The Front Paige

Quote Jewelry Giveaway!

2011-12-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

Send me a unique quote idea for a jewelry piece and get a free necklace, (you decide which style) with the quote on it or 20.00 towards anything in my shop!

One entry for sending a quote, another entry for it being original or something I have never heard, another entry for liking my facebook page and get another entry for suggesting my facebook page to friends (just post their name on my wall and if they like my page you get another entry) another entry for making my shop one of your favorites on Etsy. Random.org will decide the winner! Ends December 30, 2011

New Gift Sets! One of a kind

2011-12-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

Purchase here Be quick I only made one each!
Become a fan on Facebook to get special deals and be the first to hear about updates! Click here to become a fan!

Purely Paige tie clip half the price of comparableTiffany & CO. tie clip

2011-11-28T15:15:00.000-08:00

1) Purely Paige Sterling Tie Clip
2) Tiffany & CO. Sterling Tie Clip

Become a purely paige facebook fan and get discounts!

Los Angeles Times - Belly Up to the Tie Bar

2011-11-10T01:08:00.001-08:00

Belly up to the (tie) bar

The old-school neck-cessory is the hot new thing in men's jewelry.

Tie bars from the Gentry's Salinger collection. "This is for… (Toni Torres)

|By Adam Tschorn | Los Angeles Times staff writer

After nearly a generation on the endangered accessories list, the old-school tie bar — the narrow piece of decorative metal (also known as a tie clip) that slides horizontally across a necktie and holds it flat against a gentleman's dress shirt — is enjoying a bit of a renaissance.

"The tie bar trend is huge," said Macy's men's fashion director Durand Guion. "It's been trending strongly for us — as a nationwide store — for about the last two years."

Different ways to wear a tie clip!

2011-11-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

I get alot of questions from customers asking me how they are supposed to wear a tie clip. I have come to find out that there really is not correct way! You can wear it straight across, at a slant, at the top of your tie at the middle or at the bottom, your tie clip can be shorter, the same or longer than the width of your tie. And you can wear a tie with a button up shirt and sweater or a button up shirt with a blazer!

Diagonal

Wider than the tie

A little shorter than the tie.

Much shorter than the tie width.

Towards the bottom of your tie.

Towards the top of your tie.

NEW Custom Inscription Rings

2011-04-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce a new line of unisex custom inscription rings! These are just the first 2 of many more to come!

Hammered Nickel with inscription on the back: "my love" $20.00

1/4" thick Shiny Smooth Sterling Silver - inscription says: "m heart's h" $30.00

So very very happy to have my shoe flower clips featured on Love and Lavender!

2011-04-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures that show my shoe clips! Click here to see more pictures of this beautiful wedding!

Amy had her Asos shoes modified with princess embellishments (we love how they turned out!). A friend from the UK brought a British “Horseshoe wedding charm” for Amy.

New unique Tie bar finishes and shapes!

2011-04-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

2011-03-15T09:09:00.001-07:00

Customer Photo - Tie Clip!

2010-12-30T00:13:00.000-08:00

Look at this wonderful photo I received from a customer happy with the tie clip they gave their groom on their wedding day! I love seeing it in action!

Custom Nest Ring!

2010-12-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

NEW pieces - on sale tomorrow!

2010-11-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

NEW pieces on Etsy!

2010-09-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

p.s. On Etsy I always offer FREE FIRST CLASS SHIPPING!

NEW Hair Flowers - ONLY $4.50 ea or 3 for $11.50

2010-09-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

Tie Bar Designs!

2010-09-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

1.5" L X .5" W - $18- Handforged Nickel - Room for inscription on the back

1.5" L X .25" W - Handforged Brass $15 or Silver $25 - Inscribe on the front and/or the back

1.325" L X .25" W - $23 - Handforged Sterling Silver - Inscribe on the front and/or the back

2" L X .25" W - $30- Handforged Sterling Silver - Inscribe on the front and/or back

Darling Wedding Gift Ideas!

2010-09-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

1) Mr. & Mrs. Pillow Cases 2) Custom Portrait 3) Wedding Door Hanger 4) Custom Wedding Topper 5) Finger Print Wedding Guest Poster 6) Custom Acrylic Portrait 7) Custom Photo/Text on Canvas 8) Custom Wedding Topper 9) Just Married Sign 10) Custom Wooden Star House 11) Custom Tree Painting 12) And they lived happily ever after coasters13) His and Hers mark your calendar Keychains 14) Hand-drawn wedding portrait 15) Custom Wedding Venue Architectural Collage 16) His and Hers matching underwear

Kirkland Art Walk!

2010-09-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Art Walk gives Kirkland businesses a boost

By MATT PHELPS
Kirkland Reporter Staff Writer
Aug 25 2010, 11:35 AM

Barbara Noonan stands on the sidewalk of Park Lane working with soft pastels as the hum of conversations from a nearby restaurant fill the hot summer air. Noonan was one of 22 artists that took part in the Second Thursday Art Walk in downtown Kirkland, hoping patrons would discover their creations.
“I wanted to learn a little about the Kirkland nightlife and expose myself to artists in this community,” said Noonan, a soft pastels and drawing teacher from Seattle who showcased her work during the weekly Second Thursday event Aug. 12.
An event organizer, Kathy Feek said there were “many, many more people in downtown Kirkland than I have seen in a long time. And people were spending money.”
Previous Second Thursday events have been held in Kirkland art galleries, but was moved outside in an effort to stimulate downtown business during the economic downturn. The next Second Thursday Art Walk will be held on September 9.
The Kirkland Cultural Council, Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Kirkland have banded for the “Artilization” project that aims to involve galleries, artists, performances and music.
The Art Walk, which takes place between 4-8 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, is also planned for September and October, weather permitting. The Second Thursday events will return inside to various Kirkland galleries during the winter.
Rebecca DeVere, who lives in Kirkland and is a part of the Kirkland Cultural Council, was busy during the recent Second Thursday event as she is the featured artist at Merrill Gardens this month.
“It is nice to have a place for artists to show their work and this is just the beginning of what we are doing,” said DeVere.
Her husband, Dennis, watched her booth while she hosted her showing at Merrill Gardens.
“They really want to bring back the feeling of art to the Kirkland community,” said Dennis.
Kirkland artist Sharon Benton sold her textile art on the Park Lane sidewalk during the event.
“I love the community and it brings people out,” said Benton. “It is nice to have a free event that is family friendly. And who knows, maybe a kid gets inspired.”
Jodi Meadows brought her kids with her to show off their art, as she set up her art booth on the corner of Park Lane and Third Street. She even dressed up the statue next to her booth for the occasion.
The event on Aug. 12 also featured live music at five separate locations.
Some of the other events planned for the “Artilization” of downtown Kirkland include a monthly art show and classes at Merrill Gardens, with opening parties featuring jazz, food and wine; Heathman Hotel events featuring art, winemakers and food each month called “VinTimate” and “Underground Art” performances in the hotel garage; painted canvases covering buildings under construction; “Pop-Up Art Shops” in empty commercial buildings, “Winter Holiday” window decorating contest from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve and “FishArtFrolic Along the Kirkland Waterfront,” which features 50 fish designed by 50 different artists during spring, summer and fall of 2011. FishArtFrolic is made possible by an LTAC grant.
One art shop that has already popped up and utilizes an empty store front is called ‘has’ and the ‘Pop-up Art Shop.’
“We have a lot of plans to activate downtown Kirkland through art,” said Feek.

For more information about the events and the “Artilization” project, contact Kathy Feek at kathy@feekcorp.com

Kirkland Reporter Staff Writer Matt Phelps can be reached at mphelps@kirklandreporter.com or 425-822-9166 ext. 5052.

How creative are you?

2010-09-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

I ran across some interesting articles on the common traits of a creative personalities. How many of these traits do you have? Are you a creative person?

1) Energetic - Creative people have a great deal of physical energy, but they're also often quiet and at rest. They work long hours, with great concentration, while projecting an aura of freshness and enthusiasm. . It seems that their energy is internally generated, due more to their focused minds than to the superiority of their genes. This does not mean that creative people are hyperactive, always "on." In fact, they rest often and sleep a lot. The important thing is that they control their energy; it's not ruled by the calendar, the dock, an external schedule. When necessary, they can focus it like a laser beam; when not, creative types immediately recharge their batteries. They consider the rhythm of activity followed by idleness or reflection very important for the success of their work. This is not a bio-rhythm inherited with their genes; it was learned by trial and error as a strategy for achieving their goals.

2) Wisdom & Childishness - Contrasting poles of wisdom and childishness. As Howard Gardner remarked in his study of the major creative geniuses of this century, a certain immaturity, both emotional and mental, can go hand in hand with deepest insights. Mozart comes immediately to mind.
People who bring about an acceptable novelty in a domain seem able to use well two opposite ways of thinking: the convergent and the divergent. Convergent thinking is measured by IQ tests, and it involves solving well-defined, rational problems that have one correct answer. Divergent thinking leads to no agreed-upon solution. It involves fluency, or the ability to generate a great quantity of ideas; flexibility, or the ability to switch from one perspective to another; and originality in picking unusual associations of ideas. These are the dimensions of thinking that most creativity tests measure and that most workshops try to enhance.

3)Extroverted and Inverted - Creative people tend to be both. We're usually one or the other, either preferring to be in the thick of crowds or sitting on the sidelines and observing the passing show. In fact, in psychological research, extroversion and introversion are considered the most stable personality traits that differentiate people from each other and that can be reliably measured. Creative individuals, on the other hand, seem to exhibit both traits simultaneously.

4) Humble and Proud - It is remarkable to meet a famous person who you expect to be arrogant or supercilious, only to encounter self-deprecation and shyness instead. Yet there are good reasons why this should be so. These individuals are well aware that they stand, in Newton's words, "on the shoulders of giants." Their respect for the area in which they work makes them aware of the long line of previous contributions to it, putting their own in perspective. They're also aware of the role that luck played in their own achievements. And they're usually so focused on future projects and current challenges that past accomplishments, no matter how outstanding, are no longer very interesting to them. At the same time, they know that in comparison with others, they have accomplished a great deal. And this knowledge provides a sense of security, even pride.

5) Not of a gender stereotype - When tests of masculinity/femininity are given to young people, over and over one finds that creative and talented girls are more dominant and tough than other girls, and creative boys are more sensitive and less aggressive than their male peers.This tendency toward androgyny is sometimes understood in purely sexual terms, and therefore it gets confused with homosexuality. But psychological androgyny is a much wider concept referring to a person's ability to be at the same time aggressive and nurturant, sensitive and rigid, dominant and submissive, regardless of gender. A psychologically androgynous person in effect doubles his or her repertoire of responses. Creative individuals are more likely to have not only the strengths of their own gender but those of the other one, too.

6) Open-ended - In order to explore many possibilities creative people tend to stay open-ended about answers or solutions until many have been produced.

7) Independent - Creative people crave and require a high degree of independence, resist dependence but often can thrive on beneficial inter-dependence.

8) Sensitive - Being sensitive helps creativeness in many ways:it helps with awareness of problems, it helps people sense things easier, it helps to cause people to care and commit themselves to challenges or causes.

9) Not motivated by money - As important as money is in most societies or economies it is not a driving force for a creative person. Generally they have an intuitive sense of the amount of money they basically need and once that need is fulfilled then money stops affecting or driving them.

10) Adaptable - Without the ability to adapt, people could not become creative. Creativity thrives on fresh ideas and sights. Often creative people travel or have a desire to travel.

11) Observant - Creative people constantly are using their senses: consciously, sub-consciously and unconsciously, evennon-consciously.

12) See possibilities - Average people, people who don't believe they are creative, people who are fearful or resistant to creativeness or creative thinking prefer to work within limits with limited possibilities. Creative people love to see many, even infinite possibilities in most situations or challenges.

13) Can synthesize correctly often intuitively - This is the ability to see the whole picture, see patterns, grasp solutions with only a few pieces, even with major pieces missing. Creative people trust their intuition, even if it isn't right 100% of the time.

14) Flexible - Creative People are very flexible when they are playing with ideas. They love to look at things from multiple points of view and to produce piles of answers, maybes, almosts, when other people are content with theanswer or solution.

15) Sense of humor - Laughter and creativity truly go together. Many experts believe that creativity can't occur without a touch of humor believing that seriousness tends to squelch creativeness or creative thinking.

16) Self-disciplined -This is one trait that appears to be ambiguous in highly creative people. They can appear disorganized, chaotic at times while at the same time they are highly self-disciplined. At the same time they greatly resist the discipline of other people who are not of like creative mind. Can be seen as careless and disorganized, especially with matters they consider trivial. Absentmindedness and forgetfulness are common. Can FIND ORDER in confusion and discover hidden meaning in information. Research and critical thinking are key tools for the creative person. Information is to the brain what food is to the stomach. So-called “writer’s block” or creative burnout almost always results from a lack of fresh information and having nothing meaningful to say.

17) Self-knowledgeable - During my life I have read biographies and biographic sketches or over 4,000 people, mostly considered to be the highest of the highly creatives in their respective fields. One of the few things they had in common is that they all kept some form of journal and were constantly striving to better understand themselves.

18) Specific interests - This is still another ambiguous trait of creative people. They appear on the surface to be interested in everything, while at the same time they have very specific interests that they commit their true energies and efforts to. By being willing to be exposed to seemingly unlimited interests they discover more about their particular specific interests.

19) Open-up easily - They often share much more personal information about themselves quicker than the average person. This enables them to easily connect with people on deeper level which often inspires their creativity.

20) Perfectionist - Not usually in life, but a perfectionist when they are creating something. Often this causes them to restart a project because it wasn't perfectly how they invisioned it, this can be very self-detrimental because it can cause them to get burnt out and procrastinate on their next project.

Summer Wedding Shoe/Hair Clips

2010-08-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with nine custom shoe clips in pretty daffodil yellow and charcoal grey for the bridesmaids and Bride of a sweet September wedding. They ship out tomorrow!

And here are some pictures of a custom hair clip I made for another beautiful summer bride. (Sorry the pictures are not my best!)

What a lovely surprise from ValetMag.com!

2010-08-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

My monogrammed sterling silver tie clip was featured in this awesome online magazine! I had no idea until a customer mentioned it to me this evening, what a fabulous surprise! Check it out HERE

"Hope" Necklaces - 15% proceeds NOW go to the ACS!

2010-08-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

The signature sterling silver "Hope" necklaces that have been created for and sold exclusively at 2 of American Cancer Society Hope Gala's can now be purchased any time, 15% of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society!

Get yours now!

Love is in the air, and weddings everywhere!

2010-08-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year when weddings are in abundance because wedding orders are some of my favorite to create! Here are some pieces I have been working on lately for some upcoming weddings...

Monogrammed sterling silver cufflinks

Tie Clips monogrammed on the front and "Love Never Fails" on the back

What I have been working on!

2010-07-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

A custom necklace for my beautiful friend!

Everybody Loves Babies!

2010-07-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

I made it into another adorable treasury on Etsy! Thank you so much for featuring my customizable vintage baby spoon NamethatCandy!

Everybody Loves Babies!!

Waldorf Doll LOVE Fairy...
AviandTali
$40.00 USD
Peace, Love, and Vampir...
SqueezieCheeks
$30.00 USD
Baby's First Christ...
MamasSewingRoom
$5.60 USD
Daribum's Side Snap...
rikraks
$16.99 USD
Organic Cotton Crochet ...
NameThatCandy
$19.99 USD
Flower Mary Jane Booties
JennOzkan
$32.50 USD
Custom Order Princess W...
isgood
$175.00 USD
Minky Diaper - Turquois...
CanadianCloth
$19.99 USD
Beautiful Bonnet PDF Se...
onelittlekiwi
$5.00 USD
no 122 Baby Rain boot S...
sewingwithme1
$5.50 USD
Kids Wall Decals - Blow...
surfaceinspired
Sold
NEW/Harry little hoot
fongstudio
Sold
Mina's pillow owl
karensagez
$38.00 USD
Flying Ladybug Piggy Bank
blueroompottery
$29.00 USD
v i n t a g e b a b y s...
purelypaige
$20.00 USD
Owls on Shrooms ( 8x10 ...
FerntreeStudio
$19.00 USD

$5 Earring Wednesdays!

2010-07-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

At the Kirkland Wednesday Market starting 7/21 2:00pm -7:00pm I will be showing my new line of $5 earrings! The designs are similar to the rest of my collection.

The price is incredibly affordable because they are made with silver plated brass or base metal instead of sterling silver or 14k Goldfill as well as with glass, ceramic, lucite, or gemstones that have less clarity or facets than gemstones.

Some of these designs will also be included in the Christmas in July Sale on Etsy for $7! HERE

Featured!

2010-07-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to Lalilouche for including my vintage chic ring in such a beautiful treasury of pretty things!

Blue Moon Goddess - Fil...
VintageFiligree
$95.00 USD
Constellation map penda...
InmostLight
$18.00 USD
Blue Moon
trezor
$35.00 USD
Silver Moon Clock
CyberMoon
$16.00 USD
Onyx and Moonstone Blac...
yifatbareket
$115.00 USD
SALE - 50 PERCENT OFF -...
BestArtStudios2
$7.50 USD
v i n t a g e c h i c -...
purelypaige
$38.00 USD
Moon Wall Decal sticker
ArtConductor
$58.00 USD
BOGO SALE - Banana Moon...
ara133photography
Sold
Reflection - Earrings ....
ThePeachTree
$18.00 USD
Sterling Silver and Gem...
sleepymoondesign
$54.00 USD
Not Only For the Bride ...
Cynamonn
$75.00 USD
Starless
edor
Sold
Laptops decals macbook ...
TheAppleTailor
Sold
Fairies by Night. Cosme...
babastudioPrague
$28.00 USD
Silver Foil Crescent Mo...
contourmysoul
Sold

Curator

Thursday 6/24 4:00 - 7:00pm - Purely Paige at CLUTCH

2010-06-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

Come support Dress for Success at CLUTCH handbag boutique this Thursday.

Donate a gently used handbag and receive 25% off a fashionably new one!

I will be showing some of my latest designs, light refreshments will be served and you will have a chance to win some awesome giveaways!

Join my newsletter for a special Purely Paige discount for this event only!

When? Thursday June 24th, 2010 4-7pm

Where? Located near the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

1212 4th Avenue

Seattle, WA 98101

(206) 624-2362

About Clutch

Seattle’s only handbag boutique has arrived! Clutch stocks delicious handbags from independant designers including Botkier, Kale, Foley + Corinna, Kooba, Rebecca Minkoff, Goldenbleu, Hayden-Harnett and Linea Pelle.
Clutch is owned by sisters-in-law Kimberly Arrington and Carrie Arrington. The idea began as a whim over dinner. Kimberly and Carrie are handbag addicts who inevitably came home from all the local boutiques with loads of handbags. They get giddy over new styles and develop crushes on bags, visiting them a few times in the store before they make a purchase. Kimberly had the fantastic idea that it would be fun to be able to find all the bags they love in a sophisticated and stylish boutique setting.
Email kimberly@clutchseattle.com to join our mailing list.

Lovely Surprise Feature - 360 Handmade

2010-06-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

What a lovely surprise it was to get an email asking me if my "golf divot repair tool" could be featured as a great Father's Day gift on 360 Handmade - a source for everything handmade. Of course my answer was YES and it will ALWAYS be YES, YES, YES! Do people actually turn down feature offers? I can't think of any reasons why someone would! Have you ever turned down a feature offer? Can you think of any reasons why you wouldn't want to be featured on someone's blog?

NEW Just in time for Father's Day!

2010-06-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

This keychain is perfect for people that don't like to have bulky keychains! This piece is very light weight at only 24g Sterling Silver. The pretty shape was hand forged and it can be customized with an inscription up 60 characters.

Ideas for inscriptions:

Drive Safe

Don't Lose Me

Birthdates to Remember

Phone Number (in case they do get lost)

Hurry Home!

In the message to seller at checkout please specify along with your text if you would like a brushed finish with blackened text like the picture. Or if you would like a shiny, etched, or hammered finish with natural or blackened text.

measures approx. 1" wide and 1 1/4" long

It comes ready for gift giving in a black velvet bag!

Would you like a different shape or different metal? Please contact me! I will always try my best to accommodate specific custom requests!

NEW 24hr RUSH - Only $9.99

2010-06-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Did you forget someone's b-day or procrastinate on getting that perfect gift for father's day? Add this listing to your order & I will rush my production time so that your item ships the day after your payment is received. Please contact me before purchase to make sure order supplies are in stock!

If you would also like expedited shipping, I do offer U.S. Overnight Shipping for 18.95 and U.S.Priority 4.95 as well, look for a listing to add to your order or contact me!

Also please contact me for expedited international shipping prices!

Father's Day - SALE SALE SALE!

2010-06-11T00:04:00.000-07:00

HURRY & sign up for my newsletter to get a fabulous SALE coupon eligible on gifts great for men!

NEW Divot Repair Tool - ON SALE NOW!

2010-06-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Perfect gift for Father's day for the Dad/Husband/Boyfriend/Brother/Uncle that loves to golf and is hard to shop for!

Inscribe it with whatever you want up to 40 characters!

The ones's pictured say:

DAD, YOU ARE MY FAVORITE TEACHER. I LOVE YOU!

I LOVE YOU DAD

THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN HAVING YOU FOR A DAD, IS WATCHING YOU BE A GRANDPA TO RYLAN. LOVE - PAIGE (I am giving this one to my Dad this year!)

It has a hole ready to be added to a keychain.

The metal is brushed for extra sheen. The text can be natural or blackened. It comes in a black velvet pouch ready for gift giving!

Father's Day - Custom Inscribed Tie Bar Clip!

2010-06-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

This tie bar has been completely handforged out of red brass (yellow gold in color)

The one pictured is hammered with natural text but you can choose which you like best from 3 other finishes

1)Shiny smooth

2)Brushed

3)Etched

With natural or blackened text.

It measures 1 1/2" long by approx 1/4" wide

The front and/or back can have custom text inscribed. If you inscribe only the back it will be a secret message only he knows about!

Would you like to customize the length or width as well? Or would you like it in a different metal? Please contact me! I will always try my best to fulfill your specific requests!

xo,

Fresh off the Bench!

2010-06-07T21:53:00.000-07:00

One of a Kind - Hand forged Fine Silver and Clear Crystal pendant with a dainty Sterling Silver Chain. I love how the hammered flat clustered silver pieces rearrange themselves and shine in the light.

I call it liberation because the cluster rearranges in different pretty ways as it pleases. Madeof fine silver and (non-lead) clear crystal.

Some of the flattened silver pieces have been etched some shined. The crystals are various sizes for an artistic abstract look. This is an everyday necklace that matches everything. The hoop measures 2" x 2" the chain 18".

BedBuggs Boutique Feature!

2010-06-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

This has been a fabulous morning so far! First of all it is Friday! And second, I got an email from the lovely and uber talented Krista of BedBuggs Boutique with a link to a feature she posted about me! I haven't stopped smiling since I read it, she said such sweet things! CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Take a look at just some of my favorite things from the adorable BedBuggs Boutique! We need to have a little girl just so I can get her that tutu...oh and the bee purse...and the flower headbands....and well you get the idea ;)

p u r e c l a s s - Crystal Chandelier Earrings!

2010-06-04T03:39:00.000-07:00

Just listed on Etsy!

These beauties will take your breath away! They sparkle and hang so perfect and elegantly. Wear them with jeans or your wedding dress! They dainty but are still eyecatching when worn with your hair up or down! I have a pair of these for myself and they make me feel like a princess everytime I wear them!

They hang 2 3/4" from the ear lobe and measure 1" across at the widest part

g a r d e n s u c c e s s

2010-06-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

I am by no means a "gardener", but I loooooove to garden! It's great having a reason to get my hands in dirt :)
The reason I don't call myself a "gardener" is because I just can't manage to get fussy about what the PH of my soil is, how to fertilize particular plants blah blah blah. To me that totally ruins it. Gardening is relaxing for me, and to relax I don't want to have to think about much, so I try to plant it in sun if it needs to be in the sun, and shade if it needs that, and then I water it and cross my fingers that it grows. Also I have a little "ungardener" (almost 2 yr old) that helps by pulling up the plants instead of the weeds with a big cute grin every chance he gets!

Anyway the point of my post is to announce I am proud to say that my first peony plant survived it all and bloomed B E A U T I F U L L Y yesterday morning! And of course I had to take pictures!

COMING SOON - Custom Inscribed Divot Repair Tools!

2010-06-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Father's Day (June 20th) my custom inscribed divot repair tools will be making their debut! If your dad is a golfer, stay tuned. They will make the perfect affordable and thoughtful, they come in gift packaging and can be shipped directly to your gift recipient!

Oh and psssst Friday I will be sending out a newsletter with a fabulous coupon! So sign up for my newsletter now to get one!

Color Forecast Guide Spring 2010

2010-05-31T22:50:00.000-07:00

Pantone Color Forecaster released their fashion color forecast for Spring/Summer 2010.

Here are some of them, keep checking back for more must have colors for the season!

Color: Violet (Pantone Color Number- 16-3320)

Color Aurora (Pantone Color Number - 12-0642)

Color: Turquoise (Pantone Color Number-15-5519)

Color: Tuscany (Pantone Color Number- 16-1219)

Color: Amparo Blue (Pantone Color Number- 18-3945

Just Featured in a Treasury!

2010-05-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the lovely Fira of ChomelChomel my vintage custom inscribable baby spoon has been featured in this beautiful etsy treasury!

Silver and Charcoal

Princess Leia Earrings
staroftheeast
$37.00 USD
Gorgeous Filigree Brace...
RosemaryManu...
$135.00 USD
Wood / Leaf Texture Sil...
AliBaliJewellery
$60.00 USD
Larvikite Stone with Ha...
BacaCaraJewelry
$230.00 USD
Vintage 1960's SILV...
CheekyVintage...
$24.00 USD
Handmade Gray Romantic ...
ADGCORNERSHOP
$40.00 USD
Felted Collar / Scarf w...
vart
$72.00 USD
Gray Grace Dress - Made...
subrosa123
$185.00 USD
Handmade Shiny blossom ...
Jealousydesign
$186.00 USD
Silver elephant hairclip
pinkbubble
$4.50 USD
Become Rose Garden Shaw...
meltemsem
$175.00 USD
Gray and black beaded f...
kpersonboutique
$45.00 USD
COPENHAGEN GREY - With...
ikabags
$35.00 USD
Yoga Mat Bag Gray Grey ...
LslieArt
$38.00 USD
v i n t a g e b a b y s...
purelypaige
$20.00 USD
The Carrier Pigeons - O...
annarubyking
$25.00 USD

NEW Dupioni Silk Rosette Bobby Pins

2010-05-27T00:28:00.000-07:00

My beautiful Mom modeling...

ON SALE - p i n k b u b b l e s - necklace

2010-05-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

This design was just recently on the runway at "Save the Girls". It brings just the pop of color you need to a fancy dress or a tee and jeans. It is lightweight and beautifully moves with you as you walk.

Just Listed! g o l d e n f e a t h e r - necklace

2010-05-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just listed! Sparkly bib necklace

2010-05-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

Can crystals be unhealthy?

2010-05-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

Until I started researching, I thought that new crystal beads no longer contained any lead at all. Unfortunately lead is still in alot of products, but the amount must be limited to be considered safe.

Lead is still in Swarovski crystals but is safe for adults to wear.

I came across a letter from Swarovski, (known to be the best in the world for the high quality and precision optic capability of their Austrian crystals) that was sent in reply to Mary Alexander of Dreamweaver Designs, Inc. when she wrote to the Swarovski company about the lead content in their crystals.

*********************

From: “Customer_relations US”

Thank you for your message and interest in Swarovski.

Swarovski is the world leader in the manufacture of crystal for industrial and consumer applications, including figurines and jewelry. Our proprietary formulas and processes are based on years of experience, and the quality of our products is recognized throughout the world.

Recently, there has been an increased regulatory focus on potential human exposure to lead from various consumer products, including jewelry. In 2006, the California Attorney General settled a lawsuit brought in his state alleging exposure to lead from jewelry. The court approved settlement agreement as well as the later legislatively enacted Californian AB 1681 established limits for lead in metals and several other components, with stricter standards for jewelry intended for children 6 and younger. Significantly, in recognition of the limited risk of availability of lead from crystal, the settlement agreement standards as incorporated under California AB 1681 allows the continued use of crystal without limitation in jewelry not intended for children. For children 6 or younger, up to 1 gram of crystal may be used in such jewelry. Swarovski crystals also meet the ASTM F963-03 standard on lead availability for toys.

[The following paragraph is in italics in Swarovski's email:]

Crystal has unique properties. While made with lead, the crystal manufacturing process creates a matrix which greatly retards the mobility of lead. By contrast, lead in other materials such as unplated metal containing lead may be available for surface exposures. Swarovski believes that the use of their products poses no significant risk to human health.

[end italics]

Several states have passed or are proposing laws to ban materials containing lead in various consumer products including jewelry. Swarovski is working closely with industry trade groups, regulators, and legislators to develop enforceable standards with consistent lead limits and which take into account the low accessibility of lead from crystal.

Hoping to have been of service, I am

Sincerely yours,

Karyn Sweeney

Customer Relations US

*********************

For those customers that are concerned about lead content, I found some beautiful Celestial crystals that I will be using in upcoming projects!

Here are some fun pictures of some Swarovski encrusted creations:

Newly Listed - Dark Teal Flutter Tee!

2010-05-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

This baby is vintage soft and vibrant, girly and trendy, cute and sexy, AND on top of all that One of a Kind selling for only 25.00 with FREE SHIPPING {normally 28.00 + 5.95 Shipping}

If you are a size Small - Bust 32-34 and like to be noticed for your sense of style, you better snatch this one up fast!

The color of this is a vibrant dark teal with 100% pima cotton, Semi-sheer fabric with incredibly soft hand and satin finish.

The flower is a slightly lighter color of teal with 3 pearl beads sewn to the center.

The sleeves fit very loose and fluttery with a sweet gather up on the shoulder.

100% Upcycled.

Care: wash in cold water, tumble dry medium or hang-dry

Walmart knew Miley Cyrus' Jewelry Line = Toxic

2010-05-23T02:19:00.000-07:00

Associated Press alleges that Walmart knew that Miley Cyrus' jewelry line contained toxic levels of cadmium as early as February (tsk, tsk) and is just now pulling it from the shelves.

Doesn't it make you wonder a little about what else we don't yet know about Walmart products?

Our dear trustworthy Wally World claims that the dangerous Miley Cyrus/Max Azria jewelry was, "designed for and marketed to older audiences" (because older women are the ones that made Hannah Montana rich and famous right?) and was "not intended for children, though it is possible that a few younger consumers may seek it out in stores. We are removing all of the jewelry from sale while we investigate its compliance with our children's jewelry standard".

Supposedly the jewelry was not actually harmful by simply being worn, the Associated Press' report found that its levels of cadmium -- which can cause bone softening and kidney failure -- were unsafe if the pieces were "sucked, bitten or swallowed."

Here is what I found out about cadmium, and you can decide if you want it touching your body:

-The metal replaced lead when the U.S. banned it from jewelry and toys.

-It is usually found in paint.

-Cadmium has no constructive purpose in the human body. Cadmium and its compounds are extremely toxic even in low concentrations, and will bioaccumulate in organisms and ecosystems.

-Acute exposure to cadmium fumes may cause flu like symptoms including chills, fever, and muscle ache sometimes referred to as "the cadmium blues." Symptoms may resolve after a week if there is no respiratory damage. More severe exposures can cause tracheo-bronchitis, pneumonitis, and pulmonary edema. Symptoms of inflammation may start hours after the exposure and include cough, dryness and irritation of the nose and throat, headache, dizziness, weakness, fever, chills, and chest pain.

-Inhaling cadmium-laden dust quickly leads to respiratory tract and kidney problems which can be fatal (often from renal failure). Ingestion of any significant amount of cadmium causes immediate poisoning and damage to the liver and the kidneys. Compounds containing cadmium are also carcinogenic.

-The bones become soft (osteomalacia), lose bone mineral density (osteoporosis) and become weaker. This causes the pain in the joints and the back, and also increases the risk of fractures. In extreme cases of cadmium poisoning, mere body weight causes a fracture.

-The kidneys lose their function to remove acids from the blood in proximal renal tubular dysfunction. The kidney damage inflicted by cadmium poisoning is irreversible and does not heal over time. The proximal renal tubular dysfunction creates low phosphate levels in the blood (hypophosphatemia), causing muscle weakness and sometimes coma. The dysfunction also causes gout, a form of arthritis due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints because of high acidity of the blood (hyperuricemia). Another side effect is increased levels of chloride in the blood (hyperchloremia). The kidneys can also shrink up to 30%.

Other patients lose their sense of smell (anosmia)

So the aka my moral of the story is:

sometimes it is actually better for your health, (not just mental health) to buy Purely Paige Handmade Jewelry, because you can feel assured that each piece is carefully made with only the finest ingredients, NO CADMIUM PAINT ALLOWED! ;)

SeattleInsider: Bra Fashion Show Helps 'Save The Boobs' - Photos - KIRO Seattle

2010-05-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some more (better) pictures from the Designer Bra Fashion Show - "Save the Girls" that happened at Pravda Studios last night! There are some pictures of the bra I designed and all the models are wearing Purely Paige jewelry!

SeattleInsider: Bra Fashion Show Helps 'Save The Boobs' - Photos - KIRO Seattle

Save the Girls - Designer Bra Show = A night to remember!

2010-05-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

I don't have words to describe how amazing last night's Save the Girls show was! It all came together so beautifully! I had so much fun back stage with all the wonderful models dressing them in my jewelry! I don't think I stopped smiling for one second from the start of the show to it's end! The feeling I got from watching my jewelry walk down the runway was incredible! The ladies that hosted the event from Movin 92.5 Brooke & Monti also rocked some of my jewelry which they looked so gorgeous in, (which was such a relief since I didn't know for sure what they were going to wear).

Here are some pictures taken with my camera. I will post the professional ones as soon as they are ready!

Before the show...

The show begins...

The bra all finished before the show.

Marinda striking a pose in the bra and some jewelry I designed for the show!

Had to get a picture of the back too :) And here she is rocking the pink carpet!

The walk through at the end....

Awww Marinda and I posing for a picture after it was all over, (I look so short and pale next to her!)

SeattleInsider: Chocolate Bra Saves 'The Girls' At Bra Show - Photos - KIRO Seattle

2010-05-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Check out pictures from last year's fabulous "Save the Girls" designer bra show!

SeattleInsider: Chocolate Bra Saves 'The Girls' At Bra Show - Photos - KIRO Seattle

And then go get your tickets for this Sunday HERE!

I am so excited for this event! I went to the model fitting yesterday, and there are some seriously hot bras, hot models, hot shoes (from Report), hot clothes (from Opal) all to support Susan G Komen for a Cure!

So I will be seeing all the smart ladies and men on Sunday then?!

Last sneak peak before "Save the Girls" - this SUNDAY 5/16

2010-05-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

"Save the Girls"

Designer Bra Show

Sunday May 16, 2010

4:30 -9:00pm

at Pravda Studios

Here is the bra I have been working on almost ready for the competition on Sunday! Lots of feathers and lace have been added since.

Come see who wins at the beautiful Pravda Studios!

Get your tickets HERE to see this fabulous show and support Susan G Komen for the Cure!

The 2nd Annual Seattle's Save The Girls will bring the Seattle community together for a fulfilling night showcasing fashionable bras in support for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of this exciting and entertaining event including a fashion show featuring bras created by an array of Seattle designers from every skill level. All bras will be decorated in a variety of wild and wacky ways sure to leave the crowd wanting more!

The event will feature a silent and live auction. Guests will have a chance to win wonderful prizes and be entered into drawings while enjoying fabulous food and drinks at the beautiful Pravda Studios.

Bring your friends and prepared for an evening of fun, fashion and entertainment and a great night out for a great cause!

Little Black Dress Events and Productions will roll out the PINK carpet for over 300+guests in order to raise money for this years beneficiary, the Puget Sound affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Sweet Custom Gifts for biological parents from adoptive parents

2010-05-05T22:54:00.000-07:00

Stuff like this is what really, really, really makes me love my job! Really x 3 because I love my job anyway, but this kind of stuff triples it!

I just finished making a couple pieces for a couple to give to the biological parents of their newborn baby!
Doesn't it just melt your heart right there that adoptive parents would do that? Well, my heart has completely melted now since I was emailed quite far in advance to hold a blank guitar pick and army dog tag necklace until after the new baby was born so that I could inscribe the birthdate and overnight it to a hotel in a different state that they didn't have the address for yet.

I emailed a little bit with the adoptive mother and she sent me a link to her wonderful blog about the long complicated process of adopting And I have been waiting in anticipation, wanting to make sure I didn't miss the email so that I could get the gifts to her as quickly as possible. Well the sweet child was born yesterday and I had to shed some happy tears I got so emotionally involved Here are pictures of the pieces I sent overnight to their hotel for them to gift to the biological parents of their new baby.

So maybe I am a dork, but one of the main reasons I love making jewelry, (besides the obvious one, which is that I just love making it!) is knowing that I am a part of so many special moments in people's lives. A small part, but a part no less. It is so fun to do custom orders for birthdays or weddings, graduations, or christmas ect. And it is also cool to imagine the places that my jewelry goes with people when they wear it through days of their lives! I cannot think of much that gives me such an amazing feeling!

Cinco De Mayo - Opening of Kirkland Wednesday Market! 2-7pm

2010-05-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

The opening of this years Kirkland Wednesday Market will be May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) 2-7pm at the Marina! Why am I so excited? Well because I ALWAYS am! And because I will be in it this year! I love the atmosphere at farmers markets, I love the fresh organic produce, the artists, the beautiful flowers (that are so cheap!) I always look for sweet peas, delphiniums and peonies my FAVORITES that I never seem to be able to find except at Farmer's Markets.

Since May 5th is so close to Mother's Day (May 9) I will be offering some lovely last minute Mother's Day gifts!

On the spot custom Circle of Love necklaces:

Tell me which birthstones to include, take a walk around the market, come back and have a custom necklace ready to be gifted!

and

DISCOUNTED 3 Month Subscriptions to the Jewelry of the Month Club!

Instead of $125.00 (including shipping) you pay $98.00(including shipping)

I will give you a gift certificate to give her on Mother's Day. Then either you or her will fill out a jewelry preference survey (I can email or mail it). After I receive that, she will receive a new surprise piece of jewelry each month beautifully packaged in the mail! If you would like, I can also include a custom note from you in each package!

Each piece can be redeemed for one exchange or store credit if desired.

The Front Paige

Quote Jewelry Giveaway!

*New* Gift Sets! One of a kind

Purely Paige tie clip half the price of comparableTiffany & CO. tie clip

Los Angeles Times - Belly Up to the Tie Bar

Belly up to the (tie) bar

The old-school neck-cessory is the hot new thing in men's jewelry.

Different ways to wear a tie clip!

*NEW* Custom Inscription Rings

So very very happy to have my shoe flower clips featured on Love and Lavender!

*New* unique Tie bar finishes and shapes!

Customer Photo - Tie Clip!

Custom Nest Ring!

NEW pieces - on sale tomorrow!

*NEW pieces on Etsy!*

*NEW* Hair Flowers - ONLY $4.50 ea or 3 for $11.50

Tie Bar Designs!

Darling Wedding Gift Ideas!

Kirkland Art Walk!

Art Walk gives Kirkland businesses a boost

How creative are you?

Summer Wedding Shoe/Hair Clips

What a lovely surprise from ValetMag.com!

"Hope" Necklaces - 15% proceeds NOW go to the ACS!

Love is in the air, and weddings everywhere!

What I have been working on!

Everybody Loves Babies!

Everybody Loves Babies!!

$5 Earring Wednesdays!

Featured!

Curator

Thursday 6/24 4:00 - 7:00pm - Purely Paige at CLUTCH

Donate a gently used handbag and receive 25% off a fashionably new one!

About Clutch

Lovely Surprise Feature - 360 Handmade

*NEW* Just in time for Father's Day!

*NEW* 24hr RUSH - Only $9.99

Father's Day - SALE SALE SALE!

*NEW* Divot Repair Tool - ON SALE NOW!

Father's Day - Custom Inscribed Tie Bar Clip!

Fresh off the Bench!

BedBuggs Boutique Feature!

p u r e c l a s s - Crystal Chandelier Earrings!

g a r d e n s u c c e s s

COMING SOON - Custom Inscribed Divot Repair Tools!

Color Forecast Guide Spring 2010

Pantone Color Forecaster released their fashion color forecast for Spring/Summer 2010.

Just Featured in a Treasury!

Thank you to the lovely Fira of ChomelChomel my vintage custom inscribable baby spoon has been featured in this beautiful etsy treasury!

Silver and Charcoal

*NEW* Dupioni Silk Rosette Bobby Pins

ON SALE - p i n k b u b b l e s - necklace

Just Listed! g o l d e n f e a t h e r - necklace

Just listed! Sparkly bib necklace

Can crystals be unhealthy?

Newly Listed - Dark Teal Flutter Tee!

Walmart knew Miley Cyrus' Jewelry Line = Toxic

SeattleInsider: Bra Fashion Show Helps 'Save The Boobs' - Photos - KIRO Seattle

Save the Girls - Designer Bra Show = A night to remember!

SeattleInsider: Chocolate Bra Saves 'The Girls' At Bra Show - Photos - KIRO Seattle

Last sneak peak before "Save the Girls" - this SUNDAY 5/16

Sweet Custom Gifts for biological parents from adoptive parents

Cinco De Mayo - Opening of Kirkland Wednesday Market! 2-7pm

New Gift Sets! One of a kind

NEW Custom Inscription Rings

New unique Tie bar finishes and shapes!

NEW pieces on Etsy!

NEW Hair Flowers - ONLY $4.50 ea or 3 for $11.50

NEW Just in time for Father's Day!

NEW 24hr RUSH - Only $9.99

NEW Divot Repair Tool - ON SALE NOW!

NEW Dupioni Silk Rosette Bobby Pins