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 Artisans United Gallery and Shop
4022 Hummer Road
Annandale, VA  22003
703-941-0202
Monday - Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
www.augallery.org

More: Artisans United Craft Gallery
Artisans Brochure



OTHER ANNANDALE ARTISANS
Karen Bowes
Robin Milburn
Dan Burke

Peggy Taves
Jean Lee
Gini Moore
Paul Gesalman
 Sylvie M. Kostrzewski

Bob Simoniz

Gail Robin

Jane Hannon

Marilu DelCarpio

Jeanette Bieber

Sharon Eppler

Jean Vasconcellos

Susan Yindra

NOBUE YAMABAYASHI

Diane Cairns

Lynn Chadwick

(Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.  (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)

The photographs above are a very small sampling of Designer Baby Accessories by Peggy Taves.  Peggy's work and that of other artisans can be seen and purchased at the Artisans United Gallery in Annandale. 

MEET THE ARTISAN: 
                    Marilu Del Carpio, Jewelry Artist

Marilu Del Carpio, Artisans United, Annandale, VAI am originally from Peru and now I am a US citizen living in the Washington DC Metro area having moved here in 1966. 

I graduated from American University with a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management. 

For  forty years I worked in the international development world as a management consultant which involves identifying problems and working on solutions, ranging from organization to process analysis and innovation, change management and human resources. 

I never imagined that I would be making something with my hands – perhaps it is in my genes inherited from both my Artisan parents.  In 2006, I discovered jewelry making by accident.   A handmade piece broke and I decided to fix it myself with the help of jewelry magazines – and I was hooked.  At the time, I was retired taking care of my grand kids.  With some time on my hands, and the encouragement of my family and friends, jewelry making became a hobby and, soon after, friends started buying my work.

My first piece was a breast cancer charm  bracelet honoring my daughter - a survivor.  At first, I only focused on  basic beading but then started taking some classes where I discovered wire techniques.  Soon after, I concentrated on learning wire techniques on my own.  Since then, I have worked mostly with wire (coiling, and bending, weaving, wrapping, and weaving) nevertheless, I like to challenge myself learning new techniques such as Kumihimo – a Japanese braiding technique, cold connections and metal-smithing.  I also like to use fiber techniques with wire, such as, crochet, French knitting, Viking knit, and macrame.

Making jewelry is relaxing for me and it triggers not only my creativity but also challenges me to find ways to manipulate the wire so I can accomplish the desired shapes.  For the most part I do not draw my designs in advance, but rather let the material guide my hands.  Most of my work are one-of-a-kind pieces, but upon request I may repeat designs changing some of the materials or introducing a small variation. I work mostly with sterling and fine (999) silver, but I also use gold-filled wire and on occasions copper combining them with gemstones, pearls, and fine crystals.

My inspiration not only come from the materials that I use as but also from my cultural background and travels.  After visits to Ireland and China, I made a few pieces influenced by Celtic knots and Chinese symbols.   My Peruvian ancestry is reflected in the replica of Inka tools shapes and textiles, such as the Tumi pendant – a surgical knife of the Incas; a Nazca line shape decorating a stone pendant; Peruvian strings -- the 1970’s Peruvian fashion of weaving colorful strings on a wire frame which I adapted by using only wire.  My motivation comes from the joy of creating something as well as from the happiness my creations bring to my clients.



 

The Craft Gallery of Artisans United is a cooperative endeavor, staffed and run byThe Craft Gallery of Artisans United, Annandale, VA the independent members of Artisans United, Inc.  as well as those individuals belonging to the member Guilds.  On a daily basis, visitors will find the Gallery artisans happy to explain crafting techniques and to share their knowledge of where craft materials may be obtained.  And, too, visitors will often discover impromptu demos in progress as the artists complete their creations.   We are always looking for new craftspeople to join our organization. If you are interested in joining us as a member artist, please ask at the front desk for a membership packet which explains what is expected of you as a member of Artisans United.

If you are looking for gifts, please visit the Gallery where you will find an exceptional range of items appropriate for baby, wedding, mother’s day, father’s day, graduation and  housewarmings.  

 

THE CRAFT GALLERY OF ARTISANS UNITED
4022 Hummer Road
Annandale, VA  22003
703.941.0202   .  www.augallery.org
10-4, Tuesday through Saturday and 1-4 on Sunday



Reproduction of this article or photographs requires the written permission of the author and The ENDEAVOR News Magazine.  Photographs are courtesy of the author with all right of use reserved. (Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.  (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)

 

                                                                 Copyright 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.                     Privacy Policy

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