Reclaimed jigsaw puzzle jewellery

It happened well over a year ago. I was op-shopping with a friend in Sydney's West. I saw a jigsaw puzzle with a strange image on the box. It was one of those old paintings with so many people and details, in really dark rich colours, almost ugly. But I opened the box and thought I love those colours, I could do something with that.

I thought, I'll make some jewellery, I'll find little images amongst the overall scene and I'll make them into brooches. I'll make use of all the different colours in smaller pieces for necklaces or earrings. 

The box sat in my studio for quite some time... I started doing the puzzle, it takes a long time! It does remind me of childhood, tackling some big puzzles with my family over the summer holidays. I think before I even finished making my prototypes, I had already started collecting other puzzles. 

I've spent nights on the sofa and afternoons in the garden, bent over puzzles... I've even tried to rope friends and relatives into helping me, I'm picturing puzzle parties... puzzling times ahead!

Check out some of the pieces I've made so far... more to come, much much more!

New works - storybook characters

Have been busy (and having fun) creating a dozen new framed collages ready for a new store on King Street, Newtown.

Here are a few, plus you'll find them all in the gallery.

New works - collages on wooden panels

Have just finished another set of cardboard collages on wooden panels, all 15cm x 15cm. I've experimented with some new colours - vivid pinks and yellows, silver, and plain brown cardboard with black text - staying true to its origins as a humble packing box.

New work, new characters

I've been making these ones for a while, but have added 5 more to the collection.

The characters are taken from old children's books, and the background is a mix of painted and unpainted cardboard fruit box tiles.

They're mounted on boxes salvaged from an art store, that used to hold paint tubes. They make a great base, giving the work a bit more depth on the wall, and they're so light too. They're ready to hang, with a red hemp loop on the back.

New work

Have framed some of the 12cm square fruit box collages - really happy with how they turned out.

And there's also a new large panel in blues - 40cm square, my biggest so far. It's fun to play with new sizes colours and formats.

Collages and cards for the Cut+Paste Eco Craft Fest

Have been busy working on a range of collages and cards for the Cut+Paste Eco Craft Fest at the Red Rattler in Marrickville this weekend. 

Here are some samples...