Sweet and Shy?

Paola Germar as is more than just a fashion designer, but a true contemporary artist at heart. Recently her works in the medium of painting has been taken notice of the Philippines’ major media: broadsheets, magazines and television! Last week, she was featured by TV station IBC 13 for their web exclusive segment: GOODSHOT: Young Artists with illustratorJoseph Tecson.

Group Show featuring works by :
Catalina Africa, Jan Balquin, Brisa Dominguez, Isobel Francisco, Tin Garcia, Paola Germar, Eleanor Giron, Gab Lopez, Lala Gallardo, Les Lee, Veronica Pee, Tanya Villanueva, Marija Vicente, Eva Yu, Jeona Zoleta

If you'd like to see more of Paola Germar's art, she is part of a group entitled: "Bull in the Heather."

Keeping it real. -PJV 

The Art in Polymer Clay

It was around 2010 that I started attending various art and crafts workshops including working with polymer clay. I took classes with Melody Felipe of Purple Nook Clay Shop (who also sells Polymer Clay materials). Melody mentioned Jen Cruz, the artist behind Purpleluggage, an expert in caning and creating whimsical flowers. I didn't pursue polymer clay, despite investing in materials, (including an oven) dedicated to this craft. It wasn't my medium but it was definitely Jen's.

“I'm a beach-going, dog-loving, crafty musician. All the stuff here were made lovingly -and at times painstakingly- with my own hands. I've been working with polymer clay since the mid-90's. An affair borne of a magical meeting of a limitless medium and busy hands.” - Jen Cruz, Purpleluggage 

Working with a medium as accessible as polymer clay and making it into something totally unique is a challenge that is both rewarding and enriching for polymer artist Jen Cruz. Being a tinkerer with restless hands, she is enriched by the intimate connection of designing and creating for people she’s never met. Her work brings her immense happiness, balance, and calm; and it means so much more when her creations speak to people in a positive way.

Most of the pieces she makes are necklaces, lockets and small trinket boxes. These bangles are an exclusive collection for Palamuti, with the signature floral designs of Purpleluggage.

Photos by Purpleluggage

Keeping it real.- PJV 

Sister Dragonfly Gallery in Louisville, Kentucky

Some of our handmade pieces have made it to Louisville, Kentucky (USA) thanks to the eclectic Sister Dragonfly Gallery. Located on 2021 Frankfort Avenue, their store carries a variety of women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories (to which we have proudly contributed some!). They also have Mexican, African and local Kentucky folk art for those who are looking for a something to decorate with.  Their selections are curated with the utmost taste, with items not available anywhere else in the state.

Art Bag by Paola Germar

Recently they held a trunkshow for artists based in New York who recycled semi-precious stones in making her rings, necklaces, and pendants. They also exhibited an artist whose medium is wire and leather wrapping with rarified stones mined from Thailand, China, and Peru.

Spring Necklace by PJ Valenciano

So if you’re looking for something to wear, give as a gift, or ornaments, be sure to drop by their store. Look for great bargains when they run some of their discount promos as a way of giving back to their loyal customers. They are also generous when it comes to supporting meaningful causes. From time-to-time, they will be donating a percentage of their sales to non-profit organizations such as the Kentucky Humane Society. Sister Dragonfly Gallery is proud to be an independent, small, and local store that cares and gives back to their community!

Wire Art Necklace by Stephanie Lopez

Photos by Sister Dragonfly  
Keeping it real.- PJV 

Hello France with Lady Noree

Embellished Clutch Bag by Paola Germar
Art Jewelry by PJ Valenciano

Our accessories made it to France thanks to fashion photographer Oana Celina. Also known as “Noree” she is a young photographer specializing in fashion portraiture and advertising photography. She works mainly in UK, France and Romania. Oana is a multi-talented individual who’s also a singer, a fashion model and a stylist. She is originally from Arad, Romania, who now lives in Tours, France.

Photo from Lady Noree's Website

We got to know of Noree through the Fashion Bloggers group page in Facebook. It turns out that she also has a blog of her own, named Lady Noree’s blog. In her blog, she talks about fashion, travel, and she even does giveaways for her readers!

Art Jewelry Sketch of Red and Black Cherry Blossoms

Photo from Lady Noree's Website

So check out her blog, Facebook page, and website and followLady Noree if you’re into fashion, photography and music.

Jewelry and Bags at PALAMUTISHOP.COM

Keeping it real.- PJV