Saturday Sparkle: Eclettica, The Atelier
>> Saturday, March 22, 2008
Who Sparkled This Saturday?
Sheela Goh from Eclettica, The Atelier
Today on Saturday Sparkle, I'd like to introduce you to Sheela Goh from Eclettica, The Atelier in Sarawak, Malaysia. Sheela has a great sense of humor, as well as a fun story about how she started designing artisan jewelry. And since her start, she's also encountered some wonderful recognition and success. Her designs have been featured in numerous publications, including ELLE and Harper's Bazaar.
For Sheela, it all began in October 2005, on a dare. Her best friend had shown her a necklace that he put together, and when she saw it, it was so hideous that she immediately burst out laughing. However, being a sporting friend, he didn't take her laughter personally or to heart. Instead, he dared her to try making a necklace that was better than his. Without knowing it, his friendly challenge turned her into an impressive talent. Although Sheela reports that her first necklace design is now long-buried out in a place where no one will ever find it, she also admits that she knew from her first try she was hooked on jewelry making. Two and a half years later, her wire wrap skills are immense, and so is her eye for color and balance.
Today's Saturday Sparkle piece came about as another challenge (which she'll reveal later in today's post). But, as you can see, her jewelry making skills have improved somewhat over the past two and a half years. In fact, her wire wrap skills are nothing short of fantastic. Over 17 feet of Copper wire went into today's showcase piece, which features smooth Red Coral, Peridot, and an impressive 26 Carat faceted Emerald teardrops.
Sheela, what was the inspiration for today's Saturday Sparkle showcase piece?
I'm part of The Wire Artisans Guild, an Etsy Street Team. Each week, we come together to create pieces based on themes chosen by members, and these earrings, An Apple From The Tree Of Good & Knowledge, was designed based on the theme, "Tree". They're my tongue-in-cheek interpretation of what could've happened that fateful day in the Garden Of Eden.
Each side of the earrings is constructed from one single, continuous length of sturdy, heavy gauge wire, and then embellished with Peridot Rondelles and 26 carats worth of Genuine Faceted Emerald Teardrops. Yes, the Polished Red Coral Briolettes are indeed meant to symbolize the apple Eve gave Adam. Only my earrings show two apples because one would be way too lonely and I just couldn't bear the thought of a lonely apple.
When creating jewelry designs, describe your top three sources of inspiration?
Now this is a toughie. I am inspired by SO many things, but I would have to say the top 3 are historical/mythological figures; books/poetry; and my singular hard-for-others-to-decipher way of seeing humor in things not normally viewed as "funny" LOL oh and cartoons make four ;p
What was your inspiration for turning your craft into a business?
There were several factors with the main one being I was a full time journalist at the time, working 14 hours a day, very often on weekends too. I barely saw my then 6 year old daughter, Eve. So being a single Mum, I decided quitting my full time job was the best option; allowing me to work from home, fulfilling another passion, whilst being there for Eve.
Who provides the greatest amount of support for you in jewelry design?
This one's easy, my family, hands down. My daughter, who appreciates that whilst her Mum works all hours, together they have the prerogative of taking time out to catch a movie, have a refreshing foot massage or a hair wash at the salon. And also for her wee jewels of critique.
My man, for putting up with my "artistic" moods and a messy house, and, most of all, for hiring part-time help to clean the house, thus maintaining our collective sanities.
My parents and brother, for telling me each piece I design is a masterpiece, even when it's not LOL. Such a boost to my ego LOL.
You do amazing wire work. What advice would you give to a newbie who wanted to do wire work as well as you?
Thank you so much for saying that!! The key thing is to practice, practice, practice and practice some more. If you live, breathe and dream jewelry design, as I do, then keep practicing until you develop a style that becomes your signature. And once you've achieved that, continue to practice, there is SO much to learn.
Sheela, thanks so much for sharing your fun story, amazing wire-wrapped jewelry, and great sense of humor with us today. I've really enjoyed learning about the inspirations behind your designs, and encourage readers today to visit you online at:
For Sheela, it all began in October 2005, on a dare. Her best friend had shown her a necklace that he put together, and when she saw it, it was so hideous that she immediately burst out laughing. However, being a sporting friend, he didn't take her laughter personally or to heart. Instead, he dared her to try making a necklace that was better than his. Without knowing it, his friendly challenge turned her into an impressive talent. Although Sheela reports that her first necklace design is now long-buried out in a place where no one will ever find it, she also admits that she knew from her first try she was hooked on jewelry making. Two and a half years later, her wire wrap skills are immense, and so is her eye for color and balance.
Today's Saturday Sparkle piece came about as another challenge (which she'll reveal later in today's post). But, as you can see, her jewelry making skills have improved somewhat over the past two and a half years. In fact, her wire wrap skills are nothing short of fantastic. Over 17 feet of Copper wire went into today's showcase piece, which features smooth Red Coral, Peridot, and an impressive 26 Carat faceted Emerald teardrops.
Sheela, what was the inspiration for today's Saturday Sparkle showcase piece?
I'm part of The Wire Artisans Guild, an Etsy Street Team. Each week, we come together to create pieces based on themes chosen by members, and these earrings, An Apple From The Tree Of Good & Knowledge, was designed based on the theme, "Tree". They're my tongue-in-cheek interpretation of what could've happened that fateful day in the Garden Of Eden.
Each side of the earrings is constructed from one single, continuous length of sturdy, heavy gauge wire, and then embellished with Peridot Rondelles and 26 carats worth of Genuine Faceted Emerald Teardrops. Yes, the Polished Red Coral Briolettes are indeed meant to symbolize the apple Eve gave Adam. Only my earrings show two apples because one would be way too lonely and I just couldn't bear the thought of a lonely apple.
When creating jewelry designs, describe your top three sources of inspiration?
Now this is a toughie. I am inspired by SO many things, but I would have to say the top 3 are historical/mythological figures; books/poetry; and my singular hard-for-others-to-decipher way of seeing humor in things not normally viewed as "funny" LOL oh and cartoons make four ;p
What was your inspiration for turning your craft into a business?
There were several factors with the main one being I was a full time journalist at the time, working 14 hours a day, very often on weekends too. I barely saw my then 6 year old daughter, Eve. So being a single Mum, I decided quitting my full time job was the best option; allowing me to work from home, fulfilling another passion, whilst being there for Eve.
Who provides the greatest amount of support for you in jewelry design?
This one's easy, my family, hands down. My daughter, who appreciates that whilst her Mum works all hours, together they have the prerogative of taking time out to catch a movie, have a refreshing foot massage or a hair wash at the salon. And also for her wee jewels of critique.
My man, for putting up with my "artistic" moods and a messy house, and, most of all, for hiring part-time help to clean the house, thus maintaining our collective sanities.
My parents and brother, for telling me each piece I design is a masterpiece, even when it's not LOL. Such a boost to my ego LOL.
You do amazing wire work. What advice would you give to a newbie who wanted to do wire work as well as you?
Thank you so much for saying that!! The key thing is to practice, practice, practice and practice some more. If you live, breathe and dream jewelry design, as I do, then keep practicing until you develop a style that becomes your signature. And once you've achieved that, continue to practice, there is SO much to learn.
Sheela, thanks so much for sharing your fun story, amazing wire-wrapped jewelry, and great sense of humor with us today. I've really enjoyed learning about the inspirations behind your designs, and encourage readers today to visit you online at:
Happy Saturday, and keep the sparkle!
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7 comments:
Those earrings are amazing, I've never seen wire wrapping in that style before, never ever! Thank you for introducing me to her.. I must take a peek at her shop now!!
Very fascinating feature! I enjoyed it.
What beautiful earrings! I'm in love with those :)
What an inspiring story! Thanks you!
what a creative idea for those earrings. the inspiration is perfect.
Those earrings are beautiful!
Seriously GORGEOUS Wire Wrapping SKILLS!!!
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