Today I'm super stoked to introduce you to one of my favourite local designers, Alyssa Spaxman of Strut Jewelry. Alyssa is a straight up sweetheart who's impossibly talented AND a fellow crazy cat lady, so naturally I love both her and her work. She's throwing a pretty fabulous shopping party later this week but first I'll tell you a bit about her. Folks, meet Alyssa!
Alyssa founded Strut right here in Ottawa in 2009, and I've been buying her pieces since 2010. It's been such a pleasure following her work for the past several years and watching her develop her brand. She's taken her line from its humble beginnings as a small collection and grown it into a staple on the local craft scene with a booming online shop to boot.
Recently she realized a big dream when she was invited to do a trunk show at Magpie Jewellery's Rideau Centre location, and many of her pieces are now carried in their boutique and in their online shop. Hats off to you, Alyssa!
Alyssa gathers inspiration and materials from her world travels and global sources, and all her pieces are handmade using age-old metalsmithing techniques, her solid design background, and a colourful aesthetic. In her own words: "Strut Jewelry offers eclectic, effortlessly gorgeous jewelry for the free-spirited wanderer". Well said!
Want to get your hands on some Strut? Of course you do! This Thursday December 10, 2015, Alyssa will be hosting the Strut Jewelry Holiday Party on Facebook. How does it work? Be sure you've joined the Facebook event in advance, then from 7:00-10:00pm EST this Thursday night, the designer herself will be posting special giveaways, flash sales, and gorgoeus gift ideas.
This ain't one of those direct marketing parties where you schlep to a girlfriend's house and feel pressured to buy something so she can score some free stuff from the company rep. No siree. This is a 100% local affair hosted by the designer, and every single piece is painstakingly crafted by her right here in Ottawa. No made-in-China merch here. And you can join in the fun from the comfort of your jammies with a glass of wine in your hand!
THE STRUT JEWELRY SHOPPING PARTY: HOW IT WORKS
1. Join the Strut Jewelry Holiday Party on Facebook. Do it right this second so you don't forget. Alyssa ships all over the world so you can join the party no matter where you are!
2. Keep an eye on the Amy in 613 Facebook page between now and Thursday night for a flash giveaway! FYI: the prize is pretty swell. And my giveaway will be open worldwide. BOOM!
3. From 7:00-10:00pm on Thursday December 10, visit the Facebook event page for the Strut Holiday Jewelry Party. Alyssa will be posting special deals and giveaways that will only be available during the Facebook event! Response has already been so strong that Alyssa's revealed a sneak peak of one of her giveaway prizes, so go take a gander.
Want a little eye candy to tide you over til Thursday night? Here's a wee round-up of my top picks for gift giving. I know it's Christmastime and all but you might be tempted to snap up one of these beauties for yourself... I'll never tell. See you on Facebook Thursday night!
NECKLACES:
Clockwise from top left: Paua Shell Half-Circle necklace, $88; Crystal Point necklace with gold fill, $99; Gold Fill Hammerd Bar necklace, $68.
EARRINGS:
Clockwise from top left: Gold FIll Hammered Leaf hoops, $60; Moss Aquamarine Silver Circle earrings, $90; Bronze Mountain earrings, $75; Aura Semi-Circle Silver Dangle earrings, $98; Labradorite Gemstone studs, $48.
BRACELETS:
Clockwise from top left: Beaded Silver Stacking bracelet in Turqouise Howlite, $55; Silver Textured bangle set (available in small, medium, and large, so smart!), $75; Black Spinel Bead wrap bracelet, $160; Angle Cuff bracelet (available in skinny or wide), $75.