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O C G S H O W D A I LY S a t u r d a y, A u g u s t 1 3 , 2 0 1 1 1 6 DEBORAH ARMSTRONG & COMPANY INTRODUCES NEW, VERSATILE JEWELRY COLLECTION five pieces for this exhibit using fossils. Fossils are con- sidered sustainable since they are found during construction of roads, buildings and other day-to-day construction. Deborah's award-win- ning textured silver with 18k gold and gemstone accents uses repousse, etching, pierc- ing and fabrication techniques. Inspirations come from a variety of sources embracing architecture, petites fours, Celtic eternity knots and Moorish tile work. Most pieces are one-of-a-kind or limited edition. Deborah's fine arts background includes the University of Colorado, Parson's School of Design and Cecelia Bauer's Studio in NYC, and working as a model maker for Industrial Light and Magic. She has been cited in fashion magazines and counts Halle Berry, Jennifer Connelly, Faith Hill, Diane Sawyer and Sharon Stone among her celebrity clients. For more information, please visit Deborah Armstrong & Company at booth 9546 and www.deboraharmstrong.com. Deborah Armstrong & Com- pany introduces its dazzling Kristen Collection: a collection of versatile options from casual to chi-chi. The chunky gem- stone necklaces with the ster- ling silver, double-link chain have a removable drop, suitable to any neckline and most any occasion. The combination pin/pendants are clusters of gemstones, ancient coins, druses and fossils sporting a bale as well as a pin to maximize the versatility. These pins work great on today's big scarves and would add dazzle to any lapel. These pin/pendants were developed in conjunction with the "Bijoux: The Origins and Impact of Jewelry" exhibi- tion at The Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Conn., which runs through February of next year. According to the curator, "Jewelry is the universal means to trans- mit personal information—marital status, wealth, heritage and aesthetics. As arti- fact of world history, jewelry is evidence that the Earth, human culture and tech- nology have evolved." Deborah created Phyllis Woods, Founder of Tribalinks, discusses what her company brings to the gift market. OSD: Phyllis, as founder of Tribalinks, you have an extensive career as a product designer, as well as an importer of African art. How long have you been doing your work? PW: I've been designing for about 40 years, and Tribalinks was founded in 1990. I began importing West African art in 1984. OSD: Can you describe your style of jewelry? PW: My styling bridges contemporary and ethnic, and we produce fashion and fine jewelry which incorporates a broad spec- trum of components, including translucent gemstones, glass, horn, crystal, sterling, copper and 24k gold plated items. OSD: You mentioned your imports― what kind of items are they? PW: I import from Mali, Ghana, Morocco and Ethiopia, and we specialize in home accessories. We sell masks, lots of stools, occasional tables, textiles such as Kuba and Mud cloth, bronze figures, baskets, tote bags and leather boxes. I travel to Africa and hand select all the products we sell. We are concerned with keeping to high quality standards in all of our products. OSD: Who are your clients? PW: We sell to museum stores, upscale TRIBALINKS BRINGS WEST AFRICAN ART TO NYIGF boutiques, galleries and catalogs in the U.S.A. We also sell to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. We are wholesale only. OSD: Where can a retailer find your work? PW: We exhibit in the New York Gift Show, in booth 6502 of the Global Handmade area in the lower level. We also have a website, www.tribalinks.com. OSD: How did you start importing? PW: I was very interested in antique and ancient beads, so I decided to go to Mali, West Africa, which was critical in the path of the ancient trade routes from Asia and Europe into Africa. When I arrived, I discovered a whole world of art in their textiles and sculptures, so I've continued on as a regular importer of home accessories from Mali, Ghana and Morocco. I also work there as a designer and consultant, doing a variety of product development. OSD: Do you work with any recycled materials for your jewelry lines? PW: Yes. In fact, I work with a fairly extensive array of recycled materials. My most recent jewelry collection is called "OVER THE TOP," and consists of bracelets and necklaces made of a variety of colorful plastic screw tops Continued on Page 27