The Artist's Den by Paola Germar, Rated PG

When people remember an event, our mind utilises our memory  to fill in the gaps, by using preconceived thoughts about what we know . My bags are pieces of fun memories ,a bit jumbled and vague. They are inspired by snips of details in events in my life that I like to reminisce about.

I like creating things which make one's imagination work. My creations can be interpreted in different ways by different people, depending on what they have experienced. By using precious stones, wood and glass, I try to mimic the sharpness , strength, intensity and vividness of dreams through their assortment of colors, textures and arrangements. Hopefully, my pieces can trigger everyone's imagination and bring back fun and happy memories to people who see them.

       ABOUT THE ARTIST

 “I paint a lot and design things a lot , and ever since, I’ve always wanted to have my own brand called RATED PG or rated Paola Germar . The name came to me when I realized my initials were always on TV, and they always announced programs that are “Rated PG” , so I thought that would be free promotion for my brand , every time people hear it, they would remember my stuff. I like making everyday things look like art, or transform them so that they could be hung in galleries as artwork. I like to make everything pretty and try to make everyone smile . " - Paola Germar

As a major in Fine Arts and Painting, Paola Germar utilized her knowledge of the visual arts to create her brand of edgy handmade products. Also as a graduate of dress making and knitting, she has a command of using different mediums and materials, which she uses to enhance her creations. She came up with her brand name, Rated PG, after the “Parental Guidance” tag that’s attached to rate certain television shows, because it struck her that her initials were always mentioned on TV! As an artist, she is a combination of wide-eyed youthful perspective and quirky ideas. It is her hope that as she shares her memories and experiences with you through art, she’s simply trying to make you smile.

Wiring with Passion by Steph Lopez, FLOW

Flow’s pieces are made with the utmost care, and are usually time-consuming to make. At least where the wire pieces are concerned, I avoid making the same item over again. The end result for the pieces, I hope, is that they make the wearer feel as unique and as special as she truly is.

I’ve consigned two kinds of items to Palamuti by PJ Valenciano for her trade shows in the US this year: the Teardrop Necklaces and the Bejewelled Clutch.

Teardrop Necklaces

The necklaces with teardrop pendants are one of my more popular items.  I start with aluminum wire which I shape into a teardrop. Then, I weave on embellishments (such as crystals, pearls, and beads) onto the metal frame using stainless steel wire. I attach a jump ring to the pendant, so it can be easily slipped onto chain or omega wire. Meticulously-made and eye-catching, these pendants go well with the simplest of outfits, as much as they do with formal attire.

Bejewelled Clutch

Leather is such a beautiful material, and I wanted to incorporate wirework with leather to make these bags. Unfortunately, I have yet to learn how to work with leather, so I tapped other people to make the body of the bag for me. The ones I’ve consigned to Palamuti are made with leather from Pakistan; since my supplier could not find black leather of the same stiffness locally. The body of the bag has holes in front where I slip the stainless steel wire. Basically, these crystals and pearls are woven onto the leather body. These bags were designed for dressy nights out and formal occasions. While sparkly and feminine, these clutches are tough, as they are made of leather and stainless steel wire.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

"In 2006, I quit my full to job to pursue art full time. I tried doing corporate work again in 2011, only to leave in the summer of the following year, as I realized I could no longer keep with the pace of corporate life, and that's not where my heart really was. I took trips near the sea, contemplated on my career path, and decided that if I were to take on another kind of work, it must be centered on what I really love - art making"- Steph Lopez

While many jewelry businesses start from the love of jewelry, Flow started the other way – it first came about as a way for Steph Lopez to supplement her income as a sculptor and visual artist. This eventually cultivated her love for jewellery-making as an artform in itself, thus serving as an impetus to create pieces that make a woman feel special and unique, as she is truly meant to be. She started to learn how to make jewellery in 2012, and establishing her brand Flow, soon followed. Her unique style of handmade jewellery pieces and other trinkets has evolved gradually since then.  In the past year, she has been focused on making more ornate pieces that incorporate a lot of wirework – an element of design she lifted from her experience in making most of her sculptures. The name “Flow” came to her as she was taking a vacation by the sea. Her love for the beach and water inspired her brand name, and describes the process of how she works when it comes to making “trinkets”.  As an artist, she subscribes to a very spontaneous and “flowing” process. Usually, she simply compiles her materials in front of her, and allows her creativity to flow. Rarely does she draw or plan on how most pieces will look once they’re done.

Style & Sensibilities by Kim Basa, Amaya Accents

Beauty and grace are traits that are innate to every woman. How one carries herself radiates one's individuality. A woman's choice of clothes, shoes, and accessories speaks volumes about her personality, and also strongly conveys her uniqueness from others. 

My personal aesthetics lean towards classic, minimalist and bold.I stick to this baseline when trying to cross elements of design when I feel like experimenting. However, there is one definite fashion statement that will not be missed out: the statement necklace! I believe and feel that wearing something different and unique can spruce up my ensemble

I think it goes with the fact that I used to be shy and timid, It took me a lot of guts to wear something so bold during the first time. Yet I felt strongly about wearing something connected to my personality, so I went for it. Ss I found my way out of my shell, I started to gain confidence to uncloak a new version of me; a new and improved version.

When my friends and I plan a gathering, we think of a theme of what everyone gets to wear. For October, which is my birthday month, we chose black themed attire accompanied by a statement necklace. Since it's going to be a dinner with other friends celebrating my birthday, a statement necklace was included as part of the theme, because it's something that speaks about me. In preparation, I considered having a customised piece, which I designed myself.  I chose a flower design with  a touch of red to break the black and white combination. I loved how this complemented my black and white outfit. You see, the look that I was able to create was about me, myself and I. I purposely didn't try to imitate a style icon, as I believe that it will go against who I am. 

In essence,personal style, for me, is being myself. I believe I can never go wrong with that. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST-ENTREPRENEUR  

Kim started Amaya due to her fondness in accessorizing with the use of uniquely handcrafted necklaces.  It started when she got pregnant with her second child, a girl, who she wanted to share her affinity and passion for dressing up. Encouraged by the thought of realizing a dream, she named her brand of unique handmade accessories after her daughter, Amaya. As she continues to pursuing this vision of providing unique handcrafted accessories to moms like her, who share the same love for handmade accessories, she’s thankful that she found the wisdom and inspiration, despite the many challenges facing entrepreneurs and artists, through one significant life event --- being a mother to a daughter named Amaya.

What we love most with Amaya Accents' handmade pieces is the simple functionality of the design. If you are the type who's looking for classic, casual wearable pieces, we recommend Amaya's Daily Wear Necklaces. Drop by and show your support for Filipino Independent Artists at the American Bead Shows this coming October 25-26 in Louisville, Kentucky.