Jeanne McKinnon Design

Jeanne McKinnon

It's all about balance. For a living, I write, edit and develop corporate training--pretty linear stuff. To contrast my work life, I am compelled (yes, I really am compulsive) to create collages. I consider all of my jewelry collage work because I always toss together a hodge-podge of unrelated pieces. Every item I create, whether using paper, paint, beads or found materials, features a contrast between dark and light, rough and glossy, new and old, small and large. Most of my jewelry designs balance a two-color scheme. My favorite themes are "history" and "coffee"--one that looks back through time, the other that propells me forward.

When I began making jewelry, back in the 80's, there were no bead shops. Then my materials came from antique shops, where I would buy old, broken jewelry and watches and re-use the parts. I sold some at work, and gave some as gifts. Friends frequently told me that they’d had compliments and inquiries about where to buy my designs. Strangers came up to me and asked where I got my interesting necklace or pin. Since the world seemed to like my work, and I was addicted to creating it, I started Jeanne McKinnon Design.

Over the years it has become easier to get jewelry making materials, but harder to find the truly unusual stuff that I crave. As I am inspired by different materials, techniques, and special finds, my designs change, but every piece includes a bit of movement, and the same balance of opposing attributes, all punctuated with a few unusual accents. The effect is both rustic and feminine, and it demands attention. My jewelry goes equally well with your jeans and your suits.

My studio is located in Seattle, where I live with my husband, three children, and our small representation of the food chain: dog, cats, mouse, and cheese.

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