Interview & giveaway! Aunt Jewell
Aunt Jewell ~ Upcycled Vintage Treasures
Tell us a bit about yourself and your company.
AJ: I have lived in Washington state all of my life, calling both small towns (Pe Ell) and the city (Capital Hill) my home. I loved being a child in the 1960's through the 80's and I become nostalgic whenever I see anything that reminds me of those days. I have always had an appreciation for anything Vintage. Aunt Jewell began out of my passion for collecting unique and interesting Vintage jewelry. Aunt Jewell represents all that I love! I know that each tiny treasure carries with it many stories of the past.
When you were young...what did you want to be when you grew up.
AJ: I don't think that I could ever really pick just one thing....at one point, of course I think it was in the 80's, I wanted to drive a pink convertable to California...and live on the beach.
Is there a certain person, place or thing you draw inspiration from?
AJ: I draw my inspiration from the jewelry itself...and the history that lies within the treasures that I find. I know that each piece tells a story. From the Coro Demi Parues that the 1950's housewife wore while making jello molds, and changing diapers. To the 1960's white enameled chain that was bouncing around on a Go-Go dancer. Taking apart the old and bringing new life and new history to each piece brings me joy. Upcycling and bringing these pieces to the next generation is a lot of FUN.
If you had no boundaries, money, time, space, support etc. What Dream project would you pursue?
AJ: I would take a trip around the world collecting Vintage Jewels and Paper Ephemera from each continent. I would love to see and hold the crown jewels that Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth wore. I would buy every piece of jewelry that I could find from the 1800s, and I would go back in time, and hear all of the stories that surround each piece.
What's your favorite thing to do to kill time? Any secret time wasters?
AJ: I'm a Soccer mom, and a Cub Scout Den Leader...so my days are full. When I have some extra time on my hands, I usually relax at home.... and I like to just goof around and laugh with my children. Eating some classic junk food and watching some good t.v. is always a great time-waster. Also...sometimes I play the old arcade games at a local spot, and it's soooo much fun to still win at Centipede. In the new games...I get wiped out every time.
Where do you like to go, when you just want to get away?
AJ: Typically I would say the mountains or the beach...but, since I now live right next to a mountain and a river...I would have to say that my favorite place to go, to just get away is to the City. I love Seattle and Portland. There is so much to see and do, I feel so alive in the heartbeat of the City.
If you had only 1 more meal to eat what would it be?
AJ: Yummy sweet Lobster with garlic butter, Tim's jalepeno potato chips with a classic coke, To die for spicy Thai Food, and Haagen Daaz coffee ice-cream, Pumpkin pie...and an Americano with cream to top it all off. I know... a wierd combination...but they are all my favorites!
What do you love most about the UCU Summer Show?
AJ: This is my very first show! I am so excited to be a part of UCU this Summer and I am looking forward to meeting all of the talented artist that will be at the show. I admire them all and their work inspires me!
Tell the readers what to expect when they stop by and see you at UCU.
AJ: When the readers stop by to see me at the show, they will see a variety of earrings, hair accessories, necklaces and bracelets all using upcycled materials from the 1930's-1980's. Many of my pieces will feature the following~ 1950's cluster earrings from Japan and West Germany, 1960's enameled flowers, 1970's vintage owls, and a variety of vintage metals and lucite beads and findings. I have been creating a lot of pieces for the show, but since they are made using lots of different kinds of vintage materials, many of them are one of a kind!
Aunt Jewell is offering a fabulous pair of her Upcycled Vintage Oh So 70's Earrings. Just leave a comment below for your chance to win!
