Meet Carmen

Carmen Eyssautier is a jeweler, crafter, socializer, appreciator of all things red, recovering geologist and arm chair travel enthusiast. After working summers in a jeweler's silver-smithing studio on the shores of Lake Superior, Carmen decided to go to school to become a geologist in order to "explain how pretty things [gemstones] are made." While working as a geologist for several years post-graduation on decidedly un-pretty things [cement and concrete] she went back to school to pursue a degree in international education while also dabbling in metal-smithing. She now works at a small liberal arts college in the Pacific Northwest in the office for study abroad and lives vicariously through students. She moonlights as a jeweler and general "crafter."

Carmen describes her jewelry as equal parts pretty and utilitarian. Her jewelry is multi-functional; understated enough for everyday wear, yet unique enough for special occasions. Carmen is thrilled to be involved with the Soiree Project as a way to be a part of - and give back to - her new community. She is grateful to the other members of the Soiree Project for their vision, creativity and inspiration.

Welcome to the party!

Founded by a small group of women artists, The Soiree Project's mission is to raise money for local organizations that empower women and girls. The women of the project use their time and talents to host "soirees" where they can showcase and sell their goods... for good! The Soiree Project is also joins into local fundraising efforts to further creative community collaboration.

Though this blog, The Soiree Project will introduce to the artists, their art, and the causes they love. We hope you have fun!

Glue Gunning for Good.

The Soiree Project was commissioned to make centerpieces for the YWCA of Pierce County's Annual Fundraising Luncheon. This years theme is "Reflection" as they look back on the progress the organization has made in the past few years, which includes the opening of a beautiful new shelter. Check out the amazing new living spaces! To be able to safely house women and children victimized by domestic violence in such a healing, empowering space is truly worth a moment of pause and thanks.

To encourage this time of reflection, the YWCA will showcase and auction off over 80 decorated mirror centerpieces. The Soiree Project is honored to be a part of the creation! Jennifer spent a blissfully free weekend getting a head start on the project.... this included a lot of fabric, felt, and her favorite tool of all, her trusty glue gun! Check out her photos below and stay tuned for updates from the other crafters and photos of the finished products.

We are super excited to be collaborating with the YWCA and hope you will check out their great work. Here are a few of my works in progress:

The felt flowers will go all around the frame

Beads will be added to the center of each fabric flower.

Felt flowers and leaves.

Meet Emily

Emily has been making jewelry since elementary school when she first strung together a plastic pearl necklace from a jewelry-making kit that she got one Christmas . . . only to have it fall apart at the first wear. But don't worry, she's learned a lot about making lovely (and durable!) jewelry since then.

Emily's favorite design is a waterfall necklace with large beads, and she draws a lot of her inspiration from costume jewelry of the 30's and 40's. "I love gaudy, sparkly, colorful things that make me happy to look at and wear", she says. Along with jewelry, she loves books, vintage hats, stilettos and a good cup of licorice spice tea.

Emily works as a professional fundraiser, so working with the Soiree Project is a fun way to combine her love of jewelry with her passion for philanthropy. She loves the feeling of making something beautiful and knowing that it will support a beautiful cause.

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer was inspired to create jewelry when her great aunt Ellen passed away leaving Jennifer a large collection of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and brooches from her 88 years of life. Ellen wore these jewels with joy during her 40 year marriage to her husband when they would go out dancing in Seattle. Jennifer decided to let these gems and Ellen's memory live on by "up-cycling" the components of Ellen's jewelry into new unique pieces.

Jennifer loves to mix colors and textures, using beads, ribbon, chain and fabric in many of her creations. Her most popular piece is the Bauble Necklace which she has custom designed for many people. "I aspire to make unique, wearable jewelry that is affordable," Jennifer says.

The mother of two young girls, Jennifer is passionate about supporting efforts to empower women and girls in her community. "I love hosting parties, so The Soiree Project is a great way for me to engage others in fundraising efforts while sharing my craft and a bottle of wine."

Jennifer's products can be found on LeHappySigh.blogspot.com or etsy.com/shop/leHappySigh.

Meet Katie

Corporate rat by day, crafter by night Katie dabbles in an array of homemade art. Soy candles and natural body products are her current passion as she loves to experiment with new scent and flavor combinations. When asked, "Why do you Soiree?" Katie quickly replies, "Its what I do... it is what I do." Actively involved in fund raising efforts in her local community, Katie aspires to teach other the beauty of charitable giving and good skin (try her Mudslide Sugar Scrub!).

Katie is excited about hosting Soiree Mama at a local YWCA shelter, where children can "shop" for mother's day gives, selecting from a bevy of Soiree Project crafts. "Many of the women in this shelter have left their abusive homes with the bare necessities. By donating my products to this brunch, these women will have a bit of luxury in their lives."