Celebrate a Vow of Love, Happiness, and Hope

"I wanted to create an opportunity to employ, train, and educate these artists as we grow and expand our website and our mission. This is where PJ and I decided to partner up; our shared vision of creating jobs and giving back to the community is the start of creating our global marketplace called palamutishop.com. "- Michelle M. Denisoff

This coming October marks the first wedding anniversary of Michael and Michelle Denisoff. More than loving Filipino handcrafted works wearable art, Michelle is an avid supporter of Filipino women artisans. As a Filipino who migrated to the United States, Michelle understands the arid economic conditions of her native Philippines, which is why she invested in a website Palamutishop.com, to help showcase Filipino handmade designs to a global audience. Last year, we had an opportunity to design Michelle's accessories for her wedding. Our artisans customized handmade accessories for most of her bridal entourage, such as; the wedding hairpiece, the flower girl's hairpiece and her bridesmaid's jewelry.

Michelle is one of Palamuti's main supporters. She eventually became one of our main business partners as well. After a 2006 volunteer trip in the Philippines, she made a promise to herself that she will come  come back to help in whichever way she can, to make a difference.  It was in 2011, when we were featured on The Filipino Channel that Michelle learned about us and a fruitful partnership has been born.

 

"I didn't how at that time and it wasn't until I watched a TFC (The Filipino Channel) segment were Filipino talents are featured with their work. I had a vision then to create an e-commerce website where Filipino artisans are able to showcase their talents in handmade products. These artists who have no means of introducing their products to the world."- Michelle M. Denisoff

                   

Among our favorite designs that we made, that has made into our list of mainstay products, is the bridesmaid set consisting of a necklace and a bracelet made of semi-precious stones, rhinestones and crystals. We based the set's design on Michelle's aesthetics and the theme of her bridesmaids' attire. Thus, the yellow Citrine semi-precious stone jewelry, served as a harmonious accent to the bridesmaids' navy blue cocktail dresses. A hand-loomed  fabric called Abel ti Iloko, which originated from Ilocos Norte, one of the northernmost Philippine provinces, was used to create the accompanying tote bags. The fabric itself was a product of a centuries-old tradition of native Filipino, proving that art has always been in the Filipino blood, before any western influence. We decided to use this material to honor Michelle's heritage and fashion sensibilities.   

We named the collection "Panata"; which ,when translated to English, means "Vow".  The collection has since taken on many forms; all varying on different elements, such as the use of colors and stones. These pieces will soon be available on our website. They will also be sold in upcoming trade shows in the US. 

Second Sunday in Main: August 10, 2014 
American & Bead Jewelry Shows: August 16-17, 2014

It was a privilege to create these accessories for Michelle. Her support and belief in the quality and beauty of our work, has been very instrumental for us in reaching out to a global market, It's also been a great opportunity for Filipino women artisans, who are willing to learn and improve, to continue striving to create something meaningful with their own hands. Through women with style and substance such as Michelle, the dream of helping underprivileged women, becomes a little bit closer to reality. 

Keeping it real.- PJV