasherjewellery.blogspot.com. Emma's jewellery pieces can be ordered online, but please note that all prices listed here are valid for the duration of the exhibition, March 3rd - April 4th, 2009. Please contact Emma with any enquiries.

If you're in Melbourne, get along to the exhibition! Progression continues until April 4, 2009 at Charles Smith Gallery - 65 Smith St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, 3065.

Hey there Indie readers, Laura here!

Just thought I would check in with you all in the lead up to Christmas - in the midst of working hard I have suddenly realised that it's that time of year again!

Christmas is fast approaching - there is shopping to be done! Indie has some fantastic ideas for Chrissie gifts for those creative people in your life. Object has some FANTASTIC ideas too!!

In my last post I introduced you to our retail store Collect. If you have not visited us before, then now's the time.

We have so many ideas for Christmas gifts - it's a one stop shop!

Collect at Object, 2008

Let's start with some stocking filler ideas shall we? Bison offers ceramic vases, bowls and pourers in beautiful colours and sizes. (At the moment I own 3 pieces, but hoping to have more after the 25th!) Also, we have a range of Tjanpi baskets - funky woven pieces by Tjanpi desert weavers, Indigenous woman with an eye for detail. (Don't tell my Mum, but she's getting one of these!) We also have gorgeous items by Honor Freeman - her Warp and Weft series of ceramics are so popular, and there are more or her items coming in for Christmas!

left: Husque Bowls, Marc Harrison, Macadamia nut shell; right: Kenji Uranishi, beakers, porcelain with inlay

In jewellery, we have so many pieces to choose from. We have Dick + Dora jewellery, which includes the cute ABC brooches made from Tasmanian wood. We also have the iconic 'Bowling Arm' bracelet - these are bracelets made from actual cricket balls, and are rolling out the door fast!

For those special people, we also stock exquisite jewellery from Australia's leading jewellers. There are rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings that would tantalise any tastebuds - I am definitely hoping to add to my ever growing jewellery collection!

Brooke Johnston, Doily series, sterling silver, 2008

Alice Potter, Bye Bye Birdie series, sterling silver and laminate, 2008

As you know, in our gallery right now we are showing the Liz Williamson Living Treasures exhibition. For those people who would love to own their own Liz Williamson original, we have a selected range of Liz's "Woven in Asia" series, which are just sumptuous.

You don't have to go far for stationery either - we have a range of Christmas cards and tags by Poppies for Grace that you will fall in love with.

Collect is happy to gift wrap your purchases, with our original and funky gift wrap and ribbon. Waking up to a Collect package under the tree would be all your wishes come true (or mine at least!)

Have a delicious, decadent and delightful Christmas - I will see you again in the New Year!!

Your Objector, Laura

Come and Visit! 2008

(don't forget where we are! 417 Bourke Sreet, Surry Hills, 2010)

Hope Street Markets is on again tomorrow - in a brand new location at Paddington Town Hall. This wonderful event has gone from strength to strength over the last year or so & has collected a vast array of talent along the way!

Unique handmade jewellery by Raspberry Beret

Maggie Scardfield of Raspberry Beret creates unique jewellery pieces which each have a story to tell. Her collection of handmade, custom designed jewellery combines vintage & antique findings with semi precious stones, swarovski crystals, oversized chain and freshwater pearls. A few of her designs are pictured above & many more will be on display tomorrow!

Bronze & silver jewellery by Claire Suzy Stannard

Claire Suzy Stannard creates unique, striking jewellery & accessories utilising white bronze, feathers, leather & sterling silver. See more at www.clairesuzystannard.com or visit her stall at tomorrow's markets.

Pictures & fashion by Smitten by Stephanie

Smitten by Stephanie is the cutest! Stephanie creates all sorts of goodies - pictures, fashion, shiny things, soft stuff, jewellery & toys. She finds her inspiration in shiny things, rainbows, love poems, art, pop, ice cream, sad clowns, underworld, mythology, music boxes, crystals and kittens. Definitely one not to be missed!

Well, I didn't have any luck on the horses this Melbourne Cup, but I did find a trifecta of horse-themed goodies to lift the spirits! The Stallion Cuff (above, AUD $78) from Fuzz Design Workshop is bold & beautiful. Made from cast pewter and formed acrylic, this galloper can certainly make the distance.

The etched wooden Hobby Horse brooch pictured above is from popular local label Allira (AUD $35). This young filly shows talent (and a lovely wood grain) but may have trouble finding direction!

In third place is this burgundy bib top from Secret Squirrel Clothing featuring a stampede of brumbies on the front. A fine finish with optional belt detail. It is available for online purchase from YTBA for AUD $80.

Ku-türe is a new online store featuring one-off designer fashions, accessories & jewellery by a host of up & coming designers. Caroline Turner began Ku-türe as a fashion wholesale & PR agency based in Sydney. Her business aimed to give designers a voice in the very noisy fashion industry, and the Ku-türe online store was a natural progression. Each piece listed in the store is unique - not another one exists, so when you click on the "Own It!" button, you know you're purchasing something truly special. The talented lineup includes Ampersander, DavisEyes, Ghost & Lola, Homer & Plum, Psychoglam, Sandra Williams, Sassifras, She's Laughin, Tutu, and Jane Pollard - designer of the striking jewellery pieces pictured above.

Jane Pollard is a self-taught jeweller who has been making wearable objects for the past 12 years. Working with predominantly found objects, her jewellery incorporates a variety of interesting elements including 1920s - 1960s plastic, bakelite or glass buttons, buckles, glass beads, crystals and silk, velvet or vintage ribbons. She works from her Newtown studio in Sydney and regularly exhibits her work all around Australia. You'll find Jane Pollard jewellery for sale in gallery stores and high-end fashion outlets alike, and of course, online at Ku-türe!

The two Jane Pollard pieces pictured above are gorgeous examples of the current collection - bold, individual designs which speak for themselves. The Bracelet has been created from two tan buttons strung onto two strands of red Czech glass beads with a plastic button clasp. You can "own it" for AUD $90. The Lariat and Brooch are made from a vintage navy & white plastic buckle and vintage mother of pearl button, combined with red Czech glass beads for the lariat. A versatile piece, it can be worn as a short or long neckpiece, belt or bracelet. "Own it" for AUD $340... find it at www.ku-türe.com.

The concept behind the Soma Fashion web site is to bring together a number of talented Australian independent accessory designers and provide an online marketplace for their unique handmade designs. This magpie has collected a wonderful array of shiny baubles in the form of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, cuffs and exquisite leather bags - every piece is limited edition wearable art.