UFN Featured Designer for April

Xenia Mara is an amazing Seattle jewelry designer who recycles vintage pieces and makes new brilliant pieces that are bold and exciting. She hand-produces each item, which are one-of-a-kind.

Check out Xenia's Q&A to learn more about how she creates her one-of-a-kind pieces!

Head on over to Xenia's website to get a 20% discount for the month of April on any purchases you make. Just mention the UFN article.

Henri Bendel Open See is MONDAY

I just learned from local jewelry designer Xenia Mara that the Henri Bedel 'Open See' day is Monday! Quick, buy your airplane ticket and head on over to NY for your chance to show your product to the buyers of Henri Bendel. I did it a few years ago and it was a fun experience!

I will say though that I got there at 3am to stand in line and we were #3 and #4 in line. We waited till about 9:30am, they opened the doors and took a chunk of us in. We were quickly walked down to the buyers, we sat down, they asked for our samples, looked them over, gave me a card and said they'd be in contact. It lasted about 5 minutes. I did get a call back but in the long run nothing came of it, even after a return flight to NY to take all my samples to show...

I would do it again though - I met some of the most amazing designers!!

Good luck Xenia - you will do great!

Be Jeweled Was Fabulous!

Three local designer friends, Birna, Xenia and Erin, sent out invites to an event called Be Jeweled. I have heard of it before but had never been able to make it. This time I was determined to go.

It was held at the Lake Union Crew so I was also excited to check that place out. We, Regina, Melissa and myself, arrived around 7pm and were overwelmed, in a good way, by everything. There were 9 jewelry designers along with an artist, wine tasting (it was a 21 and over event), snacks and two women giving out yummy chocolate samples.

We stopped by Birna's table first and instantly Melissa and Regina made a purchase. It's hard not to as Birna makes beautiful jewelry (I have my eye on this heart and ruby ring she makes).

We made our way around the room and were in just awe of all the pretty things. It was hard to contain myself. I took alot of pictures of the jewelry, the designers, all the people shopping... I would say this is a very successful event. It was really tough to try and get in to talk to our friends as they were so busy selling and I didn't want to interrupt. ;) If you didn't go this year, I suggest you go next time!

Enjoy the pictures!