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Organic Bracelets With Contemporary Scandinavian Design

in Featured Crafters, Handmade, Jewelry on

I live with my family in a pine forest by the sea. That is where most of my inspiration comes from. I like the close touch of nature, the colors of autumn and the smell of the sea. A lot of my decorations are influenced by the mysterious Old Norse mythology.

Sonya Kanelstrand

Random Facts About You?

I recently won the renowned Norwegian competition for handmade artists Håndlaga 2011.

I am a proponent of sustainable design and peaceful creation.

I can't imagine life without yogurt.

I am in fact a photographer.



What got you started crafting?

In my life I have invariably reverted to crafting every time I have had a need to show my inner world. Crafting gives me the quietness to hear my thoughts and the time to fulfill my everyday need to create. The process is so rich in subtle emotion with no outer expression - no brisk movements, or bursts of laughter or tears - that I often lose my sleep in my attempts to give shape and color to the ideas that storm me.



What is your source of inspiration?

I live with my family in a pine forest by the sea. That is where most of my inspiration comes from. I like the close touch of nature, the colors of autumn and the smell of the sea. A lot of my decorations are influenced by the mysterious Old Norse mythology.



What have you made recently?

My latest creation is a bulky and rugged bracelet, inspired by the spring/summer fashion trends. Its rugged shape and earthy colors inspired me to name it Thorn and to add it to my collection Enchanted Forest.

Usually, after I knit and wet felt my bracelets I start decorating them by needle felting, which is my favorite part of the work because it is the time when I give them personality and uniqueness. The details come out by themselves naturally and follow the curves and shapes formed by the process of wet felting.





Where do you sell your crafts presently?

My organic bracelets are very hip in Norway and apart from selling on Etsy I also sell in local galleries and eco shops.



Why are handmade crafts important to you?

Handmade gives us the chance to stay human. Mass production is totally out of fashion nowadays simply because it has no soul and lacks uniqueness.



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