LostAndFawned

Lost & Fawned has existed in various forms since 2009, when I graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design. While I was looking for a design job in a down economy, I needed something to pass the time. Simple, tasteful jewelry using vintage components and a small blog named became that thing. My fiance (now husband) came up with the name and I started buyingsupplies with a $200 "loan" from him. I have had great years and not so great years, but I've always stuck to it, and slowly it has grown little by little. It's an ongoing journey.

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”- Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Over the years the style has changed, but I always come back to using vintage chain and beads that I find in various locations, often salvaged from broken antique necklaces and bracelets. I also love discovering vintage stock items that have been buried, unused in a warehouse for decades. Everything is made in small limited editions since I use vintage and found-items. Some seasons I'm all about bright color and other times it's mixed metals and antique chandelier crystal. Most of what I do is pretty stripped down, highlighting the beauty of whichever bead or charm inspired me. I'm meticulous about details like chain weight and tidy wire coils. I prefer to finish necklaces with beaded details at the clasp, which is often only appreciated by the wearer.

With my official education in interior design and art history, I also often include vintage, antique and handmade home goods in Lost & Fawned. The collection is constantly expanding and evolving. Recently I added pom pom garlands to the line and make each one by hand. Some aremade from salvaged yarn, making them one-of-a-kind pieces that I package in a hand sewn fabric bag. I love making custom pom garlands tailored to your room or event.

“Do everything by hand, even when using the computer.”- Hayao Miyazaki

A lot of what I do is still pretty old-school. I photograph my pieces on the bed in the guestroom with a large pad of paper and sunny window. I wish I had a fancy backdrop or studio lights, but this works for me. I make most of my jewelry either on the coffee table, dining room table, or on my computer desk. I buy supplies in small quantities since my taste changes with the wind. Everything is packed lovingly by me and walked to the local post office in rain, snow or shine. It may not always be efficient and the process may be slow, but it's a labor of love.

The dream is that Lost & Fawned could someday it could be a full-time gig on a farm with old English roses, lavender and heirloom pumpkins, where our pack of dogs and twin boys could run around in the woods. We'd love to run a small market stand in the summer and spend the winter living off of canned fruits and veggies and working on Lost & Fawned from our farmhouse or cabin. I would love to have a barn house were I could roll open the doors and let the air in while I work on new additions to the jewelry line in a big, beautiful, open workspace.

I currently live in an 1870's era home in Hudson, Ohio with my husband (and high school sweetheart), twin baby boys, Vaughn and Harrison and our two mutts, Logan and Finnick. I'm a Netflix addict, urban gardener, gamer, casual backpacker and craft supply hoarder. I fly home to Portland to visit my family every chance I get. Life is pretty great.