Ija Designs

Happy 100th International Women's Day!!!

2011-03-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

I often get asked, "Why Ija?" People want to know what it stands for and how that relates to me. When I was thinking of a name for my business, I really struggled. I didn't want something too obvious and naming the business after myself wasn't really an option, (my last name is Hasler :) ). So I started going through things about myself that I would like to carry through with my business.

I was raised by a diehard feminist. My mom was a single mother who raised three children while going to grad school and maintaining a perfect 4.0. She is amazing. During my childhood, we were often reminded of the phenomenal opportunities women have today that they did not always have, and that those opportunities were won by the women who came before us.

I went on to study Women's Studies in college and try to be as politically involved as possible. Right around the time I started the business I had seen an HBO film about a group of suffragists referred to as the Iron Jawed Angels. These women fought severe adversity to protest for American women's right to vote. Through their tenacity and bold antics, they were able to witness the Susan B. Anthony Amendment become law on August 26th, 1920.

There is no way that a tattooed mother would be able to run her own business in our society if it wasn't for the women who fought so endlessly for women's rights. I think we've come quite a long way since the 20's, however I think we still have quite a ways to go. I try to make a conscious effort to support businesses that are women owned and run and feel that if others follow suit our daughters will look back in awe at the progress made in our lifetime.

Black Friday

2010-11-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

Global H2O

2010-08-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

I had a realization the other afternoon as I was watching my children run through the sprinklers; 1.1 billion people don't have adequate access to sanitary water and we live in a nation where we play in our clean water. Wow, think about that for a moment.

In order to do our small part to help, Ija will be donating 100% of proceeds from our retail store as well as our website to Global H2O from August 8th through the 14th. If there's something you've been eyeing, now's the time to shop. Let's do our part to support our global community.

Flare Magazine

2010-07-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

Canada's leading fashion publication, Flare chose Ija's Leather Tassel Earrings for a spread in July's issue. These earrings are insane, and way too much fun. I've found myself reaching for a pair every time I'm feeling blah as they're sure to boost your mood/sass and elicit a ton of complements from passerbys. Especially men for some reason; they seem to be drawn to the tassels ;).

It's Official!

2010-05-27T21:57:00.001-07:00

People Magazine's Most Beautiful People Issue 2010

2010-05-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Teenage cutie Selena Gomez was photographed in Ija's Small Gold Clasped Bangle for People Magazine's Most Beautiful People Issue! This piece is so clean and classic it's something you'll wear every day for years to come.

Whitney Port Showing Her Love of Ija!

2010-04-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

So, imagine my surprise when I flipped on the tele the other night to watch the season premiere of The City and there was Whitney rocking Ija's Figure Eight Earrings! This isn't the first time Whitney has been photographed in our jewelry, she's been spotted in The Tinks as well as our bangles. I'm honored to have her as a fan of the line, as I admire her style as well as her tenacity and drive with her own line. Thanks for the love Whitney!

Ija's Swivel Hoops in Fitness Magazine

2010-04-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

I spent my entire youth in a pool. Seriously, I think they let me out occasionally so I wouldn't shrivel to nothingness, but other than that I was swimming constantly. My whole family is pretty crazy when it comes to swimming, running and biking. Hence why I find it hilarious that my family freaked out over the fact that Fitness Magazine chose Ija's Fluid Hoops for their most recent issue. I swear even Vogue wouldn't have been as big a deal ;). These earrings are the perfect earring for everyday wear and would even be a fabulous accessory for an afternoon Spring run.

Who What Wear

2010-04-22T09:32:00.001-07:00

Who What Wear is featuring Ija's Cuttlefish Ring as part of their Earth Day feature. I love it when the industry highlights how many fantastic companies are doing their part to keep us looking good and environmentally conscious at the same time. Ija is honored to be a part of that group. Happy Earth Day!!

Entertainment Tonight's Samantha Harris in Ija!

2010-04-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Entertainment Tonight's weekend host, Samantha Harris was wearing Ija's hand forged gold cuff on the show the other day! This piece is so phenomenal it's pretty much all the accessory you need. Whenever I put one on I feel like going out and fighting crime, or at least tackling a nasty Monday.

Huge News!!

2010-04-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Huge news!!! I've been so excited to share our exciting news, but had to wait to make sure it all went through. Ija is opening a studio/showroom in Bend! I've spent the last two years designing and fabricating everything from a tiny (I mean TINY) home studio so I am thrilled to finally have a place for Ija to call home. We'll be located at 17 SW Bond Street in the Old Mill Quarter, across the street from Strictly Organic Coffee.

This location is absolutely perfect for Ija. It was important for me that our beliefs and environmental concerns be reflected in the space we finally decided on and the Old Mill Quarter fits that idea beautifully. The building is a wonderful example of live/work space in the heart of town that allows for the expansion of local communities to have small boutiques, coffee shops and businesses that can be accessed via foot or bike. It's going to be fantastic to park my car this spring and not use it at all. I can bike to work in all of five minutes and drop my little one off at school along the way. The building itself is ahead of the game in it's design and materials and the builders won an award for Green Homebuilder of the Year the year the project was completed.

I look forward to early morning bike rides to work, organic coffee and the sun streaming in the 14 foot windows as I get to work designing and fabricating. Ah, life is good . . .

Vh1's Janell Snowden in Ija

2010-04-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Vh1 host Janell Snowden was looking stunning the other night and Ija's Figure Eight earrings were the perfect accessory. I love the fluidity and movement in these earrings, they are so light and multidimensional. A favorite of my daughter's kindergarden teacher :)

Distinction Magazine features Ija on the Spring Cover!

2010-04-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

New York's Distinction Magazine featured Ija's Sarah earrings on the cover of it's Spring 2010 issue! These earrings were one of the first in the line and have held their own beautifully over time. My friends and family have multiple pairs in various metal/stone combinations, I'm really feeling the sterling and turquoise combination as we head into Spring. Ahhhh Spring . . .

Rachel Ray!

2010-03-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

Ija has a brand new tribal inspired collection called "Coming Home". I've been really feeling the juxtaposition of textured metal with various natural elements (some natural in that they are recycled). One of my favorite pieces from the new line are the coconut earrings, and apparently they are one of Rachel Ray's favorites as well. She sported them on her show yesterday afternoon!

April's Issue of InStyle!!

2010-03-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

I was so thrilled to hear that InStyle chose to feature Ija's Bone Earrings in April's issue! These have been my favorite stand by for the last couple of years. They are my go to gals every time something fun presents itself. My personal pair have been front and center at a Nick Cave show (on his birthday no less), partying in Vegas and out to numerous nights with the ladies. Love them!

Oh, be sure to check out what InStyle calls an "Amazing Tip": in order to keep track of all my personal earrings, I put some manzanita branches in a glass vase weighted down by river rocks. I then hang my earrings from the branches and it enables me to see all that I've got and it doubles as an art installation in my room.

Essence Magazine

2010-03-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

April's issue of Essence Magazine features Ija's embellished leather tassel earrings as well as our brand new "Through the Looking Glass" Ring, which is insane! I love casting in cuttlefish bone as it allows me to recycle all of the sterling silver scrap in house and gives the most phenomenal texture and depth. This ring is entirely cast and the shape is one of a kind. Oh, and I'm getting those tights tomorrow, love them!

WNBC's Weekend Today Show Features Ija

2010-03-12T18:43:00.001-08:00

"Eco Chic". Check it out,

WNBC's Weekend Today Show

Happy International Women's Day!!

2010-03-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

I was raised by a diehard feminist. My mom was a single mother who raised three children while going to grad school and maintaining a perfect 4.0. She is amazing. During my childhood, we were often reminded of the phenomenal opportunities women have today that they did not always have, and that those opportunities were won by the women who came before us.

I went on to study Women's Studies in college and try to be as politically involved as possible. Right around the time I started the business I had seen an HBO film about a group of suffragists referred to as the Iron Jawed Angels. These women fought severe adversity to protest for American women's right to vote. Through their tenacity and bold antics, they were able to witness the Susan B. Anthony Amendment become law on August 26th, 1920.

There is no way that a tattooed mother would be able to run her own business in our society if it wasn't for the women who fought so endlessly for women's rights. I think we've come quite a long way since the 20's, however I think we still have quite a ways to go. I try to make a conscious effort to support businesses that are women owned and run and feel that if others follow suit our daughters will look back in awe at the progress made in our lifetime.

Ask Melissa Features Ija as an Eco Chic Pick!!

2010-03-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

Melissa Meyers of www.askmelissa.com chose to feature Ija Designs as an "Eco Chic" product pick during a shooting of NBCs Weekend Today Show!! Our rockin' swallow necklace was also chosen as their giveaway piece. Be sure to check out the link and get your name in the hat!!

Win Ija's Swallow Necklace

Art Hop Tonight at Hot Box Betty!!

2010-03-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

If you're in Bend tonight you should come downtown for Art Hop and check out my little sister's paintings and music. Celeste is an insanely talented painter and musician and will be showing both forms of her art tonight at Hot Box Betty. We'll be down there and would love to see you.

Kristina Guerrero Decked Out in Ija!

2010-03-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I should probably not admit to this, but I'm a sucker for the E! Network. After a long day of work, parenting and juggling life's madness it's nice to just zone out on some celebrity gossip. Which makes it all the more exciting when I heard that Kristina Guerrero of E! News was wearing Ija's Bone Earrings and Lariat Necklace on air. Always good to have some eye candy when you're getting your daily dose of gossip.

More Magazine

2010-03-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

More Magazine's March issue features Ija's Triple Strand Parisian Necklace on Lori Loughlin. I absolutely love this piece, it's feminine, delicate and the only accessory you'll need. I wear it throughout the winter layered over a turtleneck and in the spring and summer it's perfect over a simple sun dress or tank.

Speaking of spring, I think it may be just around the corner. My bulbs are popping up and the family and I enjoyed two gorgeous walks in the warm sun this weekend . . . thank goodness!!! I can't wait to get out in the garden! If anyone has tips or any good blogs on urban homesteading, I'd love to hear about them. Chicken coop here we come!

Win the Ahoy Necklace!

2010-02-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

Ok girls, here's your chance to win one of our best sellers! Extratv.com is hosting a giveaway of Ija's Ahoy Necklace in sterling, just as Miley Cyrus rocks it. Be sure to get your name on the list before it's too late . . .

Vegas Baby, Yeah!!

2010-02-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

Ija is rockin' it in Vegas this week! Anyone who knows me knows that this is very out of my element. I am usually at home with my kiddos, working or playing in the park. However, my hubby and I are kinda lovin' a few days in "adult disneyland" as we have renamed it. We've been eating phenomenal food, soaking up the sunshine and of course indulging just a bit ;).

Ahh, fun times, but now it's on to work. If you're a buyer in Vegas for Market be sure to swing by and say hello. We're at Pool Tradeshow, booth 808 and we'd love to see you!

Thank You!!

2010-02-01T14:28:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to say "Thank you" to all of my fabulous clients who helped make Ija's fundraiser for Yele Haiti an amazing success! We were able to raise more than I even dreamed of. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Tragedy in Haiti

2010-01-18T16:24:00.000-08:00

I, as I'm sure all of you have been struck by the unfathomable tragedy in Haiti this past week. I've been racking my brain as to how I can help. I wish I was in a position to go down and help distribute food or even just love to those in need. Unfortunately that's not an option for me, but I can help in a small way.

I will be donating 100% of Proceeds from Ija's website this week to Yele Haiti. So if there's something you've been thinking about purchasing, now would be the time to do so. From today, 1-18-10 through Sunday 1-24-10 all of the proceeds will go to help those in need. Let's all step up to do our part to help our global community.

InStyle Features the Ahoy Necklace!!

2010-01-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

InStyle magazine had a photo shoot with the Bachelor and six of the ladies vying for his affection and Corrie chose Ija's Ahoy necklace, (a favorite of Miley Cyrus as well) for the shoot! I think it was a fabulous choice to spice up her clean nautical look and it obviously worked because Jake later said she was his favorite of the day. Wow, I'm not sure I could handle that kind of pressure, but koodos to those girls for taking it on.

Woman's Day

2010-01-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

Ija Design's Gypsy Earrings were featured in the February 17th issue of Woman's Day, (that's my birthday!). The Gypsy's are so fun and would make a fabulous edition to any one's valentine's outfit. I was just thinking the other day that I need to make some new earrings for myself, and what better than a pair with some beautiful glistening green amethysts?

Miley Cyrus Rockin' Ija!!

2010-01-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

Miley Cyrus has been photographed lately sporting our Large Anchor Necklace about town! She does a phenomenal job of throwing together a boho chic look. I've been on the fence about the return of acid wash jeans, but Miley may be swaying me to the dark/bleached side :). Thanks for the love Miley!!

Life & Style Features Our Faceted Tear Earrings

2010-01-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

This week's issue of Life & Style magazine features our faceted tear earrings in their makeover of the cast of Jersey Shores. Our earrings were chosen for the Megan Fox makeover of 'J-Woww', and I have to say she looked fantastic. It's amazing how stunning these simple earrings are when they're on, the faceting plays with the light to create a dazzling effect.

Our Wave Cuff in the January Issue of Brides Magazine

2010-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

So I've been known to read a fashion magazine or two, (perhaps a dozen each month :) ) and it takes quite a bit to catch my eye when it comes to fashion shoots. I was blown away when I saw the safari inspired spread in this month's issue of Brides Magazine. The photography was phenomenal, the setting mind blowing and the styling was perfect. I was honored to have our wave cuff included in such a beautiful shoot. Now I only wish I had designed it in time to have worn it to my own wedding; oh well, maybe when we renew our vows in Bali sometime soon ;).

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment in the insanity and amazement that is Christmas Eve with two little ones to say happy holidays from my family here at Ija. I'm not sure if you know, but at this point Ija is a one woman show with a supporting cast of one remarkable husband, two phenomenal children and two dopey dogs. We truly appreciate all of your support and it's because of you that this incredible journey has made it this far. Here's to you and yours and looking forward to a fabulous New Year!

O Magazine Features Our Clasped Bangle

2009-12-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

Normally I would have posted this the second it came across my desk, but unfortunately Oprah had to wait until I knew my mom was going to be alright. Now that she's happy and home resting in her own bed I can celebrate that our Curved Clasped Bangle was featured in O Magazine!! I'm thrilled at the response these bangles have been getting, as they are an instant classic. Simple, easy to wear and brilliant; I can't seem to make them fast enough.

Perspective . . .

2009-12-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

I started this week in a complete panic, scrambling to get holiday orders filled, children to holiday talent shows, packages purchased and wrapped, cookies baked, etc. Then Tuesday morning I received a phone call that stopped my entire world. My mom had suffered a stroke . . .

My mom is a single mother who fought adversity to raise three children. She is the most amazing woman I know and my closest friend. I spent the last few days in a blur of cat scans, MRIs and echocardiograms and as I lay there next to her bed at night listening to the hum of her I.V. I realized something; what a phenomenal day it had been. I left the house not knowing if my last conversation with my mother was going to be a hurried conversation about nothing and I was laying there next to her watching her sleep. It was the greatest gift I could have ever received.

So, to everyone please be sure in this crazy holiday season to take time and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. I am thrilled to say that my mom is going to be fine and that I have a new perspective on what is truly important. Now, off to bake those cookies :)

Jezebel Magazine

2009-12-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite pieces in the line, our hand forged Gold Cuff was featured in this month's issue of Jezebel Magazine. This bracelet is such a fabulous statement piece and the perfect accessory for a fun holiday frock. Sometimes all you need to get into the holiday spirit is a healthy dose of bling . . .

Art Hop @ Hot Box Betty

2009-12-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Last night my girlfriend and I walked downtown through the park for drinks and I was blown away by how beautiful Bend is this time of year. The christmas lights were reflecting in the river and the brisk air felt fantastic. If you'd like to experience that moment of bliss for yourself you should head downtown for the first Friday Art Hop tonight. I'll be hanging out with my lovely ladies at Hot Box Betty and showing some fabulous pieces that would make great gifts or a wonderful treat to get yourself in the holiday mood. Come on down and experience the magic of Bend during the holidays and feast your eyes on some delicious jewels.

Glamour Magazine

2009-11-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

Be sure to pick up the December issue of Glamour, and you'll find Ija's tassel earrings featured in one of the fashion spreads. I love these earrings in the mediterranean blue, they are a fabulous pop of color and pizzazz. Just in case however, we offer them in ten different colors. Did I mention the neon? Now there's a pair for whatever your mood.

Ija Designs at the Broken Top Holiday Trunk Show

2009-11-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know it's a little last minute, but if you're around the Bend area tomorrow evening you should swing by the Broken Top Clubhouse for their Holiday Trunk Show. Ija will be there with all our goods and I'm whipping up some new bangles as we speak. If you're anything like me and procrastinate on holiday shopping, this will be the perfect opportunity to knock out some gifts before you even have to worry about what you're stuffing the bird with. See you tomorrow from 4 to 8pm!

I'm Down

2009-10-30T13:50:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this isn't really about Ija, except that Ija is a one woman show and me, myself and I are the employees; so I guess it kind of is. Anyhoo . . . I just finished the most amazing book, I'm Down by Mishna Wolff. What makes this book amazing, besides the fact that it's heartfelt and hilarious, is that it is basically my life story. I grew up in the same neighborhoods, had the same upbringing (except that my family is totally honky, and I was the one who wished they weren't) and swam competitively my whole childhood. I even went to high school with Mishna's little sister Anora. Such a small world. So, if you're looking for a fantastic read and want to know what it was like to grow up a scrawny white girl in the inner city, you have to check it out.

People Style Watch!!

2009-10-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the November issue of People Style Watch to see Ija's bangles listed on their "Easy Eco" page. I am so thrilled to be featured in such a fun publication, as I've been known to cozy up on the couch on a lazy Sunday and peruse through the pages to see what pieces are fancied by Hollywood's finest.

I was also stoked to see that they had mentioned how our studio is run on 100% renewable energy and that we always use recycled metals. I think we may finally be reaching a point in our society (and hopefully our world) where being green isn't a choice we make but simply a way we all live our lives.

Ija's Mirrored Disc Earrings in Good Housekeeping

2009-10-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Good Housekeeping chose to feature our mirrored disc earrings in their November issue. I absolutely love these little earrings as they are clean and classic and go with just about everything. The perfect accessory for us busy moms on the go!

Janell Snowden Steps Out in Ija

2009-10-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

I was so honored when I found out that Vh1's Janell Snowden chose to wear Ija's white leather tassel earrings to the Vh1 Hip Hop Honors. I grew up in inner city Seattle and hip-hop was a way of life for me and is still my favorite thing to listen to. If you visit the studio on any given day you're sure to hear Tribe, De la, Black Star, Mos Def, Guru, all the way to the Fu-Schnickens. Thank you Janell for bringing Ija that close to the greats!

944 Magazine Features the Cuttlefish Ring

2009-10-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

October's issue of 944 Magazine chose to feature Ija's Cuttlefish Ring on their "Mild Obsessions" page, right alongside Louis Vuitton's new book. Not too shabby company . . .

I was honored to have the ring featured in their design issue as I strive to create unique pieces that are a bit out in left field, yet still classic and easy to wear.

Fall Fest becomes Winter Fest

2009-10-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

What an amazing weekend . . . I spent Saturday huddled next to my portable heater getting to chat with all my fabulous local clients and sling some bling. That night my daughter kept dancing around the house singing "It's going to snow, it's going to snow" and I thought, there's no way. Cut to Sunday morning when I roll over and look out the window to a brilliant winter wonderland; did I mention it's only October 4th?. My children were ecstatic and I was a bit less than.

I was so stoked to see that the tent was still standing and a little bummed when the final day of the show was canceled, (for obvious reasons). However, I got to spend the rest of the afternoon watching the kids play in the snow as my husband I drank some tasty vanilla hazelnut hot chocolates. There are worse things in life . . .

Thank you to all who braved the weather!!

Bend's Fall Festival

2009-10-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

If you're around Bend this weekend, be sure to swing down and check out Ija at the Fall Festival. It sounds like the weather might be crummy, but what better excuse to pull out those fabulous boots and luxurious scarves? Even though the weather's cooler, Fall is my favorite time of year and I relish in afternoons spent drinking Chai and wandering around checking out all the art and fabulous kids activities. If you're looking for my children you'll be sure to find them at the Jumpers :). So it's decided then, come down in your finest fall digs with choice hot beverage in hand and enjoy 20% off all of Ija's amazing designs. I'll see you there. . .

Ija Designs Hand Forged Cuff in San Francisco Magazine

2009-09-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

This month's issue of San Francisco Magazine features our stunning Hand Forged Cuff in 14k gold fill. I love how this cuff instills a sense of Wonder Woman in me every time I wear it. I mean really, with a bracelet like that what can't a woman do?

Ija on the COVER of Audrey Magazine!

2009-09-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, the newest issue of Audrey Magazine is definitely showing their love of Ija. My favorite piece in the entire line is on the cover, our phenomenal Arrow Ring. This piece is absolutely a labor of love as each ring is handcrafted of numerous angles of fine silver (.999) to create a one of a kind hollow ring.

Further inside the issue you'll find our rockin' Leather Tassel Earrings and more shots of the Arrow Ring. Two pieces that are sure to get you stopped on the street.

The Fabulous New Cuttlefish Ring in Life & Style

2009-09-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

So excited to see the gorgeous new Cuttlefish Ring on the new 90201's Jessica Lowndes in this week's issue of Life & Style. This ring is one of my favorite pieces and is created by recasting sterling scraps from the studio into an actual cuttlefish bone. The end result is a stunning ring with phenomenal, organic texture.

I was also thrilled to see that the stylist chose to follow the rule of "less is more" when it comes to accessorizing. Especially when the "less" is a mind blowing ring . . .

Gypsy Earrings in Life & Style

2009-08-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out our Gypsy Earrings in this week's issue of Life & Style. These earrings are a fabulous addition to spice up any outfit and are fun with a little summer dress or carried into fall with a turtleneck and scarf.

Whitney Port Rockin' The Tink Earrings

2009-08-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Our new biggest fan, Whitney Port was spotted wearing the Tink earrings in SoHo this week. The Tinks are one of my favorite earrings and you'll often find me wearing them as I run errands with the kids. Clean, classic and whimsical . . . what more could you want?

Happy Hour Mom Giveaway

2009-07-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

Interested in winning an Ija Designs original piece? Be sure to check out our feature on HappyHourMom.com for a chance to win one of our fabulous skull bracelets. All you have to do is let them know which piece is your favorite. Seems easy, but once you start checking them out it's impossible to choose just one! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you . . .

Whitney Port Steppin' Out in Ija

2009-07-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, I was thrilled when this photo came across my desk of Whitney Port wearing her Ija Designs bangles. There are countless ways to intermix our many styles and Whitney chose to wear two thin simple bangles with a large clasped bangle. I'd have to say that it's a brilliant combination.

SummerFest '09

2009-07-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to extend a thank you to all my fabulous customers who came out to support Ija at this year's Bend SummerFest. This was my second year at SummerFest and what a success! It's always fun for me to get to meet people face to face and see what pieces they are attracted to and hear how much they love the pieces they already own. I was especially thrilled to see that the Swallow Cuff purchased last year for a Hawaiian vacation is still a favorite and sparkling as brilliantly as always, even after hours spent snorkeling :).

It means so much to me that people recognize the love that I put into all of my pieces. Each design is uniquely mine from conception to brilliant completion, and I'm thrilled that others recognize the quality and unique character of each Ija Designs piece. Thank you again for choosing to support a small, local business. I truly appreciate it.

Where did "Ija" come from?

2009-06-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Kelli Interview

2009-06-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out my interview with a local Portland blogger, Hello Kelli. It's a fun insight into a few of my favorite things and my philosophy behind Ija.

Welcome to Ija Designs

2009-06-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Ija Designs! I will do my best to keep everyone up to date on what's happening with the company, exciting news, new designs and anything else you might want to know. This is an extremely exciting time for me as we've been working endlessly to get the new website up and running and start moving forward in a fabulous new direction.

I'd like to take a moment to thank some incredible people for their efforts, without which I wouldn't have made it to this point with a strand of hair left. First off, my amazing husband for his unending support and encouragement, and also a few cold PBRs in the middle of chaos. My children for allowing mommy to hide in her hole for hours on end and still smothering me with kisses when I emerge. Ross Wordhouse of Wordhouse Creative who designed and built my entire new website, shot all my product photos, built my new linesheet and all in the timeframe of a millisecond; you ROCK! Red Door Studios for being such fabulous photographers and even better friends. Nash and Erica at Succarra for the push I needed to jump into the deep end. THANK YOU!!!!

Alright, here's to exciting things to come . . .