Sinew Jewelry - Time Out Chicago
What it is Sinew is a line of necklaces made from reclaimed materials made by 27-year-old Greg Mathes in his Humboldt Park apartment.
Who he is Mathes has a retail and fashion background (including stints as a personal shopper) but has always unofficially dabbled in design. Once he began wearing his creations, the ball really got rolling. When he made a charm necklace with an old ring, a piece of deer antler and an ivory tooth on a chain and wore it to his job at SHE Boutique, the other staff members loved it and placed orders for their own versions. When they started selling his pieces in the boutique about a year ago, the line officially was born.
What he makes Mathes focuses on necklaces because, as he says, “they’re easy to integrate into any wardrobe and are perfect pieces for everyday wear.” He scours estate sales, antique stores and flea markets searching for unique items (such as watch parts, rings, teeth, cicada wings and more) to incorporate into each one-of-a-kind design. The line was recently picked up by Wicker Park boutique Habit after Mathes visited the shop with a friend. Owner Lindsey Boland commented on the chain he was wearing, which was, naturally, one he made. “She asked me to bring some in, and I thought she’d only want to sell a couple of pieces, but she ended up taking everything I had with me,” he says. New necklaces (starting at around $120) from the line will debut in the store this week.
Why we like it Mixing odd and quirky items (bones, teeth) with more traditional bits (lockets, feathers and pendants) makes each piece stand out in an unusual, yet chic, way. Mathes ably incorporates unconventional items without succumbing to kitsch.
Where to find it Habit (1951 W Division St, 773-342-0093); SHE Boutique (438 Central Ave, Highland Park, 847-926-0150).
Who he is Mathes has a retail and fashion background (including stints as a personal shopper) but has always unofficially dabbled in design. Once he began wearing his creations, the ball really got rolling. When he made a charm necklace with an old ring, a piece of deer antler and an ivory tooth on a chain and wore it to his job at SHE Boutique, the other staff members loved it and placed orders for their own versions. When they started selling his pieces in the boutique about a year ago, the line officially was born.
What he makes Mathes focuses on necklaces because, as he says, “they’re easy to integrate into any wardrobe and are perfect pieces for everyday wear.” He scours estate sales, antique stores and flea markets searching for unique items (such as watch parts, rings, teeth, cicada wings and more) to incorporate into each one-of-a-kind design. The line was recently picked up by Wicker Park boutique Habit after Mathes visited the shop with a friend. Owner Lindsey Boland commented on the chain he was wearing, which was, naturally, one he made. “She asked me to bring some in, and I thought she’d only want to sell a couple of pieces, but she ended up taking everything I had with me,” he says. New necklaces (starting at around $120) from the line will debut in the store this week.
Why we like it Mixing odd and quirky items (bones, teeth) with more traditional bits (lockets, feathers and pendants) makes each piece stand out in an unusual, yet chic, way. Mathes ably incorporates unconventional items without succumbing to kitsch.
Where to find it Habit (1951 W Division St, 773-342-0093); SHE Boutique (438 Central Ave, Highland Park, 847-926-0150).
Sinew Jewelry - The Daily Candy
Something Old, Something ’New Sinew Jewelry by Greg Mathes The Wedding of (the Future) Mr. and Mrs. Sinew
Officiant: Greg Mathes, Esq.
Welcome, all, to another Sinew family marriage. Today we are gathered to celebrate the joyous union of Deer Bone and Feather.
Before they met, Bone lay listless in a flea market; Feather frolicked at estate sales. When they found each other, they connected immediately: his delicate style, her wispy whimsy. Now they are bound by a strong, trusty chain.
The wedding party includes Tooth, from an antique market, and Locket, who once lay rusting in the street; Button and Gem (bless their souls); Cicada Wing and Silver Pallettes, an unlikely yet smashing pair; and Pendant and Pearl, aged and graceful.
No two Sinew creations are alike.
Yet each one is a jewel.
Available at Habit, 1951 West Division Street, at Damen Avenue (773-342-0093 or habitchicago.com).
Officiant: Greg Mathes, Esq.
Welcome, all, to another Sinew family marriage. Today we are gathered to celebrate the joyous union of Deer Bone and Feather.
Before they met, Bone lay listless in a flea market; Feather frolicked at estate sales. When they found each other, they connected immediately: his delicate style, her wispy whimsy. Now they are bound by a strong, trusty chain.
The wedding party includes Tooth, from an antique market, and Locket, who once lay rusting in the street; Button and Gem (bless their souls); Cicada Wing and Silver Pallettes, an unlikely yet smashing pair; and Pendant and Pearl, aged and graceful.
No two Sinew creations are alike.
Yet each one is a jewel.
Available at Habit, 1951 West Division Street, at Damen Avenue (773-342-0093 or habitchicago.com).
