I love the simplicity and colors of the bangles created by Bronwen, aka
whizzbangle on etsy. I admire the simplicity, restraint, and lack of candy sprinkles. Amateur that I am, it's hard for me to resist the urge to throw in one too many ideas in an effort to be super-original.
However, as you can see from the whizzbangle shop, it is possible to make an impression without a ton of rhinestones, glitter, and candy.
What led you to take an interest in resin? What other materials have you enjoyed working with?
Resin was just something I saw on a TV segment while I was in hospital recovering from a hernia operation. They made bangles, I like wearing bangles. It was a natural progression.
Other materials I have used with resin include glitter and Pearl-ex powders as well as normal resin pigments. I have experimented with spice powders after making a batch of kasoundi (spicy tomato chutney) and seeing the colours of the turmeric and paprika and chilli as you measured them out. Coffee beans, beads, an old shirt, my falling apart Birkenstocks... I am really enjoying the creative challenge of making these inclusions work with resin and work as a bangle.
Why do you prefer to make bangles over other jewelery?
I have never liked to wear a watch, but I really like to wear bangles on my left arm. I think I like the way they respond with your activity, dancing wildly with big hand gestures, resting while you work at the computer, the odd 'clank' to remind you they are there.I've noticed a lot of resin artists/sellers on etsy and the web are in or come from Australia. Is there a particular reason that might be?
I can't think of any particular reason... Resin is an interesting medium that lends itself to many applications - from beads to pendants to bangles - and on a small scale. And maybe they saw the same segment on a lifestyle show that I did and thought "I can do that". Maybe there are others who saw the potential for resin drops and spatters all over their husband's workbench!?What kind of feedback do you get selling at the market, especially from "non crafty" types?
I get really good feedback from markets. I have set up my stall to be a bit "different", so people are intrigued. I think people like to touch the bangles, see the colours in sunlight (and twilight at one market), feel the clink/clank as they slide down your arm... all these things are missing from online selling, so I think a market stall really complements a site like etsy.
Do you feel that some people look upon resin as just plastic and not understand the value?
I find almost the opposite... polite scanning of my stall at first, but then when they discover they are RESIN bangles, polite looks turn predatory.Any other jewelers whose work you covet or admire?
I do like Dinosaur Designs. I hadn't heard of them until I got into making bangles myself, but the colours and shapes they use are fabulous.
WHIZZBANGLE on etsy.
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In other etsy news I joined a "team."
so I may be posting about that now and then.
Labels: jewelry
