Where can I shop The Pufferfish Project in person?

I currently have a permanent display in DSSOLVR’s Durham Taproom (630 Rigsbee Ave Durham, NC), Gizmo Brew Works’ Durham Taproom (3109 Shannon Rd. Durham, NC), Durty Bull Brewing’s Durham Taproom (206 Broadway St #104, Durham, NC), and The Glass Jug Beer Lab’s Durham Taproom (545 Foster St Suite 10, Durham, NC). I also do some local markets around Durham, NC - Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see which markets I have coming up. I would love to meet you and let you see all the fun earring designs I only sell in person! All earrings are designed and assembled in Durham, NC. Thank you for supporting local :)

Why and what is “The Pufferfish Project”?

The Pufferfish Project was started by frustration. I was tired of constantly feeling “puffed up” about the way things worked. As a customer I was frustrated of buying cute looking jewelry that I couldn’t comfortably wear because they were made with metals that caused irritation for me. As a vendor I was frustrated by market organizers who made me feel like the product for them to profit off of versus me being there to share my products with the local community as a maker. I never want anyone to feel disheartened the way I have been made to feel after buying jewelry, or after participating in a market or pop up/artist residency which is why I am very particular about the sourcing of my materials when making, the relationships I form with hosting venues, the way I show support and appreciation to the artists I feature, and the messages I send through my words and actions. I will ALWAYS put people before profit and will always prioritize what is best for our community as a whole over what is best for just myself. I also just really like Pufferfish - they are SO CUTE!!

Can I wear these if I have very sensitive skin?

Yes! That is why I started. I would buy so many cute earrings from local maker/art markets and stores around town, excitedly wear them the next morning, only to have my ears itch and become unbearable by the afternoon. I never want anyone to feel that defeated feeling after buying jewelry from me, which is why I am very particular about sourcing of materials. All earring backs on my website are gold or silver wrapped stainless steel so they are PERFECT for sensitive skin. So perfect you will forget you even have earrings in. I have worn almost exclusively my own earrings for years and have built confidence with many customers who bought one pair “to try” and quickly became loyal fans of earrings made by The Pufferfish Project once they wore them around and didn’t even notice them in their ears at all! They are officially sensitive skin girlie approved. If you are interested, I will provide you with two earrings backs for FREE so you can wear them around and try them out before you commit to buying a pair :) Just email or DM me to arrange to receive them!

What is your return and exchange policy?

All website sales are final at this time. However, should you have any concerns or issues with a product or order please click on the contact us button in the top right corner and let us know! We would love the opportunity to make it right with you. Detailed return policy information is available by clicking the “Return Policy” link in the footer section at the bottom of this page.

What’s next?

I am not totally sure! I’m grateful to have made it far enough to even have a website. I will be working on growing my featured artist pop up locations that support other local artists. I also have some ideas for new products and crafts to just play around with, and lots of other ideas but we will see where the wind takes me! I want to learn some new skills, grown some others, all without sacrificing self care and ensuring that through the struggles of being a small business I also have some fun :) I’ve been taking some classes at Liberty Arts, Scrap Exchange, and other local businesses and found a ton of inspiration from several incredible makers and humans right here in Durham, NC. Cheers!