Installations
1.5ᵒC Installation 4/1/2024-4/29/2023: Branches in Bizzarnia, Orange County Arts Commission, Hillsboro, NC
Branches in Bizzarnia is a series of origami bonsai sculpture which emphasize the natural beauty and asymmetries found in nature, mounted in a similar fashion as hunting trophies. Papers used for origami consist of a wide range of papers including traditional origami paper to up-cycled works of art and kitchen papers. Works are finished with natural techniques, and no plastics are used in these works. Select blossoms are finished in glow in the dark powder creating an enchanting bioluminescent effect found naturally in nature.
Retail Locations 4/1/24 - current: Katty Korner, 69 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro, NC
Want to see current works in person? Visit Katty Korner in Pittsboro NC. Located conveniently on Hillsboro St. on the main town square, Katty Korner serves as a conglomerate retail space for local artists and craftspeople. Stop in during your next visit to downtown, and plan a trip when you need a special gift, or are interested in investing in some unique, high-quality local art.
Common Questions:
Materials and Process
What materials do you use?
Pretty found objects, paper, old art, wood, paint, stain, fire, oil, glue, clay, wire, luminescent pigment, pearls, semiprecious stones, crystals, shellac and polyurethane are some of my favorites. Any piece I make, regardless of final form, is likely to incorporate at least a few of these materials!
Do you make 100% of your works?
Yes, without exception. Each origami figure is folded by me (without cutting, and typically, without aide tools), and every piece of art and jewelry is custom created by AGP. Nothing produced is pre-purchased or pre-assembled, and no two pieces are identicle
How long does it take to make your origami bonsai or mobile?
Each piece varies slightly, but all elements of the final piece are done by hand from the foraging of sticks, staining and finishing of the mount board, hand-folding the origami pieces, finishing them individually, and gluing them to the branch. Each piece can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks from start to finish. For reference, folding one flower blossom from a 2x2" paper takes about 3.5 minutes.
Do you finish all of the papers you use in origami?
Nope - I finish many of the origami pieces with fixative, but some are not finished at all - it's all part of the study. Generally, the paper I use to make origami has been through at least one finishing process at one point or another - some of the papers I use are upcycled from older works of art or magazines. From my perspective, all paper and paper-like products are subject to folding.
Do you make jewelry in Silver?
Generally my pieces are made in tarnish-resistant and 14k GF gold, but I will absolutely make custom orders in Silver. Hey, if they look better in Silver, I'll add them to the main line!
Jewelry and Care
What materials do you use for jewelry?
Most pieces are done in gold-filled wire and chains. Gold-filled pieces are high-quality and contain about 100x more gold than gold-plated jewelry. Gold-filled jewelry is hypoallergenic and nickel-free, and designed to last a lifetime. All materials we use for jewelry are hypoallergenic and nickel-free.
Can I shower in my jewelry?
We recommend you remove jewelry with semiprecious stones and pearls when you swim and shower, but pieces made from only gold-filled metal can be worn daily and regularly, through your everyday activities like sweating, showering, and swimming.
What is Permanent Jewelry?
Permanent Jewelry is jewelry that is welded shut, rather than having a clasp closure.
Does Permanent Jewelry Hurt?
Nope! It takes a quick zap-zap to weld the chain shut. You will have the option of wearing a pair of level-5 welding sunglasses, or looking away while the weld is taking place to protect your eyes, so all you'll feel is the joy of having a new, beautiful, low-maintenance piece of jewelry.
Can I make an existing piece of jewelry into permanent jewelry?
Yes! Any piece of jewelry can become permanent with a quick zap. Making pieces permanent requires a weld fee of $20.
How much does Permanent Jewelry cost?
We charge by piece, regardless of style, in gold-filled or sterling silver chain:
Bracelets: $50
Anklets: $60
Necklaces (14"): $120
Can I fly on an airplane with permanent jewelry?
Currently the TSA guidelines state that in general, small pieces of jewelry like rings and earrings can be worn through TSA checkpoints without issue.
Can I get an MRI with permanent jewelry?
You will need to remove all jewelry and follow hospital protocols to receive an MRI or undergo surgery. If you need to schedule a re-weld of a permanent piece for any reason, you may do so for a weld fee of $20.
Exchanges and Warrantees
My piece has been damaged and I need repairs, how do I start that process?
Accidents happen. Submit a service support request below to begin the process of repairs. Repairs (for décor and jewelry) which require a rebuild of a piece may require additional charges, which will need approval before repair work can begin.
Do you have a warrantee on permanent jewelry?
Yes, if your permanent jewelry needs re-welding within the first year, it's on the house. After the first year, re-welds are still possible, but cost $20 per session. Submit a service support request below to start the process.
What if I change my mind about an order?
Don't worry, sometimes feelings change - returns for items in new condition are accepted for AGP store credit within 30 days of purchase.
Can I return permanent jewelry?
No, returns on permanent jewelry are not accepted. Once we size the chain to your body and put it on, we cannot process returns.
I lost my permanent jewelry, what can I do?
If you lose your jewelry within the first week of your welding appointment, we will replace your chain. After that, you'll need to repurchase your permanent jewelry.