Straw marquetry jewellery
- Mélanie dyes straw from environment friendly plants
- She plays with countless nuances of colours
- Making jewellery from straw is her specialisation
It was a summer day in 2014 that marked a turning point for Mélanie Richet. She searched the internet and came across a description of the technique and the necessary equipment for straw marquetry. Since it only needed very little material, she decided to give it a try and bought what it takes to get started. From her first try, it was obvious that straw was her material! She became fascinated by its singular aesthetic, the way light dances on its surface, its mineral side, sometimes almost metallic but also warm, and its countless nuances of colours. After several years of intense practice, in 2018 she opened her workshop and specialised in contemporary straw marquetry jewellery and straw dying. Mélanie is originally French but she lives in Germany. She is influenced by the stories and traditions of both countries in this specific craft, with their similarities and differences.
INTERVIEW
I try to showcase the natural beauty of the straw. I specialise in contemporary straw marquetry jewellery, a field that is not the most common one in straw marquetry.
The play of light on the straw fascinates me day after day, the way it dances on its surface, its mineral side, sometimes almost metallic but also warm, and its countless nuances of colours.
My very first straw marquetry work was a natural straw and dark blue straw pendant, with a geometric pattern. So my first object was a piece of jewellery, which has become my area of expertise.
There are only a few straw marketers who master the techniques of straw dyeing. All tinted straw currently available on the market is made with synthetic dyes. I have done and continue to do a lot of research to develop modern techniques for dyeing straw from plants that are environmentally ethical.
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