Saloukee got some press in Asia…

Don’t get me wrong…I may fancy myself as someone who knows a ‘little bit’ about a couple of European languages…but I have to admit that I’d be pushing my luck to claim that Korean is my Forte! However, it’s nice to keep tabs ‘for the record’ that I recieved a great bit of press, thanks to the lovely Joan Myung in W magazine, Korea.

W Magazine feature on Saloukee, Dec '09

 Translations welcome x

Filed under: Press, Saloukee Jewellery , Joan Myung, saloukee, Sarah Kelly, W Magazine

Saloukee at The European Prize for Contemporary Applied Arts

So I’ve just received my package of work back from The European Prize for Contemporary Applied Arts which has been exhibited  in Mons, Belgium for the last few months…it came packaged along with the most beautiful  exhibition catalogue I’ve had my work included in to date!! For anyone wanting a copy check out the World Crafts Council Belgium website.

Over 100 makers from 19 countries exhibited so it was a real honour to be one of 5 jewellers/silversmiths from the UK including my very good friend Sally Collins, Lecturer at Birmingham’s jewellery school, Zoe Robertson and designers Andrew Lamb and  Hiroshi Suzuki.

 The “Young Talent Prize” was awarded to Rosa Nogues Freixas of  Spain.

Halves, pieces 2, 2008, Porcelain, silver, steel.

The “Master Prize” was awarded to Graziano Visintin of Italy. 

Brooch, Gold, silver, niello.

Though I was unable to attend, from the photographs it looked like a fabulous venue and well organised event…glad Saloukee Jewellery was part of it!! 

Saloukee jewellery showcase at the Prize for Contemporary Applied Arts

Filed under: Awards, Saloukee Jewellery, Shows , Andrew Lamb, Hiroshi Suzuki, Prize for Contemporary Applied Arts, Sally Collins, saloukee, Sarah Kelly, Zoe Robertson

Saloukee takes on Europe at Sieraad!

So I’ve been to Amsterdam a couple of times and simply could not wait to return. One of the most beautifully inspiring cities I’ve ever visited in my life. Also a city I’d love to live in some day, whenever I’ve been there I’ve always felt an amazing contentment. 

Visiting again (even if it was a little rainy in November) revealed it’s charms all over again to me! Quirky cobbled streets, elegantly tall bowing building, canals which contours shape the city, dainty galleries and antique shops at every corner you turn, stunning locals navigating expertly on their bicycles inbetween in the bustling trams…dreamy I’d say

and then after a long journey through the night we arrived at our venue for Sieraad….and there I was again falling in love all over again!! The venue, an old gas works was simply breathtaking!!

There were some great British representation there too and a little glimpse of a Saloukee ‘Solitary Bracelet’ even made it on to the advertisement for the event…which was seen on billboards around the city!

I found there was an originality at this show, different to England. Though I was a little surprised that the typical Dutch person’s taste was more reserved than the English!! My work seemed to be some of the ‘wackiest’ there!

So my highlights:

• Organising, travelling and staying with the wonderful Miss Sally Collins (Since she’s become the lovely Mrs Cole!) whose giggles, organisation and general sweet nature made the trip so enjoyable! An ex loughborough student & design space candidate none the less
• Speaking to galleries from all over Europe who will purchase collections, rather than take on sale and return- yipee!!
• Selling jewellery to clients who have ‘Nel Linssen’ pieces in their collection…an honour and liestone for me!
• watching quizzical Dutch ( who tend not to be as tactful as us overly polite English!) say ‘mooie, mooie’ over and over…luckily it meant ‘beautiful’
• Attaining stockists in Brussels, Amsterdam and Dusseldorf
• Tasting the Dutch culinary delights and ice cold beer after a long day of standing on your feet!!

It was exciting too, to get a bit of press coverage- with credit given to the hard working organisers of Sieraad!

An article from Asia’s premiere glossy for Luxury Jewellery, ‘Luxx Magazine’

Saloukee featured in German Jewellery Magazine ‘GZ’ in Nov 09 edition.

Saloukee ‘Flock Brooch’ featured in ‘AD Weekend’ Magazine.

So all in all, much fun had by all, well worth the adventure outside of the UK!

 s x

 

Filed under: Saloukee Jewellery, Shows , GZ Jewellery Magazine, Luxx Magazine, paper jewellery, Sally Collins, Saloukee Jewellery, Sarah Kelly, Sieraad Art jewellery Fair

Saloukee at Origin ‘09

So Origin was a little bit ago now but what with the aftermath,  followed by Christmas…time now comes to put up some piccies of the event!

Moon Young Shin’s Cactus Jewellery

Highlights for me included:

• Sharing a stand with the both lovely and talented Moon Young Shin even if she did give me a stinking cold
• Meeting countless inspiring designers who exhibited beautifully in the surroundings near my stand, Louise Chesshire, Clare Pardoe, Leila Arzaghi, Sangeun Kim, Jacqueline Cullen, Mary Jane Evans, Jo Gordon, Tanya Igic, Laura Thomas and Sarah Tyssen. What an honour and fulfilled  ambition it was to be a first time exhibitor at Origin, accompanied by both new and established creative minds!!
• Having students tell me that my work was their favourite at the entire show
• Being ask to write a book, become a visiting lecturer and undertake workshops giving arty folk an insight in my paper- world!
• Having the biggest orders placed by gentlemen for their wives as Christmas presents- ahhh!!
• Having my work appreciated by not only English folk but from visitors from countries worldwide, it really made for interesting conversation!
• Having my work selected by top fashion stylist Sophie Kenningham as one of her favourite fashion items of the entire show!
• Having people comment on my display choice, nearly as much as my jewellery!!
• To finally have months of stress, hard work and sleepless nights culminate into something I could show friends, family and admirers alike, what the fuss was all about!

All in all, I can honestly say it was a hugely successful show for me as a first time exhibitor and a real accomplishment & milestone for Saloukee! x

Filed under: Saloukee Jewellery, Shows , Crafts Council, Moon Young Shin, Origin, Saloukee Jewellery, Sarah Kelly

everyday finding a new inspiration…

It’s hard as a designer to always ‘keep the love’ for what you do. Sometimes after you’ve spent months working towards what you’ve hoped for, for years…you get there and you realise that perhaps the simple things that always made you buzz, you lost along the way.

Eyola

Sandra Backlund

Sandra Backlund

Sandra Backlund

2010 for me (Sarah Kelly-at nearly 27) and for Saloukee (at nearly 2!!) it’s about retaining ‘the love’, ‘the buzz’, ‘the inspiration’ and ’the creativity’.

Simples

Filed under: Saloukee Jewellery, new beginnings , paper jewellery, Paper jewelry, Saloukee Jewellery, Sarah Kelly

The beauty of something not lasting forever…by saloukee…x

Why is it something needs to last forever??!! …The concept of impermanence in my work has always been a difficult one…because people for generations have been made to believe that jewellery is made to be passed down their family, to last until it breaks apart, to be fixed then fixed again so perhaps it doesn’t look like it once did? Though I’m not saying that this shouldn’t be be case, nor am not ALL for reusing and remaking preloved beauties, but I’d also like to make note of how incredibibly disposable our society is in so many ways.

There’s few people who could say that they’ve not picked up a eye catching top off the rail without chance of trying it on and then realising when they get it home it just doesn’t fit and is destined for the recycle bin. Or snatched a bargain from a shop because they just simply wanted something ‘new’ for a night out. I think we’ve all been culprits of it at some point or another. And whilst I’m not at all suggesting this is the way forward or that this frivolity with fashion is healthy, I’d like to make the point that such frivolity is somehow accepted when it comes in fabric form.

Never would I like to see my jewellery being bought as something to throw away, nor do I want a customer to ever believe they would want or could only wear it once. More the point I’d like anything purchased, given or recieved to be seen as valuable. To me, though my paper jewellery of course won’t last forever, nor will survive in the shower or whilst doing the washing up!! However, why can’t something bought be treasured for the beauty it beholds, to be appreciated for the tactile sensations that ensues from it touch and be nutured because it’s simply precious and special for the story it tells. I can’t explain how many times I’ve answered the question ‘but what happens when it rains?’ and though I don’t dismiss that rain is a pretty regular occurence in this wonderful country of ours(!!), i’m getting good at explaining ‘well you wouldn’t buy a silk pair of shoes and go stomping in puddles would you!!’ or ‘if you spent money on an exquisite handmade hat for the races, would you take an umberella or stand in the rain?!’.

Though it’s very hard answering such questions and spending your time justifying your need to design in the way you feel is true to your passion, I do believe there’s enough people who ‘get it’ without explanation that makes what I do worth while.

 

And this little beauty I really ‘just got’- Hiphonest presented the sustainable design and fashion exhibition ‘Beauty can save our world’ at the Dutch fashion trade fair Modefabriek earlier in the summer. Designer Jeroen Wand underlines the beauty of ageing with his ‘Paper Chair’ made from 35 layers of paper.

 ’While using the chair, it will get worn out and folded at the edges. All these marks together tell you the story of things that happened with the chair before. Like your favorite pants. Worn, over and over again. Although it’s falling apart, you still keep on wearing it. And every time it gets more beautiful. This underlines that using a product can be an added value. Same for the chair. By using it, the chair becomes your favorite chair.’

Though I’d prefer not to associate my jewellery with anything near the subject of ‘pants’, I love the concept that by creating only ‘favorite’ products, we might be able to provide a solution to our overconsumption problem, even though favorite products are so difficult to be replaced….get loving and favouriting I say!

ok…that’s, that off my chest …heehee….yours saloukee x

 

Filed under: Jewellery Design, Saloukee Jewellery , Beautifully bespoke jewellery, Hiphonest, Jeroen Wand, Paper jewelry, Saloukee Jewellery, Sarah Kelly

Saloukee has a shiny new website!!

Though the old site was pretty lovely and a lot of time was spent putting it all together with ‘my mate john’, the time came where I wanted to have more direct input to it myself. Now I have a beautifully simplistic website which I can update and change to my hearts content. (I am a indecisive Aquarian after all!) New editions include a news section which I hope to update regularly and a fully stocked up gallery which also has a ‘new’ section…here you’ll get a sneak peek at whats to come in the world of Saloukee.

With this new creation, I must to give credit to my wonderful boyfriend and personal graphic-designer extraordinaire (!!) Mr Nicholas Allen of  Nick Allen Creative…do check out his stuff to see what other master pieces he lays claim to…he aint half clever (and available for freelance assignments!)…and boy does it help having two brains to wrestle through many a creative problem sometimes, more than just one!…May I take this opportunity to applaud, thank and hail all those around me who support, empathise, listen and eat pizza/drink wine with me on the days where I need sanity & encouragement. Believe me…this business would be nowhere without every single one of them!

But before you hear tears…here’s to Saloukee , friends and my shiny new website

 

new website home page

 

 

 

Filed under: Saloukee Jewellery, Website , New Website, Nick Allen Creative, paper jewellery, Paper jewelry, Saloukee Jewellery, Sarah Kelly

Saloukee HOT off the press!

I always get excited when people write things about me…I’m sure that sounds massively big headed but I hope you’ll forgive me when I explain that recognition from other designers/creatives/stylists/writers is possibly to me the greatest praise for my work. There’s been a couple of exciting online articles lately that have really inspired me to strive on and make me wonder that perhaps the concept of paper jewellery isn’t so crazy after all  

 

You actually can’t beat it when someone sees your work and just ‘gets’ it!! Check out the pop pervert website for the full article!

Trendhunter Website

We all know how much I love fashion…trends prediction and forecasting has always been a great interest of mine…chuffed to bits I was when Saloukee’s jewellery was featured on Marissa Brassfield’s Latest Trends. Marissa’s the Editor & Head of Advertising at Trendhunter, so really great for her to have noticed my work! Check out the Trendhunter site for the full article and a ton more exciting up coming fashions!

World famous design junkies website

Finally ,another great website which Saloukee’s been seen on lately is World Famous Design Junkies. Publisher Chris Burns aim is to ’share the most excellent moments of design genius from the greatest (and most undiscovered) design minds in the world before they’re posted anywhere else.’ To that I shall not argue…instead I shall be honoured…even if he does think they look like they come from space…only my head space, I might add Scroll down to find the full article here.

smiling as I sign out at nearly midnight… oh the work of a keen-ooo designer!x

Filed under: Saloukee Jewellery, Website , Chris Burns, Marissa Brassfield, Pop Pervert, Saloukee Jewellery, Sarah Kelly, Trendhunter.com, World Famous Design Junkies

Saloukee with Design Space…rocking out!

Bench Peg Newsletter- June 09

Filed under: Awards, Jewellery Design, Saloukee Jewellery, Shows , Award for Excellence in Jewellery, Bench Peg, Birmingham jewellery quarter, design space, Jennifer Peel, paper jewellery, Paper jewelry, saloukee, Saloukee Jewellery, Sarah Kelly

Saloukee loves the Big Smoke!

Do you know what ?…Things are ticking away just nicely here in the world of all things Saloukee…Saloukee’s first show in the BIG SMOKE went just swimmingly…though losing my voice by day number two was less than ideal! eek!

I still chatted all I could and with the help of my fellow designer lovelies at my collective Design Space we managed to pull through! In fact I’d go as far as say that we stormed through, when my bench buddy Tusheeta David won the ‘Treasure Designer of the Year Award’- not only are we all proud to bits for her but knowing what goes on behind the scenes, I can vouch for the fact that this young lady is very much a deserving winner Well done Tushie!! 

 As for Saloukee…. well the show was a great success, not only a fantastic chance to gauge a reaction for my jewellery but also a perfect opportunity for potential buyers to see my work close up! I promise that these little beauties are more robust than everyone thinks and the interaction people have with them when they get chance to hold them, is priceless.

Check out some of the great press I’ve received since the event:

The Wee Birdy Blog- One worth signing up to for things to do if you’re in London!

Hidden Gems at treasure- Spring fair include me in their Market news Round up for the event…Trends to watch out for!

If you fancy a smooze at the cute little design boutique- check out this cool blog for treats galore!

Beauty Confessional- chat saloukee in amongst the likes of Louis Vuitton, Burberry & Calvin Clein…I for sure approve

and so for a sneak preview for avid bloggers, some new editions available online…check out these wearable statement pieces, a range of colours available on request…all you have to do is drop me a email  

Saloukee Unity Earrings

Saloukee Disperse Earrings

these pieces are hot off the press…quite literally…AND YET TO BE ADDED TO MY SITE…but keep an eye out for exciting new developments over the next few months…there’s lots of ideas in the memory bank!

and if you don’t believe me that paper is the way forward…check out this awesome article  for what’s hot …stay true to your vision…always

s x

P.S. If you’re having a tough day and need to disappear to another world…take yourself somewhere floaty with this beautiful blog x

Filed under: Jewellery Design, Online Shop, Saloukee Jewellery, Shows , Laser cut jewelry, Laser cut Paper, London, Melissa Loves Blog, paper jewellery, Paper jewelry, saloukee, Saloukee Jewellery, Sarah Kelly, Treasure Designer of The Year, Treasure Show London, Tusheeta David