THE WASH, crafty chicks come clean
One day a girl I knew had on a pair of her earrings and I just adored them. I made sure I bookmarked the Early Jewelry web site. I didn't have the extra money to buy a pair of Kylie's earrings so I found some very similar to her in Atlanta, winter 2007. Back then I never would of thought that that Kylie and I would be in the same craft shows and she would also enjoy my work.
Kylie Earlene Grater, Early Jewelry
MAIN CRAFT: hand formed jewelry
WEB SITE: earlyjewelry.com
ETSY ID: earlyjewelry
FLICKR: earlyjewelry
TWITTER: @earlyjewelry
FACEBOOK: Early Jewelry
LOCATION: Lawrence, KS
Kylie was born and raised on a farm north of Manhattan Kansas, in the small town of Riley(pop. 600).
“My nickname is Kylie from Riley.”
Her farm beginnings lend a unique aesthetic to her original pieces. Kylie hand forms jewelry constructed out of natural materials, and vintage finds. Her earwires reflect a clean chic design when combined with the natural materials.
Kylie was always interested in crafting; making things from rocks or other items found while she was running around the farm.
“I once painted a limestone rock that looked like a cat. It won a purple ribbon at the county fair. My sister hates that rock. My mom still has it displayed in the house. As a fifth grader I became interested in fashion design and created a portfolio(i didn't know it was technically a "portfolio. "I just liked to 3-ring punch the drawings and put them in a KU Jayhawk binder.) I remember taking the portfolio to the dentist and showing the designs to the hygienist. When I was older she mentioned to me that she still had a drawing from that portfolio I gave her during my visit.”
“My fashion illustration inspiration came from a linear image I had seen in the JC Penny's catalog, I loved that abstract female idea. My oldest sister was very supportive of this interest. In high school my art teacher would give me the keys to the art classroom and let me solder during lunch. I ended up switching my major to metalsmithing in college my freshman year.”
Kylie started making jewelry in high school and then began selling jewelry in the college dorms under her name before creating Early Jewelry. Kylie and ten of her crafty friends used to have craft shows during the holidays at small locations like hair salons.
To keep the spirit going Kylie has developed LOLA, Ladies of Lawrence Artwork.
Throughout the year they host one day shows featuring the handiwork of Lawrence women.
For the past three years Kylie has worked on Early Jewelry full time. In 2007 her unique and natural style was noticed by Urban Outfitters. They ordered a total of 6,000 pieces!
Just recently Free People selected three Early Jewelry designs for their web site.
Kylie gets lots of help from family and her intern. Having people work with her helps her keep her materials organized. She just moved her jewelry studio out of her house this year.
“Now my I have a home office, which I am excited to get my sewing machine set up in. I would love to start sewing clothing for myself again. I miss that.”
“I really like creating alone at my desk with my tools in arms reach, with a mindless video running on my laptop as background noise, Kansas City public radio, or silence.”
Kylie thinks it’s nice to be able to separate work from home and have a place for clients to visit. She lives with her boyfriend so home is her haven.
“I work a lot, I work late, I know how to use a crock pot.”
Kylie believes it’s hard to own a business, especially when you are producing all of your product by your hands. Being broke and having bills to pay is what keeps her motivated.
“I find inspiration in other indie designers and I really love designing.”
Kylie’s tip for success is to ask people for help and trade services with people who are better at taking photos, doing websites, designing layouts, etc. And don't be afraid to ask people for help!
“I could not have a brand like Early without the amazing help I have had from friends who believe in me and support my business.”
Here is my 1st Early Jewelry pair of earwires!
I hope to get more soon. You can get your Early Jewelry at various locations and events.
Jeanee
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[...] all about Kylie on my “THE WASH, crafty girls come clean” installment. She makes wonderful [...]