The Papaver Collection
Photo Credits: Malta Crafts Foundation
Our submission for Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti 2024; Malta’s national awards celebrating excellence in craftsmanship, honouring artisans who contribute to preserving and innovating traditional Maltese Craft. The awards are given by the Malta Crafts Foundation.
The Inspiration/Concept:
As the founder and artisan of the Peprin brand, I had long desired to create a jewellery collection inspired by the flower and story behind the brand.
Poppies grow abundantly in our countryside, often colouring entire fields with their vibrant red hue, adding a burst of colour to our beautiful landscapes. Despite the delicacy of its flower, with its thin satin-like texture and four leaves surrounding a thick black bud, the poppy is a very resilient flower. It thrives without human intervention, and thereby, the reason behind the brand and this collection’s motto: "Be resilient like a poppy, bloom even in the most inhospitable places." For this collection, I've chosen the purple poppy, known in Maltese as "Papever" or "Xaħxieħ", its English name being Opium Poppy.
In Maltese tradition, poppies hold more than just visual beauty; they have been part of our folk remedies for generations. Historically, extracts from poppy seed pods were used as mild sedatives, sometimes given to soothe infants and help them sleep. This traditional use underscores the nurturing qualities associated with the poppy in our culture. By incorporating the poppy into my jewellery, I aim to celebrate its delicate elegance and honour its role in our heritage as a comfort and natural healing symbol.
As a jewellery maker using polymer clay as my primary medium, I strive to accurately imitate flowers in my pieces, creating a chic-boho look. With the decline in bee populations, using wildflowers for artistic purposes is not ideal. Instead, I replicate them as closely as possible to their real-life counterparts. Polymer clay is not a single-use plastic; with proper care, these pieces can be passed down through generations. The metal in my pieces is real gold-plated, ensuring durability for decades. Additionally, if tarnished by time, they can be easily re-plated. The idea is that when one wears these pieces, they radiate a value for our environmental heritage and the importance of preserving it.
The Design:
The collection includes a necklace, an earring set, a ring, and a bracelet. I aimed for statement pieces that capture the eye and are perfect for special occasions. The purple colour is also very fashionable now, adding extra value. The poppy bud is crafted using black jet rhinestones.
The purpose:
The purpose of my jewellery goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it embodies my commitment to environmental stewardship and personal expression. Each piece tells a story of resilience, mirroring the poppy's ability to thrive in inhospitable conditions. By choosing sustainable processes (more on this in question 2), I reduce environmental impact and inspire others to consider the origins and footprints of the products they purchase. My work challenges traditional perceptions of luxury and value by emphasising craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical considerations. It serves as a wearable reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage and encourages a deeper connection between the wearer and the environment.
If you like this collection, you are invited to support us by clicking the link below and voting for this collection submitted under Category F. To be able to press the “next” button, you will need to choose an artefact from each category. Make sure you have completed your voting by pressing “Vote” at the end.
