Giardinoblu is an independent lab that works with organic and eco materials to create jewelry that is designed and handmade in Italy.  I recently found this designer's work and am so excited to introduce this beautiful and exquisite jewelry to you.

Francesca Mancini is founder of Giardinoblu lab.

"I think that in this particular moment we’re called to re-discover the amazing beauty inside usual daily things. If you want to meet the magic, you don't have to go far. Just look through the eyes of the traveler the most common things of everyday."

Through experimentation and exploring new techniques, Giardinoblu borders  between art and contemporary jewelry. Organic and recycling materials, take on a new and unexpected identity.

A littIe about Francesca's process:
"I opened the pantry, took the rice pack to cook my breakfast (yes, my morning breakfast includes rice), and a part of the box was transparent, I could see inside. I was still half asleep and I think this helped me to imagine different scenarios for the extremely elegant shapes."

Giardinoblu thinks that “Ethical Fashion” is not the most appropriate way to call this movement, the goal is to create beauty for others, while respecting people and planet.  We hope that even more designers are inspired to work towards the various aspects of ethics and consciousness in the world of fashion.  We think you'll agree that the pieces are exquisite, enjoy the photos and let us know which are your favorites!

site: www.giardinoblu.com

blog: http://giardinoblublog.com/

twitter: https://twitter.com/giardinoblu

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giardinoblu

Relax with shopping: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Giardinoblu

I recently had the honor of meeting textile artist extraordinaire Kachama.  She shared her beautiful textiles with us at our recent Conscious Collaborations event. I then had the privilege of meeting her again the next evening at an open house hosted by Jeanne Golly.  Kachama was kind enough to answer some questions and allow me to photograph some of her pieces.  For decades Kachama has been using hand woven and natural dye techniques in her studio in the Chang Mai region of northern Thailand. The first time she went to the mountains to learn these ancient techniques almost every home had a loom and often the grandmother was the weaver.  Since then the number of weavers has dwindled and those using natural dyes are even more rare.  What are we losing?  More than those of us who live a modern life can even begin to comprehend.  Natural dyes are not just about gorgeous colors, but serve us with their medicinal properties as well.  By studying with the tribes she learned so many of the subtleties like why it is best to dye indigo at night.  She also spoke of a woman who healed her son's skin ailments by dyeing his clothes in natural tree bark dyes to protect his skin.  As each generation loses interest in this history who knows what knowledge is lost.  It has taken hundreds of years to pass down this information and the temptation to work in the city, often to sew at a fast fashion factory, is too great to stay behind with grandmother and weave.  Conservation of cultural heritage is key in Kachama's mission.  By re-weaving traditional hilltribe tapestries, both antiques and contemporary, inside her own creations Kachama hopes to preserve and promote the cultural legacy of Thailand’s mountain people.  In her Reuse/Recycle/Replenish series exhibited in Tokyo, Kachama explores our everyday waste and manages the impossible by incorporating our modern day garbage into her work, creating a devastatingly beautiful landscape.  Thank you Kachama, my conversation with you was inspirational and your work is exceptional.  I have uploaded several photographs in full size so you can take your time to explore her work.  Each piece takes months to complete, and is unique unto itself.  Enjoy.

For more information visit www.kachama.com