Melina Szapiro isn’t restricting her letterpress plates to stationery. She is using them to create a new line of recycled paper jewelry, called Palomaria, consisting of paper moon trinkets dangling from chains in sumptuous shades she brushes on to add a delightful patina. It is being sold at an Etsy shop with orders keeping the talented hands of Szapiro ridiculously busy.
“Since childhood, I loved to draw and create things with my hands,” says the Vancouver artist, who first wowed us with her exotic PapelVivo recycled paper handmade card collection, inspired by eastern imagery. She uses the same process to embellish her stunning jewelry, adding that savvy, personal stamp.
It works because Szapiro knows her craft. She studied fashion and graphic design to master the art of paper making and engraving, and says she knew immediately that paper was her true call. Lucky for the planet, she answered it with a sense of repurpose – first with the elegant invitations and cards and now with her imprinted gems made with recycled paper clay.
“Although they’re made of paper paste, the pieces are completely sturdy, strong, durable and resistant,” she advises, adding that the craftsmanship guarantees you will never tire of the classic accessories – such as the multi -colored necklace of round beads with brocaded flourishes designed for a friend heading to Israel.
The thing that’s hard to believe is that these medallions are forged from paper destined for the heap. Goes to show what a great eye and gumption can do to keep the world a beautiful place.
Images: Palomaria