Iryna Ivakhnenko is an artist from Ukraine who creates various BJD dolls and doll-related items under the name Whispering Grass. BJD head molds and anthro Forest Dwellers, clothes, shoes, and furniture are among her creations. Today I talked to her about the jewelry that she makes for her dolls.
Q: Why you decided to make your own jewelry?
A: The reason is similar to why I started making other BJD-related stuff: I wanted items of particular style. When I started making my “fit all curves” dresses I felt that some designs require jewelry to have a complete, finished look, so I began my research on jewelry.
You know, there are a lot of jewelry styles, like jewelry made of various beads, including glass, acrylic and wooden ones, there are seed beads designs, some items are made of polymer clay, there are also wire wrap and chainmail techniques, and crafty people continue developing new styles.
As my dresses had a distinct fantasy and harem influences I ended up with mostly golden jewelry made of chains and findings, with the addition of beads. I use a lot of filigree items, that look rich and ethereal. I adorn the filigree pieces with beads making them even richer. I make tiny pendants putting several beads onto a pin and adding a loop at the edge, and those pendants are attached to the chain in a row, creating beautiful, shiny, fringe-like adornments.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: I like to study paintings and miniatures depicting Arabian, Indian, Turkish, Persian traditional clothes, and I also pay attention to the modern styles. Often I start from a piece of filigree, attach chains here and there, developing the design right on the doll. Then I proceed with adornments, adding beads and pendants.
Some items have to be disassembled before creating something new in a doll-size, because a human jewelry can be huge! And sometimes I have to cut jewelry into pieces to get what I need.
Q: Where do you buy the components for your jewelry?
A: It’s mostly from Ebay and Aliexpress. I’m always in a search of something pretty. While it’s easy to find good chains, pins and rings, the findings is another story. They should be in-scale and they also should have a lot of holes so I could add the beads and chains.
I modify stuff a lot. Some pieces get hammered to be more flat, other are bent into circles, etc. Like, I made a crown out of filigree cones, gently unbending them.
Q: Did you have any interesting projects recently?
A: I was commissioned to make several pieces that were a bit of a challenge for me. There was a traditional Armenian headdress for an MSD, and the biggest issue was to find a proper in-scale coins. The remarkable feature of this jewelry is that it’s directly attached to the hat. Every coin hangs on the chain, and there are other silver beads too.
I also created a set of Bharatanatyam Indian jewelry that included a headpiece, some pins, two big necklaces, hand pieces and a belt. Major research was done prior to making the set. It was generously adorned with beads, and I also embroidered the top of the blouse in a similar style. Yes, metal findings can be used for embroidery too!
And the last one was a huge silver chest piece in Boho style which has its roots in the same region as my inspiration sources. I purchased some nice jewelry, and when all pieces arrived I just started to attach one to another, looking at the pictures my customer gave me. I had no plan – it was a pure boost of creativity.
Q: When you work with metal pieces, what tools do you use?
A: I have a set of various pilers, mostly with long thin jaws, both flat and round, cutters, a hammer, a rasp, etc. But my most useful thing is an assembly box that I designed by myself. I could only find assembling boards that worked best for making beaded necklaces, and as my tasks are so different, I had to invent something suitable for my style of work.
The top part has a foam cushion covered with a black fabric, so you can attach pieces of your jewelry with pins. The black color creates a great contrast with shiny findings and beads. The bottom part has compartments padded with a black suede so my needles won’t get blunt while I pick the beads. Each compartment has a concavity so the beads gather right in the center.
Q: Do you have any tips for those who wants to start creating jewelry for dolls?
A: Pay attention to the scale! It’s the most important rule. Not every human-size pendant looks good on an SD doll, not to mention MSD. Of course, a certain level of stylization is always there, as even the smallest seed beads have their limitations. Some styles allow for bigger, bolder jewelry, so use them to your profit!
Do your research. Study styles and designs of other people. Don’t copy but take and combine what you like with your creative rethinking. If you use metal findings, pick those that have enough holes for chains attachment or whatever. Stretchy silicone thread may come in handy when you need a fitted piece, like traditional Indian head or hand jewelry. Use heavy beads to outbalance the head pieces so they won’t slip off. Pay attention to the human-size bracelets and anklets: they may become a good source of jewelry pieces. Use tube beads: those are very good for tiny pendants gathered in rows. And be creative, let your inspiration guide you through the process!
