Wearable Art: Tribute Collection - Anni Albers inspired woven bracelet

Embrace the Artistry of Anni Albers - Available on Etsy

Recently, my dear friend from sweet-sparrow.com introduced me to the remarkable work of Anni Albers in the realm of jewelry. Trusting Julie's wisdom, I explored Albers' innovative use of common materials, particularly her captivating woven washer and ribbon necklace.  And so, our tribute collection came to life, paying homage to influential jewelry artists of the past.

Beyond being a renowned textile artist and art educator, Anni Albers stood as a strong advocate for sustainable fashion. In her timeless book, *On Weaving*, Albers shared, "The use of recycled materials is a way of giving new life to old things. It is also a way of reducing waste in the fashion industry. Recycled materials can create garments just as beautiful and stylish as those made from new materials. In fact, recycled materials often lend garments a unique and captivating allure."

These words resonated deeply with my own creative process, and I couldn't resist challenging myself to create something special, using the materials I reclaimed from forgotten buildings in my rural surroundings, cleverly woven together with ribbon. The results are now here for you to behold.

Before we delve into the design process, I want to remind our readers that this bracelet, like all our creations, extensively features recycled and reclaimed materials sourced from decaying rural properties. Each piece tells a story of sustainability, honoring the legacy of family farms and small businesses, giving new form to materials that were once discarded as trash. Wear this bracelet, embrace its story, and add your voice to its tale. Show your support for sustainable fashion by acquiring one from our Etsy store.

About the Design Process

The journey began with crafting a symbolic link shape, which I affectionately named "infinity-links." As I hammered the first few links, they assumed an infinity shape, which held a deeper meaning for me - a material experiencing its third life, having transformed from electrical wire to scrap metal, and now a beautiful piece of wearable art.

With a pile of roughly hammered links before me, I set out to weave them together. My initial attempt featured a single ribbon and a different weaving pattern, resulting in a durable and comfortable bracelet that I still cherish to this day. However, I was determined to create a more aesthetically pleasing design.

Inspiration struck when my favorite bartender at The Road Hog Saloon near Bernice, OK - Meaghan - requested a work bracelet. It was while pondering her preferences that I settled on the design with two layers of ribbon. A bottom layer for color and customization, and a top layer of semi-transparent black organza, adding a soft texture to suit Meaghan's pretty, yet tough aesthetic.

I hope you find joy in this bracelet, as it was an absolute pleasure to craft. It serves as a reminder that even the humblest materials can transform into something exquisite and meaningful.

Discover the artistry of Anni Albers and the allure of sustainable fashion with our unique bracelet. Join us in celebrating beauty and purpose while supporting small businesses and rural revitalization. Find this meaningful piece and more on our Etsy store. Embrace the transformative power of art and fashion with every wear.