Talia Dang
Amy’s Jewelry
Class of: 2026
Major: Product Design BFA
Medium: Leather, wood, and antique bronze jewelry binder
Faculty: Alaiyo Bradshaw
Prompt: For this assignment, we explore the innovative world of Laser Lab and delve into the creation of Laser Wear Products. The project involves designing for a client, where the designer is provided with inspiration and the freedom to exercise their artistic license. The Laser Wear project aims to showcase the limitless potential of laser cutting methods, encouraging designers to think beyond the minimalistic approach. While the pieces may be simple and small, we are urged to incorporate drawings on the parts to add depth and creativity. This is an opportunity to push ourselves and showcase our expertise in the laser process.
These are jewelry designed and custom-made for my friend Amy. She loves nature and is especially interested in things like mushrooms, webs, mold, and moss. This is reflected in her preference for color, as she loves mossy-tone colors, and her favorites are olive green and brown. All the jewelry is inspired by Amy’s favorite mushroom, the veiled lady. She really loved them for their distinguishable long, lacy “skirts.” The mushroom’s veil has a very interesting pattern on them. They’re like tiny geometric shapes of different sizes. I took inspiration from this fungus’ unique pattern and reperformed its organic and intricate beauty into this piece. Digital sketches are transported into Adobe Illustration before being laser-cut, cleaned, and delicately crafted. In this collection, there are a total of six pieces. Three multi-purpose jewelry necklaces that can wrap around any part of your body as a decorative piece, a cool one-finger hand glove, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings. I’m thrilled with the results, and Amy is too! This project has given me a newfound appreciation for nature and rustic style, which is the opposite of my usual preference for modern and elegant jewelry. It was exciting to explore different styles and learn more about the people behind them. I’m proud to say that I produced almost zero waste, challenging myself to be more sustainable and create durable pieces for my clients. Working in the laser lab was a limitless and enlightening experience for me creatively.