REINKARTNATIONS LAURA KOOYMAN DESIGNS

Upcycled Nostalgia

It all started many years ago when Laura was yard sale-ing with her mom, Linda and one of her best friends, Dawn. Someone had old records on their lawn with a big ole FREE sign on them...and vinyl record bowls and notebooks were born!

Those evolved into coasters, binders and even napkin rings. Eventually, purses and fascinators joined the line.

Never satisfied sticking with just one thing, Laura branched out into more upcycled memories--turning board games and toys into coasters, earrings, and key rings and even some mosaics. Her most recent creations are of the epicurean nature: hand-beaded cocktail picks and vintage-inspired aprons (most made with vintage linens and trims).

Meet the artist

Laura Kooyman

Laura grew up in a creative household. One grandmother enjoyed crafting, baking and sewing and the other was a wedding gown seamstress. Both provide ample time and endless "stuff" to play with--from bottle caps and coffee cans to tape, straws and medicine cups. Being a Maker is in her blood!

After a few years of figuring out "what to be when she grew up", she finally completed a BS in Art Education from Towson in 1998. She taught elementary school Art in Anne Arundel County for 16 years and has been teaching middle school Art in Howard County since 2014. She also holds an MA in Psychology-Counseling from TU and a certificate in Administration from McDaniel College.

She's been selling at craft shows for 13 years and has placed First at the Catonsville Arts Festival twice.

Collaborators

Laura often collaborates with other artists (including her mom!), spending the day making crafts together or just chatting about ideas and generating new ones. Dawn Thorp of Treasured Boxes and More is her fellow thrift store shopper, brainstorming partner and craft show neighbor.