- The author runs an urban archeology business where she sources vintage and antique items to create unique jewelry and accessories. - She was inspired by a book on repurposing vintage clothing and began making vests out of vintage fabrics that led to her business. - Over time she expanded into jewelry making, drawing inspiration from museums and travels. She works with artisans around the world and has built her business through shows and retailers. - The author focuses on unique design and uses chains as a favorite material. She continues searching for new vintage treasures to incorporate into her work.

1. URBAN ARCHEOLOGIST
Kathy Domokos
ADADORNMENTS
The home that I inhabit is a museum and a library—a collection of all the things I
love—they are an extension of me. Writing how this whole thing started is tough—
this is personal—sort of a baring of my soul.
One of the most important parts of finding your voice in the creative world is
listening to your “gut”. In the beginning it isn’t easy—you must offer yourself the
opportunity to take the time to let your ideas flow—and when it’s right you will
know. All you have to do next is step through the portal.
My world changed the day I was fired from the last of many “real” jobs I had. My
business career began in 1969 after high school and ending in april, 1985. Every
time I thought about looking for another job I would feel like I was having a
nervous breakdown…this was the beginning of trusting myself and waiting for the
proverbial “door” to open to my future path.
In August of the same year—the epiphany came—college was calling me. Credits
from junior college and Harrington Institute of Design were of little use—four
years later, I graduated with a degree in HRD and video production/art minor.
My final for HRD was” How to Find Your Best Colors through Seasonal Color
Analysis”—I remember thinking—“this class is so boring, the only way I can
possibly pass is by doing this”. Great fun and everyone loved it. Success!
During the college years money was hard to come by. A book I had purchased in
1975 would start me on the new road I was going to travel. “Cheap Chic” by
Caterine Milinaireand Carol Troy had been absorbed into my being; my bedside
companion for years—Cheap Chic’s 40th
anniversary reissue is on the shelves now.

2. 2 dollar vintage cowboy boots, fifty cent sweaters –the price didn’t matter, it was
the look—and the payoff was even better—compliments. Addictive!
Earring made from broken bags of jewelry for .90 at Amvets helped me pay my
way through school.
I see clearly the day that set my future in motion— a brocade 1950’s cocktail
dress repurposed as a vest and a pal with $40 in her pocket. Somewhere in
between the first exchange, 40 vests and a polaroid camera I was on my way.
April 22, 1992 my mom woke me up with the words—“it’s so big”! “ what is?”—“the
picture of you!” The Chicago Tribune Style Section had printed an article about my
vests and I. Polaroids sent to the Style Section months before had paid off—
The calls began—vests for a restaurant chain, vests in boutiques—I learned how to
outsource quickly—my great love was laying/cutting the fabric using vellum
patterns and choosing the vintage buttons and tassels….that is what I did best—
finding contractors to do the rest was easy. Trial and error is a great learning tool
when outsourcing...
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is easier said than believed—I had my
share of copy cats—and you must believe this—you will still be standing and they
won’t as time goes on . don’t waste an ounce of that creative energy swirling
around in you on negativity— (take it from somone who had their share of
migraines over copy cats)
As the vest business waned, I renewed my interest in jewelry—glass being my
greatest love. Visiting The Cooper Hewitt Museum of Design in NYC during the
“Jewelry of Renee Lalique” show in1998 proved to be a seminal moment in my
future. Years later the catalog never fails to astonish. Miriam Haskell’s use of
the inexpensive to create magnificent pieces worn by the rich and famous is a
testament to her true genius.
1994-2004 showroom reps and road reps ( the true road warriors) brought my
wares to NYC, the Midwest and even Marshall Fields. There was little time for
uncovering treasures to make one of a kind pieces—my greatest love . I retired my

3. line in 2006 and continued selling at the One of a Kind Show and Sale in Chicago’s
Merchandise Mart until 2008.
From the beginning, overflow of excess chains, findings and beads spurred me to
sell and recoup some of my costs via bead shows. the Bead Society of Greater
Chicago has a fantastic following providing eager customers for my underutilized
purchases. I decided to hit the road in 2005 with my wares and as of now I
continue to design/source and share my treasures.
Once again, know where your strengths are and outsource what you can.
inspiration from the oriental arts have produced many beautiful pieces –Japanese
Ojime, Chinese tobacco buttons, Victorian buttons have found new life in the form
of personal adornments.
Nepal has been a great source of artistry for me. I sketch ideas—and eventually
come out the other side with a great piece—or a lucky accident. Continuing
support of the Nepalese arts has rebuilt many houses, libraries during their trying
times.
Providence, Rhode Island was once the “jewelry finding capital of the world” .At
one time costume jewelry was mass produced here with Japan and Czeclslovakia
supplying art glass and imitation pearls. A shell of it’s former greatness, my first
trip there was in 1994—I continue to uncover great vintage chains and findings
after 20 plus years. There are a lot of basements yet to be uncovered and the
treasures wind up either at Waliga or Wolf Myrow. Wear some gardening gloves
and get ready to dig and have a lot of fun! The thrill of the hunt…
A few years ago I found large bags of small chains cut into 3” pieces. My tassel
page is the result of this find. I combined the cut chain with new findings, pearls,
rhinestones and created the most beautiful tassels. My mantra has always been—
“what can I do with this?” and see where I go--
New treasures will be sent to a model maker with a scan of the original and
sketches of changes or additions. “Make it thinner, add rings, double side, two

4. sizes, change the bail” are the usual course of tweaking..minimal in most cases. .
Once I approve the final model. I will send to my casting company who makes a
rubber mold and runs quantities in white metal that are sent to my plater. I have
3 very specific colors that I use in my business that will give the final piece a
finished look.
Matte gold, antique bronze and antique silver
Chain. Where do I start. My great love. I know I have been called the chain
queen—which I most wholeheartedly accept. Designing using chain came from the
aesthetic of overall look and not enough patience to bead; too much shiny that
detracted from the focal piece or overall look of the piece. The reason my chain is
dull –it won’t detract from whatever is added. . Thought thread: customers will
choose an article of personal adornment for it’s uniqueness and ability to make
them look great. I try to straddle the line between accessory and art –with a
reasonable price…
I recently resigned from the road due to a back injury and subsequent surgery. I
look forward to the future as it will allow me optimum time to continue my search
for treasures to share with all who are interested.