I personally love this week’s Ponoko Product of the Week. For me there is nothing that combines design, beauty, and often one person’s dedication to their love than seeing a well-crafted hot rod. So to see a piece of jewelery that celebrates that is very exciting.

The piece comes from Hioctane Jewelery run by Alicia & Brad, out of Oceanside, CA and they describe it below:

This is a Revvv’d up Hot Rod Roadster Necklace. This piece is laser cut and etched 3mm black acrylic. The piece is then assembled with Sterling silver chain and clasp. Roadster is 2 3/4″ wide. This is a piece that every Hot Rod enthusiast will want.

Great work Hioctane! And Congratulations on being the Ponoko Product of the Week.

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Nutre Arayavanish is a jeweller whose jewellery is informed by her interest in owner involvement.

She recently won the numbers of prestigious awards such as New Designer of the Year 2007 from the Business Design Center and Jewellery Designer of The Year 2007 (Student Category) from British Jewellers’ Assiciation (BJA). She explores the relationship between two-dimensional pattern and three-dimensional object, also the relationship between maker, jewellery and wearer in order to encourage the wearer to engage more with the piece apart from wearing them. The public perception or reaction to the jewellery when presented to them in different states of existence and brings new experience to wearers and viewers, and a new level of dimension to jewellery wearing.

Postable Jewellery is the spacial way of communication. It is a jewellery that can be send through mailbox, like a postcard. It is a flat-pack ring, assemble by slotting each components together. Presenting itself as a card and a gift, it can be a perfect present for any occasions.

available at magma books
What a perfect way to use Ponoko. By combining flat pack jewellery like this and laser etching you could design a business card that assembled into a piece of jewellery, what a great way to woo a potential client…..
Found via our buddy Josh Spear

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Hello!

My name is Jesse Louis-Rosenberg, and I am half of the design firm Nervous System [http://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com] (mentioned already in the Ponoko blog) where I work on algorithmic design creating jewelry, furniture, and dappling in architecture. I also work for Gehry Technologies, a company which specializes in parametric and building information modeling for complex architectural projects.

I am obviously interested in algorithmic design and digital manufacturing but with an eye toward empowering people through education and technology. I would like to start a critical discussion of issues such as the democratization of design and manufacturing, sustainability, and the economics of distributed production. We are at a turning point in human history which makes it both important and exciting to talk about these possibilities.

Algorithms as a Medium

I would like to elaborate a bit more a what algorithmic design really is because I believe it can sometimes be a little confused.

A while ago I attended Andrew Witt’s thesis presentation at the Harvard GSD because his work is computational, similar to my own, and there was supposed to be a star jury criticizing him (most notably architects and theorists including Peter Eisenman, Ali Rahim, and Jeff Kipnis).

The project was very well done, detailed and thoroughly explored, using some neat processes. I think everyone was impressed with the work. But some of the critics reactions, especially the older crowd, highlighted the misunderstandings many people hold regarding design and computation. What they said was, “You promised us a building that would have context. I do not see any context in this building. How can a building possibly have context if it is made by the push of a button, and if you push that button anywhere, you get roughly the same building.” Well yes, if you push that button you will get a similar building regardless of the planned surroundings. But the key point they were missing was that Andrew designed that button. And he designed it with a specific context in mind. Almost any building in the city could be plopped somewhere else, but it was designed for the block it is on. This fact does not change just because the process is computational.

They fundamentally misunderstand the nature of algorithms: algorithms are a design medium. Algorithmic design is simply the systematic encoding of a design process, often into a programming language. With my own work, I come with a creative vision in mind and realize that vision through algorithms. It is just as if I were working with pencil and paper, only I’m clumsy when I draw and keen when I code. Both drawing and inventing algorithms are creative processes. It just happens that algorithms exists in a space that is very explicit (and very fast).

Instead, many people view computation as more of a technical skill than a creative one. The consequence is that some people view it as out of their grasp and completely incomprehensible, much in the same way some approach computers. Others have perhaps the opposite reaction. They see it as so technical, it does not count as art. They believe it is somehow outside the designer’s hands. A technical process is perceived as something almost platonic, as though it has an objective existence that the designer is merely employing.

This perspective is highly limiting. Computation is like any other medium. It has its strengths and weaknesses that effect how you approach a particular design problem. One of the primary constraints is that designing algorithmically requires manufacturing digitally, and there is a very limited set of tools currently available for that. This could also be seen (especially in the Ponoko community) as a bonus. There are also certain ideas that computation is good at exploring. While in most designing, a lot of the work goes into the direct effort of creation (painting, sculpting, drawing usually take a lot of physical time and effort), the advantage of a computational approach is that the creation time drops to nearly zero. This makes it a very good way to explore the concept of repetition because it is just as easy to make many things as one thing. It allows the possibility of infinite variability for the same reason. The ability to abstract your process and create a user interface also encourages interactivity and “customization.” Generally I think algorithmic design is a very powerful medium, but working with it requires an understanding where its strengths lay.

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While trawling the net to find examples of jewellers using emerging technologies, I found a few stand out examples that embraced technology to produce works that may not otherwise be possible, yet still had a beauty and simplicity that make the process fall into the background. The first found via Craft Central, the other right here on Ponoko.

Anthony Roussel has produced a range of jewellry using traditional materials and laser cut technologies. His artist statement on his site eloquently outlines his approach.

“The synthesis between drawing and architecture are the fundamental re occurring themes in my work. The jewellery I create function as sculptural objects as well as wearable pieces of body adornment in their own right. Mark making is a process integral to the way I design, essentially it is at the very core of the ideas I choose to explore. My work takes on a transient nature with delicate flowing lines that echo a rhythm. This rhythm has led me to the layering of sheet materials. Repetition is also a fundamental aspect to the way I construct my designs by building flat elements into a 3d form.

By using laser cutting I am applying a new and exciting way of working with one of the oldest materials known to man. The meeting of innovation and tradition challenges contemporary jewellery. With the use of wood, I am questioning the traditional notions of preciousness, In using new technologies as a tool, I am questioning existing perceptions of craft.”

The considered nature of approach is evident in the realized pieces as in the works of Nervous System.

The difference of approach is that instead of traditional linear methods of sketch to maquette (or cad model) to realization, Nervous System combines nontraditional materials like silicone rubber, stainless steel and mathematic algorithms. Nervous System embrace the open source ethic of experimentation and consumer interaction via an applet on their site, to produce an individualized iteration of their Radiolaria line.

Check out their site to Play & Learn more.
If anyone has any more examples they want to share simply post a link in the comments section.

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Alex Williamson has found a beautiful mix of materials in her jewellery designs. The designs are inspired by the repetitive lines of modern architecture. These stunning pieces combine laser cut aluminium with soft leather inserts and hand crafted silver links. It’s the brilliant contrast in both colour and texture that really elevates this above many jewellery designs that I’ve seen. The range includes necklaces, cufflinks and rings.

Alex is a member of Design Factory who says she was: “A keen art student during her school years, Alex went to secretarial college and worked in offices for many years. After having two children Alex worked part time but when she was made redundant took the opportunity to go back to college. After completing a 3D Design course at Leicester College and a BA Hons Multi Media Textile Degree at Loughborough University, Alex developed her jewellery collection”.

I think it’s a really interesting idea to blend laser cutting with hand crafted pieces and alternative materials. I think the usual mind set when designing a laser cut product would be to use just laser cutting but the additional elements in this jewellery adds some depth and sophistication.

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It is with great pleasure that today we announce the Invitation Round Winners of the Ponoko Jewelry Design Challenge. We’ll be emailing all winners individually but below are images and links to each design and the designers page on Ponoko. Many of the designs are now for sale so feel free to click thru and get a unique gift for yourself or someone you love.

Comments are from our judges Dan Emery and Jennifer Perkins, of the Naughty Secretary Club on their thoughts on each design. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all participants who made this such a great success. We’re planning more challenges for the near future so you can all stretch your designing talent again.

Grand Prize Winner

“This idea takes the concept of beading into the digital and makes it even more customizable. It is interactive and playful with the potential to make all types of jewelry. Color and material are treated with sensitivity that relates well to the concept of the changing seasons”.

“Since we don’t have a real fall in Texas the multi colored leaves of seeingthingsconz Season Change Necklace caught my attention”.

Runner Up Winners

“Simply beautiful and well resolved. The relationship to the body is treated with sensitivity and care”.

“I was quite drawn to her bubbly Radiolaria Bracelet. The combination of the satin ribbon and the plastic, not to mention the adjustable factor was quite nice”.

“The Hair comb by Schofe was a very close second place. I love the vintage look of the comb as well as the fact that they were the only people that submitted something to be worn in your hair”.

“A great take on body ornamentation”.

“Quirky and clever ode to industriality, both in object and materiality. A stunning presentation as well”.

“I chose this necklace for several reasons. Fist being that it caught my attention more than the other designs and is something that I would wear. Statement necklaces are the must have accessory for spring and summer 2008 and Screw Loose definitely counts. I thought the project was a perfect combination of materials, design and a sense of humor. A screw loose is “a reaction to the frustrations of building flat-pack furniture”. Anyone who has ever made a trip to IKEA feels their pain. The large necklace has charms for everything you will need including: hammers, saws and drills. There is of course some assembly required, but this gives you a little liberty with the design so that each necklace can be different for each person. I also thought that Lem-On had the best pictures of their necklace. When selling jewelry online at a place like Ponoko it is important to not only have pictures of the entire piece, but also close up detail shots as well as images of the jewelry on an actual person to get a feel for the size. When I saw that Screw Loose was big and chunky and more like a collar, I was sold”.

“Good sensitivity to material and colour. Well presented design”.

“I enjoyed the fact that Megan Ellis took her Raya bracelet a step further by rubbing colored inks into the engraved patterns”.

“Well presented and eye-catching design”.

“Humorous concept that provides some light relief to the world”.

“Siamese Chicks Brooch made me giggle”.

“Great use of 2D profiles to build up an interesting fluid form”.

“There is something very lovely and organic about the Orchid Necklace by Nervous”.

“The laser cut edge is treated and celebrating in a way I have never seen before. Very intriguing idea”.

“An attractive delicate design”.

“I loved Collin Francis and his Tree Oddity Pendant with it’s super clean style and feel”.

“Clever use of the laser and material which results in a versatile range of products”.

You can check out all the winners for the open round with images on our blog. And you can check out all entries to the competition within the Ponoko showroom.

And lastly a big shoutout to all of the Invitation Round finalists.

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Despite it’s tumultuous political situation, if the blogs Designist Dream and Modern Tribe are anything to go by Israel isn’t short of creativity. I recently found a post on jewelry created from cardboard by Israeli Jewelry Designer Dana Hakim Berkovich. As the picture below shows it’s very unique.

In the same post is another unique creation from Israeli jewelry designer, Yael Friedman, a pewter-metal blend gold Hanukiyah or Chanukah Menorah created with a laser cutter. I think Yael might have some success in inspiring Jewish Ponoko users to have a go at their own DIY Menorah with this.

On another note seeing how Friedman created this using flat materials reminded me of Ponoko Users who’ve created candelabra. It was timely to see as last night my family took part in Earth Hour. Having no lights at all in our home and trying to use nothing but candles really showed us that we could have done with having a candelabra or two around. We are still trying to get all the wax out of the carpet this morning.

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Today we’re very excited to announce that the following 25 entries have made it through to the Invitation Round of the Ponoko Jewelry Design Challenge! There were a spectacular number of creative and interesting designs, and it was VERY hard for all involved to choose just 25. Congratulations to those who have made it through and thanks to everyone who participated, we’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone’s creations.

If you’ve made the 25 you’ll be receiving your made products from us very soon and you can get full details on the Invitation Round from the Jewelry Design Challenge details post.

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The SHARE festival, based in Torino, is an international gathering for digital art and culture. SHARE exhibits electronic artworks, and awards a prize each year for advancing the state of digital art. This year Bruce Sterling is Curator and Ponoko is very excited to be presenting an exhibit there of creations by our amazing users. Photos below are from Bruce of the whole show but you can see some of the Ponoko facilitated creations early in the Slide Show.

The SHARE festival looks incredibly interesting. The full description of the speakers and conference schedule includes discussions on Robots, Digifab, Networked Objects, Digital Art and Dramatic Manufacturing. Conferences are being broadcasted live over Sharecast via the festival homepage.

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The Jewelry Design Challenge officially closed earlier this week and we’ve been madly going through the entries since then. We were ecstatic at the response and we want to thank everyone who entered. The entries are just awesome! You can check out all the wildly creative pieces of jewelry in the Ponoko Showroom. It’s amazing to see what people came up with, some are funny, others serious, some are inspired by nature and others inspired by technology, there is a mix of those who come from a craft background and others who must be very experienced as product designers. It’s obvious that the versatility of laser cutting allows people to express themselves in some exciting (and bizarre) ways.

Now for some housekeeping on the Design Challenge. We’re judging the top 25 entries right now. We will let you know via the blog and by email of the results once they are collated, we expect that to be very soon.

If your design is selected among the top 25 entries, we will make it and ship it to you free of charge. We will also invite you to enter your design in the final round. Entries for this round close on 28 March 2008.

The final round will be judged on photos and text description of your completed product.

Judging criteria

Entries/finalists will be judged on the following criteria, in no particular order:

1. Innovation in design concept
2. Clarity and resolution of design
3. Originality
4. Presentation and photography
5. Interesting use of material(s)
6. Attention to detail
7. Production feasibility

Good luck everyone!

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