allison j. johnson

itty-bitty & simple geometry

2012-01-24T12:02:00.000-06:00

A new collection of small, charming necklaces and earrings in beech and oxidized sterling silver. Find them in Minneapolis @ I Like You and The Electric Fetus. Providence?... coming this week to OneWay Gallery.

-Allison

rectangle hoop earrings

2011-11-23T09:47:00.000-06:00

cherry & oxidized sterling silver

motion: walnut and freshwater pearls

2011-10-28T12:41:00.000-05:00

stacked pearls

2011-10-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

walnut & freshwater pearl

rings

2011-10-08T12:58:00.002-05:00

Lately, I have been drawn to creating more simple compositions in my jewelry. When designing pieces with fewer materials and more simple, straightforward forms, I find myself focusing on the smaller aspects of the piece as a whole.

Here are a few pieces of my new silver/wood ring collection. The first ring is made of a simple arc with orthogonal sides. The face of the ring - a long, narrow rectangle - is pierced at opposite diagonal corners with silver tubing which extends ever so slightly past the face. The third ring is similar to the first, but in beech (instead of walnut) and without the extended tubing.

In the middle is a double-finger ring that has the same profile as the ring above, but repeated once. The silver tubing is flush at the face of the ring and from the profile view shown one silver arc is a bit larger than the other - meaning - the ring fits your hand a certain way :)

These rings are brand new and have just been shipped to Gallery 360 in Minneapolis.
Single rings are $30 and double rings are $36.

petals

2011-10-04T21:47:00.003-05:00

petal necklace
walnut and maple on sterling silver

arriving soon @ Gallery 360 - accompanying a more colorful collection

Minnesota Monthly: Excessories

2011-09-09T11:48:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to share a nice little feature of my wood and shell earrings in Minnesota Monthly's September issue in the "Excessories" article falling in the 'natural' category amongst a variety of accessories.

The Final First Thursday!

2011-08-03T17:23:00.001-05:00

... but only for me.

Thursday, August 4th will be my final open studio in the Northrup King Building for, well, a long time. As you may know, I will be moving to Providence, Rhode Island to begin a three-year Master of Architecture program at Rhode Island School of Design. So, please make your way to the Northrup King Building tomorrow. It would be great to see some old (and new!) faces stop by to hang with me and my studio mates and to look at some jewels!

Can't make it to open studio?... You will still be able find my jewelry at the following stores or contact me for special/custom orders!

Gallery 360
I Like You
Paper Hat
The Design Collective
Bibelot Shops
The Electric Fetus
Potpourri on Etsy

Red Hot Art Festival

2011-07-28T12:34:00.001-05:00

This weekend Stevens Square will be hopping with art, people, music, and festivities. I am happy to say my own neighborhood is hosting its annual art festival in Stevens Square Park. It is Stevens Square Community Organization's 10-year anniversary this year, so come to the park and celebrate with us! This will be my last outdoor show of this year, so I hope to see you there!

Paper Hat in South Minneapolis

2011-07-21T11:23:00.002-05:00

Hey friends!

This weekend, I suggest you make your way down to 50th and Penn to check out and do some shopping at Paper Hat. Shop owner Greta Norlander has created a charming collection of handmade items such as housewares, jewelry, clothing, cards, decorative items, handbags... Her boutique is delightfully whimsical. I was finding so many things perfect for my family and friends... can't wait to go back!

Even more good news... you now can also find my jewelry at this boutique! Pieces from the geometric series, oval earrings with bright turquoise stones, and some cute multi-tone wood necklaces and earrings.

Check it out!

-Allison

Potpourri Jewelry in Bibelot Shops!

2011-07-01T13:52:00.000-05:00

That's right! One more hot spot to find my handmade jewelry... at Bibelot Shops. Stores are located on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Linden Hills, Como and Northeast Minneapolis.

Stone Arch Festival of the Arts!

2011-06-16T09:42:00.000-05:00

Live music, food, cars, company... and ART! St. Anthony Main will be bumping Saturday and Sunday with plenty of people, activities, beautiful weather and fantastic art. Hope to see you at the Stone Arch Festival this weekend!

I will be in Father Hennepin Park in booth #240. Hope to see you there!

- - -

Stone Arch Bridge Festival
June 18 & 19
10am - 6pm

Edina Art Fair

2011-05-31T12:22:00.000-05:00

This weekend, make your way to 50th and France for the Edina Art Fair! More info here.

I will be there in Booth #625 with lots of jewelry! Hope to see you there!

Friday, June 3, 2011 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 4, 2011 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, June 5, 2011 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Voltage 2011

2011-05-14T18:35:00.000-05:00

A few pictures from the MN Fashion Voltage: Fashion Amplified runway event in April. First Avenue was packed and the spring collections from local designers were stunning. Pictured below are looks by clothing designer Terri Martin and jewelry by Allison Johnson.

summer events

2011-04-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

First Thursday!

2011-04-04T13:10:00.000-05:00

Thursday, April 7 | 5-9pm | 1500 Jackson Street NE

Goodbye March... Hello April! Not only am I always thrilled for NEMAA's First Thursday Open Studio Gallery Tour, but this week is going to be extra special! The snow has been melting and artists are ready to unveil their creations that have been brewing behind the icicle-clad masonry walls of the Northrup King Building during the winter. As for studio #435, we have been stirring up lots of new jewelry and can't wait for you to check it out.

Speaking of brewing and stirring... will be inviting Mimi Lee to serve free coffee Thursday evening on behalf of Black Sheep Coffee Cafe in St. Paul.

wood rings
maple & walnut

Bring your friends and support your city's fantastic local art scene!

-Allison

Voltage: Fashion Amplified 2011

2011-03-28T10:56:00.002-05:00

Friday April 15th, 2011 | First Avenue Mainroom | Doors: 7pm, Show: 8pm

MNfashion Week is approaching and you're going to love all the events going on April 11-17 in Minneapolis & St. Paul. Mark you calendars and get your tickets for the 2011 Voltage: Fashion Amplified fashion show coming up Friday, April 15. Local music from: Communist Daughter, Phantom Tails, Pink Mink, and more, will be filling the mainroom while spring collections from local runway and accessory designers will be passing up and down the runway. Drinks, music, people, fashion... and fun!

I had the opportunity to work with fashion designer Terri Martin, to create a spring look for the Voltage runway show. Photos of these items are soon to come... Visit the Voltage 2011 website for more information.

Voltage Press | Twin Cities Metro Magazine | Potpourri Feature

Check out the March 2011 Issue of Metro Magazine to see the article: Local Accesory Designers Rock the Runway at Voltage: Fashion Amplified, where wood oval earrings by Potpourri were featured. Even better, these earrings, plus much more of my collection, will be for sale at the pop-up boutique at Voltage this year. Even more reasons to get tickets for the show at First Avenue on April 15th!

2011-03-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

rose quartz & maple earrings

Open Studio March 3rd!

2011-03-01T11:21:00.002-06:00

Find your way to the NKB this Thursday!

That's right - we're kicking of the month of March with a fantastic First Thursday Open Studio. There will be lots of new jewelry for sale in studio #435 and many varieties of local art for you to see and experience throughout the building! Bring your friends, bring your date, or simply bring yourself!

Thurs, March 3, 5-9pm
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson Street NE
Studio #435

right angles

2011-02-16T10:11:00.001-06:00

putting each and every one of those long nights of architectural drawing to good use... t-squares, maylines, ink on mylar, graphite on bristol, AutoCAD... who knew simple, clean lines could lead to such great jewelry?

punch-out earrings - cherry on sterling silver

punch-out pendant no. 1 - cherry on sterling silver chain

skyscraper pendant - maple on silk cord

punch-out pendant no. 2 - walnut on leather cord

empty box - cherry and maple on blackened sterling silver chain

valentines day candy!

2011-01-26T11:22:00.001-06:00

these luscious carnelian nuggets make my mouth water... and they look fantastic in these wood earrings! ... and there are lots more where these came from.

First Thursday Open Studios are coming up... and so is Valentines Day! You will find lots of adorable jewelry in the Northrup King Building Studio #435 - so come on by and shop! Our studio is featuring a 20% OFF SALE this Thursday night only. Be sure to also check out and visit hundreds of local artists during our industry's open studio night.

First Thursday Open Studio

Thursday, Feb 3

5 - 9 PM

Northrup King Building

1500 Jackson Street NE

Studio #435

New Studio... Open Studio!

2011-01-04T12:16:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone!

Something new for 2011... I will be relocating my jewelry studio and show space from my apartment to the Northrup King Building. I am now located in studio #435 along with Emily Johnson, Britta Kauppila, Betty Jager, and Susan Frerichs. If you haven't stopped by yet - I encourage you to do so... there's plenty awesome stuff to see, touch, try on, or purchase!

I have also started a new "two-tone" series of necklaces and earrings. These will be out at our Open Studio during the "First Thursdays in the Arts District". Stop on in this Thursday to check it out.

First Thursday- Open Studio, 5-9pm
Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson St. NE
Mpls, MN 55413


two-tone series: pendants

two-tone series: earrings

happy holidays!

2010-12-22T14:33:00.000-06:00

Northrup King Building this Saturday!

2010-12-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

Open Studio!

Saturday Dec 18th, 12-4pm
Come to studio #435 for hot cider, treats and jewelry shopping on this final festive shopping day!

Northrup King Building #435
1500 Jackson St. NE
Mpls, MN 55413

You'll find a little something for everyone!

<3

tiny pendant

2010-12-12T10:46:00.000-06:00


olive jade - walnut - blackened silver - 3/4" x 1/2"

stacking stones

2010-12-10T08:01:00.000-06:00

cat wearing pendant

2010-12-08T16:09:00.000-06:00

this is benoît. he is handsome, energetic, and likes to play with jewelry...

in this photo he is wearing a necklace. it's nothing special, but one of the more durable pieces I have made, capable of withstanding his swift movements. benoît is avoiding eye-contact with the camera - perhaps feeling humiliated for wearing such a feminine accessory (even though I tried explaining to him that the strong, angular form makes it an ideal piece for men.)

... then i felt it was time to break the news regarding him being neutered 3 months after his birth.

wood & amethyst pendant

2010-12-07T11:26:00.000-06:00

love it?... want something like it for the holidays?

... let me know!

it is december!

2010-12-02T14:02:00.000-06:00

... and i have some new necklaces to share with you.

do you have some jewelry ideas for a holiday gift? let's chat about it...

email me at potpourri.jewelry@gmail.com


walnut and tourmalated quartz

walnut and moss agate

it's almost december!

2010-11-28T12:02:00.000-06:00

and i have just released a new collection at a new location - Gallery 360 - in south minneapolis. you'll find more beautiful gemstones and flowing shapes in this new selection. it's surely worth taking a look at, so check it out at Gallery 360 for your holiday shopping.


citrine gemstone in walnut on blackened sterling silver

faceted turquoise in cherry

handmade holiday mart

2010-11-17T12:33:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday, people gathered in a south Minneapolis home for holiday music, food, cider, pot stickers and shopping! Local artists and a talented cook from Gather Gourmet brought their best work for a Handmade Holiday shopping event. Here are a few pictures of jewelry from Potpourri and works in fabric and thread by Karin Knudsen... Thanks to all who joined us!

sad to see them go...

2010-11-15T16:57:00.000-06:00

A few pieces that I was a bit sad to part with these past couple weekends...

... however, I'm sure they went to good homes

... with people who will wear them frequently.

and find many outfits to accent...

... and necklines to accentuate.

at least some of them had a friend to go away with.

Thank you to everyone to came to the events of the past two weeks! I'm looking forward to hearing from a few of you for custom jewelry requests :)

Stay tuned for more upcoming events and do some holiday shopping at local boutiques like:

I Like You

The Design Collective

The Electric Fetus

Potpourri's Etsy Store

Shop this Saturday at the MN Fashion Holiday Bazaar!

2010-11-08T09:36:00.000-06:00

When: Saturday November 13, 2010 from 11am-6pm.
Where: MNfashion Atrium 79 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 (map)

This hidden gem of a shopping soiree will sweep gift seekers in to the holiday spirit and offer up beautiful wares from local boutiques and designers. Sip complimentary cocktails and cocoa, nosh on decadent appetizers from Ginger Hop restaurant, sample sugar sweets, all while perusing one-of-a-kinds and beautiful finds.

Vendors will include Cliche, Parc Boutique, Karma, Ruby3, ROX Jewelry, FOAT designs, Carrier Pigeon, and more.

Tickets are $8.50 in advance or $10 at the door. Get them at vitalculture.com

Be sure to look for Potpourri jewelry! I will be there with lots of new pieces :)

Art Attack

2010-11-01T16:22:00.002-05:00

Head over to NE Minneapolis this weekend to the Northup King Building for the annual Art Attack! I will be a studio guest in studio #435 with jewelers Emily, Betty, Britta & Susan. Please stop by and say hi!

Friday, November 5, 2010 5:00-10:00 PM
Saturday, November 6, 2010 Noon – 8:00 PM
Sunday, November 7, 2010 Noon – 5:00 PM

Enjoy this self-guided studio tour featuring over 200 artists in one location. Art Attack is one of the Midwest’s premier open studio events and features artists working in nearly every medium including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking and letterpress printing, mixed media, clay, metal, glass, fine furniture, textiles, fiber arts, jewelry and more.

subtle contours

2010-10-12T22:16:00.001-05:00

a simple wood pendant with a carnelian gemstone suspended horizontally. a warm color to add to your autumn collection and a simple accent to your casual wear.

find this and other potpourri favorites on Etsy!

ebony & pearl

2010-10-03T18:54:00.001-05:00

Stop by Northrup King Building's "First Thursdays" open studio night this Thursday, October 7th from 5pm - 9pm to see some great handmade art from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. I will have my new ebony & pearl series for sale along with many of my other collections in Studio #435 with a few other amazingly talented ladies who rock the jewelry world.

ebony & freshwater pearls

potpourri at northrup king building

2010-09-24T09:54:00.000-05:00

Come to the Arts District in Northeast Minneapolis and see some of the best art jewelry that the Twin Cities has to offer! As part of American Craft Week , Arts District jewelers are teaming up with each other and hosting a great group of guest jewelry artists to provide you an amazing selection of jewelry to view and shop. You'll find a variety of media, styles and prices to fit your accessorizing and gift giving needs. And, as it is the first Thursday of the month (and also part of American Craft Week), many other artists' studios will be open for First Thursday Open Studios in the Arts District - so Northeast will be full of all types of artwork to enjoy. Please come and visit - this promises to be a fantastic event!
_ _ _

Saturday, October 2, 2010; all day
Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis, 55413
Open Studio:

Allison J Johnson, guest artist, studio #435
Betty Jaeger, studio #435
Britta Kauppila, studio #435
Emily Johnson, studio #435
Susan Frerichs, studio #435

_ _ _

Thursday, October 7, 2010; from 5 - 9pm.

Casket Building, 681 17th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, 55413
Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis, 55413

In the Casket Building, you'll find:

Barbara Bloy, studio #304
Brittany Foster, guest artist, 3rd floor lobby
George Sawyer, studio #125
Kerri Norman, guest artist, 2nd floor lobby
Kristin Berwald, guest artist, 1st floor lobby
Marisa Martinez, studio #217
Sarah Michaela Designs, studio #211
Soren Priede, guest artist, 1st floor lobby
Tasha Rae Jewelry, studio #314

In the Northrup King Building, you'll find:

Allison J Johnson, guest artist, studio #435
Betty Jaeger, studio #435
Britta Kauppila, studio #435
Emily Johnson, studio #435
Judith Kinghorn, guest artist, studio #363
Karin Jacobson, studio #288
Susan Frerichs, studio #435
Tia Salmela Keobounpheng, guest artist, studio #288
Yen Chee, guest artist, studio #288

Hope to see you there,

It's going to be a blast :)

Allison

Time Out Chicago - potpourri ring feature

2010-08-31T15:59:00.000-05:00

My plywood rings had a little publicity in Time Out Chicago's "Shopping & Style" column. The rings were featured in a brief article called Right now, we want (actually, it was hardly an article - more like a spotlight). In the process of getting my hands on this issue... but in the meantime, let's celebrate!

See the spotlight here!

Potpourri Jewelry's Etsy site is always being updated with new jewelry and also has lots of good feedback posted from past buyers. Waltz around the shop if you have a minute to spare :)

xo

it's alright to be square :)

2010-08-06T16:18:00.001-05:00

ppr: plywood ring - simple square

These rings are now for sale on my Etsy Shop. So far, they've been getting a great reaction and I've sold quite a bit. The most popular style so far?... The tall & beveled ring. Personally, I'm a fan of the square.

All rings can be sized accordingly. They are available in whole sizes 6 - 11.

This weekend, check out the St. Paul Mid City Fest on University Avenue West & Raymond Ave. Many stores are participating in some awesome sales and activities. Shag Studios, salon/boutique will have a beautiful window display of potpourri jewelry!!!

Thanks for reading :)

-Allison

organic ovals featured on Minneapolis Picks

2010-07-31T23:34:00.000-05:00

pot-pour-ri's organic ovals at the new Moss Envy in Minneapolis have been featured on Minneapolis Picks - Life & Style in Minneapolis blog. Formerly Twin Cities Green, Moss Envy has relocated and expanded this past summer. Check it out here!

what's new?... wood rings!

2010-07-27T14:09:00.001-05:00

Many of you may already know how excited I am about this new addition to pot-pour-ri jewelry, and I hope you are loving these new rings as much as I am. These rings are intricately hand-crafted and simply beautiful. After much trial and error, (and even a fire here and there) I finally succeeding at making my own plywood. This first design is made of three wood varieties: Bolivian Rosewood, Cherry and Maple (veneer inlay). They should be out in stores soon... but - of course - the best way to buy them is directly from me or on Etsy. So contact me by email with a ring size and I'd be glad to help you out! And keep checking back to see new designs :)

ppr: plywood ring
size 7.5
bolivian rosewood, maple & cherry

spreading the love

2010-07-10T17:11:00.000-05:00

pot-pour-ri jewelry is now at 2 more new locations! The Electric Fetus in Minneapolis (an independent record/gift/clothing store a few blocks from my place) and the swanky hair salon/vintage/accessory shop, Shag Studio in St. Paul.

new jewelry creations?... yes. i am currently in the process of making some lovely plywood rings.

new shows?... perhaps. planning on selling at Salsa Two-Four moutain bike festival at Afton Alps at the end of August. There will be a few local artists, live music, camping, and bike races! Details to come.

lots of ovals!

2010-04-03T12:48:00.001-05:00

I have been busy! Check out my recently updated Etsy Shop to see several new organic ovals... Enjoy!

punchout-pendant no. 2

2010-01-31T18:30:00.000-06:00

a new pendant designed for both men and women and pretty successful so far in stores. it is made of wood and accented with silver, hanging from a black leather cord. it's similar to the men's pendant i posted a while ago - but after realizing women were just as interested in that pendant, I decided to keep this one ambiguous. check out punch-out pendant no. 2 item on Etsy for more details and look at some new pieces as well...

here and there

2009-12-03T13:44:00.000-06:00

hello everybody,

a new design - cute little square dangle earrings! i decided to name them "here and there" because of the two round chips cut out... well... here and there!

keep pot-pour-ri jewelry in mind for your HOLIDAY SHOPPING! we are offering FREE SHIPPING in our Etsy Store during the entire month of December. so please shop around - it's a great deal and the same as buying it directly through us.

if you have any questions, please contact me!

<3
Allison

ovalette

2009-11-28T13:35:00.000-06:00

pot-pour-ri has a new design and it's part of the organic oval lineage. ovalette's irregular shape is made of wood and has a beautiful oval punched-out of its original contour. it is one of our more simple designs that says a lot with two complimenting fluid shapes. these earrings are quite smaller that the organic ovals many of you are familiar with, measuring 1.5" from top to bottom.

tag: ovalette: shown in cherry, 1.5"l x .75"w

Coral : Framed

2009-11-22T16:47:00.000-06:00

The Design Collective Fall Sale!

2009-11-19T09:40:00.000-06:00

Check it out-

Starting this Friday, The Design Collective is having their Fall Sale with lots of great deals! Pot-pour-ri jewelry will be marked down 20% and other items (clothes, accessories, jewelry) are on sale up to 40% off

Friday, November 20 - Monday, November 30
(Closed on Thanksgiving)

Shop local this holiday season and make a trip Uptown to The Design Collective

New Etsy Site!

2009-11-18T14:45:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone,

I have finally finished reconstructing pot-pour-ri's Etsy page. You can follow the link to the left to see what's in the shop online. Some new stuff - some older stuff - but all good stuff.

Etsy is a very fun place to shop. There's so much talent out there from around the world. Spend some time searching - it's perfect for Christmas shopping. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me :)

~Allison

men's jewelry

2009-10-08T20:08:00.002-05:00

men's pendant no. 1 We have been designing new jewelry for a men's line that mainly consists of pendants ( and perhaps rings in the near future). This piece is designed with a wood square and a brushed piece of silver wrapped around a rectangular void. An absence of material brings depth and dimension to the square without taking away from its smooth face. This pendant hangs on a thick black leather cord.

dimensions: 1.25" x 1.25"

*tag: men's pendant no. 1 - cherry on leather

pot-pour-ri is on the scene!

2009-10-07T16:31:00.001-05:00

organic ovals

Contours and colors that are vibrant and fashionable for this fall. These earrings have been a great success so far and are our best seller. The Organic Ovals vary among wood species and stones. From cherry and turquoise to walnut and coral, they're simple and unique.

You can find these and other designs by pot-pour-ri in Minneapolis at:

The Design Collective - Uptown
Twin Cities Green - Uptown
I Like You - Northeast Mpls

Or buy this design directly from:

pot-pour-ri jewelry
tag: organic ovals - cherry w/ turquoise

if you facebook...

2009-08-26T16:30:00.000-05:00

... because, really, who doesn't?

pot-pour-ri jewelry designs is now on facebook. if you like us, become one of our fans! not only do fans get to hear about our special sales and upcoming events but they also can comment to the designers of pot-pour-ri (allison and jonathan). more than anything, we love to hear what you think because it gives something to get giddy about and toil over for hours and hours.

so if you like something, give it a thumbs up. if you have an opionion, share it :)

become a fan now!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/pot-pour-ri-jewelry-design/110990064709

simple, unique, modern

2009-08-23T11:12:00.002-05:00

these pieces are part of our new line that is being released at the beginning of september on etsy, at the design collective, and maybe some new stores in the city :)

photos by jonathan dessi-olive

a few more pieces.... some you may recognize

2009-08-14T08:53:00.006-05:00

pot-pour-ri in stores!

2009-08-07T11:12:00.003-05:00

hi everyone,

pot-pour-ri jewelry is now available to purchase at The Design Collective in uptown, minneapolis!
...need directions? click here

many more designs have been made, and they will be posted soon enough on this blog. however, don't forget to look on Etsy to see what is available.

last (but not least) if you are looking for something to do this weekend, it's the Uptown Art Fair! i strongly suggest you go check out EC Designs by emily johnson at booth #1103 which is on "the Mall" (the area perpendicular to hennepin between the library and the bus station). emily does fantastic metalwork - you cannot not love her stuff!

... and then you can just walk on over to the Design Collective and check out pot-pour-ri jewelry designs!

allison

pot-pour-ri designs interviewed!

2009-08-03T08:30:00.002-05:00

hi everyone,

follow this link to check out my latest interview on tumblr.com!

http://tique.tumblr.com/

more photos to come, but don't forget to check out my Etsy page where I sell my jewelry online. the link is to the right of the page!

-allison

who 'wood' have guessed?....

2009-07-19T19:54:00.003-05:00

here are some new pieces I made this weekend and during the past week. i have descriptions and more photos up on my Etsy Site (click here to see them). please check it out if you have a second or two - no user name or password is needed :)

silver and copper

2009-07-08T13:01:00.003-05:00

This sleek silver pendant is made of silver with a copper ring suspended freely at the base of the pendant. It is about 2 or 2.25" long. A matching set of earrings are in the works.

wood pendant

2009-07-07T11:31:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago I began a new project series working with wood and metal. As usual, my life got busy and ideas came fastert than jewelry was made. I had to put this off until this past weekend when I found a few spare hours to sit and work with these new designs.

This pendant is made of walnut and white oak and silver. There is a slight burned-look to the outer edge of the pendant where I left some of the markings that resulted from the process of laser cutting.

Many of the pieces I will be adding in the next week or so will be part of this series. Like I said, there's been so many ideas and new designs floating around and I should have several new pieces up soon! Again, everything I post on my blog is for sale! Just send me an email if you have qusetions about anything. Thanks again for checking up on pot-pour-ri!

pearls and paper

2009-06-18T08:19:00.008-05:00

I don't have too much to say about these next pieces. They're part of my last week's jewelry splurge. The first ones are irregular fresh water pearls framed in wood and the ones following are something I started getting into - paper jewelry. These earrings take forever to make, because it's easy to mess up when working with paper. Nevertheless, they're cute, colorful and lightweight!

color and sheen

2009-06-12T08:43:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone who is a regular visitor to my jewelry blog. If you have any questions about pricing or a piece in particular, please email me and I will get back to you right away. I would love to hear any suggestions or ideas too, so feel free to leave comments after a post or send me an email at a.julia.johnson@gmail.com

I also sell my jewelry on Etsy, an online store for handmade items around the world. Feel free to share this link with people as well... I'm constantly updating it with new pieces, so check it frequently. My seller name is 'alliebelle4'. Click below to see the site...
my etsy page

This necklace and earring set that has the same color sheme as the necklace in the previous post. I added metallic beads along the chain to bring contrast to the yellow stone. These beads have a yellow-purple metallic look and add a little shine to the chain :)

These earrings can be part of the above set as well as the colorful necklace below. They are on a 1" diameter ring and have the same stones as the necklace with the addition of some metallic beads spacing them out.

colors!

2009-06-10T09:12:00.003-05:00

Another splurge at the bead store... These colors are FANTASTIC! And the stone pendant itself is beautiful with subtle, intricate details - one of my favorites so far. With the amount of beads used in this pieces, I decided to mount them on a re-used guitar string for rigidity. It holds a nice shape on its own and the clasping device is conveniently built-in. Talk about simple design.

new set

2009-06-10T09:04:00.004-05:00

I spent somet time with a friend choosing beads for this necklace and earrings set for her. Too much fun at the bead store :) The necklace has a centered Petoskey stone (fossilized coral from the northwestern portion of Michigan's lower peninsula) and is surrounded with Tiger Wood and Ruby Pica. There is so much contrast within the necklace itself that it's going to look amazing with anything.

red coral

2009-06-02T22:28:00.001-05:00

...found some amazing beads and stones at a small trade show last weekend.

middle d

2009-06-02T22:03:00.003-05:00

I've been experimenting with ways to incorporate the piano keys into some necklace pendants and bracelets. After working between metal, wire and wood for a week or so, I decided to set the ivory key onto metal and fasten the chain to the back with, again, the ball end of a guitar string... and I have not taken it off since.

The next trial will be with wood behind the piano key. After all, the veneers are always glued to a wooden key.

the last of the set

2009-05-29T08:36:00.006-05:00

These few pieces are the final addition to this first summer jewelry project. The turquoise will definitely be carried into new designs - I don't think I can let it go yet :) The guitar string was used in several of my recent pieces and my friends love the detail that is created with it.

If anyone is interested in anything, let me know - a.julia.johnson@gmail.com

more turquoise

2009-05-27T09:36:00.002-05:00

I became more interested in turquoise after spending time in Mexico, see - and buying - so much beautiful turquoise jewelry. I made these earrings over Memorial weekend among time spent fishing and searching for rocks on the shore of Mille Lacs (a strange hobby that I have developed an addiction for).

abrus precatorius

2009-05-27T00:29:00.005-05:00

I collected several of these red and black beans near some hot springs in El Remate, Guatemala during my three month trip to southern Mexico. After some research I found these beautiful beans are used in musical instruments in South America. They are also poisonous if eaten - hence their bright color. So what better way to use them than making jewelry?

project 1: keys

2009-05-17T19:08:00.004-05:00

I have a collection of 55 piano keys veneers of all shapes and sizes, each one unique and beautiful. For about a year now, I have been experimenting with different ways to incorporate these into jewelry pieces. I an interested in using found objects to begin exploring jewelry design. Not only is it inexpensive, but personally I find it easier to approach a design problem that has at least one limiting factor - or what boyfriend would call a "rule"... rules to follow and rules to break. In architecture, one typically does not just design by flailing around throwing out a bunch of random ideas. There are limitations set by clients, codes, materials, physics...

This will be an ongoing project through the summer, so I will be referring back to it frequently. Perhaps it will include guitar strings...?

allison j. johnson

itty-bitty & simple geometry

rectangle hoop earrings

motion: walnut and freshwater pearls

stacked pearls

rings

petals

Minnesota Monthly: Excessories

The Final First Thursday!

Red Hot Art Festival

Paper Hat in South Minneapolis

Potpourri Jewelry in Bibelot Shops!

Stone Arch Festival of the Arts!

Edina Art Fair

Voltage 2011

summer events

First Thursday!

Voltage: Fashion Amplified 2011

Open Studio March 3rd!

right angles

valentines day candy!

New Studio... Open Studio!

happy holidays!

Northrup King Building this Saturday!

Open Studio!

Saturday Dec 18th, 12-4pm Come to studio #435 for hot cider, treats and jewelry shopping on this final festive shopping day!

tiny pendant

stacking stones

cat wearing pendant

wood & amethyst pendant

it is december!

it's almost december!

handmade holiday mart

sad to see them go...

Shop this Saturday at the MN Fashion Holiday Bazaar!

Art Attack

subtle contours

ebony & pearl

potpourri at northrup king building

Time Out Chicago - potpourri ring feature

it's alright to be square :)

organic ovals featured on Minneapolis Picks

what's new?... wood rings!

spreading the love

lots of ovals!

punchout-pendant no. 2

here and there

ovalette

Coral : Framed

The Design Collective Fall Sale!

New Etsy Site!

men's jewelry

pot-pour-ri is on the scene!

if you facebook...

simple, unique, modern

a few more pieces.... some you may recognize

pot-pour-ri in stores!

pot-pour-ri designs interviewed!

who 'wood' have guessed?....

silver and copper

wood pendant

pearls and paper

color and sheen

colors!

new set

red coral

middle d

the last of the set

more turquoise

abrus precatorius

project 1: keys

Saturday Dec 18th, 12-4pm
Come to studio #435 for hot cider, treats and jewelry shopping on this final festive shopping day!