Thursday, February 12, 2009

A Paisley Passion

I am on a paisley kick lately. I guess a more professional way to put it would be to say, I have begun a line of paisley inspired accessories. I have always loved that paisley shape. I love a swirly curve and combine it with a filling of lots of goodies and it is just perfect for my tastes. I got curious about its origins and here is what I found out on that wonderful resource wikipedia,
if you care to find out more too....
The paisley pattern is the droplet shaped motif of Persian and Indian origin. According to Wikipedia: , some design scholars call the distinct shape boteh and believe it is the convergence of a stylized floral spray and a cypress tree (a symbol of life). The pattern is still popular in Iran, South, and Central Asian Countries. Wikipedia even mentioned something about the possibility of it representing a pregnant leech, but we will just try not to think about that one (super yuck!). Its western name derives from the town of Paisley, in central Scotland. In the 19th century European production of paisley increased, particularly in the Scottish town Paisley in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Weavers there copied designs from shawls brought back from India by soldiers.

My paisley production is showing up in brooches, pendants and even earrings made of polymer clay. I am having a lot of fun exploring all the different color possibilities.

4 comments:

  1. Those are beautiful Julie, I don't think I've seen that done in PC before. I like your color choices too, very modern paisley I'd say!

    Loving your blog entries too!

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  2. Thanks Kate, I have more paisleys coming, hoping they sell too :) I am still figuring out the blog pictures. Finally got them to move around a bit. Always a mystery where they will appear! if they will appear, etc.

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  3. Happy Valentines Day Ms Julie!

    I am a huge fan of paisley patterns/prints and you have done something so fantastic and unique. I haven't seen anything done in a 3D like this, and I really adore it! Great color choice too. You have such fun stuff on your Etsy site.

    Pam

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  4. Thanks Pam! I may have gotten a bit carried away with the paisley. I have a few more pieces to post on Etsy that I have made that incorporate them. They are kind of an interesting way to try out a color palette and I have a couple more in my head.

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