This weeks interview is with Lynnette Onorad from
Originals by Lynnette. Lynette is located in Lowell, MI.
Tell us a little about yourself.I’m a mother of three, wife, and avid “do it yourselfer” – I would rather go to a craft store than out to see a movie. I am always creating something in my mind, jotting down ideas, browsing catalogs and magazines and planning my next project, whether it be for my shop or my home. I’m lucky enough to have a workroom separate from anything else and it’s a constant work in itself as my supply stock evolves with my many projects.
What special things do you create for weddings? Mostly, I create hair accessories, incorporating vintage baubles and feathers. But, I also enjoy making jewelry.
Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items? I almost began the wedding part of my shop by accident. I had a pair of fabulous vintage floral rhinestone clip earrings in my ohtwovintage shop. I was in the infamous etsy chat rooms and one of the girls asked if they were hair clips. A lightbulb went off in my head, and I began researching methods to turn them into durable clips. A while after that, I began working with feathers, and then I incorporated the two. I’ve noticed since beginning to incorporate the two, I’ve seen many more sellers on etsy doing the same. As I would post the items, I’d get messages from brides exclaiming that “this is exactly what I’ve been looking for!”
What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting? Some of my favorite pieces are actually “accidents.” By that I mean that I’ve had collections of hair pins fall together simply by being next to each other on my work table. Some of my best pieces are a long time in the making because I “wait” for the right finishing touch to present itself, whether it’s a pouf of tulle, a fluttering feather, or a glamorous rhinestone piece. I have two trays of hair pins at any given time that haven’t been included in a set yet, because the right pieces haven’t come along.
If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t? My wedding was very simple – my husband and I eloped and were married in a wine cave in Calistoga, CA. I actually didn’t have a headpiece, we didn’t “do” the big wedding scene. I wish I had begun making my vintage hair pins at that point, I would have loved a few more baubles.
What is your favorite wedding song?
My favorite (probably because it was mine) is a little known recording from Frank Sinatra entitled, “All the Way Home.”
What is your favorite part of the wedding journey? I think the entire part is exciting. I love the sparkle and shine on a bride’s face when she announces her wedding, or when she talks about her dress. It’s a magical time, full of hope and excitement.
What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year? While the wedding planning can be fun, don’t forget, you’re not just planning a wedding, you’re embarking upon a new journey – marriage is more than a day. If you can’t picture spending the rest of your life with your partner without the party (the dress, the hall, the accessories, the photos, the invites, the shoes….) then you should determine whether it’s the wedding or the marriage that you’re excited about.
10. What is your perfect honeymoon spot? I’m a sun lover – anywhere warm and tropical would be best for me.
If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?
I have such a diverse selection of items… so it’s hard to focus on just one type of person. I think I’d lean towards someone with more classic or traditional styling, like Cate Blanchett or Anne Hathaway. But, I could also see someone very stylish and trendy like Sarah Jessica Parker sporting an original piece from my shop.
If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be? Again, tough question, because my selection is so eclectic. I would have to say that I really enjoy my “something blue” pieces. It’s fun to incorporate a little tradition and giving old pieces new life.
Links where we can find out more about your work: http://originalsbylynnette.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Originals-by-Lynnette-Modern-Jewelry-with-Vintage-Charm/34790687357 http://twitter.com/OBLJewelry
Flexible Glamour. Consider jeweled hairpins and snaps for an “all over” glamour look or more flexibility with where hair pieces are placed. Smaller pieces such as these can also work well with a great variety of hair types and styles. {handmade by www.ArtisticEdition.etsy.com}
Vintage Charm. Headbands and vintage touches provide timeless elegance to your look. Great for both bride and bridesmaids. {handmade by www.BeSomethingNew.etsy.com}
Unique. For show-stopping aisle flair, look for a one-of-a-kind or unusual piece. Sculptural hair pieces dress up a simple gown or turn a detailed dress into a stunning ensemble. {handmade by www.PinkTigersDen.etsy.com}
Regal. Be a princess or queen for a day with a tiara or jeweled hair piece. There are many wonderful handmade styles, from jeweled combs to full tiaras. So you can find just the right amount of dazzle. {handmade by www.Mikiye.etsy.com}
Classic. For that “I’m a bride” feeling nothing beats a veil. Long, short, attached to hats or combs, veils may be classic but they are far from uniform. You can define your own bridal look. {handmade by www.veiledbeauty.etsy.com}
