Page 113 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2016

ANDREA WILKES-JONES Booth #138 & #139
DESIGN FINDS
Bright, cheerful stitches and tassels are the hallmark of Love Stitch tote bags, makeup kits and other carryalls.
Jubilee
636 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs
228.872.6118
Be a trend setter with these stylish booties, shoeties and sandals by Spring Step. The sandal is two shoes in one with a strap that comes o to make it a mule.
J Laurie Shoe Boutique
628 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs
STOP BY THESE SPECIAL OCEAN SPRINGS RETAILERS
228.243.5408
STORY BY KELSEY SUNDERMAN
andrea wilkes-jones
artist profIle
Andrea, or “Andi”, Wilkes-Jones
is an accomplished artist from from Covington, Louisiana. Her jewelry business, The Brass Button, offers handcrafted and unique designs, largely centered around antique buttons, vintage cameos and vintage typewriter keys, each incorporate historic elements into contemporary designs.
According to Wilkes-Jones, her creations become windows in time that allow admirers to peer into another era.“The motifs used in the button’s design capture the era in which they were created by artisans who crafted these works of art many years ago,” said Wilkes-Jones.
Her collection of button jewelry features designs from around the world, some dating as far back as the 1800s. The vintage glass she uses in her designs is of European origin, mainly from Austria, Italy and Czechoslovakia.
“We are proud to offer jewelry that we feel far surpasses the current market of costume jewelry in beauty, design and intrinsic value, and recaptures the charm and elegance of the 19th century’s Victorian Era,” the artist said. These renaissance influences can be seen in her creations, and are adapted with a modern twist. As a result, each of her pieces have a unique story
to tell. “I am often quizzed for more information on the pieces
I make, so I search and research hundreds of unique and often elusive buttons for their histories,” she said. “I carefully restore
each button to its original luster, bringing back to life the story that is within each tiny treasure.”
For her brass button jewelry, Wilkes-Jones begins with the button and adds twisted stainless steel wire or chain maille mesh. As a finishing touch to her designs, she embellishes her pieces with bead or pearl accents. The chain maille line, known as Mesh”ing” Around focuses especially on
the use of linked chain. Though chain maille was originally used by knights as a form of protection, Wilkes-Jones has artfully taken the material and created her own line of jewelry.
“I utilize traditional patterns, as well as invent new patterns and designs,” said Wilkes-Jones. “I use stainless steel jump rings, which are very durable, and when linked together can look extremely feminine when made into delicate designs.”
Because of her Renaissance influences and chain maille elements, Wilkes-Jones can
often be seen attending festivals around the country with a seven- foot knight by her side.
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October 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 113