painted leather and reused metalparts

Maalaan ja kuvioin isommat nahkapalat ja kuivuttuaan liimaan vielä toisen nahan taustaksi tukemaan nahan rakennetta. Kutsun näitä kuvioituja nahkapaloja koruvuodaksi. Leikkaan korun muodot suoraan näistä nahkapaloista, usein ilman kaavaa. Näin korut ovat aina myös yksilöitä vaikka silmämääräisesti korupari näyttää samanlaisilta.

Käytän koruissani vanhoja korunosia joita saan purkamalla mm. kaulakoruja. Pyrin aina ostamaan kaikki osat kirppareilta ja kierrätyskeskuksista. Olen tietoinen että en pysty 100% todentamaan uudelleenkäytettyjen korujen materiaaleja, pyrin silti aina tutkimaan ostamani korun jo ostohetkellä. Silmämääräisesti tunnistan laadukkaan vanhan korun ns. “halpakoruista”. Myös tutkimalla pinnoitetta ja korunosia tarkasti saan jo käsityksen siitä kuinka laadukas koru on. Silti en voi varmuudella todentaa materiaaliseoksia koruissani. Käytän aina korujen koukkuosissa jotka tulevat korvalehden läpi kotimaisen korukaupan osia ja heillä on todennettu tieto osissa käytetyistä materiaaleista.

I paint and pattern large pieces of leather, and once they are dry, I glue a second piece of leather to the back to reinforce the structure. I call these patterned leather pieces “jewelry hides” (koruvuota). I cut the shapes of the jewelry directly from these pieces, often without a pattern. Because of this, each piece of jewelry is completely unique, even if a matching pair looks identical to the naked eye.

I incorporate vintage jewelry components into my work, which I salvage by disassembling items like old necklaces. I always strive to source all my components from flea markets and recycling centers. While I am aware that I cannot 100% verify the exact materials of these reused components, I always do my best to examine them closely at the time of purchase. Visually, I can tell the difference between high-quality vintage jewelry and cheap costume jewelry. By carefully inspecting the plating and components, I can get a good sense of the quality, even though I cannot verify the exact metal alloys with absolute certainty. However, for the earring hooks that go through the earlobe, I always use components from a Finnish jewelry supplier who provides verified information about the materials used.


flowers from copper

Metallisaksilla leikatut kuparikukkaset. Leikatessani kukat kuparista jätin kukkaan molemmille puolille terälehtien päihin pidemmän osion jonka pystyin taivuttamaan lenkiksi kukkien välille. Löin kukkiin kuvioita jotta pinta olisi elävämpi. Viilasin kaikki reunat ja kiillotin kukat lopuksi hiontatahnalla. Kukat tummuvat aina käytössä, kupari hapettuu ja reagoi myös ihon rasvojen kanssa. En anna sen häiritä, voin aina vähän puhdistaa kukkia hopenkiillotusliinalla. Mielestäni käyttö saa näkyä ja kukat saavat “kuihtua” käytössä.

Copper flowers cut with metal shears. When cutting the flowers from copper, I left a longer section on both sides at the tips of the petals, which I could bend into a loop between the flowers. I stamped patterns onto the flowers to make the surface more textured and alive. I filed all the edges and finally polished the flowers with a polishing compound. The flowers always darken with use, as copper oxidizes and also reacts with skin oils. I don’t let it bother me; I can always give the flowers a light rub with a silver polishing cloth. In my opinion, the wear and tear should show, and the flowers are allowed to “wither” over time.

Alla olevasta videosta voi nähdä ennen korun käyttöä kuinka kiiltävä kupari oli aluksi.

In the video below, you can see how shiny the copper was at first, before the jewelry was worn.

I started by sketching the flower design in chalk—sometimes I like to sketch out my ideas before a project begins.

Hahmottelin kukan mallia ensin liidulla, joskus saatan ennen projektin alkua piirtää ajatuksiani auki.

Aluminium and metal Susanoo earrings from old reused pots and pans

Charity shops etc are filled with unwanted aluminium and metal kitchenware. My interest is on coloured pieces but also the basic golden and silver hues are ok. My work methods are raw, I am not a professional cutting and hammering metal. But the process learns and after a few bleeding cuts in my fingers I started to use gloves when cutting these sometimes tricky pieces into smaller ones.

My endless inspiration source is nature. Organic shapes and roughness. Childlike approach to materials; curious and explorative.

This metal box has a nice orange colour but cutting it into smaller pieces is tricky. Carefully with gloves.
Check out my Instagram. Theres more about me and my jewelry. Independent artist Susanoo, no online shop. All pieces unique.

Hammered Susanoo design flower earrings from reused aluminium

I hammered and folded aluminium to get the right flower shape. To the middle of the flower I glued few silver colored plastic beads. Overall look is really delicate and dreamy.

In this short video you see the parts I hammered for the flowers. Aluminium I used for the earrings is old and broken pieces from hanging decorative lighting.

So just go wild with materials and experiment with different ways to put jewelry together. I usually get inspired by something I see in the old fashion/interior magazines; such as old editorial fashion pics from 80s and 90s which are my favourite years in fashion because of the drama and colors. I do love all vintage, the more age the better.

black leather earrings and safety pins

My mission was to make earrings from a piece of black leather, decorative black ribbons and black safety pins that I got as a gift from my friends. The shape just happened without planning. Now when it is ready I have been searching from different sources the symbol which the earring represents. First I searched for wheel (no hit) then for moon/sun (no hit) BUT I looked at the earring more closely and I am sure it is a horseshoe. For good luck and protection. And safety pins to firmly hold things together.

Intercoiffure photoshoot “white nights” with Susanoo refashioned clothes and acc.

Intercoiffure Finland spring&summer 2015. Style White nights, hair Katja Perkkiö (Tina´s), photoshoot Luiza Lehtinen, make-up Ara Koivula (Bang by Ara).

Styling and close up craft photos Susanna Kaunisto.

Dress is made out of an old 80´s white leather jacket. Front of the dress is actually the back of the jacket leaving the back of the dress open and making it sensual and feminine.

Neckpiece is made out of the same jacket crocheting narrow slices of leather together. Adding a massive silver colored chain into the necklace makes it an outstanding piece and a perfect pair to the simple dress.

diy crocheted white leather and silver colored chain neckpiece

Mekko on tehty vanhasta 80-luvun nahkatakista. Takin etuosa on nyt mekon takaosa, jättäen selän avoimeksi vyötärölle asti. Helmaan ompelin somisteeksi ns. “kalanpyrstön”. Kaulakorun materiaali on samaa nahkatakkia josta leikkasin suikaleita ja virkkasin ne yhteen. Tyyli on modernin puhdas mutta samalla rosoisen romanttinen.

diy leather dress out of old jacket with matching neckpiece

diy leather dress out of old jacket with matching neckpiece

green silk/black leather/swarovski crystals earrings

Few years ago I found green silk yarn from nearby charity shop. As I was going through my material boxes, looking for a pair of shoulder pads to another project I came across this hidden green silk gem. I imagined a summer party, soft warm evening air, long chiffon dress, barefoot and these earrings with long green silk tassels.

Silk yarn was in tight bundles and curled so I needed to first soak the yarn in water and let air dry to get it straight.

My work flow when creating my earrings is unpredictable, I cannot say directly when my earrings are ready. Sometimes I leave the whole design process for weeks on my table and pick it up again when I feel like it. Here on these “green garden party” tassels I was not able to decide how the top part of the earrings would look like, first I let them to be quite minimalistic but later on decided to add more beads and some nude colored swarovski flower shaped crystals. Minimalistic was not the right feeling for these silk tassels, they needed to shine and catch every glimpse of sunlight.

I love the boldness, the movement of the silk yarn and the touch of raw arts and crafts feeling.

red leather earrings with reused jewelry parts

Red hot chili and tangerine with a bling from silver coloured bean(s).

This earring started about three years ago, something went sideways and I put it away in a box for a while. I do this when I loose interest in continuing my work at hand if something goes “wrong”. Then I can find the same project after a while (years) and start over and finish it. Like polishing an old artifact.

I buy my jewellery material from second hand or charity shops. Found this two toned red plastic necklace and liked the shape of the pearls.

It was easy to attach the plastic beads to the leather with small hooks that I made from metal wire.

How the earrings hang when put on is important, are they moving freely or should the earring just be seen from the other side? These earrings I made two-sided and movement is needed so that light can bounce on the silver coloured and red beads.

Intercoiffure photoshoot “northern lights” with Susanoo refashioned clothes and acc.

Intercoiffure Finland photoshoot, styling Susanoo diy clothes and accessories

fashion drawing for Intercoiffure Finland photoshoot by Susanoo

Intercoiffure Finland spring&summer 2015. Style Northern Lights, hair Marko Sutinen (HS-Salonki), photo Luiza Lehtinen, make-up Ara Koivula (Bang by Ara).

Styling Susanna Kaunisto, Susanoo. Style is called northern lights, futuristic up-all-night-long party style inspired by northern summer light.

I searched my inspo to this style from space, fencing and futuristic styles.

Neck piece is made out of old white 80s leather pants and one vintage H&M jersey trousers. I searched this neckpiece shape and form by first trying it out from paper on mannequin. When I finished the pattern I cut it out from leather and sew together with the shoulder “pads”. Reflecting small pieces on the neckpiece are sticky cover plastic sold in hobby stores.

Shoes are second hand; handled with a coat of black paint and added extra bling with a pair of earrings.

Wristlets are made from plastic and I have one post in my blog that tells more about them.

Vaatteiden materiaalit ovat kaikki kierrätettyjä, kauluriyläosa on tehty housuista, toppi hameesta ja hame paidasta. Kengät ovat second hand ja koriste kengissä pari strassikorvakoruja. Käsikorusta kerroin jo aiemmassa postauksessani. Kauluri on tehty nahasta ja kaavoitin sen tyköistuvaksi mallinuken päällä, rypytetty hihaosuus on ommeltu kiinni kauluriin. Maalasin myös kauluria hopeamaalilla jotta pinta heijastaisi valoa peilipinnan tavoin. Hologrammipalat ovat samaa materiaalia kuin käsikoruissakin. Tämän kuvauksen tyyliin hain inspiraatiota mm. avaruus ja urheiluaiheista.

photoshoot Intercoiffure Finland style Northern Lights, styling and acc. Susanoo

Intercoiffure photoshoot “behind the scene” with Susanoo refashioned clothes and acc.

Intercoiffure Finland photoshoot spring&summer 2015 trends at Suomenlinna Helsinki Finland. With the best crew of hairstylists, make-up artist and fashion photographer. And models were awesome too.

Click here to see the video

What Susanoo did
-styled four different looks based on a mood board from Intercoiffure spring&summer trends.
-designed and sewed clothes for all four styles
-designed all jewellery and accessories

 

Fashion photoshoot Intercoiffure- styling and clothes by Susanna Kaunisto

Regular mens shirt refashioned with paint and sewing

 

 

Made in Finland, second hand cotton mens shirt

White shirt, blouse or dress is just an open invitation to me for refashioning or otherwise creating something else interesting out of the “boring” white garment. In this case it was an old, used mens shirt made from top quality cotton. As usual I did not have any plans, just went with the flow. Started by painting the shoulder parts free hand just a little bit over the shoulder seam so it would look like a mistake :)

 

I took away the buttons and painted half circles starting from small size and painting the circle bigger as I went towards the hem. The collar I cut away cause it was too formal and stiff for the style. I just left the seam like it is so that it would seem that the collar ripped off. It will be interesting to see what washing does to the seam, better or worse. Well I deal with it then.

By cutting off the sleeve cuffs the shirt became more feminine and light. The sleeves I scrunched by folding some parts here and there and sewing the layers together. Same technique I used also to the front  of the shirt. By doing this I achieved more eased look for the whole shirt, taking it away from the old formal and stiff appearance.

Gold colored circles on the sleeve unites the look with the front part.

 

candy-like orange ruffled leather earrings

These earrings started first with bending and shaping black metal cord. Orange suede parts are punched first so it is easy to slide them into the metal cord. Easy and quick technique that is quite often used when leather needs to look ruffled. First it seemed that the shape does not need other decorations but I wanted the outcome to be more playful and  childish. So I added wood beads that I painted with orange paint. Earrings looks now chunky modern and playful with a clear handmade stamp on them. Like candy or bubble gum.

Susanoo design tassel earrings from second hand materials

These two pairs of tassel earrings I made out of quality yarns that I always buy second hand from charity/flea markets. Here I combined other elements with the tassel earrings such as old jewelry parts and fake leather from one old belt.

I love old clip earrings and some of my handmade earrings I design in a way that it is easy to slide it into the clip earring.  In this way you can change the look of the pair of earrings easily.

 

The red tassel earrings metal part is from old metal bracelet which I formed into a circle to fit a red bead in.

 

starched denim and hand painted leather

Handpainted leather earrings and starched denim earrings.

Denim starched with sugar and hot water gives endless possibilities to form whatever you can imagine after the fabric is soaked with the mix. Even 3D is possible if you have patience to form it first and then wait for 2 or 3 days until the piece is totally dry.

When the starched denim piece is dry you can  for example paint, punch or glue the pieces how ever you want. Easy and fun.

white tassel earrings

These bespoken tassel earrings were born one hot summer morning on the balcony.

Friend of mine from Finland needed white earrings for a wedding party, she gave me free hands and there were only one guideline “20´s wedding” theme.

 

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She was really happy with the result.

denim shirt with metal

 

Simple denim shirt that I turned into a vest. Metal rings round the neck are thrifted, bag with 30 pieces for 2€. I sew the rings loosely so it is possible to decorate the neckpiece with for example a scarf or more metal accessories. By turning the hem to the sides in the front I created handy pockets.

Denimpusero muuntui jakuksi. Kauluksen tilalle ompelin kaulasomisteen johon pujotin metallilenkit ja kiinnitin ne paikoilleen. Metallilenkkien alta voi vielä pujottaa lisää denimiä tai vaikka värikkään, ohuen huivin. Denim on aina kuulunut suosikkeihini, kangasta voi työstää monella tapaa ja reunoja ei tarvitse huolitella, raakareunat denimissä antavat asuun kerroksellisuutta ja elävöittävät kankaan pintaa. Etutaskut käänsin puseron helmasta.

diy-remake denim shirt with metal details and pockets

I often take pictures of my designs by the waterside.

 

matrix rings

Found laying around in the garage a piece of metal with holes. I used tools which made easier to bend and cut the metal. Outcome is a pair of rings with a rough and unfinished look! And why not use the bigger one also as a pendant with a leather cord?

Rei’itetty metallilevy, peltisakset, vasara ja metalliviila ja vahva visio mitä teen sattumalta löytyneestä metallinpalasta.

Muotoilin sormuksen metalliputken ympärillä pyöreäksi ja viilasin kaikki terävät kulmat pois. Toisesta sormuksesta tein peukalosormuksen josta taivutin metallin ulospäin. Hain sormuksiin viimeistelemätöntä, raakaa ilmettä. Pujottamalla reikiin nahkaa, ketjua tms. sormuksen ilmettä pystyy muuttamaan ja pitkänomainen sormus toimii myös kaulakoruna.

Intercoiffure photoshoot “fjord” with Susanoo refashioned clothes and acc.

Intercoiffure Finland spring&summer 2015. Style Fjord, hair Sanna-Mari Mustajärvi (Bang by Ara), photoshoot Luiza Lehtinen, make-up Ara Koivula (Bang by Ara).

Styling and close up craft photos Susanna Kaunisto.

Velour, leather, metal and chiffon. Top is made with Burda pattern and the material is a second hand long cardigan. Skirt is Finnish vintage leather made by Friitala, I turned it inside out to give the material more deeper color, shortened it and made a belt from the hem. Long chiffon skirt under the leather skirt is made out of curtains. Necklace is made out of jewellery that I found second hand, pieces are tied together with leather strips. My inspiration for this outfit is a brave and mythical woman warrior from the land of elf, trolls and castles.

Velouria, nahkaa, metallia ja sifonkia. Toppi on tehty Burdan kaavoilla second handina ostetusta pitkästä jakusta. Hame on Friitalan vintagea, mokkahame jonka käänsin nurin jotta väri olisi syvempi, muokkasin myös hameen pituutta ja ompelin vyön ylijääneestä helmapalasta. Sifonkihame nahkahameen alla on maahan asti ulottuva pitkillä halkioilla, modattu vanhoista verhoista. Kaulakoru on kuparinvärisellä spraylla maalattua metallia, osat vanhasta kaulakorusta jonka kokosin uudelleen haluamaani muotoon. Kaulakorun osat on liitetty toisiinsa nahkasuikaleilla. Inspiraation tähän asuun hain tarujen ja myyttien maailmasta, naissotureiden vaatteista.

Intercoiffure Finland photoshoot "Fjord", acc. and clothes by Susanoo

Intercoiffure Finland photoshoot "Fjord", acc. and clothes by Susanoo

handbag from table coaster

avant

This clutch is actually a placemat called SNOBBIG from IKEA. Structure was quite stiff so it was easy to handle.  First I sewed the lining and decorative ruffles and the belt while the placemat was still flat then I joined the sides together.  For the lining I used one old t-shirt from which the ruffles are also done. Studs are actually plastic ones and each of them hand sewn.The lock is an old belt.

Shirts are my older DIY designs, necklace a showpiece for a photoshoot. Ankle boots and hats all vintage and second hand findings.

Susanoo diy and collected vintage items show case

fabric sofa samples- a bag

I do find the Finnish Red Cross Kontti second hand department stores very exiting and worth a visit every time. They have a special deal for all the craft items they sell…it is priced by weight. So these fabric sofa samples (at least over 20 pieces in one bag) were all together 2€.

 

My first try out from the samples is this bag. I used five of the samples and the lining and handles are made out of old jeans.

I added the chain which is an old necklace and the decoration parts in the handles and on the both sides of the bag are actually from various old bags.

And a bag is not finished until the tassel is there! Inspiration picture for statement bag, click!

diy bag from fabric sofa samples with recycled jewellery and parts from old bagsdiy bag from fabric sofa samples with recycled jewellery and parts from old bags

spirit away

Homemade clay pendant painted silver gray. This freehand shaped necklace clay pendant I paired with geometric shapes. With a black, diamond shaped and a silver coloured rectangle one. Every piece of the big “clay family” pendants that I did have had an unique outcome and some are still under process. The spark to create something out of these pendants can come everywhere…just looking at a flower, urban shapes and colors in the city, fashion editorials…and I am sponging up the ideas and formulating my own creative outcome.

Spirit away: To carry someone or something off mysteriously or secretly.

 

woodland

 

wood pendant with copper wire

One of a kind. Material for these small craft projects I found when hiking with my friends in an old-growth forest and I wanted to cherish the memory of this sunny day in the forest and up in the hills and made these little gifts to my fellow hikers; keychains and necklace. Objects are made from one branch that had a smooth and worn surface. I cut the branch in 5cm pieces, used a nail file to smooth the sides and the surface. You only have to do as much as you see fit as far as cleaning goes. Colourstripes on the keychains adds a modern touch and with the small hook on the top of the keychain it connects easily to a key ring. Around the necklace wooden pendant I twisted thick copper wire and thin copper wire is the chain of the necklace.

wood pendant with copper wire

clay pendants and plain patterns

pattern: a natural or accidental arrangement or sequence

There are several ways you can make homemade clay for making ornaments, necklaces and for other projects and crafts. When shaping my small clay objects I usually go with the flow and the shapes are more raw and plain than complex and stiff.

My clay recipe is quite simple, I do not cook the mixture or use oven, I simply let the objects air dry for a couple of days. When the clay is dry and hard I give the surface final touch, usually it is painting with different techniques. Why not even leaving the pieces undone! Here I wanted to try out a surface that looks like marble but in the end the result looked more like color splashed on the object. I used one color, black, rather than mixing a variety of colors so I got a more simple look. The necklace looks good paired with one coloured garment and stands out perfectly.

 

 

fringe pouch

This vintage pouch is from Stockholm. To give it more personality and to match it with the rest of my wardrobe I added some fringes and black studs.

Vintage mustan pikkulaukun löysin Tukholmasta second hand-kaupasta. Laukku oli kaunis mutta halusin päivittää sitä vaatekaappiini sopivaksi. Hapsut ovat muodissa joka vuosi vaatteissa ja asusteissa joko pääroolissa tai efekteinä. Elementtinä hapsut ovat katseenkiinnittäjiä ja niiden avulla näkymätön muuttuu hetkessä näkyväksi. Pikkulaukkuun leikkasin kaksi riviä nahkahapsuja jotka liimasin laukun etupuolelle. Mustat kartioniitit viimeistelevät yläreunan ja merkitsevät kohdan josta hapsut ryöppyävät alas. Tämäkin laukku toimii vaikka seinälle ripustettuna katseenvangitsijana!

bag with studs and fringes

This bracelet is bended from silver wire and the ring is connected to it with a delicate chain.

diy bracelet and fringe pouch

 

mimic

Black leather with different techniques. One with fringes and the other one is odd shaped piece which I gathered together from one side and fastened it to the leather cord. Used alone it makes a statement to your outfit and even looks more dared with added jewellery on top of it.

Mustaa nahkaa eri tavoin työstettynä. Halusin tehdä ison kaulasomisteen nahasta ja liittää yhteen eri tekniikoita. Laskostettu nahkapala on kiristetty langalla yhteen, en siistinyt palan alareunaa jotta nahan luonnollinen kauneus ei häviäisi. Toisen somisteen hapsutin ja rullasin pieniä nahka”kukkia” koristeeksi. Kaulanauhaksi letitin nahkaa ja kiinnitin kaikki yhteen niskasta painonapilla. Kaulasomiste on käytössä hieno sellaisenaan tai vaikka yhdistettynä toisen korun kanssa. Sisustuselementtinäkin koru toimii ja “telineestä” sen voi helposti ottaa käyttöön ja säilyttää myös näyttävästi.

leather and doll

doll with leather cord

 

 

 

azure

Susanna taking photos of her diy´s by the shore

Creativity and new combinations to old and forgotten jewellery. The turqoise pendant is a pairless earring together with some silver and glass jewellery. I love to do my photoshoots outside and especially by the water. The light is usually amazing and the clear water reflects it beautifully. Seashell pendants are easy to do, just find ones with already a hole in it and simply wear it.

 

Hopeakaulakorun uusi elämä. Yhdistelemällä parittomia korvakoruja, eksyneitä helmiä ja unohdettuja riipuksia voi saada aikaan uusia ja yllättäviäkin kokonaisuuksia. Kaulakorun yhdistävänä elementtinä toimii turkoosi väri ja hopea. Iso turkoosikivinen riipus on se pariton korvakoru ja puolikas eksynyt hopeasydän vanhasta kaulakorusta saivat uuden elämän. Turkoosi lasihelmi on riipuksena ketjun päässä. Kaulakoru tuo persoonallisen lisän vaikka yksinkertaisen korun parina.

Rannalta voi myös löytää simpukan kuoria joissa on jo valmiina luonnon muovaamat reiät hopeaketjulle.

sea shells on silver chain

sea shells on silver chain

 

silvered pack

This is my first ever back bag made out of leather. Pattern is simple and again the design is zero waste; old second hand leather jacket to be re-used. I decorated the upper and lower part of the bag with silverpainted triangles and also by adding decoration with studs and some fringes in the bottom this bag gaines more rock credibility.

Selkärepun tarina alkoi pienestä kankaisesta repusta jonka joskus itselleni ompelin vanhasta jo tiensä päähän tulleesta rakkaasta paidastani. Halusin kokeilla nahkaa repun materiaalina ja tehdä siitä yhtä yksinkertaisen muotokieleltään kuin kangasreppuni.  Varastossani oli useita sisustusniittejä ja sommittelin niistä kolmiomallisen kuvion repun etuosaan.Halusin myös vuorittaa repun niittien takia ja ompelin vuoriin myös taskun pikkuesineille. Kuviot on painettu hopeamaalilla reppuun, painovälineenä toimi muotoon leikattu meikkisieni. Nahkahapsut repun alareunassa liikkuvat kantajan liikkeiden mukaan ja antavat myös ilmeeseen särmää ja rock-henkeä.

diy black leather back bag with studs and fringes

diy black leather back bag with studs and fringes