Something different Sunday - Designing a virtual necklace

I first 'met' Sharon of My Passport to Style when I read her post on the Henry Holland A/W 12 runway show for London Fashion Week.  She had me sniggering into my full fat (and proud of it) mocha.

A couple of emails bounced between us which ended up with Sharon asking me if I would be interested in designing her a virtual necklace which she would feature along side some of my existing collection on her blog.  I was intrigued.  I said 'yes!' and got to work.

Sharon sent me a link to her Pinterest fashion inspiration board....

Sharon's fashion and style pinterest board

...and from this I pulled together this collage to abstract the colours and materials - essentially my way of kick-starting the design process.

sketchbook collage, colours and material, March 2012, Cari-Jane Hakes

Sharon also told me which pieces from my existing collection she liked the best; Storm Necklace, Yellow Submarine Ring and the Barnacle Ring.

Sharon's favourites and a few others, from the existing Hybrid Handmade Collection

From Sharon's favourites I began to focus in on pebble shapes and faceted textures; this combined with the colours and textures from the collage all came together to create the following sketches.

Sketchbook design for Sharon's Virtual Necklace, March 2012, Cari-Jane Hakes

The pendant became a chunk of faceted wood or turquoise stone - based on the size of a pebble that would fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.  It is strung on a bright turquoise silk chord or a gold chain.  It is a meditative little piece, positioned at the perfect length for pulling this way and that, along the  midsection of the chain whilst you ponder life's big questions.  A couple of little gold 'barnacles' complete the composition.

So, there you have it.  My first ever 'virtual commission'.  A big thank you to Sharon for coming up with this great idea.  Now, I think I'm going to have to go off and make it for real!