Smoky skies, smoky rings

Hey friends,

This last week has been pretty smoky and scary for those of us on the west coast. It’s really a bummer not to be able to go outside and breath fresh air. My pessimistic mind keeps thinking that this is how it’s going to be every summer now. So I want to do something about it. I know my actions aren’t going to change the world, but if we all work together, maybe we can effect some change.

Here’s what I’m going to do. If you buy anything from my website before the end of September 2020, I’ll donate 15% of the sale to the Clean Air Task Force. The CATF is a US-based non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been working to reduce air pollution since its founding in 1996. It led a successful campaign to reduce the pollution caused by coal-fired power plants in the US, helped limit the US power sector’s CO2 emissions, and helped establish regulations of diesel, shipping, and methane emissions.

Check out these smoky quartz and labradorite rings. Made a while ago but more relevant than ever.

Close out sale

Hey friends,

As many of you have become aware, I have a new section in my shop called “close out.” This section features a lot of pieces from my “simple” production line that I came out with a few years ago. All of it is handmade by me. Most of it is brand new and never worn or even displayed anywhere. Most of it is sterling silver, and some of it is brass, copper, or other materials. Every time I see this box of jewelry in my closet, I feel so sad for all the precious jewels inside that never get to see the light of day.

I made most of these pieces years ago when I was just figuring out how to build a production line. I was working off of geometric shapes, rolled pattern textures, simple designs, and animal influences. I was selling this line for way under market value at several stores. About a year ago I decided to focus more of my energy on one-of-a-kind pieces, and stopped producing my more simple production line. But I still have a whole box of these special pieces left.

A couple weeks ago I set up a "close out" page on my website, where I'm selling these beauties for super cheap. I really want them to find good homes and be worn and treasured. I put HOURS and HOURS into designing, crafting, photographing, organizing, and selling these pieces, and even though I don't make them any more, they will always have a special place in my heart.

Sale

Dragon Ear Cuff - Brass, Silver, or Gold - Handmade Custom Jewelry

from $49.00

Bird Studs - Handmade Silver Earrings

$50.00

Sale

Unicorn Necklace - Brass, Silver, or Gold - Handmade Custom Jewelry

from $49.00

Shopping

Hey friends,

I just wanted to promote some of the shops that are open and selling! I know right now isn’t the best time to go out to stores, but these shops have excellent hygiene policies right now, and need your support.

Momo

Momo is OPEN Friday and Saturday from 12-5 and by appointment. Please wear your mask and come visit, we can’t wait to see you again! For private shopping, email lala@momoseattle.com.

600 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104

https://www.momoseattle.com/

Drizzle and Shine

We are open for a limited amount of hours and are adding more back slowly. Our home page has all the info:
www.drizzleandshine.com * We have hand sanitizer by the door. Please use it. Gloves collect germs so please remove them, replace them, or sanitize them. Please also wear a mask. * You may try on clothing. Anything you don’t buy will be quarantined for a minimum of 24 hours and steamed before being put back on the shelves. * Please keep a distance from staff and shoppers. *We have a contactless payment system. *We still have our lobby boxed in for pick-up and grab-n-go items. *Our online store is going strong and new items are being added weekly. *If you’re more comfortable shopping alone, we can arrange private shopping appointments.

102 15th Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112

https://www.drizzleandshine.com/

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts

Policies, which will be displayed prominently in the gallery, will be in place to keep you and staff safe.  Among other actions, staff and patrons will be required to wear masks at all times. For those wishing to handle artwork, easy-on easy-off disposable gloves will be provided. All public touch point surfaces will be wiped down throughout the day and hand sanitizer will be available. We will be limiting the number of non-staff individuals in the space to ten at a time.  Those wishing to view the work of a particular artist outside of public hours may make an appointment by calling the gallery.

151 Winslow Way E.

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

https://www.theartproject.org/

You can see the complete list of my vendors here

https://nina-raizel.com/locations

Make sure to wear a mask when you go out and follow all safety guidelines! (Or stick to online). Happy shopping!

Black Lives Matter

Hey friends, the last few days have been unprecedented.

Instead of talking about my jewelry, I'm going to use this space to talk about the protests and Black Lives Matter movement.

I’m feeling heartbroken and scared and angry. No one should have to die or be jailed or be brutalized at the hands of the police. No one should be discriminated against for the color of their skin or their name or where they come from.

First of all, if you're white, realize your privilege. Realize your racism and really analyze it. Here's a good article to get you thinking https://bthechange.com/4-steps-we-can-take-as-white-people-to-fight-racism-a582e826eb92

Next, do something. Even if you think you're not racist against people of color, that's not enough. Do something anti-racist. Today. And every day.

Sign petitions.
https://www.change.org/
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/defund-the-police-invest-in-communities/
https://saytheirnames.carrd.co/#petitions

Donate Money.
This week I donated $100 each to the ACLU, Communities Against Police Brutality, Black Visions Collective, Campaign Zero, and Black Lives Seattle. I realize the amount of money I personally donated doesn’t make a huge different, but it still counts.

Protest.
It's difficult to stay home when there's been protests every day at the police precinct a block away from my building. I've been out there almost every night this week and sometimes in the mornings too. If you don't feel comfortable protesting, send supplies like water, food, masks, and medical supplies to places that are collecting them for protesters.

Support Black Owned Businesses.
I'm so fortunate to work for one. Valerie Madison. Go buy some jewelry from her! And search for black owned businesses in your area and support them.

Read books and articles. Support your POC friends and family. Educate yourself. Educate others. Do something. Please let me know if there's anything else I should be doing.

Thank you.
Nina