Jewellery to get plugged at Artists Open Studio

PRECIOUS OBJECTS: Jeweller Frances Stachlin in her studio with one of her bath plug pendants, made out of deer antler and sterling silver. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

Frances Stachl's jewellery includes everything but the kitchen sink.

But you will find bath plug pendants and sugar sachet necklaces among her quirky collection, as well as more traditional flower earrings and dragonfly brooches.

Ms Stachl is gearing up for Artists Open Studios Whanganui, which will be held March 22-23 and 29-30. One of Wanganui's biggest annual art events, Open Studios gives art lovers the opportunity to see artists at work in their studios and to buy their work.

This will be Ms Stachl's second time exhibiting for Open Studios in her own studio on Moutoa Quay, overlooking the Whanganui River. She said last year's Open Studios was a great event, which was why she wanted to take part again.

"I get a kick out of how much support there is for artists in this town.

"I sell most of my jewellery out of town, but Open Studios is the one time that I make a lot of sales in Wanganui," Ms Stachl said.

Ms Stachl is a fan of metal - "I use a lot of silver" - and enjoys playing around with it.

"I like oxidising silver, so it becomes a material rather than a precious metal."

Other favourite materials include wood, plastic and paint. She has recently been making "loyalty necklaces" - beautiful bead-like necklaces made out of cut-up loyalty cards.

Ms Stachl has made realistic bath plug pendants - old-fashioned bath plugs made out of deer antler and set on a sterling silver rope - as well as silver pendants depicting condom packets, toothpaste tubes and sugar sachets.

"I really enjoy re-making everyday objects out of silver."

Over the past year Ms Stachl has had a number of successes with her jewellery. She has been chosen for the prestigious Wunderruma - a New Zealand art and jewellery show in Germany - and won the 2103 Whanganui National Art Award.

For more information about Open Studios, visit www.openstudios.co.nz.

See Arts: Page B3