The big, the bold and the colorful upcycled vinyl record earrings; my focus has been on the Funky! collection in the past weeks. My bet is that you’ve probably noticed from my IG feed. I find these just so fun to make as each pair is truly one of a kind. Here’s a glimpse of a few pairs that have recently been listed.
The iconic Polydor colors
They are big yet super light. “Woah but they are so light!” is a comment I get all the time. On top of that, the hooks are surgical steel, which is a nickel free and hypoallergenic material. No need to worry you with sensitive ears out there!
Let these quirky dangle earrings become your new power accessory. If you like dressing in a monochromatic fashion -I do-, a pair of these is sure to add that quirky touch of color to your outfit. Quirky and powerful, what else can you possibly want. Well, apart from peace in this wild world.
Look at that black and mint green combination. Mmmint green! It isn’t a very common color when it comes to vinyl record labels hence my slight over excitement. I have to admit that the “INTERSOUND” ones nearly didn’t make it online. Yup, was very tempted to keep ’em to myself. There, I said it.
How about a 10% off your entire order? Just send me a DM on Instagram @creationsdanajewellery and mention you’ve visited my blog for the secret coupon code.
At my little stall in Sneem, Ring of Kerry. Fresh vinyl record delivery!
That is the most common reaction I get from people who stop to look at my work. I’ve been designing and handcrafting upcycled jewelry from vinyl records since 2010.
That spontaneous response comes in all languages in the summertime where I sell my jewelry at my little stall in Sneem, a lovely little village located on the touristy Ring of Kerry in the south west of Ireland, between the ocean and the hills.
‘How did you get that idea?’ is usually the question that comes after the initial reaction. People seem genuinely intrigued. Now is time I sit down to write that post I’ve been meaning to write for aaage, about the process that took me to where I am today in my creative journey and about how the idea came. There is a little story behind it all after all.
A lil’ background info
Like a lot of designer-makers, I was always creative and liked making things. Cliché but oh so true. I studied fine arts for 2 years in college which I thought, at 17, was the best thing ever, along with living the apartment life with my friends for the first time of course. After a good mix of doing different jobs and traveling, I went on to study international studies in university.
Back then I was already making beaded jewelry out of stones and I was taking part in little markets here and there. The interest for making was there but was never taken to a serious level. Below are just a few examples of designs I made during that time. I had to dig deep to find these photos; sorry about the low quality. I find it pretty humbling to look at these now, it just feels like so long ago.
I finally did a 2 year technical program in jewelry making in Quebec, where I’m from, oui oui! It was quite challenging to say the least as there was a real emphasis on the technical side of things which makes sense I know; you don’t want your wedding ring to be all crooked and looking like it’s been down a drain pipe. Oh, I also now know what a tenth of a millimeter looks like.
Hot hot hot. Melting the silver.
A wavy silver ingot.
Wire made from that ingot!
Below are a few of the more creative projects I’ve accomplished during the program. The flamboyant necklace got me the first prize for creativity in my year. Isn’t it a sweet little piece of artillery? Look closely and you’ll spot some sweat and tears.
On the side, along with the jewelry program, I started designing and making my own designs from silver combined to wood which were sold in shops in Quebec.
I was also part of an artists coop as well as managing an outdoors boutique promoting artisans’ crafts where I learned a lot about the business side of things. Being surrounded by so much creativity and craftspeople who made things and artas a living was beyond stimulating.
All that happened in the space of about 10 years where I always took time to travel the world and also work. I believe that my background in fine arts combined to the technical jewelry making skills I had achieved were the perfect combination for that creative BOOM to happen.
Off to New Zealand The creative spark happened in New Zealand. After graduating from the jewelry making program in 2009 and working the whole summer, I packed my bags and off I went to beautiful New Zealand. I can’t believe it’s nearly 10 years ago! I had 6 months and my plan was to buy a car and travel both islands and do a lot of hiking. And so I did and had an absolute epic time; below are just a few photos. I have such a massive crush on New Zealand that it’s just an excuse to go through my photos again really and share some with you. Please will you excuse me please thank you (see, I really am Canadian).
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Are you still with me? Hang in there it’s coming.
See that blurry photo of a photo of a vinyl record bowl?
THAT IS IT. That is the moment.
BOOM.
It was taken at a recycling center somewhere on the south island near Fox Glacier. There were images of various upcycled objects on the wall and that one particularly grabbed my attention. I remember thinking “Oh cool!” as I had never seen a bowl made from a vinyl record before although I now know they had been around for some time at that point. I was intrigued that old records could be stripped off of their initial purpose and used as a material. There was so much potential out there for all these old unwanted records just sitting in attics gathering dust. That image stuck in my head and I promised myself on that day that I would experiment with records on my way back to Québec. Oh and I did.
Aaand the vinyl adventure began
The excitement was real when coming back to Quebec. ‘All the possibilities!’ I thought. I couldn’t wait to pick up my tools again and my first idea was to look up all the variations for “vinyl record jewelry” online to see what was out there. My head was buzzing with ideas and I wanted to develop my own thing, something different. I saw designs in black, made from the black part of the vinyl but nothing like what I had in mind. The record labels were going to be put to good use and I had plans to combine it to different materials. I felt challenged at the beginning and then motivated to be able to come up with designs that looked like nothing I had ever seen before. Oh I had ideas.
Contemplating all the possibilities
No waste, the whole vinyl records is used and turned into unique handcrafted jewellery! Designed and handmade in Ireland.
Someone’s taken a bite
My first attempts were to combine record to silver, a material I was familiar with. It became a collection that was in a similar spirit to the wood and silver collection. It isn’t part of my current
production but could always make a comeback because … aren’t silver and vinyl so pretty together? And later it was aluminium, a more eco-friendly metal that has other interesting qualities. The vinyl and aluminium collection is still in production although not listed online -another thing to put on the to-do list!
Don’t worry friends; the labels of the records were also put to good use. They really brought that colorful funky vibe to the jewelry and there you had it, the ‘Funky!’ collection was born. The resin really gave the jewelry its very distinctive look and it quickly became my original distinctive signature.
I started selling online in 2011 when I opened my first Etsy shop and I remember vividly the day my first sale came in; it was going to Paris! PARIS y’all!
Below are a few current designs from the ‘Funky!’ collection, all one of a kind. That collection can be found here.
One of a kind hypoallergenic triangle vinyl record earrings, handrafted from a recycled vinyl record
One of a kind statement vinyl record ring, handrafted from a recycled vinyl record
One of a kind vinyl record stud earrings, handrafted from a recycled vinyl record
One of a kind vinyl record cufflinks, handrafted from a recycled vinyl record
Arrow Necklace on silver chain, handrafted from a recycled vinyl record
One of a kind lapel pin, handcrafted from upcycled vinyl record
The use of resin slowly led the way for new ideas amongst them the incorporation of metallic details against the black of the vinyl. The ‘A Hint of Metallic’ collection landed online in 2014 when my second Etsy shop was opened. After using mostly recycled black vinyl record for my designs, mint green and white vinyl also became staples of the bold -yet stylish- metallic collection. Below is a selection from the metallic collection which can be found here.
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From mint green and white, the range of colors of the ‘Funky!’ collection was also expanded.
Unique colorful flat vinyl record stud earrings
Unique colorful vinyl record domed stud earrings – designed and handcrafted in Ireland
Unique colorful vinyl record dangle earrings – designed and handcrafted in Ireland
With original ideas come copycats. Oh boy do I remember the first time it happened. It came from Hong Kong. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing; it was like looking at my own work where everything was copied exactly, even the photo styling. They not only used the concept but also the exact same designs. That was my first taste of people blatantly taking the creative idea I had worked so hard to organically grow from scratch and try to make it their own. Huh… hello integrity?!
Being self employed is so very precious and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s just what works for me and I’m so grateful that I found my thing. Yup it does take a lot of discipline and there can be some serious procrastination episodes but HEY it’s all part of being your own boss innit? I guess loving what I do is key here. It keeps me going and productive. And happy.
My head is always buzzing with ideas and the sketchbook is never too far. 2019 should bring some exciting new designs that I can’t wait to share with you.
Find my two unique vinyl record jewellery collections, all designed and handcrafted in Ireland right here: www.danajewellery.com
Here are a few images of what caught my eye on St Patrick’s day yesterday in Sneem. As you may have noticed, I am posting this the day after the big celebrations hence the half working brain, hence the very visual post without too many words. Sure it’s grand sure.
You know things do happen after the pub. Well good news; I didn’t go home with a chicken or a cow but with my still standing Irish man.
And of course I put my green on. I spotted that dress in a charity shop a few weeks ago and immediately thought “Paddy’s Day”. A great investment for 3 euros as it will be worn again and again. The little jacket is green velvet; also a thrift shop find that I adore from years ago. Green is probably my favorite color.
Aaand some more stuff. I didn’t buy anything by the way although I now quite fancy that creepy little monkey from the first photo.
There is no image of the parade as I really wasn’t in a prime spot for taking photos.
Here, let’s end this on a very high note with the King and some fancy things on a table.
The new vinyl record star pins are here. I’ve tried them on and, well, let me tell you that they certainly make my life and outfits a little more ‘starry’ and fabulous yes they do.
Available in white, mint green or black with gold, silver or copper metallic accents.
Use them to add a little sparkle to you hat, jacket, bag or you can even secure your scarf with one of these beauties.
Mint green and coppery rose gold star pin on a darker green velvet or denim jacket? Yes please, I’m ready for spring! After all, the daffodils have been out for a good while here in Ireland. The gorgeous handmade triangle scarf I’m wearing in the photo above is from Leonie over at Maple and Oak Designs .
Pretty in black and copper.
The backs of the pins.
Secure your scarf with a star.
If you’ve read through and scrolled down to here, mm I’d say there’s a chance you could be interested in these pretty little things. You can find them at www.danajewellery.com along with a great selection of ear and neck jewelry handcrafted from vinyl records. Thanks for stopping by. x
Sundays are usually spent exploring the Sneem vicinity, looking for places we haven’t been to yet. The beach was the loose plan for today but we ended up exploring old buildings -the old hospital- between Sneem and Caherdaniel.
Structures
Slow decay
I have this thing with old buildings. There’s something about the raw beauty emanating from the ivy covered stone walls that attracts me. I like imagining how a household was organised. How many fireplaces? Was there a second floor? How many people were living here?
Mama Nature’s in charge
How many fire places were in this building?
Then, you just turn around -or look up- and there is the best frame, for the best view. Ever.
The best frame for the best view.
We also made a stop at the beach.
Sea Lettuce that was washed up on the beach at White Strand
Layers of the most wonderful green.
Were the trim on my hand warmer and the sea lettuce separated at birth?
As I know sea lettuce is edible and that one did look quite fresh, I brought it back home and did a little research online about it. I’ve learned that it is best to use seaweeds that are still attached to the rocks when -responsibly- harvested or, if detached, that you’ve actually seen being brought in by a tide. That beautiful sea lettuce will finish its cycle as an organic fertilizer in the garden. All’s well that ends well.
Yeah, I know; today is Saturday. Yesterday was #greenfriday, which is all about supporting small Irish makers. In my case, it is also green because most of my jewellery is handcrafted with love and care using recycled vinyl records. In order to celebrate the greenness (is that even a word) of it all, I offer free shipping with coupon code “YAYFREESHIP” or 15% off with code “GET15OFF” until monday Nov. 27th. What’s not to like hey.
If you like your jewellery colorful and one of a kind, the Funky! collection is screaming your name.
The metallic collection is minimal and contemporary -yet bold!-.
If you like your jewellery colorful and preeeetty funky, well check out the Funky! collection. Most pieces from that collection are made using the vinyl record labels and are therefore ONE.OF.A.KIND. Yep! So unique, just like yourself (I know, I’m full of cheese) 😀
So many different styles to choose from, all stud earrings are hypoallergenic and very fabulous.
POLYDOR on your ears baby!
If you’re more on the minimal/contemporary side when it come to your adornments, you might want to check out the Metallic collection. These fantastic stylish -yet bold- pieces combine mint green, white and black vinyl record to metallic tones such as copper, rose gold, silver and gold. You will just love how the light plays on the metallic details, for that perfect touch of *bling* -yes I said it- at your next party. I say “party” here but they are also absolutely fab everyday pieces too!
The minimal gold dipped teardrop vinyl record pendant necklace.
The dainty teardrop gold dipped white vinyl record pendant necklace
Nope nope nope summer sure isn’t over and here at DANA headquarters we love accessorizing with fresh pieces from the white acrylic collection. The bold hints of silver and gold are oh so pretty and summery against the ivory white acrylic. So guess what? I’ve made a selection from that collection that has been marked down 30%. Yay! I am making room in the studio to welcome new pieces in white. So “where can I find this sweet deal” you may be wondering? Head over to the website which is right here and you’ll find them along with many other items from the vinyl record jewelry collection that have been marked down. But have a look at what you may find; I’ve gathered some photos below.
The minimalist vinyl record chevron necklaces.
These minimalist chevron necklaces from the vinyl record jewelry collection have also been marked down because of slight irregularities at the backs. The fronts are still oh so pretty and will look very good on you. Yes YOU!
I’m definitely a sucker for copper. Don’t get me wrong; I do wear my gold and silver designs but I have to admit that copper is my favorite of the 3 metallic tones. I like making the copper designs, I like photographing them and I like wearing them. They are also easier to photograph than the silver and gold designs for some reason, thus almost bringing joy to the sometimes strenuous photo sessions.
Copper dipped vinyl record statement ring
Could it be the warmth of copper that I find so comforting during the cold winter months? That coppery tone also works so well with the surrounding environment. The south west of Ireland can be pretty coppery -and wet of course- in the wintertime. I doubt it is a subconscious effort to match my environment. In the end it’s a personal preference innit?
Black and copper minimalist vinyl record necklace
The fiery copper against the black of the vinyl record does come alive as soon as the light hits it, as it dangle on a long, or shorter chain. And did you know that the backs of the necklaces are left untouched so you can appreciate the vinyl record grooves?
Make a statement with this yummy chunky copper dipped ring
More of my handcrafted vinyl record jewelry designs in black and copper, as well as silver and gold are available in my online shop. Because you’re worth it. I’ve heard them saying it in the ads.
Ring ring ring! I’ve made one of a kind upcycled vinyl record rings. If you’re familiar with my work, you will recognize my signature style. A pretty groovy eco-friendly gift for her, or him. See more photos and get all the details here.
Once a London vinyl record … now a one of a kind statement ring.
Just last week I was writing about my veggie garden. Well, I am now miles away from it, having moved a few days ago from the east to the wild west of Ireland (County Kerry). I was warned it is wild. Especially in the winter. As a matter of fact, there is an orange weather alert in effect for today. Woah! Orange only comes before red after all. I guess that’s what you get for moving so close to the wild Atlantic. I had a chance to explore my new backyard in dry and more comfortable weather the first few days I was here. To my delight, the Kerry Way, one of Ireland’s longest hiking trail at over 200 km, runs just behind our place. So I got on my bike and couldn’t believe my eyes, just like a little girl realizing how vast and beautiful her new playground is. Exciting times ahead, in the rain, or in the dry.
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behind the record 