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Alternative Materials Category
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Oak Island
Artist: Kristina Johannson (Båstad, Sweden)
Polly's Picks, Alternative Materials
“I love alternative materials, so it was no surprise I entered in this category. Also, I wanted to show what can be made using alternative, natural materials, after reading that you didn't get many entries in these categories. With this set – consisting of necklace, bracelet and ring – I wanted to do something with a rough and earthy feel, emphasizing the pirate theme. When I first saw the pirate skull in the catalog supplement, the inner child in me knew I should buy this bead. It was far from the crystals, porcelain, glass and metal I normally use. Perhaps best suited for a little boy's necklace, but I wanted to do more with it... This winter I came up with a design and placed an order, hoping it would arrive in time for me to meet the deadline. When I first got the turquoise heishi, I was a bit disappointed at how much brown there was in them, but I then realized it would help give the jewelry a look of patina. I then just had to ream out all the beads used to fit the cord. Apart from the design process, this was the major part of making the set. ... The knots, which I experimented with in different ways before settling for this version, were used to add interest and texture. They are originally so called 'good luck knots.' I don't know why, but already when coming up with pirate theme I knew I wanted leather knots in the pieces. As it would be too much to push two cords through the beads, the second cord used in the knots was added to the small knots holding the heishi beads. A small dab of glue was used to secure the ends in the knots ... I named the set "Oak Island" after the myths surrounding the Oak Island Treasure. Other names I had in mind were Piratika (after Tanith Lee's book) and Johnny, or Jack, after the one and only Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow (drool).” – Kristina Johannson
Review the 2007 contest details to see what this contestant was up against. And remember, it’s never too early to start planning for the 2008 contest!
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