The thesis consisted of a creative and experimental craft process during which a series of necklaces was made using recycled fabrics. The thesis examined different techniques of shaping fabrics into three-dimensional forms that can be used in jewelry designs. The suitability of laser cutting in manufacturing fabric jewelry was also examined. The background of the thesis was the author’s interest in jewelry art and especially fabric jewelry. The purpose of the thesis was to develop shaping techniques for fabric that the author could use in her jewelry business and in potential future work as an instructor. The aim of the thesis was to design and manufacture 4–7 pieces of art jewelry using different techniques and develop them into every day jewelry suitable for serial production.

The thesis drew background information from the history and present-day of jewelry as well as jewelry art and its special characteristics. Other jewelry artists’ work, the possibilities offered by the material, different structures and shapes and fabric manipulation all worked as sources of inspiration. Inspirational pictures were gathered on a Pinterest board and during the process a picture diary was held as well as a blog. The thesis was a continuation of the author’s earlier work in developing her own technique of treating fabrics suitable for jewelry material. To support the working process, theory of the creative process and the flow experience was explored.

The thesis examined how recycled fabrics can be used as material for art jewelry and how to build three-dimensional structures and forms using this material. As a result, four necklaces were made, two of which were chosen to be a part of the Pinnalla exhibition, organized by the Craft Museum of Finland and the Tyyne-Kerttu Virkki foundation. The thesis process developed the author’s jewelry design and by exploring the art of laser cutting she gained a new tool for manufacturing jewelry.