My sister Alenka is doing bobbin laces for 20+ years – since her elementary school when she joined the beginners course of Idrija lace making. She is doing wonderful jewellery, using an interesting mix of traditional craft and modern elements. Here are some of her latest products.
Above is a pair of earrings from black cotton thread. An interesting mix of dark and light elements are interacting in a circle. Thicker patterns make darker lines around the more loose and transparent nets. For final touch the beads were added.
Bobbin laces are done from thread that is wrapped around wooden profiled sticks – bobbins. The lace pattern is drawn onto piece of paper and it is pinned to a special pillow which is stuffed with sawdust. Bobbins are then handled in various ways, so that different number of threads are crossed, turned, shifted or mixed between them and around the pins to create the design.
The Idrija bobbin lace making is registered as Slovenian intangible cultural heritage. Picture above: Idrija Municipal Museum
Brooches in the shape of flower are done from thread in different colours and thickness. To ensure that products are stiff and maintain their shape either they are starched, the metal thread is included in the lace itself or, as in the products below, the silver platted wire is added to the outline of the lace.
The three larger petals of the flower in the above brooch are knitted around the silver plated wire, so the brooch gains 3D form. The smaller petals are done with metal thread.
Here are two more products made out of metal threads. Above, a very special and elegant necklace pendant and in the picture below the brooch in warm tones.
My sister is doing an amazing job, so I will have the pleasure to share with you some more of her creations. Love you, sis!
Happy crafting to you all!
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