These necklaces are a lot of fun to wear, very dramatic.
The top necklace is made from a Banrock Station wine bottle. The middle necklace is made from a Kronenbourg beer bottle. And the bottom necklace is made from a Bombay Sapphire Gin bottle.
They are featuring as part of the Resonate Exhibition at Gallery M, which officially opens Friday 20th February at 6.30pm. Wine and nibbles provided.
Now this is not only a Statement Necklace, but also a Conversation Necklace. I think I like that term, conversation. Because that’s exactly what this necklace does, it starts a conversation. I imagine the conversation would go something like this:
Person: “Wow, that’s an amazing necklace.”
Me: “Thank you, it’s actually made from beer bottles!”
Person: “Beer bottles? What do you mean?”
Me: “Well, I smash up beer bottles, and then make glass beads. These beads have also been decorated with gold leaf.”
Person: “Oh, that’s incredible, I love it. Do you use other glass?”
Me: “I can, definitely.”
Person: “Fantastic, I love it. I have this champagne bottle that I drank at my 50th birthday party, it was a very special bottle, and a very special occasion. Do you think you could make some beads from that, and a necklace like that for me?”
Me: “Of course I can, it’s what I love to do the most, make special jewellery for people.”
Now, that’s actually the shortened version of a real conversation I recently had with someone, admittedly I was not wearing this exact necklace, but I imagine it could start a similar conversation. What conversations could you have if you were wearing this necklace?
Person: “Wow, that’s a beautiful necklace.”
You: “Why thank you, I love wearing it, it’s actually made from beer bottles.”
Person: “Beer bottles?”
You: “Yes, the person who made it makes the beads from beer bottles.”
Person: “Oh wow, that’s awesome, and very eco-friendly. What a cool necklace to wear. You have excellent taste.”
You: “Thanks.”
(Sorry, that’s a little bit silly, but a necklace like this would definitely be noticed)!
This necklace was made from a Peroni Beer bottle. I embellished alternative beads to get a nice contrast in the beads. I love the beautiful colour of the Peroni glass.
Layered disk necklaces made from:
A few people asked me what the asymmetrical necklaces looked like on, so I took some photos of them. The beads at the bottom of the necklace seem to lengthen it even more. Having said that, the necklaces are made with sterling silver chain to clasp into, so you can wear it longer or shorter, it’s up to you. I tend to wear it longer at the moment, but that’s just because of the dresses I am wearing.
These are some of my favourite necklaces in the exhibition. I love the length of them, they sit beautifully with a lot of the clothes I am wearing at the moment. A bit longer than usual, and that’s just perfect. There are so many great beads in these necklaces, but I tried to stay true to the colour of the bottle, without too much decoration.
I delivered all of the jewellery to Gallery M yesterday, and I can’t wait to go back on Friday 20th February to see it all set up. That is the night of the exhibition opening. Hope to see you there!
1. Bombay Sapphire Gin bottle Flower necklace
2. Bombay Sapphire Gin bottle Flower necklace – modelled
3. Peroni Beer Bottle Flower necklace
4. Peroni Beer Bottle Flower necklace – modelled
Oh, I do love this necklace! I tried it on last night, and it’s stunning. The blue is so vivid. I have made a similar style of necklace in the past (in red), but this time I have used small round beads all the way around the necklace, and it really completes the look.
I made the beads from a Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc Beer bottle. It is similar in colour to the Skyy Vodka bottles I have used in the past, but slightly more intense.
You can find this one in the Resonate exhibition at Gallery M. It is priced at $125 (AUD). There are earrings to match.
And finally, I get to show you the beads made from a Coopers Sparkling Ale bottle (or two)!
I worked out that I made over 1,500 beads for this exhibition. Now it’s time to make the jewellery! Will keep you posted.