These accessories come as a merge between a ceramic project that I was working on, called Spoonfool, and my interest in quirky statement jewelry.
The first pieces were crafted for a Romanian holiday called Martisor, which marks the beginning of spring, on March 1st. On this day men and women traditionally wear red and white brooches with flowers or jewels, or other accessories made of white and red yarn such as bracelets. What I found heartbreaking about these objects is that they are usually disposable and more often than not made and sold quite cheaply, as a one-time token of attention before being taken off the next day never to be worn again or repurposed.
So I wanted to break this pattern and make solid and unique accessories that were red and white themed, but which could stand on their own as fashion-forward brooches and could be worn all year round without looking like a costume. This is my take on a modern, classy and original Martisor.
All pieces were made of limoges porcelain — a very fine a noble material with a silky smooth surface and a pleasing, off-white color. All weavings and tassels were made of either cotton thread or wool yarn. I used some neutral colors such as beige, gray and ecru to provide a medium for white and red to pop.
Some pieces have almost anatomical shapes, others are of a more geometric kind. All of them were built to support a glueless copper wire closure or a pin, as well as the yarn elements.
Pictures above, as well as copper wire closures by Claudiu Stefan
All pieces successfully sold out on the first day of sales
I hope they are being enjoyed and worn by their owners ^_^
Above photo: Radu Pădurean
Thank you!
