Meet Kristin McCoy of Tin Box Designs in Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin McCoy.

Kristin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was in high school, I dreamt of being an artist. I took an art class or two but because I didn’t feel like I was naturally “good at art” I didn’t pursue it any further. Fast forward about ten years, after starting a career as a speech therapist, someone showed me how to use seed beads to make a ring and I was hooked. I didn’t realize that making “art” was much more than being able to paint or draw. I played around with other creative forms: first designing jewelry, then needle felting, and later sewing. After playing around with different craft mediums for several years, I began to sell my sewn bags on Etsy. I loved making things with my hands and the thrill of selling those pieces was addictive. I found myself in the role of what is now called a “maker.”

At that time, I also loved to shop at thrift stores and flea markets. I found a love for vintage textiles because of their nostalgic patterns and bright designs. I began to seek out other similar items like old sheets, wallpaper, quilts, and vintage tins. I often repurposed these items and used them in my home and crafts. In 2016 I began to use vintage tins to make jewelry. Like the fabric, I used when sewing, I was mostly inspired by the colors and bold designs of the tins. I loved to see how I could take just one small piece of that old tin and make a unique pair of earrings. Once I started working with the tin, I couldn’t stop. In designing and selling vintage tin jewelry I combine my three favorite pastimes: thrifting, making, and then selling. I now have over 50 tins waiting to be cut and am always looking for more.

Has it been a smooth road?
Right now the biggest challenge in my business is time (and money). I have a heavy work-load as a speech-language pathologist. I have a sweet 7-year-old son and last August adopted our precious and “busy” 2-year-old son. My husband goes to school at night and works during the day. I wake each morning wanting to get busy making jewelry but by the time I get a moment at the end of the day, I am too tired have lost that creative drive. I mostly make my jewelry on Fridays and during weekend nap-times. My dream is to one day grow my jewelry business enough so I can cut back on my “day job” and have more time to work in my studio. Until then, I plan to keep on being a weekend warrior.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Tin Box Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
Each piece of Tin Box Designs’ jewelry is hand made and one-of-a-kind. All of the pieces highlight a part of a vintage tin. I scour antique malls and garage sales looking for tins that have bright colors and designs that pop. I love finding rusty-old castaways that I can breathe life into and remake as a bold necklace or colorful earrings. The pieces are often enhanced with brass sheets that I cut and texture myself. I use brass because it gives the pieces a little more heft. Brass is like a pair of jeans paired with a bold sweater, white tee, or vintage floral top…it just looks good with everything. All of my jewelry is light-weight and comfortable to wear. At this time, most of my pieces are under $50. They make the perfect gift for those who have a heart for vintage, love colorful fashion or have a desire to shop smart, supporting both small businesses and the environment.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think that using repurposed materials in fashion and home will continue to increase as people look for ways to make a difference in the environment. The handmade movement has brought such a wonderful demand for pieces that are unique, well-thought-out and geared towards individual groups rather than the masses.  In jewelry design, as in all design, trends are ever evolving.  Though I think it is valuable to be aware of what is changing in the industry as a whole, I also am learning that I need to simply make what I love, regardless of fads and fashion.  If I remain true to myself, continue to evolve in my skills and refine my own personal aesthetic, I will have customers and friends that will want to follow along my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tinbox-designs.com
• Email: tinboxdesigns.studio@gmail.com
• Instagram: tinboxdesigns
• Facebook: TinBoxDesigns

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