|
After my boyfriend and I decided to get married, we went out looking for an engagement ring together. We went to all the regular engagement ring stores in town, and I tried on some fine rings. But...
After my boyfriend and I decided to get married, we went out looking for an engagement ring together. We went to all the regular engagement ring stores in town, and I tried on some fine rings. But it didn't felt right and certainly didn't feel special. It was clear the people behind the counter were selling on commission - they didn't really care that we were newly engaged or if the ring was just perfect. They just wanted to make the sale. And the rings were nothing that special, either.
After a few hours of disappointed shopping, we headed over to Green Lake Jewelry Works to see if we could find something a little more unusual. We were not disappointed. Not only was their ring design beautiful and artistic and unique, but their staff was friendly, funny, casual and informed. The first big difference - when we walked through the door and informed the person at the front desk we were looking for an engagement ring, her response was "Congratulations!" - the first time we heard that all day. She offered us something to drink, sat us down at our own counter and introduced us to "our" ring designer, Amber. Amber worked with us for two hours - looking through catalogs of designs, sketching out our ideas, bringing out sample rings and metals and stones. By the end of our session we had a design we couldn't have been more pleased with.
Here is the process: you work with an artist to sketch out your design. They make a wax model of the ring for you to try on (this takes a couple of weeks). Once the design is right, their in-house artists make the ring. At any point in the process, up to 30 days after the ring is complete, you can change any aspect of the design. They want it to be just right.
The process takes a while (ours took about 8 weeks from design to completion) but it is most certainly worth the wait. We simply love what we ended up with.
Hide
|
|
John at Precise Printing has been doing the printing for the organization I work for for at least five years. From what I can tell, Precise Printing does almost every kind of print job - from full...
John at Precise Printing has been doing the printing for the organization I work for for at least five years. From what I can tell, Precise Printing does almost every kind of print job - from full color to black and white copy. Even though it is a a small shop, turn around is pretty good (although not always lightening speed). John is super responsive (he even returned a call while on vacation once) and does high quality work. He takes the time to learn about a project and do it right.
Hide
|
|
The statement "artists are made, not born" guides the Seattle Academy of Fine Art (SAFA). And thank god for that, because if they believed otherwise the results of my first drawing in class would be...
The statement "artists are made, not born" guides the Seattle Academy of Fine Art (SAFA). And thank god for that, because if they believed otherwise the results of my first drawing in class would be enough label me a non-artist forever. But with the encouraging, creative environment and instruction at SAFA my drawing skills have improved, and I can now draw and egg that looks like an egg. SAFA offers classes on drawing, painting and sculpture at all skill levels. Classes may seem a little pricy at first glance, but the high level of instruction and small class size ensure it is worth the investment.
The next time you are thinking about broadening your horizons or tapping into your creative side, visit SAFA. They will help make you an artist.
Hide
|
|
Vain
Category:
Beauty Salons
2018 First Ave
Seattle, Washington 98121
(206) 462-3334
There are lots of hair salons that offer mediocre cuts at too-high prices in bland, ‘warm favorites’ atmospheres. But not Vain. This downtown salon offers excellent cuts and colors at a terrific...
There are lots of hair salons that offer mediocre cuts at too-high prices in bland, ‘warm favorites’ atmospheres. But not Vain. This downtown salon offers excellent cuts and colors at a terrific price in an uber-hip environment. The clientele is diverse, the music is great and the haircuts don’t disappoint. They have great hours, too, open until 9:00 pm some evenings. Visit them for your next ‘do’ and get yourself sassified. (P.S. I personally love Betsy’s cuts, although all of Vain's clients look fantastic when they leave.)
Hide
|
|
Persimmon
Category:
Restaurants
4256 Fremont Avenue North
Seattle, Washington 98103
(206) 632-0760
This sweet little restaurant is perfect for a weekend brunch. The food is simple, hinting at French cuisine, and is oh-so-good (made with local produce and organic ingredients where possible). The...
This sweet little restaurant is perfect for a weekend brunch. The food is simple, hinting at French cuisine, and is oh-so-good (made with local produce and organic ingredients where possible). The front room is painted a perfectly inviting persimmon that partners wonderfully with the warm and friendly staff.
Hide
|
|
When you can't stand to meet at another downtown coffee shop for another dry scone, take a little amble out to Top Pot. The coffee is hot, the doughnuts come in many varieties (standard and unique)...
When you can't stand to meet at another downtown coffee shop for another dry scone, take a little amble out to Top Pot. The coffee is hot, the doughnuts come in many varieties (standard and unique) and the baristas are classic Seattle-retro-hip. Perhaps not the best doughnuts in town, but Top Pot has much more interesting clientele, baristas and ambiance than most other coffee shop offerings in the area.
Hide
|
|
So you SAY you support independent book stores. . .put your money where your mouth is! Convenient, political, well-read . . . not always well stocked (but plan ahead, they can order it). These...
So you SAY you support independent book stores. . .put your money where your mouth is! Convenient, political, well-read . . . not always well stocked (but plan ahead, they can order it). These folks know their books. Plus it's right in the heart of Fremont, the center of the universe. No more excuses! Shop here.
Hide
|