Pansy Waist Chain

When someone calls you a “pansy” it has a certain connotation of weakness and fragility. However, in reality, pansies are very hardy, resilient flowers. They are some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring and are very cold tolerant. They offer a variety of beautiful vibrant colors while simultaneously remaining simple and elegant. To me, pansies are a symbol of strength, resilience, and protection, all contained in a charming little flower. I explore this duality in my work as flowers are often seen as delicate and temporary, while metal is durable and everlasting.

Buttons and yarn

Buttons and yarn: these are staples of every grandmother’s home, and my grandmother is no exception. I grew up with a fascination for my grandma’s collection of buttons of all shapes and sizes, and beautiful yarn of every color. When my grandpa became ill, we were spending days at a time in the hospital together.This is when my grandma taught my mom and I how to crochet. It has been a cherished hobby and way to spend time together ever since.

This project is a tribute to the women in my family.

Not only did I explore different ways to make found buttons into wearable jewelry, I also created my own functional buttons that I incorporated into a crochet button up shirt. To me, the set represents the beauty that can be found in seemingly insignificant everyday objects like buttons, and the feminine strength of the women who adorn them.