Category: jewelry

Indie Superhero

Joanna Koon of indie heroine makes jewelry with a vintage and bohemian feel that has a definite southern charm. Read on to see what inspires her.

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

When I started making jewelry I changed my business name every other month! But I kept coming back to Indie Heroine. I came up with the name several years ago because I was really in to independent films at the time. It was my old user name for a lot of different things online, like Myspace, which is kind of embarrassing but funny to me! I finally decided to use it for my jewelry business and it turned out to be the perfect name. I believe that every day is an adventure and you are the heroine! One person can change the world, no matter who or where you are.

Shabby Chic Fleur de Lis Skeleton Key Earrings Shabby chic fluer de lis skeleton key earrings

You donate 10% of your sales to charity:water. Can you tell us a little bit about that organization?

I love what mycharity:water is doing for the millions of people who have to drink and bathe in overused, dirty, crowded rivers, streams, and ponds. In America, we bathe and wash our clothes and dishes in drinkable water – it’s a luxury that almost a billion people don’t have. Every water project mycharity:water begins includes not only wells but comprehensive hygiene and sanitation programs – latrines, faucets, etc. The wells they build belong to the community, too! It’s a wonderful cause to become involved with – I feel so lucky to be a part of what they are doing! Go to http://www.charitywater.org/whywater to learn more about what mycharity:water does for the communities of the world.

Birds of a Feather - Antiqued Mixed Metals Necklace Birds of a feather antiqued mixed metals necklace

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Inspiration comes from doing some of my favorite things – watching B&W movies and admiring the old Hollywood glamour, going thrift shopping, spending time with friends who share similar passions like cooking, wine, or the environment. Taking pictures in my beautiful yard with our azalea bushes, towering trees, and my kids having the time of their lives digging in the dirt and crawling to every leaf to inspect it. Beauty is waiting to be discovered in the details of everything that surrounds me, the secret is allowing myself to pause long enough to see it. I brainstorm and create either in silence or with my iPod – Regina Spektor and Rufus Wainwright never fail to inspire me.
On Sale - White Rabbit - Alice in Wonderland Necklace Alice In Wonderland necklace

When you’re not making jewelry how else do you occupy your time?

I have a 2 1/2 year-old boy and a baby girl who is about to turn one! I’m a stay at home mom at the moment, so they occupy 99% of my time! I love cooking, photography, and want to start a million projects all the time! I have a sewing machine that belonged to my husband’s aunt and can’t wait to start using it; sewing is not something I’ve gotten into that much but I really want to learn! In my downtime at night, watching Netflix with a glass of red wine is my favorite way to unwind and relax. Juggling jewelry in the mix makes life interesting!

Sweetheart - Antiqued Fleur de Lis Charm Necklace Sweetheart antiqued fleur de lis charm necklace

Define southern style.

Southern style is truly what we make it. I think we pride ourselves on being indefinable when it comes to having a “look”. We’re pretty casual and like to be comfortable, but we love to look fabulous, whatever “fabulous” means to us! One thing, though, that reigns supreme here are flip flops – love ’em or hate ’em, everyone wears them with everything from prom dresses to cutoffs.

Pick up her pieces at Fleur Du Jour in Baton Rouge or online at her Etsy shop.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

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
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

etsy jewelry oilspill

Our southern world in crisis

Post author By Christy
Post date June 3, 2010
2 Comments on Our southern world in crisis

If you haven’t heard about the BP oil spill disaster you’re probably living under a rock, or a tar ball to be more accurate.

Having literally grew up with a swamp for a backyard I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t mention the atrocities that are happening as we speak. If you can’t lend your time to helping clean up our coastlines you can make a difference by donating funds.

I’ve culled through Etsy and found several jewelry and t-shirt designers that are donating part or all of their proceeds to various cleanup efforts. What better way to make a statement, support independent artists and contribute to a good cause?

Earth is Crying glass tile

Epic Fail Oil Spill shirt

Enchanted sea turtle necklace

Happy little whale necklace

Seafoam starfish necklace

Message to BP tee

If you’d like to see even more pieces that you can feel good about purchasing check out this piece that I wrote for GoNola.com.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

frock friday jewelry

Denim Days

Post author By Christy
Post date May 21, 2010
2 Comments on Denim Days

Another Friday, another frock. I just bought this denim Fei dress without thinking that it will soon be too hot to wear it. I wish it was chambray. Oh well. I’m sure I’ll appreciate it come October.

Chartreuse green J Crew driving moccasins. A photo I took pre tattoos when I featured them here. I’ll cry when I wear these out.

Since this is such a simple dress I decided to bust out this kiss lock French Connection bag that gets no love from me. The pattern is impossible to pair except with the simplest of outfits. It’s sitting next to some paper flowers I bought at the Bargain Center in the Bywater and oyster shells from my yard. I use them in flower arrangements in lieu of decorative stones.

I love jewelry and typically don’t leave the house without a necklace or earrings and a ring or bracelet. These Mignon Faget earrings are good for everyday.

I collect Native American jewelry and this turquoise ring is a favorite. My time spent in the Southwest was fruitful in the bijoux department.

FYI: I have mixed feelings about doing these type of outfit posts. Even though I run a style blog I don’t think my style is soooooo interesting that people will actually care what I’m wearing. I can think of about 3,312 individuals that dress better than I do. While I’d like to think I know how to dress myself most days I’m just concerned with leaving the house without looking like a jackass.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

jewelry secondhand show and tell

Show & Tell

Post author By Christy
Post date May 15, 2010
1 Comment on Show & Tell

Time for another round of Show & Tell Saturday!

My self imposed uniform this summer is supposed to be tank top, skirt, and sandals yet I continue buying dress after dress. Dresses are too easy and retailers aren’t providing many skirt options this summer.

Yesterday I purchased this cotton floral Calvin Klein dress from Swap Boutique, an upscale consignment shop on Maple St. Although the dress is lacking pockets that won’t stop me from wearing it on a weekly basis. It also stops below the knee which means I’ll be able to wear this while riding my bike and not risk flashing everyone in the 70115 zip code.

I also found a great pendant at Buffalo Exchange. Amethyst is my birthstone so I couldn’t really pass this piece up. The “stick” is some sort of rock I suppose but I’m not sure what it is. It’s a little hippie dippy but could balance out a button down nicely.

If you have a great find and want to show it off, be it from the mall, boutique, or even a gift e-mail me at nolagurl{at}gmail{dot}com to get in on the show & tell goodness.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

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Georgia Gems

Mocahete is a jewelry line based in Georgia and run by mother and son duo Sabrina and Dante. Their pieces have a tribal flair that can be easily worn everyday. Read on to find out more about this talented team.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started designing jewelry.

Sabrina – I was born and raised in south Georgia although I spent much of my adult life moving throughout the southern U.S. working as a professional chef and living for a time in Central America. I returned home to South Georgia approximately 12 years ago. I have always been creating something whether it be weaving baskets, making collages, painting, cooking and of course making jewelry. I started collecting beads 20+ years ago and was particularly drawn to exotic beads from other lands. I first began designing jewelry for myself as I could rarely find what I envisioned as the perfect style for me. Creating personal adornment is very fulfilling.

Dante – I have long loved the process of creating, from the very time I could wield a tool. For many years I have been attracted to metal fabrication. I trace the origins of my fascination with fire and all things infernal. I received my B.A. in philosophy from Valdosta State University with little forethought or prescience as to what exactly this degree would do for my career prospects. I thought greatly on this matter and proceeded to pursue a teaching certification but soon became disillusioned . So here I am as a self taught metalsmith practicing my craft for the beautification of others. I doesn’t get much better than that!

Creating is a large part of our over all ethos of living sustainably as possible. Along with creating wearable art we are striving to implement a permacultural system where we live–raising our own chickens, ducks, geese and planting every imaginable useful plant we can get our hands on.

Large Copper Verdigris Hoop Earrings - Unearthed Large copper verdigris earrings

2. I’m a big fan of hammered metal and pieces with a tribal influence. Your pieces have a “faraway lands” quality to them. Have you done any travelling that has influenced your work?

Although we have traveled some to Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean our pieces are largely inspired by our love of different cultures. We love the ‘rustic’ aesthetic which is embodied by the textures and colors represented in our pieces.

Jade. Amethyst . Sterling Silver . Necklace Jade, amethyst, sterling silver necklace

3. Where can we purchase your pieces (besides Etsy)?

We have two other venues:

www.themocahete.1000markets.com

www.mocahete.artfire.com

and soon we will be opening our own website:

www.mocahete.com
Handmade Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Pixie Blades Sterling silver pixie blade earrings
4. Any projects for the future?

Yes, we have decided to work on collections. Our current focus, for the next week or so, will be on Native American influenced designs. Soon after this, we intend to turn our attention to middle Eastern themes with a focus on spiritual symbology.

5. Describe southern style.

Spicy, jazzy and a bit laid back with a definite sense of joie de vivre.

You can also keep up with Mochete via their Facebook fan page.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

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Something old, something new

Post author By Christy
Post date March 13, 2010
2 Comments on Something old, something new

Have you ever gone to an antique shop, saw a beautiful yet flawed piece of jewelry and thought “I could do something with that?” I constantly get ideas to rework a piece but my thoughts rarely come to fruition. Jordan of Opulent Oddities has created a business that does exactly this. Based in Florida she is an artist and jewelry designer who works with antique and vintage pieces. Taking cues from the origin of the pieces she recreates them into something wearable and modern yet maintains the pieces original charms. She describes her work as “Opulence, curiosity, sensuality, antiquity, mystery, romance, sophistication”. Antique chandelier crystals, handbag linings, brooches and baubles are just some of the materials she works with.

The recital collar

Staring into the sun necklace

Like Lava earrings

The powder room bracelet

Jordan’s work has been featured in Bust Magazine, a myriad of blogs and can be purchased via Etsy.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

eco friendly jewelry show and tell

Show & Tell

Went to dinner and the Sip event at La Thai last night. Branch Out, a cute little eco-friendly shop in the Lower Garden District, hosted a trunk show. I purchased these sweet little dangle earrings made out of antique Mardi Gras beads. The girls from Branch Out told me Laura D’Arcangelo, the designer, found a stash of the beads in her grandmother’s attic and decided to re purpose them into something a bit more wearable. I love the concept of taking a little piece of New Orleans history and reinventing it.

The pair I bought are milky white, pink and black. The beads are of substantial weight but don’t feel heavy on my ear lobe and the handiwork is really great. All too often “handmade jewelry” equates amateurs churning out shoddy craftsmanship but these are really well made. At $12 a pair they would make a great gift or a guilt free treat for yourself.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

etsy interviews jewelry

Everyday Treasures

Let’s celebrate the New Year with one of my favorite subjects, locally made artisan jewelry! I had the pleasure of interviewing Tammy about her jewelry line and what inspires her.

My personal favorite, the flor de campana de oro earrings

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspires your work.

Hi! I’m Tammy. I’m a wife, mom to two grown boys and grandmom to a gorgeous 6 year old girl.

I love making things and have done so for as long as I can remember. I can’t draw but I can paint, do woodwork, ceramics, and a number of odd things. When I started creating jewelry about a year and a half ago I found my true passion.I had to teach myself every little part of metalsmithing, and I still learn something new almost every day. I have a wonderful group of online friends that help me in any way they can, and I’m grateful for them.I think I am inspired most by an innate need to try new things and create beauty with my hands.

Copper and sterling cuff bracelet

2. Your pieces have an interesting textural feel, particularly the mixed metals such as copper and silver. How do you go about picking your materials?

I pick the metals I work with by choosing what I love, with the hope that someone else will love it too.

I like the warm look and feel of copper in contrast with the coolness of sterling silver and sometimes the sunshine feel of brass.The textures I add to my pieces create an interesting look and feel so the piece is as much fun to touch as it is to look at.

3. I noticed you mention interesting bugs a lot on your blog. Do you incorporate your fondness for them in your work?

I do like bugs! I think they are tiny little works of art in themselves. Unfortunately I haven’t used them in my work yet except for spiders, which I used to be totally phobic about! I would love to create some of the weird bugs that I see, but I haven’t quite figured out how to do that.

Rosetta picture rock necklace

4. How do you find time to do what you love?

I am very fortunate to have children and a husband that don’t care if I stay home to do what I love. I worked for 20 years in various retail jobs. I hated it snd I now think that everyone should be able to go to work in their pajamas. 🙂 I work more now than when I had a “real” job, but it is so much more rewarding to work for myself that I don’t mind the hours.

5. Define southern style.

To me Southern Style is romance and whimsy with fun pieces of jewelry that can be worn everyday.

There is a little bit of Scarlet O’Hara in all of us Southern girls.

Blueberries and chocolate ring

Tammy’s jewelry is available for purchase, with free shipping, at her Etsy shop. Don’t forget to keep up with what inspires her on her blog.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

designers etsy jewelry

Beautiful metal

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into metal smithing.

My father was a silversmith as a hobby and had a workshop in the basement. I began experimenting with his tools and supplies as a teenager. I then spent many years exploring other mediums and art techniques, coming back to metalsmithing after inheriting his tools. I have made my living as a jeweler for the last 6 years.

To me jewelry should be a personal representation of oneself vs. a fashion item. How are your interests and personality showcased in your work?

I embrace hand-made, especially when it comes to jewelry. My very favorite designs come about when I try to make what I want to wear -not just make something because I think that it will sell. Many of my designs reflect collections that I have, my most cherished being a wall of heart milagros that I have collected over the years. I want my pieces to feel like they’ve been around for awhile, have soul, or a story to tell.

I couldn’t help but notice the circle themes in your work. Is that a conscience design decision?

The circles in my work are not a conscience theme, but come from designing what I like to wear.

How does living in New Orleans inspire your work?

New Orleanians have an attachment to their town and all things New Orleans that I don’t think exists in many other places. It is very inspiring. It is a town so steeped in history and ritual that it can be a little intimidating to try to reflect that.
New Orleans is very lucky to have several great art markets. I love our creative and very supportive community. Being a regular vendor at a few of these helps me strive to always improve my creations.

Define southern style.

For me, Southern style is easy and not too fussy; can it be in our humidity? It is also slightly worn around the edges with a touch of funk, a little flirtation and a measure of mystique thrown in.

You can purchase Kiki’s designs on Etsy as well as Bywater Art Market (3rd Saturday of every month) and the Arts Market of New Orleanss at Palmer Park ( last Saturday of every month)

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