We both work in fashion designing apparel, and began Cold Picnic after a long summer of scouring library booksales for craft and history books. We got inspired by both, and began making jewelry from leather with the aim of trying to use as many reclaimed materials as possible.
Peter Buer and Phoebe Sung

- we made our entire spring 2011 collection using scrap leather from a bird toy factory and vintage chains and hardware
- between the 2 of us we have English, Taiwanese, Italian, Irish, French, and Danish heritage
- Peter's favorite celebrity is Alfred Molina, and Phoebe's favorite celebrity is Werner Herzog
- we have 3 cats: Johnny West, White Cat, and Karl
What got you started crafting?
We both work in fashion designing apparel, and began Cold Picnic after a long summer of scouring library booksales for craft and history books. We got inspired by both, and began making jewelry from leather with the aim of trying to use as many reclaimed materials as possible.
What is your source of inspiration?
- cave paintings
- Native American symbols
- African textiles
- 1970s arts and crafts
What have you made recently?
We were inspired by textured beads and blanket weaves. We printed some scrap leather rectangles with a hand drawn design inspired by Indian blankets, then rolled it into a tube to string. After "sewing" the tube closed with bronze wire, we used the tubes as beads, stringing them onto coiled metal chain to make a necklace.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
on etsy
at Emily Thompson Flowers in Brooklyn
at 40 South in Jamaica Plains, MA
at Youngblood Gallery and Boutique in Altanta, GA
at the Frog and the Hummingbird Boutique in Sopchoppy, FL
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Since we draw, carve, and print all our designs by hand, then built our pieces by hand, the process of making our jewelry is very personal to both of us.

Find Me
LocationBrooklyn
Email Address
Peter Buer and Phoebe Sung
Personal Website
http://www.coldpicnic.com
http://facebook.com/coldpicnic