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So I admit, I almost yelped when I clicked on Dedalo's shop and saw what was offered. I couldn't help it, it was just that awesome. I don't know about you, but I'm not the best present shopper/giver (especially when it comes to guys), but hey, if they need a pair of cufflinks (or even a tie clip or a signet ring), Dedalo is probably your best handmade bet. His weapon of choice? Sterling silver.
I was looking at a sharks-related treasury (couldn't help it, I got sucked in by the shark thing, darn my hockey team) on Etsy, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the shark cufflinks--which really looked a lot like the art on our backup goalie's mask. They are, for lack of better word, AWESOME!
I love how he admits that he's a dude and loves designing jewelry. He knows who he is! Props to him for that. More props because he makes some cool cufflinks. And I have not seen a lot of cufflinks that I like. Just putting that out there.
Anywho, he's got stuff for everyone. Gamer geek? Covered. Classic styling? Covered. Alternative baby? Covered. (Ha see what I did there? Well... Maybe not if you don't listen to Reel Big Fish. Heh.)
Favorites!
For your rock star, a retro-style microphone.
Or, if he's more of a Rock Band/Guitar Hero star, well, it's a guitar.
Closet D&D geek? Keep his love for the game subtle with these dragon links.
And for all those alternative boys, pilot skulls (which are pretty badass, by the way).
Or (another one I looooooove), a modern twist on a classic blank, the ArcTan option.
Is he a Linux fan, instead of those other OS's?
And then, for good measure, a couple examples of his other work (non-cufflinks):
Love this open-cut, rounded, thick ring.
And this puzzle-like bracelet. (It's like a Chinese finger trap! For your wrist!)
This amazing seller, Markhed, I actually found out about from one of Etsy's Storque articles, the one featuring Valentine's Day. For this article, Etsy selected the Baby Franken Heart necklace (which is adorable) for all those singles out there who have had their hearts broken. I was immediately drawn to this piece, because it looks flexible, but also the heart is actually in pieces, and they sewed it back together.
I put up the LOVE studs as well because they're so cute and understated, and I have this thing for hand-stamped jewelry right now.
Anyway, what really sucked me into Marie's world of design was her collection of pinup/circus pendants. Well, that and the fact that she hand cuts, solders, hammers, etc. every piece she creates.
The Swinging Pinup is my personal favorite. Even though it's a silhouette there's still so much detail, and it's really as if she's in motion! Amazing. The Tightrope Walker is definitely a close second, though, I really love how she came up with how to connect the pendant to the chain itself. And then there's the Trapeze Artist (Marie's apparently an architect, so all of this is kind of a departure from that).
And then going in a completely different direction is the Tangled Lotus Necklace. It is straight-up AMAZING. The oxidized state of the metals and the natural looking tangles makes me think of the whole "bedhead-on-purpose" look. It's a very raw, organic piece, and the lotus blossoms just make me love it even more. (Did I mention that she hammers and solders everything herself? Yeah.)
And because this talented woman has so many cool ideas, here are some other noteworthy necklaces:
Fish Skeleton -- And yes, it IS flexible!
Winged Heart Tattoo -- LOVE this take on the classic tattoo design, particularly the oxidized details.
Sweetheart Birds -- Sitting together on an extended branch, with a blue pearl detail. She also has a Birds on Swing one.
Butterfly with Music Background -- Love this one because it's butterflies meet Chopin meet cameo meet clear pendant. Recycled materials FTW!
I've always been a fan of handmade jewelry, but so often you find pieces uses cheap plastic charms (not that these are bad either, but they wind up being less unique). As such, I'm usually super excited to find work with so much thought put into it.
Untamed Menagerie is one such seller. Well, I should say sellers, plural, since it's a mother and daughter team, and the shop contains creations from both of them. I haven't had the pleasure of dealing with them yet (I had my eye on the lotus blossom necklace, since it was also priced well, but alas, it sold out).
So instead, I've just been looking through their work, going "Wow, that's a really cool concept!" or "You can tell they really put thought into how to make this work." Their main materials are cable chain, stainless steel, and black acrylic; their designs appear to be laser cut.
This is especially true of the hummingbird necklace, which is one of the prettiest things I've ever seen. Aside from necklaces, they also make rings, earrings, and brooches, so they're not just a one-trick pony.
Based on their profile and description of each of their design styles, I'm guessing the lotus blossom and hummingbird are both the mom. So the Carpe Noctembrooch, in which case the "leash" is more of a droopy chain, give a classic twist to a modern, alternative idea.
Other pieces of note:
Alice-inspired necklace -- "We're All Mad Here," indeed!
Melancholy Lashes necklace -- The swirls are so delicate and detailed, I can't help but wonder what the inspiration for the design was. piece is the daughter's work, another one I love. The concept of a bat as a balloon (or pet), and using the chain as the string (leash) to keep it close to the girl is so different! It makes me think of a Threadless tee, but for your neck. Pretty cool, no? Oh, and it can also be made as a
