Mary McKinley lives in Avon Lake and sells her gorgeous work on Etsy as the Vintage Brooch Company.
What is your first memory of jewelry making? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
I’ve always possessed a love of art, collage, vintage items, rhinestones, and jewelry. One year for Christmas my sister-in-law presented me with a treasure chest filled with vintage jewelry, stones, and beads . . . everything to get me started. My present style took some time to evolve. Trial and error and information collected from vast sources on the internet and books guided me along.
What is it that draws you to your materials?
I am drawn to anything that sparkles & embellishes, but I also love timeworn vintage pieces, industrial and architectural. I believe I possess a unique sense of style and I love to put unusual pieces together.
How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I would describe my style as vintage soul with modern day bling. The same style is often reflected in my attire and the manner in which I decorate our home.
Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
One of my favorite pieces is a brooch I created for a fellow Etsy artist. She gave me several pieces of heirloom jewelry to work with. They all held special meaning to her. The pieces were all different, but came together beautifully to make one special brooch. She was simply thrilled with it and that was so very rewarding for me.
When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
When I first starting creating brooches I made them for myself and family. When I started selling them right off my lapel to strangers I knew it was more than a hobby.
Describe your workspace.
I recently took over a spare bedroom as my workshop. I am currently working on filling it with inspirational art, antiques, and pieces I love to be around.
What is your favorite part related to your work? Your least favorite?
I love it when someone hands me a box of “junk” vintage jewelry and says, “I thought you might use some of this.” I love looking through it and examining each piece. I often wonder where the pieces have been, who they belonged to, and what sites and parties they have seen! My least favorite: deadlines!
Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I’ve always had the need to create, design, and rearrange. I’ve done a little bit of everything from home decorating to woodworking.
Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I bungee jumped from a 200 ft high crane.
Where can we find your work?
You can find my work on Etsy (have I said I love Etsy?): www.vintagebroochco.etsy.com
You can also find my work in a terrific interior design shop featuring vintage finds called Punch Jordan in the Landings in Avon Lake . . . oh, and on my lapel!
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 9:18 am
I am in awe of your workspace organization!
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I agree – your workspace is amazing. So is your work.
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 10:07 am
It must be an amazing feeling when someone wants to buy the brooch you are actually wearing! Exhilarating I’m sure!
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Stacie, It took me all day to “tidy” up my work space for the photo!
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I absolutely enjoy your talent and creative spirit! No way you can keep that workspace like that (right?!) ha!
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Mary, we all love your work and everyone I’ve ever bought a piece for love it! I so love my snowflake brooch and horse one! You are truly an artist!
Kerry
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 11:04 am
your work is so unique and creative!
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Wonderful stuff the best ever !!! Good luck in your busniess.
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Love the article and your work. Wish I could keep my workspace that clean and organized.
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Yeee Hawwww!!!!! My Friend! You never cease to amaze me. I love and miss ya’ll so much. As usuall your work is the greatest, and just for the record, her work station is probably just that tidy when she goes to bed.
I cherish my brooch you made me and every one would love to have it.
Keep up the good work.
Love and miss ya,
Loretta
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Wow….gorgeous workspace.
(and a talented artist to boot!)
Nice interview.
on Oct 13th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
How fantastic that your talents are highlighted here! So very well deserved!!! Your work is impressive and beautiful – just like your style! If you ever decided to get out of the vintage jewelry business, you could certainly have a career as a home organizer! What a workspace! I can’t wait to get the vintage tassle earrings. I am always the subject of envy when I wear “Mary McKinley originals!”
on Oct 14th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Mary,
How absolutely wonderful! But, then, I knew you had a talent when I first saw your beautiful work. And, to think I had this now famous artist in my little shop in NC. You have only gotten better and the love you have for your work shows in every piece. Way to go!
on Oct 14th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Mary, congratulations. I love the fact you have continued with your passion. You are very creative and your work is very unique. I too know what it means when you say it took all day to get your workspace ready for the photo! I have things scattered everywhere, it gives me inspiration to have things out and around me. But then there are times it does have to be reorganized! Keep up the good work and when in HHH come see us.
on Oct 14th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Mary, You have always had talent and now you get to show it off! You’re doing a great job. I happen to know you are always organized.
Good luck in everything you do.
on Oct 15th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Mary………….Congratulations!!!
Rita sent me this article and you are amazing
you deserve the praises Good Luck!!
on Oct 15th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
[...] Read more about Mary here. [...]
on Oct 16th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Great Article! Cute the picture of you. I love the pieces you create and I feel happier when I’m wearing one of them. I think you must put a little bit of your wonderful spirit in each creation.
kath
on Oct 18th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Mary,
How exciting to see your work again! I sold your jewelry in my store several years ago…Primrose Lane, Franklin, NC, and my customers loved your “art.” You are truly an artist!
Please contact me at the above web site/email.
June