I Like 'Em Quirky

Blame the yarn pom-pom puppets in 2nd grade. They started it all - started her on this non-stop, ever evolving journey of crafting that show no signs of slowing down.  I always thought yarn was never good for anything else except to initiate the innocent into the crazy world of crafting.  This proves it. 

I mean, aren't these decidedly crazy-quirky?

From old throw-away, almost dead materials, Nikki of Junk Studio creates some amazing pieces of wearable art.  She has been selling her creations since her junior year in college, starting with decoupaged and hand-painted bangles and bottle cap rings, gradually moving on to some really fun stuff like these vinyl record book-ends

A staunch supporter of all things handmade, Nikki is part of the growing community of crafters and artisans who showcase their pieces at the Alabama Art Fair.  Her love for crafting has given her the push to go at it full time -- eventually quitting the day job and devoting herself to making these funky pieces.

One of her bottle cap rings -- I like this!

I don't know but I find this one quite adorable :-)

Since starting Junk Studio, Nikki says she's found herself to be more conscious of what she buys and prefers to purchase, wear and use products that are eco-friendly and to the extent possible, handmade.  Being a crafter herself, she appreciates the work that handmade artisans put into producing a piece and is  happy to be able to put in her own effort at reducing the waste that threatens to take over our world  by turning them into beautiful, functional pieces.  She also believes that the best way to promote handmade is to support local handmade artisans in any way you can and I totally agree - I mean, wearing this necklace below is definitely a chic way of doing it and it won't even break the bank!

Nikki uses a variety of materials in her craft -- pages from old magazines, postcards, junk mail, beads and even hardware store finds.  I mean, who knew those little nuts and bolts could be turned into a funky piece of jewelry like the pendant below

Or that little strips of discarded fabric could eventually emerge as one fierce statement necklace -  

She derives inspiration for design from just about anything -- and the urge to create a new piece can hit her at the oddest moments.  An idea for a piece of jewelry can creep up unexpectedly when she's out getting food, or spotting an item that has seen better days but still has some kick to it can get her brain churning and before you know it, a new quirky, funky wearable art piece is born.  But when her muse takes an unannounced vacation, Nikki turns to reading craft magazines and listening to music to coax it back - and before long she's at her work table producing more of these beauties -

Some may find this a little dark -- I find it rather  romantic actually 

She considers Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo as her art heroes so a pendant decoupaged with the piercing countenance of the wonderful Ms. Kahlo is definitely on the list

Nikki takes great care in making her pieces, making sure that each decoupaged piece is thoroughly sealed to protect it from moisture or our intense Manila heat.  I appreciate that because it tells me that she cares for her customer and makes sure that they get not only a little bauble they can wear a few times but maybe a piece that can be passed on by a quirky, spunky grandma to an equally quirky, spunky grandchild.

Where's Nikki?  She's everywhere! Of course you can find her on April 14 and 15 at the Alabama Art Fair.  Can't go? She's online -- Junk Studio has an Etsy shop and you can also get the latest updates on what she's up to on Tumblr.  If that isn't enough, you can visit Junk Studio's Facebook page.  And if it's first dibs you want on whatever new piece she just made, follow her on Twitter.com/junkstudio. 

All images courtesy of Junk Studio