I first collided with Rocklove in fall of '07 when she wanted to create a piece of jewelry to help with fundraising for my troop support charity, The Pinup Angels.
Her in New York, me in Seattle...a coffee date was out. However, this was much bigger than emails so a few get-to-know-you phone calls happened. I really liked this girl. I liked her jewelry and her ideas. I really loved a particular piece called the 'Plumeria Anchor' from her Pin-Up Collection. I had just purchased an anchor pendant of my own a few months earlier so I couldn't justify buying another one. She told me the story about carving the cast three times before she was happy with it and that it was one of her favorite creations.
The following year, we got to meet in person and share a booth and a hotel room at Ink & Iron in Long Beach. It was official. The Pinup Angels and Rocklove were in love. We now team up for several events a year. Thanks to modern communications, I always stay in touch with Allison despite being on different coasts. I have followed her successes and her woes. I have offered congrats and consoled her. I support her.
One struggle for her has been being an independent jewelry designer and a one-woman show in a market flooded with mass-produced inventory. Will she be able to compete? Will she be forced out of business? Will she have to give in to carrying mass produced, imported stock?
A few months back she called me all excited about an event she was attending. She needed a special costume piece that my burlesque costuming skills would be perfect for. She was going to be a Dead Sea siren for the Shipwrecks Ball. She really wanted to stand out for this one. I was commissioned to make a set of pasties that we more like 'boob outfits'. She would be wearing these along with body paint and a lovely skirt and belt. There was no top to her costume. The simple round nipple covers just wouldn't do. I created a lovely shape according to her requests. I approached the construction of these darlings with extra special care. After all, she would be wearing them all night, not just for a few second reveal at the end of an act. Happy with my job, I mailed them off. Soon after I heard from a very happy and excited Allison with her very first set of pasties in hand.
Not only was she attending the Shipwrecks Ball, but now modeling for Dr. Sketchy's in her fantastic outfit. My little boob outfits were really gonna have a big night out!
Now it's my turn. As a trade for my work, I chose the Plumeria Anchor that I have wanted so dearly for three years now. My little box comes in the mail and this thing is just beautiful. The weight, the feel, the craftsmanship, the design. Even the chain she chose compliments it so well. The way it is designed the charm will slide on the chain, but never go past the clasp. Noticing the solder that holds the chain to the clasp, I imagine her at her workbench in her Brooklyn apartment working between Twitter posts and a movie marathon to keep her company. The final touch is the heart attached to the clasp with the letters ROCKLOVE stamped into it. I know she made this and stamped it at her very own workbench. It's that personal touch from a dear friend that will allow me to cherish this piece forever.
Why do I love Rocklove? Because it's better.
Delightful!
ReplyDeleteI met Allison through Repo, and I agree with everything you've said here... She's a joy to be around, and a wonderfully creative spirit!