Interview & giveaway! Designated Dryden
Designated Dryden - Bold Jewelry for the Modern Gal
Tell us bit about yourself, your company.
DD: My company is Designated Dryden, a line of handmade jewelry. I make colorful, bold jewelry mostly using gemstones, but also colored chain, found objects and upcycled materials. I try to use second hand beads and components where possible. I like to think that the silhouettes I create are unique, and they are definitely made with love.
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
DD: When I was a kid I wanted to be an artist, a marine biologist or a ballet dancer. Then I went to college and got a master's psychology. While I was in graduate school my stress relief was making jewelry and so when I graduated I decided what made me happy was creating and now I've come full circle in a way.
Is there a certain person, place or object you draw inspiration from?
DD: I draw inspiration from everywhere. The pictures in my phone are mostly of colors, textures and patterns I can't stand to forget. I draw a lot of inspiration from the stones themselves as well.
If you had no boundaries: money, time, space, support, etc. what dream project would you pursue?
DD: Gold-smithing! I'd also love to design a line of hats and maybe eventually clothing. I'd also like to travel the world and collect rocks and oddities from everywhere.
What’s your favorite thing to do to kill time? Any secret Internet time wasters, guilty pleasures?
DD: I'm currently obsessed with the BBC and Masterpiece Classic. I find nothing more pleasurable than sitting at my desk for hours making jewelry and watching 6 straight episodes of some mini-series. I'm also quite obsessed with Pinterest.com.
Where do you like to go when you just want to get away? A beach, a mall, a market? What’s your favorite type of spot to go unwind.
DD: It depends on my mood. Sometimes I'll go wander a mall or a store just to convince myself I don't need anything, like a test. Otherwise I like to just kick it with my friends, go dancing or bowling (I'm actually on a bowling team). And now that it is nice outside I hope to get to some water of some sort.
If you only had one more meal to eat on this world what would it be? (It can be several courses)
DD: That's a hard one, right now, in this moment, I'm just interested in a bowl of chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup.
What do you love most about UCU’s Summer Show?
DD: I've never been to the Summer Show, so I'm excited to meet all the smiling faces of Seattle and connect with them.
Tell readers what they should expect to see when they stop by and see you at UCU.
DD: They'll encounter a smiling and chatty gal (and maybe her friend helping her) earnestly selling her designs. You'll find a variety of necklaces, earrings, and smattering of bracelets and upcycled brooches. You may also find an assortment of candy, I love candy.
Dryden is generously offering his Amethyst Nine Stone necklace. Just comment below for your chance to win!
