2014 How did I get “hair”? A reflection on seaglass barrettes, jewelry, & inspiration
The highlight of 2013 was joining the Cape Ann Artisans Tour. I have been blessed with a beautiful place in the universe to call home on the Annisquam River. Just beyond the home is my studio above from my husband’s painting & decorating workshop. For me, it’s the perfect combination since my sea glass collecting & assembling is largely due to his influence. It took me a long time to decide to apply to be on the Studio Tour. I wanted to feel good about the work and its place among the many sea glass artists that came before me. [Note, it also took me 30+ years to upgrade my golf clubs since I first started playing golf.]
Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco
What was noteworthy about the last few years has been the evolving interest in the hair accessory part of my collection. When I began designing, I chose to focus on hair accessories as they seem to be forgotten in the world of jewelry. Being someone that responds to feedback that included many requests for jewelry, I expanded the jewelry lines but mimicked designs loved in the hair accessories. However, as I enter my 11th year, I see the tide turning again as people discover that they can further beautify their hair beyond the $52B that Oprah says we already spend on it! So in 2014, I will host my first Hair Festival.
Though innovating across various types of accessories. I have tried to maintain the design palate that people associate with Cape Ann Designs. It’s structural, organic, the focus is on the glass itself – all décor meant to bring out the natural beauty of the sea glass. This past year I partnered with Belle + me to create scarf pendants. I also added very funky lariats to the collection. Of late, however, I’ve added some “twists” to the odd shaped pieces of glass by caging them in wire thanks to some new techniques picked up at SnowFarm. Design wise, a bit of a departure, but allowing me to use more of the collection.
On the collecting front, I’ve been gifted with some interesting collections of glass as people downsize and move. Additionally I have been asked to do field work by going to people’s homes and creating from their collections! These are both exciting developments as the possibilities are endless even as the world population of sea glass diminishes. Got some? Send me a note and I will take it off your hands and make you something to remember it. Stay tuned for more musings on my blog.
