What's Old is New Again?
My previous post was titled "What Goes Around, Comes Around" and offered a glimpse of my ventures to revisit jewelry design after spending many years in academia and the world of painting. I haven't abandoned either of those, just feeling a bit nostalgic for the hammers and tools of the workbench.
As I have been pulling out packed jewelry supplies, I came across a carton of laminate chips better known as Formica samples. Speaking of nostalgia, some of you know my father was a residential builder so we always had a plethora of paint chips, charts, sample books, catalogues, plan books, material specs, and fixture catalogues. I guess that had an impact on my never ending interest in materials !!
Laminate samples are about 3 X 2" and held together by brass ball chains. Unable to throw out something this good, I kept them thinking there would be a time when I would need these. Many are from the 1960's and some of you will be reminded of a former kitchen table or countertop while others will see connections to contemporary graphics and color palettes influenced by the retro effect. Reviewing the the design names reminds me of the time of George and Jane Jetson, with names like Envy Daisy, White Gold Satellite, Green Irish Linen, Neutra Fantasia Marble, Nougat Grey, Island Drift Wood, Tawny Walnut, Golden Buckskin, and Blonde Marble. Several of the brand names and manufacturers are included with the most recognized as Formica, and also Wilson Art and Micarta.
I have been using acrylic (known as Lucite or Plexiglas) in many of my new jewelry designs, so when I came upon this carton of laminate chips I realized it was finally time to use this bounty. Below I share with you examples of the vintage laminate material and then examples of how I am incorporating it into the jewelry.
Enjoy !
As I have been pulling out packed jewelry supplies, I came across a carton of laminate chips better known as Formica samples. Speaking of nostalgia, some of you know my father was a residential builder so we always had a plethora of paint chips, charts, sample books, catalogues, plan books, material specs, and fixture catalogues. I guess that had an impact on my never ending interest in materials !!
Laminate samples are about 3 X 2" and held together by brass ball chains. Unable to throw out something this good, I kept them thinking there would be a time when I would need these. Many are from the 1960's and some of you will be reminded of a former kitchen table or countertop while others will see connections to contemporary graphics and color palettes influenced by the retro effect. Reviewing the the design names reminds me of the time of George and Jane Jetson, with names like Envy Daisy, White Gold Satellite, Green Irish Linen, Neutra Fantasia Marble, Nougat Grey, Island Drift Wood, Tawny Walnut, Golden Buckskin, and Blonde Marble. Several of the brand names and manufacturers are included with the most recognized as Formica, and also Wilson Art and Micarta.
I have been using acrylic (known as Lucite or Plexiglas) in many of my new jewelry designs, so when I came upon this carton of laminate chips I realized it was finally time to use this bounty. Below I share with you examples of the vintage laminate material and then examples of how I am incorporating it into the jewelry.
Enjoy !
Now, see how I am integrating laminate into the jewelry!
Check out my jewelry ventures on Instagram, Facebook and the web Jane Nodine Jewelry.
Feel free to email or message me if you see an item you wish to purchase. I will be glad to post it in the store section of my website !
