17th July 2010

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Custom Pendants - FAQ’s (Reposting)

*What can be made into a pendant? Do you have to cut up original photos?

I can work with pretty much any paper item (photos, 2-d art, event tickets, cards, stationary, printed prose…) that you legally own. That means that I cannot accept downloaded photos of copyrighted images (think Disney characters, most well-known art, posters, recognizable logos etc), though I could make a pendant out of a Donald Duck birthday card you had laying about. The distinction is that you or someone you know purchased the card allowing us to use it as we see fit. Neither you nor I can legally copy the image, thus the original document will have to be cut up in order to create your custom pendant(s). Images that are “Creative Commons” licensed are an exception to the “no downloading” rule and can be used for custom pendants, providing you select and send me the photo.

Many people are rightfully concerned about having to sacrifice the lone copy of their cherished family photo. While I do generally cut up the original document (i.e. the birthday card mentioned above), original personal photos are a noted exception. I can legally scan, shrink or crop, and reproduce the image to fit one of the glass or game pieces (see options below) as you are the legal owner of the presumably non-copyrighted image. You retain the original, and have the added benefit of me being able to manipulate the photo to best fit your desired outcome.

*What are the dominoes and game piece options?

I use a variety of game pieces, all of which, with the exception of the Pai Gow, I find at thrift stores in the greater Portland area.  I also have glass squares (3/4”, 7/8” and 1”) & rectangles (just under 1” x 2”), which I buy new on Etsy.   The “up-cycled”/creative reuse of the game tiles keeps costs down while adding to the already-sustainable nature of the raw materials (i.e. my use of non-toxic glazes, found or creatively re-purposed images, unbleached muslin packaging, etc.)

I posted a photo (below) to better illustrate the range of options which are: *Scrabble tiles, *Short & fat cream rectangular game pieces including rummikub (both smaller, scrabble size, and standard, 1” x 1.5”) and Mahjong, *Black Pai Gow in two sizes (3/4” x 1 3/4” and the “Bold” 1”x 2.5”), and *A huge range of dominoes in black, white, cream and pale-pinkish (ranging from 1/2” x 1 1/8” to 1” x 2”). Note that not all colors of dominoes are available in all sizes, as my materials vary based on what I’ve found during recent thrifting trips.

*How long does the process take?

It depends on the type of image but, generally speaking, I ask that you allow 3 weeks for a custom piece that requires shipping. If you are able to pick it up in person, I can usually create your pendant(s) in about 15 days. Rush orders are available.

*How much do custom pendants cost?

Custom orders cost $3 more per pendant (+shipping, if applicable) than my ready-made collection. That means that the small sizes are $18, the standard sizes $23 and the “bold” $28.

Contact Rachael at rachaellkk@gmail.com to order or with questions.

1st May 2010

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Sellwood Bee Article / Text

The full text of the February Sellwood Bee Article:

Sellwood teacher creates “upcycled” jewelry

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

By Rita A. Leonard

The Bee, Feb 2, 2010

Sellwood teacher Rachael L. K. Kurynny creates “upcycled” custom jewelry from repurposed game pieces and paper memorabilia.

“Upcycling” is a unique term that describes creating something new from salvaged materials.

Sellwood resident Rachael L. K. Kurynny has developed a unique line of personalized jewelry — created from upcycled game pieces and paper memorabilia.

Her distinctive pendants, created from orphaned dominoes and wooden game pieces, are available through several local outlets, as well as online HERE.

The Portland native and Sellwood resident is a teacher of middle school Math and Science at Northwest Academy, but she credits her creative bent to her former Sellwood Middle School Art teacher, Elizabeth Capps.

“Ms. Capps taught us creativity with the concept that it was okay to try something new and fail. She told us there is no ‘right answer’ to Art. It was a very liberating and nurturing experience,” reveals Kurynny, a self-proclaimed former perfectionist who now delights in the creative process: Occasional mistakes are now seen simply as stepping-stones on the path to her unique jewelry lines.

Kurynny earned a degree in Geology at Vassar College, which is where she developed the “layered” aspect of her jewelry.

“In Geology, we learned Steno’s Law of Super Position: Due to gravity, older material is going to be on the bottom, and the younger layers are on top,” she explains. “I liked the idea that my jewelry had a new layer stratified over a recycled base, and decided to name my business ‘Superposition’.” Her “sustainable art” jewelry is featured in the January 2010 issue of “Oregon Home” magazine.

“I take old game pieces, glue on images from paper memorabilia, and then layer on several strata of non-toxic, water-resistant glaze. The most important step is producing a bubble-free surface. The old materials transform and emerge as modern, wearable art. It’s a great way to preserve paper ephemera that have special meaning to the wearer.” Depending on the fastener, these can be worn as pendants or pins, or made into refrigerator magnets, key-chains and holiday ornaments.

“I do a lot of custom jewelry for bridal parties, grandparents and pet owners,” she says. “Usually I make pendants in 1- or 2-part sets, using photographs or other paper items that are special to the client. People are really excited by these personalized pieces, and are pleased with their ‘sustainable’ aspect in today’s ‘green’ movement.”

Kurynny collaborates with four local friends — Rachael Torchia, Don Olson, Kelva Martensen, and Lena Tsiorba — in making thematic yet affordable, personalized jewelry.

“I consider myself a creative crafter, and also teach the system at craft parties and classes,” she reports.

She has sold her pendants at local shows, and has various collections available at different galleries. Currently you can see them at Cypress Day Spa in Westmoreland, Plue in Woodstock, Mirador, and at the Goode Gallery. “I so appreciate these businesses that have supported me so far,” she smiles.