Una Tia Especial - Handmade Jewelry and Crafts

Recommitment

2010-05-19T18:14:00.004-04:00

No one told me trying to run a global empire was so much work!

I kid...I kid. I, by no means believe I am running a global empire. I'm just trying keep up with everything that needs to be kept up with when working in a social medium! Facebook, Twitter, Blogging....there is so much to do!

I am resolving myself to get back into blogging more often. I miss just posting pictures of my jewelry and telling the story behind it. Unfortunately, it may have to wait a bit longer....I had to take my iMac to the Apple Store for the second time in as many weeks! I know. You're saying to yourself, "But Macs are supposed to be problem free!" Well, evidently mine isn't...but I have had it for over two years, so I'm not really complaining. I had the hard drive replaced (at no cost! I cannot underscore the utter importance of buying an extended warranty when it comes to computers. Regardless if they are PCs or Macs) a couple of weeks ago. Then on Saturday, it wouldn't start up. Nothing. Nada. Zip. So, I brought it in yesterday and now the good folks at Apple have my computer.

In the mean time, I will try to take pictures of my lovelies, so I'll have something to blog about when I get my iMac back.

The Muse has been revealed!

2009-12-19T21:19:00.004-05:00

It's time to "Reveal the Muse"! Scarlet Larson over at The Beader's Muse has selected a winner and revealed the stunning "Muse" of Use the Muse III.

This beautiful butterfly was the only piece of the kit that had to be used in the piece. There are so many artistic people out there. I was blown away by the winners! Congrats to everyone for participating!

Here is my entry - Carenlian Copper Bliss

You can see all the entries by clicking here and here.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Una Tia Especial!

2009-12-08T14:48:00.001-05:00

Holiday Catalog has arrived!

2009-11-10T21:39:00.006-05:00

Visit Una Tia Especial more information!

***Update - December 20, 2009- The following items have been sold:

ZigZag Bracelet
Amethyst Floral Lampwork Bracelet
Terra Cotta Chandelier Earrings
Multi Color Cat's Eye Necklace
Turquoise Blue Sea Multi-Strand Necklace
Jupiter Swirls Set

Remember to check out my Etsy store for more items!

Use the Muse!

2009-10-03T22:50:00.002-04:00

One of my fellow HAF Etsy Street Team artists participated in a beading contest called "Use the Muse". Scarlett over at The Beader's Muse, together with Artbeads.com, developed this contest. The key is to "Use the Muse". One item is chosen to be the Muse and it must be used in the finished piece. Each kit contains the Muse as well as other accent beads. Additional beads can be added and you don't have to use the kits beads. The only requirement is that you "Use the Muse" and not reveal it until it's time.

I started working on my piece a few days ago. I'm getting excited at what the finished product will look like. In the mean time, here's my workspace while I "Use the Muse". The Muse is NOT visible per contest instructions.

Check back later when it's revealed!

Mix it Up!

2009-08-27T20:10:00.003-04:00

Usually my designs are very linear and patterned. Imagine my surprise when I grabbed a hodgepodge of Swarovski crystals and pearls and strung them together. What beautiful bracelets!

HAF Team Spreading the Love

2009-08-24T13:07:00.007-04:00

This week we have a wide variety of featured artists from jewelry to infant clothing to fiber and felt! Please check out these great artists!

Monday 8.24 Virginia Nin - Handmade Art from Puerto Rico

Tuesday 8.25 Unkamengifts

Wednesday 8.26 The Pirate Chest by SisterJewelry

Thursday 8.27 Rose of Sharon Jewelry - AFF Jewelry

Friday 8.28 Artsy Crafty

Saturday 8.29 Artistic Will - Sparkling Glitter Artwork

Sunday 8.30 Fiber Felter by Raven333

HAF Team Spreading the Love

2009-08-20T11:26:00.008-04:00

I'm a little late getting this blog post out...so without further adieu....this week's contestants!

Monday 8.17 Mylingy's Purr-fect Candles

Tuesday 8.18 YukoDesigns

Wednesday 8.19 VictorianFantasy

Thursday 8.20 MakintheBestofIt

Friday 8.21 Christine's Jewelry Box

Saturday 8.22 Shabby Rose Boutique

Sunday 8.23 Suzie's Armoire

Una Tia Especial - The Remix

2009-08-16T13:58:00.004-04:00

Check out this video I made courtesy of Animoto to highlight some of my favorite pieces!

I'm featured in the Etsy Top 10!

2009-08-10T11:27:00.004-04:00

If you're familiar with Etsy, then you're probably familiar with Tim Adam's Etsy Top 10. Every week, he selects ten items from ten Etsy stores to showcase! Artists clamor for a spot in the top 10....

Well, last week it was my turn!!!!!!!!!!

Tim selected my Volcano Swarovski Rivoli Ring!

If you want to vote to be considered for a spot in the Etsy Top 10, go to Tim's Blog and pick your favorite from last week's Top 10. (No pressure to choose my ring....Hee Hee) and post it in the comment section. He usually also requires a cross comment in an Etsy thread, but that doesn't seem to be the case this week.

The next Etsy Top 10 will be posted August 18th. Enter your shop today!

HAF Team Spreading the Love

2009-08-09T20:26:00.008-04:00

Ta Da! Here are this week's featured stores! Check them out today!

Monday, 8.10 - Crazy but Cute by Andrea Majot

Tuesday, 8.11 - Crafty Pants Carol

Wednesday, 8.12 - Bitsy Creations

Thursday, 8.13 - White Raven Arts

Friday, 8.14 - Foret...Emporium of the Unique

Saturday, 8.15 - Seedlings Bits

Sunday, 8.16 - A Touch of Glass

To Oxidize or Not To Oxidize???

2009-08-08T22:05:00.005-04:00

I've been working with sterling silver for some time now but I only recently learned how to oxidize silver. What a transformation! It really adds depth to the pieces.

Here are a few examples....

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

What's your preference?

HAF Team Spreading the Love

2009-08-03T14:45:00.007-04:00

I'm part of the Handmade Artists Forum's ETSY Street Team and we've taken to selecting one shop every day to promote promote promote!

For fear that real life would get in the way, I've decided to blog the love weekly!

Without further adieu, here are the HAF Etsy Street Team stores for the week of 8/3/2009:

Monday 8.3 - Eclectic Collective Handmade Designs by Roboresa

Tuesday 8.4 - WildWomanCreations

Wednesday 8.5 - Cutie Patootie Beads

Thursday 8.6 - Simply Sugar Designs

Friday 8.7 - Nature's Decor

Saturday 8.8 - All Thangs Old But New 2 U

Sunday 8.9 - Memories in Mosaics

Ring Crazy!

2009-08-02T21:20:00.003-04:00

Rings are my new obsession!

They are so versatile and relatively easy to make. The beauty of them is that they can be made with sterling silver or artistic wire and you really can't tell the difference!

Here are three affordable rings I made in less than an hour!

Swarovski Crystal Copper Cosmic Ring

Swarovski Meridan Blue Rivoli Ring

Swarovski Volcano Rivoli Ring

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-04T13:53:00.000-04:00

Who can say it better than Sam the Eagle....

Especial de Domingo - Two for the Price of One

2009-06-21T11:34:00.010-04:00

Today's Sunday Special is twice the fun! I wasn't able to blog last Sunday as I spent a glorious weekend at Lake Erie and finished up the trip with a fabulous excursion to Cedar Point! Oh, how I love roller coasters! Here's a view of Cedar Point from the marina's golf course...

Now, on to the business at hand!

Today, I'm highlighting Meagan at Meagan's Designs on Etsy! Meagan's store is full of hand-knit lovelies! Her crafts are practical and cute!

Check out this deep purple coffee mug cozie...

And this gorgeous chartreuse neck warmer...

Don't forget to visit Meagan's Etsy Shop:

And her blog!

The second Etsian I'm highlighting is NunofaKind on Etsy! I'm finding through my Etsy Secrets membership that there are so many talented artists out there! Nun is no different! Her creations are meant to show the bonds of sisterhood, both familial and friendship! What better way to say that someone is your sister! She has nuns for every occasion and occupation!

Check out the Dental Hygienist Nun. Which reminds me...I need to change dentists!

There's even the Wedding Planner Nun!

Make sure you visit her shop today!

And don't forget her blog!

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-20T19:59:00.006-04:00

Lori Dean Dyment of DeanDymentStudios gave my blog its first "One Lovely Blog Award"! I am truly touched. I gladly accept this honor and will happily fulfill the duties that have been bestowed upon me. ☺

Lori is a multi-faceted artist! Her Etsy shop is full of all sorts of goodies, from original prints to oil paintings to glass pendants! Make sure you check out her shop as well as her Blog!

Want to play along? Here are the rules:

*Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

*Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.

*Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

And without further delay, here are the fabulous blogs I hope you'll check out!

1. T and Little S Designs
2. Side Lines by Made by Swirly Girl
3. Shazzebeth Creations
4. Bijoux Boutique
5. Cindy's Art and Soul
6. Canadian Rockies Art
7. Blooming in Japan by Mee a Bee
8. Mandibeads
9. Julie Magers Soulen Photography
10. While Tangerine Dreams
11. Linda B's Jewelry Designs
12. By Jen
13. Blah. Blah. Ramblings from a Design Studio <-- Love this title!

14. Creative with Clay
15. jbEbert - pearls, gems,...and a little bling

Wedding Bling

2009-06-18T23:14:00.006-04:00

So my friend Kim asked me if I might be interested in making some jewelry for one of her friend's that is getting married this year. I instantly thought of my Bliss Series as I just think they are the cat's meow. But she's looking for a bracelet and earrings, so my mind starting working.

I created this wedding version of the spiral weave using Swarovski AB Pink Alabaster and White Opal 4mm bicones and 4mm pearls.

And tonight I took a class at Need 2 Bead, which just lent itself to a wedding theme. It's a Basket Weave weave using 4mm Czech fire polished glass beads and seed beads. I'm thinking of making it a wider bracelet by doubling the width. There was an example at the store and it is just stunning!

Which is your favorite? Do you think a wider basket weave would look more elegant for a wedding? Let me know!

Free Shipping

2009-06-08T22:31:00.005-04:00

Enter code "Free Ship" in a message to seller at checkout and receive FREE SHIPPING on all items through June 10, 2009!

Especial de Domingo - Jen Kiaba Photography on Etsy

2009-06-07T08:39:00.005-04:00

Time for another addition of the Una Tia Especial Sunday Special!

Today I've chosen to spotlight Jen Kiaba. Jen is a wonderfully talented photographer and a very nice person to boot! ;-) I discovered her work through Etsy Secrets and I discovered her personality through Twitter and Facebook. She is always supportive and offers really great photography tutorials. Her tutorial on Picassa is a must see!

Her photos are unique and interesting. They make you want to look deeper. Take "Under My Toes" for instance. If you enlarge the image, there are subtle pink flowers on the ground.

I love how she uses different hues to really capture the essence of the photo:

Jen's work is outstanding! Visit her blog here!

And make sure to check out her awesome Etsy store!:

Gala Ring

2009-06-02T21:13:00.003-04:00

Last night I learned how to make a ring! Never did I anticipate making a ring when I started making jewelry. Angie K. taught a class at Need 2 Bead on creating a Gala Ring using seed beads and Swarovski crystals. Boy, was it easy! The hardest part was choosing the colors!

The one I listed in my Etsy shop and the one shown here is not the one I made in class. The one I made in class was a light amethyst Swarovski crystal and you can see the drilled hole due to the light color. It takes away from the ring. Not cute. At all.

So, last night I made this Gold and Metallic Green Iris Gala Ring. Enjoy!

Featured in Mosaic Monday

2009-05-31T20:47:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Maria for featuring me in her Etsy Secrets Mosaic Monday! She featured my Zebra Pride Car Charm!

You can check out her blog here!

Especial de Domingo - The House of Mouse

2009-05-31T08:14:00.002-04:00

This week I've decided to profile Anna Greaves of The House of Mouse on Etsy. Anna is a fellow Etsy Secrets member and but for ES, I don't know that I would have ever found her adorable shop.

Her art is mice! Don't you just love it?!? Her creativity flows in abundance with her creations. I saw the Barack Obamouse and I was sold. I placed the order immediately! I can't wait to receive it and show it to all my friends. I've already got the space picked out in my office to showcase this masterpiece!

Wonder Woman Mouse!

And because I am a Harry Potter fanatic -

Visit her Etsy store today!

Check out Anna's blog - Life, Craftiness and Everything Else! and her bundle of cuteness here!

Buckeye Wire Wrap

2009-05-30T21:15:00.004-04:00

O - H

I - O

If you know anything about Columbus, Ohio, you know it's Buckeye Central. This town goes absolutely nuts for THE Ohio State University Buckeyes. I fought it hard. It took me six years to be converted. But they got me.

Go Buckeyes!

I got the idea to do this bracelet after taking a beginning wire wrap class at 1 Stop. I thought it was a fun way to support the Buckeyes and remain fashionable!

Colors

2009-05-29T23:02:00.011-04:00

Before I started making jewelry, I didn't fully understand the entire spectrum of color. Growing up, we were taught the colors of the rainbow - ROY G BIV - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet. Well now, thanks to Swarovski, there's Siam, Fire Opal, Citrine, Erinite, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Amethyst, among many others.

I've gone through phases of favorite Swarovski crystal colors.

My first obsession was Fire Opal and Siam.

Then I moved to Crystal Copper.

Now I'm hooked Padparadscha. And I don't even know how to say it.

What's your favorite color?

Etsy Featured on Good Morning America!

2009-05-29T14:34:00.001-04:00

Turn Your Crafts Into Cash - ABC News

Shared via AddThis

Hodgepodge

2009-05-25T10:25:00.008-04:00

I've made many jewelry items over the last several months and taken hundreds of pictures. I didn't always blog about each piece, so I've decided to make this hodgepodge post.

Earthtone Spiral Bracelet - I'm addicted to beadweaving! I love the simplicity of the weave yet how intricate it can be with the different sizes of seed beads and the true rainbow of colors available!

Byzantine Bracelet - I recently expanded into chainmaille. You may have read about my diamond chainmaille bracelet a little while back. I posted a Tweet about it and it got the attention of another chainmaille blog and seller, Chainmaille by MBOI, who tweeted back at me and that's how I found the site to purchase my first Byzantine bracelet kit. I love the elegant look of this weave. The sterling and copper combination is just magical!

Triangular Peyote - Going along with my new found obsession with beadweaving, I bought a beadweaving book. I'm in beadweaving heaven! I picked this weave not realizing it was peyote stitch. Several other beaders have groaned when peyote is mentioned, but I found it delightful! The bright green and silver lined crystal beads really pop against each other.

Black and White Cabernet Bracelet - This weave was taken at Need 2 Bead. It was my first exposure to ladder stitch. I love this bracelet! It's so simple yet so elegant. (I say that a lot, don't I???) I think that's what I love most about beading. The simplicity of it all and the elegance.

Semi-Precious Stone and Crystal Wire Wrap - This is another creation thanks to Stacy at Need 2 Bead. Thanks to this class, I became addicted to working with wire. The beauty of this bracelet is that it can be made in any color combination. The volume of stones and crystals out there is endless!

Cocoa Bliss Necklace - This right angle weave necklace was the first class I took at Need 2 Bead. I made four other necklaces within a week of taking of the class. This necklace really is elegant. I think it's perfect for a wedding or prom.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T09:25:00.002-04:00

Everyday should be Memorial Day. We should always keep the men and women who are keeping and have kept our country safe.

I honor my Brother, Staff Sergeant Manuel Silveira and his many fellow soldiers, marines, airmen and seamen of the United States Armed Forces.

Especial de Domingo - Mad Maggie Designs

2009-05-24T10:46:00.011-04:00

The first Etsian I have chosen to feature is Leslie Gidden over at Mad Maggie Designs. She's been extremely supportive and friendly at EtsySecrets and I just love her designs!

Her Etsy store is fun and hip! Take a look at these candy filled earrings!

Another example of her out of the box creativity are her listings for Map pieces as a pendant!

It's been so fun exploring all the different artists out there. Leslie is extremely talented.

And her Blog!

*All pictures property of Leslie Gidden

New Feature!

2009-05-24T10:25:00.006-04:00

I've recently joined a discussion group with many fascinating fellow Etsy sellers. It's so cool to see just how many creative people are out there and the numerous ways to be creative. We're all committed to seeing everyone succeed and the support we're giving each other is amazing.

In an effort to promote world wide creativity, I'm going to feature a fellow Etsian every Sunday, in what is going to be called...wait for it...

Especial de Domingo

(Sunday Special)

I thought I'd play on my own shop name. Clever, huh? :)

RAW Tennis Bracelet

2009-05-22T22:17:00.005-04:00

I have always admired the Right Angle Weave Tennis Bracelet at 1 Stop. When Need 2 Bead offered a RAW Tennis Bracelet class, I signed up immediately! They used seed beads and 6mm Swarovski crystals. After I took the class and picked up the technique, I decided to take a stab at making the 1 Stop bracelet. It uses 3mm Tierra Cast Heishi beads as the base and 4mm Swarovski crystals.

I like them both for different reasons.

What do you think?

Seed Bead RAW

Tierra Cast RAW

Bad Blogger

2009-05-22T12:48:00.002-04:00

I've been a very bad blogger...

Updates coming this weekend!

Egyptian Coil Links Bracelet

2009-05-03T21:29:00.004-04:00

Working with metal is fun and exciting because you can do so many things with it! Last week, I took another class at Need 2 Bead to learn how to make the Egyptian Coil. The pattern made is from Laura Pacino and she calls it Lotz of Links. I want the Egyptian Coil to be the focal, which is what I'm focusing on.

The beauty of this link is that you can use a lot of the coils to create a striking bracelet or even necklace.

Mother's Day Personalized Sterling Silver Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

2009-04-29T22:33:00.004-04:00

While driving home the other day I came up with the idea to create a gift for my sister-in-law for Mother's Day. I thought using Swarovski Crystal in the birthstones of my nieces, nephew and Patty, my sister-in-law. But that wasn't enough. I wanted to really personalize it, so I added sterling silver initial toy box letters to really make it special.

Birthstones:
Jan - Garnet
Feb - Amethyst
Mar - Aquamarine
Apr - Crystal
May - Emerald
June - Lt. Amethyst
July - Ruby
Aug - Peridot
Sept - Sapphire
Oct - Rose
Nov - Topaz
Dec - Blue Zircon

Buy it for the special mom in your life!

Diamond Chain Maille

2009-04-27T21:27:00.005-04:00

Tonight I learned a really cool metal technique known as Chain Maille at Need 2 Bead. It's essentially the joining of jump rings to create any design imaginable.

This design is a Diamond pattern, as you build up the links and then decrease them to create a diamond shape. The lamp work beads are the same ones as I used in The Love Knot.

It was much easier than it looks!

My Mom

2009-04-26T21:05:00.006-04:00

I love my mom. I don't get to see her as often as I would like as she lives in southern Georgia and well, I live in Ohio. I was lucky enough to spend a week with her in February when my aunt and uncle visited from Germany. We went on a road trip out west. We visited my brother and his family in Kansas and then drove on to Colorado Springs to visit a friend of my mom and some friends of mine. My mom hadn't seen her friend, Ingrid, in 26 years! It was so nice for them to touch base. I caught up with a few girlfriends I met on a cruise last September and a good high school friend, Michelle, whom I hadn't seen since 1996. It was a great trip.

A month ago, I learned to create a Cellini Spiral bracelet at Need 2 Bead. It was an utter monster to complete. During the class, another participant chose really cool colors, so I bought them to make another. That was before I realized how much of a monster this bracelet would turn out to be. It took me 6 hours to complete! I vowed not to make another one. But I had those really cool colors to work with. So I decided to make one more and give it to my mom for Mother's Day.

Tonight, I finished it. I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I know she'll love it.

Facebook Fanage

2009-04-25T07:06:00.003-04:00

Oh, and I have a Facebook Fan Page for my jewelry as well.

Fanage

Check it out! :D

Do You Twitter?

2009-04-25T07:03:00.002-04:00

Well, I apparently I do....

Tweet!

Swarovski Starburst Pendant

2009-04-21T20:42:00.003-04:00

Tonight, I took another class at Need 2 Bead. It was the Swarovski Starburst Pendant. It's made of all Swarovski bicone crystals, 4mm and 6mm. It's a very easy pattern and can be made in virtually any color.

This one is made with Swarovski Fire Opal and AB Crystal bicones.

Stunning!

Party Pics

2009-04-21T20:19:00.002-04:00

When I laid out everything for the party, I realized I had a TON of stuff!

Jewelry Party

2009-04-16T23:47:00.002-04:00

I'm hosting a jewelry party on Saturday. It's one way I'm showcasing my jewelry pieces. I spent the evening organizing my latest order of beads, etc. Attendees will able to see what beads I have available and create their own custom piece!

I'm really excited about it!

The Caterpillar Bracelet Series

2009-04-14T22:07:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday, I took a beadweaving class at Need 2 Bead and learned how to make what I am going to call The Caterpillar Series. The pattern looks similar to a caterpillar...hence the name. ;)

The main design is made with teardrop seed beads on a base of cube seed beads.

The Wheatberry Caterpillar Bracelet

The Purple Iris Caterpillar Bracelet

The Buckeye Caterpillar Bracelet was made with size 8 seed beads. It just doesn't have the same excitement as the teardrops.

Rainy Days

2009-04-14T13:39:00.000-04:00

Rainy days are good for catching up. I've been reading up on the Etsy forums and perusing various blogs. There are a lot of creative people out there!

Last week, I learned how to make a caterpillar bracelet. The base of the bracelet is a square stitch with cube seed beads. The cover is made of teardrop seed beads. It was quite the feat to make. It took me about four hours to complete it.

Today, I think I'm going to try a Buckeye caterpillar bracelet. I bought some scarlet and gray size 8 seed beads that should make a nice variation.

I'll take some pictures of my recently finished pieces soon and post them!

Sales

2009-04-12T20:31:00.001-04:00

I just want to thank my friends for being my best customers! I am so very lucky to have the support of beautiful and wonderful ladies. Ladies, who now, have awesome jewelry! ;)

Beginning Bead Weaving

2009-04-08T21:42:00.000-04:00

Tonight, I took a beginning bead weaving class at 1 Stop. Boy, was it simple! I was really finished with my bracelet in probably 30 minutes, but I had to wait around for the teacher to discuss the closing phase. She was waiting for a few others to finish. I took advantage and walked about the store selecting new colors to make the bracelet again!

Here is the finished product!

New Ideas

2009-04-06T17:20:00.000-04:00

So, I'm always looking for new designs and techniques to use. I've become addicted to jewelry classes. This week is going to kill me.

Monday night - 2 strand class
Tuesday night - Wire wrapped cabochon class
Wednesday night - Beginning bead weaving class
Thursday night - Teardrop bracelet class

I'm very excited for the cabochon class and the teardrop class. Pictures will be posted to showcase the result!

The Love Knot

2009-04-05T18:29:00.001-04:00

I was supposed to take a class at Need 2 Bead yesterday to learn how to make a love knot bracelet. The teacher didn't show up.

I am not a patient person. When I want to do something, I want to do it....NOW. So this morning, I did some searching for a tutorial on how to make a love knot. I found one at Hodgepodgerie. So I went back to the bead store to buy the silver and beads that I would have used yesterday and made it on my own.

The knots themselves are not very tight. I think I either need to use a thicker gauge wire or make more coils. I'm going to experiment using craft wire to perfect the technique. But for my first go, I'd say it looks alright.

A New Adventure

2009-04-05T09:58:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

My name is Elaine and I make custom jewelry. :)

I started doing this as a way to make meaningful Christmas presents and it has blossomed into a full fledged obsession! I opened up an Etsy shop at the fierce insistence of my friends Tina and Emily. They received so many compliments when wearing the jewelry I made for them, I decided to give it a go!

My Etsy shop is Una Tia Especial. It's named in honor of my nieces and nephew, Alexis, Jennifer and Kevin. Tia is the Spanish word for Aunt. As father is Cuban, I grew up calling my aunts, Tia. Not one to slight my mother's sister, I call her Tante, as she and my mother are German. However growing up in Miami, Florida, I saw my dad's sisters much more than I did my Tante Moni. Tia is just cool. And I'm the coolest! ;)

I started selling my jewelry on Etsy in January 2009 and less than two weeks later, I had my first sale. To a total stranger! I was so excited! It was then that I thought maybe I could make a go at this.

I just love making jewelry. I love taking classes to learn new techniques. My favorite technique is beadweaving with wire working coming in a close second. My favorite places to take classes are Need 2 Bead in Canal Winchester (five minutes from my house - yay!) and 1 Stop Bead Shop in Dublin (not so close...) :)

I hope you see something you like! If something catches your eye and you want more information, please don't hesitate to contact me. I can make virtually any piece longer, shorter or with different colors. The sky is our limit! Let your imagination go!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope to bead you soon! :)