Debbie Sajnani, Author at Ramie and Co

Milwaukee artists collaborate during pandemic

Posted on May 3, 2020May 4, 2020 by Debbie Sajnani

Doodledaaze x Ramie and Co

When I started dreaming up the frutas (fruit) collection in February, I never imagined that:

This would be our first R&Co artist collaboration, and
We would have to figure out how to do this during a literal pandemic.

Despite the circumstances, this project has been a blast and has given my life a little sense of normalcy during quarantine. I’ve known Lauren aka Doodledaaze for a few years now. We both went to MIAD, we’re part of the same artist collective (shout out to Latinas Unidas en las Artes), and she also works with polymer clay. While she uses the medium to create keychains and realistic food items, I knew her expertise would bring in a new perspective and hand to Ramie and Co.

Let's get fruity

We started by taking past R&Co shapes/designs and figuring out how we could “fruityfy” them. It was pure synergy! In no time we had sketched ideas back and forth and created the base for what would become the frutas collection. From there we decided on color palettes and figured out what earrings we wanted to tackle. Lauren was able to use all of her knowledge to create the cutest (you know they are) 3D fruits and slices while I focused on creating slabs and canes. By playing to our strengths we were able to teach each other all kinds of new techniques and create something truly special.

#dreamteam

This project started during self isolation- meaning we couldn’t work in the same room together and had to rely on our top notch communication skills. This also meant planning weekly hand-offs of supplies and finished items to ensure that we were on schedule for launch. Lauren took it upon herself to become a baker during quarantine, so I was lucky enough to get weekly baked goods as well 🙂 After all the jewelry was assembled, we were able to meet (with proper precautions), have a mini-photoshoot, and create some strawberry block-prints.

Our Collection

While we couldn’t be with each during development, we made sure to send each other pictures and teaser clips of everything we were working on. Lauren created this amazing video that shows off just some of our process and collection. We are so excited to share this project with you and we are so happy that we were able to create some magic during these difficult times. We hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and have enjoyed going through this journey with us on instagram. The frutas collection launches on May 5th <3

Spring Renewal

Posted on March 18, 2020March 19, 2020 by Debbie Sajnani

Solidarity

As a Wisconsinite for the last 7 years, spring never feels quite like spring. We’ll normally get a dusting or two of snow and I’m definitely scouring the internet for clearance sweaters. This year isn’t any different but in addition we have a pandemic on our hands. It’s been a scary and trying time for all of us and as a maker I haven’t been sure on how I can help. I’ve seen many posts about how to get money during this financial crisis but with schools being out, many seniors unable to go to grocery stores, and even more disadvantaged who can’t self isolate, my first thought was food. No one should go without food or feel food insecure during this time. This is why R&Co has decided to donate 50% of all sales to the Hunger Task Force. They will remain open during the state of emergency and will be providing service to seniors, low-income households, and children throughout Milwaukee County. Please visit their site for more information.

Inspiration

I started working on this collection in January (that’s how excited I’ve been for spring). I knew that I wanted color and texture to be the focus so I’ve spent the last few months finding cool ways to do that with polymer clay.

I played with adding texture to the clay using embossing tools, mixing all kinds of colors, and tried out making a cane slab (check insta for the process)! The embossing tools were a very simple and easy way to add texture, the biggest problem I had was the clay getting stuck to the tools (it happens). I also found a really cool method to transfer decals onto clay (more to come) which lead to some outstanding and colorful designs.

Influencer?

Our friends over at Charlie and Taylor Photography invited us to do a couples shoot. It was honestly some much needed fun PLUS I got to model some of the new Ramie’s. If you’re in Milwaukee and looking for a photographer, check them out. They helped me bring out my inner fashionista and helped my partner pose (he’s not a big fan) and keep him comfortable. It was an incredibly busy day at the Mitchell Park Domes but they made us feel like we were the only ones there and you can’t even tell in the pictures (talk about a magical crop). Big thanks to Charlie and Taylor, they also wrote up a blog if you want to see all the pictures.

The final collection

Here it is! Thank you everyone for your support during this time. I’ll keep posting process and behind the scenes content on my instagram. Spread the word about Hunger Task Force and please send me your photos rocking your items <3

With Love,
-Debbie

Candy Crush

Posted on January 29, 2020January 29, 2020 by Debbie Sajnani

When trying to figure out what my February collections should be, I couldn’t help but to get inspired by candy! I have a serious sweet tooth and love all kinds of confections. I played around with glitter, resin, and mixing cured and uncured polymer clay. I thought about all the treats I loved growing up and I hope these sweet treats remind you of some good memories.

Large statement earrings with pink and green polymer clay speckles, glitter, and coated with resin

oval shaped black polymer clay earrings with pink and green polymer specks and pink glitter. Brass accents include circle stud and brass moon.

Pearlescent green circles in varying sizes with brass accent

Pink and glitter pink semi-circle connected arches

three polymer clay pink hearts stacked with a threader earring

pink polymer clay stud earring with brass dangle and triangle finding

polymer clay glitter circle and brass circle with ear threader

pink glitter polymer clay lightning bolts with drop ear wire

Pink heart polymer clay earrings with triangle dangle and threader

light pink and glitter heart earrings with brass accents

black speckled polymer clay coated with resin and brass accent

lightly glitter black polymer clay earrings with brass rectangle accent

Pink and pearlescent shell with pink and green dangles and brass accent

Lightly glitter black polymer clay star with brass dangle and threader

three large circle drop earrings with pink and glitter

large statement pink glitter earrings coated with resin

circle stud polymer clay earrings with pink and mint circles

From Ramie, With Love

Posted on January 20, 2020January 20, 2020 by Debbie Sajnani

I know it’s cheesy but Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays! It might be my obsession with candy and getting gifts, but there is something special about devoting a day to your loved ones. Since I was focusing on the day of love, I customized the Archies with a heart stud and made some heart-shaped hoops. Noticed the extra level of sparkle in this collection? I added glitter to the polymer clay and a layer of resin to make sure they pop.

Ruby red statement arches with heart stud and red glitter — Statement Archies

The New Golden Age

Posted on January 1, 2020January 1, 2020 by Debbie Sajnani

Welcome 2020

To kick off this new decade I was inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s. I pulled common shapes from the movement like the square, triangle, chevron and created a contemporary collection for you.

Bronze & Brass

Inspired by simple elegance I used a limited color palette along with brass elements. The lightly glittered white and custom mixed bronze polymer clay will glow against any skin tone. Each earring is one-of-a-kind to insure you have a truly bespoke piece to celebrate the new year.

I wish you all a happy new year full of prosperity and growth! Thank you for all of your support in 2019, I hope to continue to create beautiful pieces for you and the ones you love.