November 2011

Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash, NC, To Hold Jewelry Trunk Show - Nov. 4 – 5, 2011

Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, NC, is set to host a Kaboo Jewelry Trunk Show and Sale on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10am to 5pm each day. It will showcase the designers’ most current necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more.

Kaboo designers, Jill Hope and Judy Rickenbacker, friends for many years, share a passion for beading. Their company name, Kaboo, LLC was inspired by their love of the whole kit ‘n caboodle of creating jewelry.

Hope and Rickenbacker design independently of each other, but agree that their work is inspired by an elusive design rhythm that comes from within; intuitive and meditative in nature.

Continually taking classes to discover fresh techniques keeps their collections moving in new and innovative directions. Their inspirational one-of-a-kind designs are sophisticated, elegant and sometimes whimsical, but always with a strong focus on the interplay of form, shape, color and texture.

Wearing a piece of designer jewelry from Kaboo is like wearing a piece of art. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and using quality materials, each necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings is made from the finest materials, some handmade and unique; some never to be duplicated. Hope and Rickenbacker use time-honored beading techniques: stringing, weaving, Kumihimo and wirework while incorporating a mixture of metals into their designs. They hand select artisan lampwork beads, semi-precious gemstones, pearls, Swarovski crystals to create a stunning piece of jewelry.

During the Trunk Show, Hope and Rickenbacker will introduce their new Kumihimo Collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Kumihimo (pronounced ku-me-he-mo) is the ancient art of Japanese braiding. It means a gathering of threads and can refer to the braid or the technique used to create it.

Braids have been created and used in cultures across the world since antiquity. Kaboo has brought this ancient art form into the 21st century, by incorporating beads with braiding to create distinctive jewelry pieces.

Some of Kaboo necklaces features an unusual magnetic closure. Rickenbacker says, “We are always intrigued by unusual pairings of materials and were inspired to combine magnets and fibers. Everyone loves magnets. There is something irresistible about their magical attractive force. Kaboo’s inspiration was to combine the scrolled V-shape magnetic closure with a knitted necklace of fabulous yarn and metallic fiber creating an innovative fashion accessory.”

For fun with flare, try another new line, Glitz ‘n Glamour. If you love bold and beautiful, then this is for you. Stylish collar necklaces and cuff bracelets are wire wrapped using a myriad of stones, crystals and metals. You can enjoy the smug feeling that no one else will have a piece just like yours.

The first Kumihimo of silk was found in Japan in 1988 and dates from the 6th century and was most likely braided using a marudai (a 16” high frame).

Kumihimo was very popular during the time of the Sumarai warriors. The Samurai used the braids to tie together the lamellar sections of armor as well as for sword belts and sword tassels. Each suit of armor used 800-1,000 feet of braid.

After Buddhism arrived in Japan Kumihimo was used on the edges of scrolls, on sculpture, and for rosaries. In a secular context braid was used for decorations on mirrors, partitions, and chests as well as for trim and ties on clothing.

“I get inspiration from a variety of things… from a leaf on a tree, a Moroccan lamp, a sunset or just the colors from different gems,” says Rickenbacker.

Fascinated by the diversity of colors, shapes and components available, Rickenbacker was drawn into jewelry design by its enticement of endless variety. The beauty of the materials used stimulates her creativity and allows her to indulge in her passion for artistic expression. She incorporates unique components from talented artisans around the world into her creations, fusing her zeal for design with her desire to support the culture behind the craft.

Always striving to progress in the world of creativity, Rickenbacker has participated in numerous jewelry design classes. Her biggest influence has come from gemstone and design expert, Patty Poszywak of Clyde, NC.

Rickenbacker is a Carolina girl, born and raised in Charleston, SC. She has lived in Chapel Hill and Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and currently resides in North Myrtle Beach, SC.

Throughout her life, Jill Hope has been involved in some sort of artistic pursuit: ceramics, choreographing synchronized swimming, interior design, creating marketing materials and most notably for the past 25 years, painting. Her medium of choice was watercolor, acrylic and collage. Her paintings, always popular, often won awards in art competitions.

Hope says, “Today I’m involved in a new passion…beading! Instead of paint, my palette sparkles and shimmers with beads, gemstones, metals and crystals from every corner of the world.” Creation of each unique piece of wearable art is a joy, a fantasy trip that summons a lifetime of visions, shapes, color, textures, sounds and symbols. My goal is to infuse each piece with energy and inspiration.”

Hope attended North East Essex Technical College and School of Art, Essex, England and has taken many watercolor, collage and acrylic workshops taught by nationally known artists. Hope has participated in numerous jewelry design classes, the most influential instructor being gemstone and design expert, Patty Poszywak of Clyde, NC.

Hope is past president of the Waterway Art Association; past workshop coordinator for the Associated Artists of Southport and a member of the Brunswick Arts Council. She founded Studio 12, a group of 12 artists who meet on a weekly basis at Sunset River Marketplace, to paint, create, share, support, and critique each other’s work.

Born in Rochester, NY, Hope has lived in England, Denmark and Australia. She relocated in 1991 from Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks to Calabash, where she now resides.

Champagne, sweets and other treats will served throughout the Trunk Show.

For further information check our NC Commercial Gallery listings, call the gallery at 910/575-5999 or visit (www.SunsetRiverMarketplace.com).

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