The place that I live in is a museum

The place that I live in is a museum

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  URBAN ARCHEOLOGIST Kathy Domokos ADADORNMENTS Thehome that I inhabit is a museum and a library—a collection of all the things I love—they are an extension of me. Writing how this whole thing started is tough— this is personal—sort of a baring of my soul. One of the most important parts of finding your voice in the creative world is listening to your “gut”. In the beginning it isn’t easy—you must offer yourself the opportunity to take the time to let your ideas flow—and when it’s right you will know. All you have to do next is step through the portal. My world changed the day I was fired from the last of many “real” jobs I had. My business career began in 1969 after high school and ending in april, 1985. Every time I thought about looking for another job I would feel like I was having a nervous breakdown…this was the beginning of trusting myself and waiting for the proverbial “door” to open to my future path. In August of the same year—the epiphany came—college was calling me. Credits from junior college and Harrington Institute of Design were of little use—four years later, I graduated with a degree in HRD and video production/art minor. My final for HRD was” How to Find Your Best Colors through Seasonal Color Analysis”—I remember thinking—“this class is so boring, the only way I can possibly pass is by doing this”. Great fun and everyone loved it. Success! During the college years money was hard to come by. A book I had purchased in 1975 would start me on the new road I was going to travel. “Cheap Chic” by Caterine Milinaireand Carol Troy had been absorbed into my being; my bedside companion for years—Cheap Chic’s 40th anniversary reissue is on the shelves now.
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  2 dollar vintagecowboy boots, fifty cent sweaters –the price didn’t matter, it was the look—and the payoff was even better—compliments. Addictive! Earring made from broken bags of jewelry for .90 at Amvets helped me pay my way through school. I see clearly the day that set my future in motion— a brocade 1950’s cocktail dress repurposed as a vest and a pal with $40 in her pocket. Somewhere in between the first exchange, 40 vests and a polaroid camera I was on my way. April 22, 1992 my mom woke me up with the words—“it’s so big”! “ what is?”—“the picture of you!” The Chicago Tribune Style Section had printed an article about my vests and I. Polaroids sent to the Style Section months before had paid off— The calls began—vests for a restaurant chain, vests in boutiques—I learned how to outsource quickly—my great love was laying/cutting the fabric using vellum patterns and choosing the vintage buttons and tassels….that is what I did best— finding contractors to do the rest was easy. Trial and error is a great learning tool when outsourcing... “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is easier said than believed—I had my share of copy cats—and you must believe this—you will still be standing and they won’t as time goes on . don’t waste an ounce of that creative energy swirling around in you on negativity— (take it from somone who had their share of migraines over copy cats) As the vest business waned, I renewed my interest in jewelry—glass being my greatest love. Visiting The Cooper Hewitt Museum of Design in NYC during the “Jewelry of Renee Lalique” show in1998 proved to be a seminal moment in my future. Years later the catalog never fails to astonish. Miriam Haskell’s use of the inexpensive to create magnificent pieces worn by the rich and famous is a testament to her true genius. 1994-2004 showroom reps and road reps ( the true road warriors) brought my wares to NYC, the Midwest and even Marshall Fields. There was little time for uncovering treasures to make one of a kind pieces—my greatest love . I retired my
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  line in 2006and continued selling at the One of a Kind Show and Sale in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart until 2008. From the beginning, overflow of excess chains, findings and beads spurred me to sell and recoup some of my costs via bead shows. the Bead Society of Greater Chicago has a fantastic following providing eager customers for my underutilized purchases. I decided to hit the road in 2005 with my wares and as of now I continue to design/source and share my treasures. Once again, know where your strengths are and outsource what you can. inspiration from the oriental arts have produced many beautiful pieces –Japanese Ojime, Chinese tobacco buttons, Victorian buttons have found new life in the form of personal adornments. Nepal has been a great source of artistry for me. I sketch ideas—and eventually come out the other side with a great piece—or a lucky accident. Continuing support of the Nepalese arts has rebuilt many houses, libraries during their trying times. Providence, Rhode Island was once the “jewelry finding capital of the world” .At one time costume jewelry was mass produced here with Japan and Czeclslovakia supplying art glass and imitation pearls. A shell of it’s former greatness, my first trip there was in 1994—I continue to uncover great vintage chains and findings after 20 plus years. There are a lot of basements yet to be uncovered and the treasures wind up either at Waliga or Wolf Myrow. Wear some gardening gloves and get ready to dig and have a lot of fun! The thrill of the hunt… A few years ago I found large bags of small chains cut into 3” pieces. My tassel page is the result of this find. I combined the cut chain with new findings, pearls, rhinestones and created the most beautiful tassels. My mantra has always been— “what can I do with this?” and see where I go-- New treasures will be sent to a model maker with a scan of the original and sketches of changes or additions. “Make it thinner, add rings, double side, two
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  sizes, change thebail” are the usual course of tweaking..minimal in most cases. . Once I approve the final model. I will send to my casting company who makes a rubber mold and runs quantities in white metal that are sent to my plater. I have 3 very specific colors that I use in my business that will give the final piece a finished look. Matte gold, antique bronze and antique silver Chain. Where do I start. My great love. I know I have been called the chain queen—which I most wholeheartedly accept. Designing using chain came from the aesthetic of overall look and not enough patience to bead; too much shiny that detracted from the focal piece or overall look of the piece. The reason my chain is dull –it won’t detract from whatever is added. . Thought thread: customers will choose an article of personal adornment for it’s uniqueness and ability to make them look great. I try to straddle the line between accessory and art –with a reasonable price… I recently resigned from the road due to a back injury and subsequent surgery. I look forward to the future as it will allow me optimum time to continue my search for treasures to share with all who are interested.