{The Handmade Story} Tippy Stockton

We are delighted that we had the chance to have an exclusive interview with Patricia about her inspirational handmade story. She has a sweet little craft studio in her backyard that lends a great view to her English garden of gorgeous blooms. Each unique piece of jewelry she makes is lovingly crafted in her beautiful turquoise craft space. Her studio is so much fun that you might just show up to hang out there.

Tippy Stockton was born from a love of all things vintage and handmade. Her beautiful creations are inspired by great color, texture and her love of nature and garden. She is truly inspiring, her passion and amazing talent are truly reflected on her unique jeweled creations. Here, she went on to talk about her passion in handmade and her life story…

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and Tippy Stockton. Why Tippy Stockton?

I am a wife and mother to one son, Kellan who is away at college. In 1990, we relocated from California and we live in a small town north of Seattle, WA – a little place called Edmonds. Our home, with its white picket fence and English gardens is situated on a little hill overlooking the Puget Sound Waterway and the Olympic Mountains. I came up with the name Tippy Stockton quite by accident. My book club was reading a novel about a woman who didn’t want to use her real name to pen a story, so she decided that she would use the name of her first dog (Tippy), and the name of the first street (Stockton) she ever lived on. I thought Tippy Stockton was pretty darned cute, so here I am.

2. How did you get started in doing what you do? How long have you been creating?

I had dabbled in jewelry making for awhile; making pieces here and there for myself and friends. It wasn’t until 3 years ago that I left my job due to the death of my Father. It was a difficult and emotional time for me, and I knew that I needed to be available to assist my Mother who was also ailing. However, just a few months after my Dad passed away, my Mother also passed away. I was thrown into a deep depression; all I wanted was to be alone. But I didn’t want my parents death be what curtailed the creativity I had inside.

My Mother was the creative force in our family. I had never taken an art class . . . ever. I wanted to make them proud of me, even though they wouldn’t be here in person to share in the success of Tippy Stockton. Somehow, I think they know, and they are the angels that guide me each day on this journey. So my husband and neighbor tore down an old garden shed and built me a Studio in our backyard. I spent hours there crafting what would be worthy to put up for sale on a website. After a lot of trial and errors, a huge break came in October 2009 when Lucky Magazine featured a pair of my earrings on their on-line magazine.

3. Where do you get your inspiration?

After my Mother passed away, I inherited her jewelry box. While I can’t bear to part with any of my Mother’s or Grandmother’s pieces, just the fact that I knew that there were amazing Vintage pieces out there, gave me the kick that I needed to search out Vintage jewels to repurpose and give new life to. While Vintage is not the only place I find inspiration, I love that I can make something old, new again. I also love pearls and Czech glass, and old brass.

4. How do you find balance between your creative life and your family?

Well, that’s really easy. For the past 5 years, my son has been away at College. When he is home for Summer and Winter break, he chips in and helps with shipping, etc. My husband is my #1 supporter; he takes my packages to the P.O. in the afternoon, and has also been known to run a few errands for me as well. I guess you can ask me this question in a few months. My son returns home after Graduation in May. But honestly, I have the best family. They are supportive to a fault, and always willing to help. It’s their dream for me too!

5. What is your favourite piece of jewelry and why?

It would have to be my Mother’s ring. It isn’t anything that I made. When I turned 40 (now I’m giving away secrets ), my husband had a Mother’s ring made for me with my Son’s birthstone (sapphires) and the original engagement ring diamond he gave to me when he proposed marriage back in 1981. Fast forward to 2008; I inherited my Mother’s diamond wedding band. So I took the center stone and had it set in my Mother’s Ring; so now it is truly a “Mother’s Ring”. I will treasure it always. My Mom wore this diamond proudly for over 50 years.

6. What other interests or hobbies do you have besides jewelry making?

Well, I mentioned my English garden. I am passionate about gardening. I have a bevy of gorgeous blooms that are just waiting to poke through the ground. I also love to crochet and sew. And when I have a bit of time, a good book is never far from my side.

7. What did you make for Spring this year?

I came across some Vintage locker/key tags awhile back and wondered how I could incorporate those into my designs. I decided to make them into French necklaces – so each number correlates to a house number in Paris. That’s how they get their title or name. But I have to say, that after a long, cold Winter, anything with vibrant color has been my recent addiction. I’m loving some new Vintage Lucite that I’ve picked up in the past few weeks. Amazing colors and shapes – the perfect thing for Spring and Summer.

More of Tippy Stockton creations:

Luulla store: http://www.luulla.com/store/tippystockton