{ the jaunty magpie }

The Birdy is back, and I had the pleasure of being surrounded by beautiful, incredibly unique jewelry at Indulge, a Bellevue Arts Museum event last month - it was a bejeweled reminder that one should shop creatively. Unusual events and places can yield truly Fancy finds! Apologies for not posting this sooner, but my vacation snuck up on me and I had so many February-themed posts already lined up, but I don't want the timing of this to alter the fact that one should search out unique opportunities to find one-of-a-kind wearables. Many of the artists at this event were local to the Pacific Northwest, but there were several who came from afar to show their pieces in the museum's annual marketplace event. It doesn't matter where you live -- chances are, there are special boutique events or artisan craft shows that showcase artists' works. Embrace these as opportunities to discover a new statement piece to add to your wardrobe.

There are other places to go besides the traditional department store to find a true treasure. Some of the jewelry and metalwork artists I had the pleasure of meeting and trying on their pieces included these lovely folks:  {1} gold statement necklace by Maria's Jewelry Designs, {2} garnet spinner pendant by Peggy Foy, {3} ring by Tamara Kelly Designs, {4} necklace by Stephanie Tomczak Jewelry, {5} Anemone earrings by Tegan Wallace. Everything is so different, with such a wide range of aesthetics, and that's the best part -- you have the opportunity to make a personal connection with artisan-crafted accessories and find a piece that is truly "you." I did some shopping and found a unique gift I look forward to giving, along with a good story of how I came across the piece. It's that wonderfully Jaunty feeling of receiving a beautiful experience as you give a beautiful gift. 

Jaunty Fine Print: photos from artists' websites listed above -- please think of independent artists the next time you're shopping for your next jewelry purchase!