An interview with Katie McClanahan of BlackStar Jewelry
Thursday, March 25, 2010 8:55Name: Katie McClanahan
Shop: BlackStar Jewelry Company
Website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackStar
Blog: http://blackstarjewelry.blogspot.com/
Location: middle Tennessee
What do you make, and how are your products environmentally-friendly?
I make jewelry, mostly comprised of vintage elements and thrifted finds. These bits and pieces are already here, waiting to be used, so why not use them?
Why did you start making earth-friendly goods?
I’ve always been drawn to the past and all things vintage. I started using some of the vintage beads that I’ve been collecting in my designs a while back. Family, friends and clients started sending me vintage jewelry because they knew how much I loved it. Little by little, those pieces of history crept into my work.
What is your favorite material to work with? Why?
My favorite material to work with is vintage glass. The colors were so pure back then. Plus, I love the imperfections that you find in many of the beads.
What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever made? Why?
Hard one. I’ve been making jewelry for 20 years. I’ll pick a current favorite from my shop. I adore antique skeleton keys and I love the beach. I’m a land-locked beach bum and many of my pieces are designed with the coast in mind, so I’ll pick this:
Give us a link to one of your favorite resources for running your business:
I’d have to pick the Storque, Etsy’s blog. It has information that is pertinent to where I’m selling my work. There are other blogs that I read, but the Storque is the only one that I read every day.
What’s your #1 tip for living greener?
Grow your own, if you can. Or support your local farmer’s market.
What’s your #1 tip for crafting greener?
Do what you love and then find a way to do it by making a lighter footprint. There are so many alternatives out there right now
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Beam me up Scotty. It’d be a quick way to get to the beach.
P.S. LOL! I just read Sara’s interview after I filled this in and saw her last answer. Guess I’m not the only one that would love to beam around.
















