Shortly after my epiphany mid-September, I came up with a new jewellery project idea for next year. Even though it’ll be very challenging, I’m really excited about it! Now, I just need some volunteers!
Project Name: Metamorphosis
Who: Me and you
What: I turn your old jewellery into new jewellery
Where: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
When: 2015 (I will need one volunteer per month – that’s 12 volunteers)
Why: Because recycling is important and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Waste not, want not…right? And honestly…what else were you planning on doing with those broken chains or random pieces of jewellery that were cool when you were 16?
How: Interested individuals will raid their jewellery boxes for old silver (or gold) jewellery (broken, don’t want it, bored of it, etc). We will meet in order for me to look over your jewellery and so that I can get to know you a little. Then I will design and make you a one of a kind piece. I will return to you whatever jewellery I don’t use. I will not tell you what I am making so you will have to trust me. In return for your trust, my labour will be free. I will also document the process from start to finish so that you know how your piece was made. Either way it’s a win win for you because you weren’t wearing the jewellery to begin with and your still getting it back, just in a new form.
Sample:
I voluntered my friend Eva in order to have a test sample for this project. She gave me a bag of silver to eventually melt into something new. I decided to play around with the silver she gave me to see what I could come up with.
Eva is a teacher: literally a hands-on job so she wears earrings and necklaces more than rings (although she also loves the latter). Her style and tastes are whimsically ecclectic.
This is what I made her.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
MAKING OF:
If you’re interested in being a volunteer for Metamorphosis, please read the following.
Agreement details:
We will need to meet at least two to four weeks before I start making your item. Why? To make sure we have enough materials. That means the process from start to finish could take eight to ten weeks.
During our meeting we will take an inventory and photos of what you give me (you will get a copy of the inventory list and photo before we part). You will then be able to track what you gave me and what I used. I will use said photo when I post the “making of” your item to this blog.
In the “making of” post, I will feature your first name and a brief description of why I chose to make you what I made you (eg. you don’t wear rings so I made you earrings, you like the colour blue because it reminds you of the ocean, etc). If there is a personal detail that will help me design something for you but you don’t want shared, you’ll have to let me know in advance.
The point of this project is to use items you already own. The only potential cost you may incur is if it’s absolutely necessary for me to add materials you don’t have. For example, some of the items you gave me aren’t actually silver so I have to supply you with some (unless you’re able to bring me more). I will notify you before I start your jewellery to see how you want to proceed. If after I start making your jewellery I decide to change my design and it requires I add a material you don’t have, I will incur the cost.
You leave your items with me at your own risk. Do not give me anything you might still wear if I don’t use it. I may accidentally break stones or melt everything if I can’t use parts of the items you originally gave me. The items you get back might be in the same condition or melted into a bar, wire, etc.
Lastly, I will need you to sign a friendly waiver when we first meet to make sure you’re clear on these details.
