Design Talent: Penny Larsen Munson

Name: Penny Larsen Munson

Specialty: I design and make custom, handcrafted jewelry and hairpieces.

Background: I’d been making and selling my pieces since the early ’90s, but it was in 2001, while shopping for my own wedding dress, that I discovered the world of bridal couture. I met the owner of an upscale bridal salon who offered to trade a gown for jewelry. I jumped at the chance—I love to barter—and have been creating bridal jewelry ever since.

Inspiration: Lately, I’m into vintage jewelry—everything from finely granulated earrings from the Byzantine era to chunky, costume jewelry from the ’40s.

Headband with Swarovski crystals ($300) and flower hair combs with freshwater pearls and frosted quartz ($115-$125), both by Penny Larsen, from L’Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique.

Find Penny Larson’s custom jewelry at L’Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique, 493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492