10/21/2015

Paper necklaces by Catrine Berlatier

I've always been wanting to make some kind of paper jewellery, but I just haven't found any technique or come up with anything that seems to have the kind of detailing and strength, I think it would need.

It's no fun to make something that falls apart, or can't withstand a bit of handling. But still, I know that paper is this really, really strong material, if you treat it the right way.

And then, as I was browsing away on Instagram, I came across something: these beautiful rope or concertina paper necklaces by a woman named Catrine Berlatier. She is a French jewellery maker, living in Melbourne, Australia, where a local jewellery gallery - e.g.etal - sells her work.


I think they are fantastic - they look strong and durable, and yet you feel that they must be light, flexible and nice to the touch. The weaving or folding technique is simply beautiful, and I have googled like a crazy person to identify it, because I would so love to try it. It looks like a lot of work, and her level of finesse I am not aiming for - but I'd love to give it a go. 

If anyone reading this can help, I would be thrilled! What is this kind of weaving / folding called?

But back to Catrine Berlatier; she makes her folded necklaces from all sorts of discarded paper, old books etc. (for instance old atlases  - see the first necklace below).



There is a bit of an African vibe about them, that I really like - I'm a big fan of Masai and Turkana jewellery, for instance - and they are just so well made, you can really see her skill and craftsmanship.

Her necklaces are for sale here, if you have (quite a few) Australian dollars to spare!

(all photos here are by Catrine Berlatier and e.g.etal)
 

7 comments :

  1. Thank you very much for your kind comments!

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    1. Oh, thank you, you are most welcome. I really admire your work!

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  2. Hello Tina,
    I just discovered your lovely blog and I have lots of fun browsing through all the beautiful projects.
    I have a tip for you regarding the necklaces of Catrine Berlatier; I have not tried this myself, but they remind me of scoubidou, which is done with plastic cords. Just search scoubidou on Youtube, you will find lots of tutorials. Hope this helps!
    Groetjes, Monique (=greetings in Dutch)

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    1. Hi Monique! Thank you so much for all the positive feedback - and the tip about scoubidou sounds really helpful, I will definitely check that out!

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging,
    Bracelets

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    1. Thank you so much, Makki Babu - and I sure will!

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