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etsy jewelry mississippi

NOOBOO to You

If you live in the south you probably own at least one antique that was either passed down through the family or acquired at an antique shop. These items are usually packed away with care and once out of sight we forget about them. Kathryn of NOOBOO takes forgotten trinkets of yesteryear and breathes life into them with her jewelry. Be it a lost amusement park token or an optometrist’s lens all of her pieces have a story to tell.

You mention in your shop profile that you left your job in the legal field to pursue your art full time, which must have been a big leap! At what point did you decide as an artist to devote yourself full time to your work?


The decision to leave my day job was definitely a huge leap of faith, especially considering today’s economic situation.  It actually came down to a turning point of preserving my own physical and mental health, and I honestly believe that finally being true to my authentic self by creating art actually saved my life.

A Wing and a Prayer - Dragonfly Optometrist Lens Spanish Text Rosary Necklace A wing and a prayer
 How did growing up on the Gulf Coast influence your work?


I have lived on the Gulf Coast for 35 years and it has definitely influenced my work.  I think the Mississippi Coast has a real cosmopolitan yet “laid back” feel to it, which makes its way into my jewelry.


Honey Drippers - Vintage Amusement Token Honey Bee Sand Opal Earrings Honey Drippers

 NOOBOO has a definite victorian feel that you describe as steampunk. Can you tell us how you come up with your pieces?

My designs evolve in several different ways.   I am influenced by most anything and everything I see around me- shapes, colors, or even a line in a movie. I have a natural affinity for certain timeworn objects, of course- keys, tokens, watch parts, etc., and I never tire of incorporating these into my work.


 Do you have in mind a certain piece of jewelry or do you rely on the object to tell you what a piece will become?


 I sometimes wake up with an idea in my head for a complete design and I also do a lot of doodling to create others. Some of my best designs though are merely “happy accidents” due to my incredibly messy work space! I have all these pieces lying around where I can see them and a design will seem to magically appear as I place items together. It’s akin to putting together a puzzle; some pieces fit and others don’t. You also have to know when to quit!


Tag, You're It - Vintage Daniel Monique Bouche Clothing Tag Peacock Feather Locket Mirror Necklace Tag You’re It

 Define southern style.

  I believe Southerners, and especially Southern women, to be nostalgic collectors of their history, so their “southern style” would be sassy and strong yet extremely feminine–Scarlett O’Hara meets Julia Sugarbaker, or Grandma’s pearls meets Grandpa’s pocket watch!  This to me defines Southern style, which I believe is reflected in my jewelry.


Kathyrn’s work can be purchased at the following boutiques and galleries:


Caboose Art Gallery – Long Beach, Mississippi
The Art House – Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Gallery 782 – Biloxi, Mississippi 
Lysbeth Smith Antiques & Jewelry – Franklin, Tennessee



Or you can pick up a piece online via Etsy. Feeling inspired? She also sells her surplus supplies at noobootoo.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

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