Christine Dhein's Green Jewelry News!

Summer Exhibitions Go Green! Reclaim, Renew, Reuse, Repurpose Left: 21st Century Breastplate in repurposed circuit boards, brass and rubber by Christine Dhein. Right: Maharaja's 6th in repurposed LEGO by emiko oye As an artist who has been making jewelry from recycled materials for over a decade, I am very aware of the growing interest from both the public and the art world in this type of art. Ten years ago, there wasn't much interest in or understanding of jewelry made from recycled materials. This summer, I have been invited to participate in several exhibitions with the theme of reuse. When my work is on exhibit, I include statements to communicate ideas and challenge beliefs about consumption with the hope of inspiring viewers to see the potential value in the discarded in a whole new way. At the opening reception of re/Purposed (details below) two ladies were admiring my 21st Century Breastplate. When they found out I was the artist, they exclaimed in unison, "One man's trash is another man's treasure!" I knew my message had been heard loud and clear! re/Purpose to use or convert for use in another format or product The work of Christine Dhein and emiko oye is featuerd in re/Purpose, the opening exhibition at the new African American Art & Culture Complex'sSargent Johnson Gallery in San Francisco from July 23 - Oct 11, 2009. The opening reception was a huge success! emiko oye and Christine Dhein in front of their work at the opening reception of re/Purpose Reclaim, Reuse, Renew Christine Dhein's work will be featured in Reclaim, Reuse, Renew, at the Atrium Gallery, Ball State University from August 25 - September 26, 2009. Christine Dhein is a jewelry designer, author, and eco-educator who has been using recycled materials for over ten years. Christine's jewelry can be purchased online atobjectfetish.com. via Green Jewelry News

VOSTENAKstudios Wins National Jewelry Award & Business Grant

VOSTENAKstudios is the 2009 winner of a national competition sponsored by Halstead Bead, Inc. The Jewelry Design Business Development Grant is awarded to a new jewelry design entrepreneur each year in recognition of design talent and business acumen.

Valerie Ostenak will receive a $6,000 grant of start up capital and supplies in recognition of her entrepreneurial skills and design talents. VOSTENAKstudios collections are available online at www.valerieostenak.com.

In response to winning the award Ostenak said, "I am absolutely thrilled and deliriously happy to be the 2009 winner. I am still laughing with joy!"

Ostenak’s artistic experience includes traditional jewelry training, blacksmithing, graphic design and painting. The influences of each of these media converge in her jewelry creations. Designs are crafted from Argentium sterling silver and embellished with high karat gold accents, freshwater pearls and semi-precious gemstones.

The VOSTENAKstudios line is contemporary with fluid lines and great attention to detail. Ostenak’s unique style is easily recognizable in every piece. She creates one of-a-kind statement necklaces, hairpieces and earrings with delicately intertwined metalwork in her Woven Collection. Her Ribbon Collection consists of more simple hammered styles with a highly reflective finish.

“These designs are stunning,” said Hilary Halstead Scott, a competition judge, “I literally gasped when I opened her submission packet to a portfolio montage page. It is rare to find work that is so unlike anything else in the industry.”

VOSTENAKstudios joins a distinguished group of jewelry designers who have received the Jewelry Design Business Development Grant in past years: Ananda Khalsa Jewelry, Belle Brooke Designs and Bridgland Studios. Halstead Bead Inc sponsors the annual competition for new companies in the mid-level segment of the jewelry industry known as bridge jewelry or art jewelry. Details on the award and all of this year’s top finalists can be found atwww.halsteadbead.com/grant.

Halstead Bead, Inc. is one of North America’s leading jewelry supply wholesalers. The firm was established in 1973 and supplies professional jewelry designers and manufacturers around the globe.

How to Remove a Stuck Ring

A great step by step with photos at wikiHOW...

How to Remove a Stuck Ring

Has it been a while since you took off a ring? Did you try on a ring that seemed big enough going on but won't readily come off? Don't panic, and don't rush to cut it off either. There are some simple things you can do to remove it safely.

http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Stuck-Ring

This would be a great link for a jewelers website - good photos and well written instructions...