Ocean an inspiration for local jewellery maker

by Susan Guenther, Raglan Old School Arts Centre

The range of unique designs by local jewellery maker Yann Bordier, suggests the ocean in style and form. Her ‘Tidemark Jewellery’ designs are inspired by the sea and nature. The curving, organic shape of a manta ray may take shape from bronze and copper metals to form a distinctive accessory. Yann’s own favourite creation is an exceptional bronze necklace set with pearls referencing a turtle.

Yann has been making jewellery for twenty years.  Her journey into this art began by learning the skill of working with silver during the years she and her partner Chris Mitchell sailed the islands of the Caribbean. Chris made appealing bone carving sculptures to wear, and their pieces were sold in boutiques throughout the islands.

More recently Yann has been perfecting the art of working with bronze and copper. Yann makes her own molds and patterned stamps, finding the time-consuming process both enjoyable and relaxing. Starting with a design in cardboard, a polymer clay template is formed and ‘cooked’. The piece is then worked in metal, sanded and kiln-fired. Carefully chosen gemstones are often a part of the design. Amber is a favourite.

Yann will be at the Raglan Creative Market this weekend if you’d like to talk about the design of a special piece you have in mind. She enjoys making to order and also repairs jewellery. She is a regular stallholder at the Creative Market and her work is on show at the Old School, Matapihi Gallery, Jet Collective and Te Uku’s Raglan Roast Cafe.

The Raglan Creative Market is the place to find expertly hand-crafted arts in the Whaingaroa region. Held on the 2^nd Sunday of every month at the Old School Arts Centre in Stewart Street, the market is also well-known for a wide range of quality organic produce, homemade preserves and delicious baking.

Next Creative Market: Sunday 9th December
Summer times: 9am to 2pm

New stallholders are always welcome. Visit our website www.raglanmarket.com. To find out more, contact The Old School Arts Centre on 07 825 0023 or market@raglanartscentre.co.nz.