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Out Of The Blue Jewelry is handmade in Texas. What started as a strong focus on aquatic themes has exploded into vintage (the pink Japanese flower earrings, from vintage cabochons) and the vintage-inspired (Secretary Shorthand earrings). Jerin Scott, owner of Out Of The Blue Jewelry, tells us how she escaped her 9-to-5 in favor of creativity. Spending more time with her kids was an added bonus!
Tell us about your background. How did you get started designing?
My degree and background is actually in accounting. I spent the first 10 years after college in the hustle and bustle of corporate America. I loved what I did, but always dreamed of having a more “creative career” that would also give me the flexibility to spend more time with my young children. I took the leap in December 2006. Initially, I didn’t have any plans of doing anything other than just being a mommy, but it didn’t take long until I knew I needed a creative outlet to save my sanity. After logging many hours of sofa time watching crafting shows, I decided to try my hand at jewelry design. I went out and purchased some basic supplies, ordered some instructional books and began to get a feel for what kind of jewelry I wanted to create. I was immediately hooked and knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What is the philosophy/inspiration for your line?
I live in a coastal town, so I get a lot of inspiration from the ocean. I am drawn to the blue-green shades of the water, the texture of the sand, and the beauty of the seashells. You can see a lot of these inspirations in pieces such as my Beach Chic soldered pendant. However, I am also very inspired by vintage costume jewelry. When I was a child, I would spend hours upon hours playing dress up with my grandmother’s beaded necklace, funky rings and big clip-on earrings. I love buying large bags of old discarded costume jewelry and picking through each piece and creating a story with them.
Can you speak specifically about the pieces featured here? The pink Japanese flower earrings - are those vintage? Hand modeled?
The carved flower earrings are some of my absolute favorites! They are made with vintage cabochons that originate from 1950’s Japan. I found a small lot of them online a while back and fell in love with them. I turned them into earrings and they were a big hit. I went a long time without being able to find anymore for a reasonable price, then I discovered a vintage component wholesaler in Rhode Island that had them!
Tell us where the name of your company came from.
When I first decided to make a go at designing jewelry, I spent many nights awake in bed (it’s when I do my best thinking) trying to come up with a name that clicked. At the time, I was planning on focusing more on ocean inspired pieces and wanted a name that fit in with that theme. I had words and phrases spinning through my head…deep blue sea, out of the sea, blue lagoon…then it hit me, Out of the Blue. I loved it! And now, even though I am leaning more towards vintage inspired rather than ocean inspired, it still defines me as a designer because most of my ideas seem to come to me “out of the blue” so to speak.
Do you have a favorite designer of the moment?
My favorite designers right now are BCBG, Sledge and Ed Hardy
Do you have a favorite piece you have designed?
My favorite piece would have to be “Heaven Help Her, Granny Loved Her Gin” (at left). It features an incredible sterling silver vintage liquor tag, a deconstructed beaded earring (just like my grandmother used to wear), a cross, and some vintage glass beads. It’s big, bold and funky and sure to be a conversation starter! If it doesn’t sell by Christmas, I’ve decided I’m keeping it for myself!
What is coming up for you?
At the request of many of my customers, I am currently planning a new men’s line of accessories. It will include cuff links and masculine necklaces. I hope to be able to introduce it by September in time for holiday shopping.
Out Of The Blue jewelry can be purchased at Jerin’s Etsy store
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