Jackie Highway "Here I Am" Music Video Features YazBerry Cuff

My friend and talented composer/violinist/singer/dancer/creative wonder woman Jackie Highway just released this amazing music video. It's a lot of fun and fresh sounding, perfect to add to your summer playlist. Best of all, she is wearing a custom YazBerry Fashion hand cut leather lace cuff I made her in some of the scenes. Watch for a shiny, silver leather cuff on her left wrist while you enjoy the tunes and colorful video. Keep an eye out for her new album dropping soon; it's awesome!

YazBerry Jewelry Collection: Leather Lace

The Leather Lace Collection features hand cut leather lace necklace, bracelets and earrings. I might even try a new ring concept soon! My leather lace collection is one of my most detailed and highest skilled techniques. I have written some background on my technique and inspiration before, and recently produced a short "making of" film which is available on youtube.

Bold and eye catching. Delicate like lace but with the strength of leather. Sometimes imitating metal, sometimes paper. Always distinct and free hand cut by me. Some producers use lasers to mass produce leather filigree jewelry. I do not. I pride myself in a steady hand and the ability to visually transfer a drawn design to leather by simply using small knives and piercing tools. I am good, really good. My free hand cut leather jewelry rivals and surpasses designs cut by lasers time and time again!

Most of these designs I can make in any color of leather or reproduce in similar look to what is featured. Many are currently available on my Etsy shop and on my facebook page. Inspired? Have a design you'd like to see in leather? Contact me to discuss custom jewelry options.

The Hand Cut Leather Lace Process - Revisited

You may recall my post on my hand cut leather lace process a few years ago. I have been re-inspired by cut leather work recently and decided to film the making of a new necklace design to give you some more insight into my process and technique. The piece featured in this video is available on my facebook page for purchase. This design could also be made in bronze or silver foiled leather. I have a few other colors on hand too just let me know what you are looking for.

The Hand Cut Leather Lace Process

LEATHER LACE

WHAT IS IT?

USA based Artist and Designer, Virginia E. Berry (Me) uses 100% Genuine Leather glove weight Lambskin in her precision, freehand cut and pierced leather jewelry and purses. This technique is referred to as leather lace. It is a play between positive and negative space; a 3-d rendering of a high contrast image.



THE INSPIRATION:

Mesmerized by a book on Asian Cut Art, Chinese Chung-hua and Japanese Kiri-e at my Grandmother’s, I taught herself to create cut paper art at a young age. I also finds inspiration in Mexican Papél Picado and cut paper art found in other cultures. My designs draw from traditional Asian motifs, Art Nouveau and Art Deco design.












THE PROCESS:

Leather lace requires the steady hand of a surgeon, one slip and the entire piece can be ruined. I draw out my design ideas on paper and use these to develop my pieces. Then, using the drawing as a visual reference guide, I use delicate knives and piercing utensils to freehand cut the design into leather. This is a careful, highly detailed process. Once the basic design in in place, I go back through with a close eye and makes sure all of the cut lines are crisp and smooth.

LEATHER LACE & YAZBERRY:

I started developing my hand cut leather lace technique in 2007. I've explored many tools and have sharpened my methods, always based on freehand cutting and freehand drawing. Leather lace is extremely lightweight and soft to wear. It is very flexible and amazingly durable. I have done durability testing and make sure my cut lines are thick enough so that you cannot tear them with your hands. Trust me, we've tried. To view my full leather lace collection (more to come in the next few weeks), visit yazberryfashion.etsy.com and view the bracelets & necklaces.

Hand Cut Leather Lace Demonstration

Here are some pictures from the Hand Cut Leather Lace Demonstration last week outside of my YazBerry Handmade Fashion Store on Artists' Row in Salem, MA.

Friday, July 9 at 6 PM. I had a half dozen interested minds stop by to learn about the history of cut paper art and how I have adapted this art form to cut leather lace. Pictured are samples of my work in leather, an example of Chinese cut paper art (circular picture with fish in red) and hanging behind me is iParty's rendition of Mexican Papel Picado (which is typically done in tissue paper). Also pictured are my tools.



Stop by this week to check out the next two free workshops I'm offering:
Wed 14, 7 PM FREE—Workshop: Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Sewing Kit
5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Participants will learn how to sew on a button, mend a tear, hide a snag and hem pants. Basic instructions on how to use a needle and thread and a sewing machine will be taught. Insider tips and tricks will be shared. Participants will use the skills learned to make a simple sewing kit to hold needles, thread, pins etc. that I will provide.

Sat 17, 4 PM FREE—Workshop: Fashion Design Drawing
10-20 Participants
Open to all ages.
Participants will learn how to draw clothing design ideas from different perspectives: front, side, back. They will be given instruction on how to emulate pleats, texture, print, volume etc. in their drawings. If participants wish to later construct their designs, suggestions on how much fabric and which materials they need will be given.

To see what other great workshops, performances and demonstrations will be offered by other Artists on Artists' Row, check out the All Artists' Row calendar.