METALGAMI JEWELRY

A self-described “paper-pushing worker-bee engineer by day,” Monica Nachbar is a different type of paper-pusher by night. Monica folds sheets of precious metal clay into origami jewelry, an art called Metalgami. Monica’s jewelry pieces include pure silver pendants, earrings, charms, cuff links, bobby pins, and brooches.

MONICA’S INSPIRATION: Monica’s first foray into metalgami was inspired by her desire to give crane pendants to her wedding attendants. Strongly influenced by her Japanese-American heritage and her childhood origami hobby, Monica created the crane (tsuru) pendants herself with precious metal clay, using a traditional origami design.

Today, Monica uses traditional designs such as samurai helmets (kabuto) and ninja throwing stars (shuriken), as well as her own original designs.

“The original design of which I am most proud is my Origami Hawaiian Sea Turtle (Honu in Hawaiian or Kame in Japanese). I am inspired by the serene beauty and spirit of these gentle, endangered creatures.”

Monica even makes whimsical “cootie catchers,” also known as “fortune tellers” depending on where you were raised.

TURNING CLAY TO SILVER AND GOLD: Precious metal clay, or PMC, is fairly new to the U.S. art scene because it was developed by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation of Japan and introduced into the United States only in 1996. PMC is a versatile clay-like material that can be molded, folded, stamped, and sculpted into a wide range of beautiful pieces. The clay itself contains precious metal particles, either silver or gold, as well as some organic binding ingredients. When the clay is fired in a kiln or torched, the binding materials burn off and the precious metal particles fuse together. The artist is left with a 99.9% pure silver or 22K gold piece to use however they please. (In comparison, sterling silver is only 92.5% pure silver.)

CONNECTING WITH OTHERS: Apart from creating metalgami, Monica works at a medical device company that manufactures robot-assisted surgical systems. Monica says, “Isn't that awesome? I absolutely love knowing that medical products I work with are helping people everyday in hospitals around the world. I also love to dance, backpack, travel and most importantly to love and appreciate my Übergeek Honey-Bunny.”

Through her jewelry making, Monica has also connected to “kindred spirits” online. Monica uses Etsy.com to sell her wares, a site dedicated to the buying and selling of “all things handmade.” Artists who share tips and inspiration in the Etsy forums have created a friendly and helpful community online.

TIPS FOR CRAFTERS: Monica recommends that you make what you like, first and foremost. Secondly, “”Listen to everything your friends, family and passer-bys have to say about your art & business. Only incorporate what absolutely rings true in your heart.” Monica also encourages crafters to join, support, and participate in the Etsy community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MONICA’S ARTISTRY

Special for UChic readers: 10% 0ff any purchase through November 30, 2006! Simply mention the code “UCHIC” during checkout.

http://hapa.etsy.com