Elle’s Beads – Funky, Eco-Friendly Fashion

Last Updated on Friday, 30 July 2010 07:26 Written by Elle Friday, 30 July 2010 07:26

Hi everyone!  I’m Elle, the creative force behind Elle’s Beads.  By day I’m a public interest paralegal and by night I’m a committed player in the Handmade Movement!  No, it’s not as exciting as if I donned a cape and roamed the streets fighting crime, but it’s an integral part of my life and something I’ve grown to truly love and cherish.

Elle’s Beads was never intended to be a business venture.  I started beading and making jewelry as an outlet for dealing with some of the depression and anxiety I was going through after starting my first “real” job in a new city after college. After a few months of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to open shop on Etsy and I’ve been selling my work ever since.

The designs I make are almost always one of a kind and reflect my personality and eclectic sense of style.  I have a line of LGBT pride jewelry as well as dozens of other funky, colorful pieces.  This year I’ve added lines of metal bookmarks and beaded cell phone charms, perfect even for those who don’t wear much jewelry.  I also make fabric accessories, including brooches, pins, and barrettes.

Environmental responsibility is a big issue for me and so a lot of my work reflects that.  I only use scrap fabrics for my accessories and often incorporate broken vintage jewelry, vintage buttons, and other second-hand embellishments into my work.  I make beaded and resin magnets and often use recycled bottle caps or even creative items like old keys and eyeglass lenses in my creations.  

You can find Elle’s Beads (and me!) all over the web.  I have shops on Handmade Artists Forum, Etsy, Zibbet and my own website.  I have an active Blogger blog, Tumblr blog, YouTube channel, Twitter, and Facebook page.  I’d love it if you stopped by and dropped me a line.  One of the best parts of starting this business is the wonderful friendships I’ve made with other artisans and lovers of handmade!

Until next time,

Elle

7 Comments

1. Chainmaille By MBOI   |  Friday, 30 July 2010 at 7:27 pm

   Love those brooches they are so unique!

   
2. Elle   |  Friday, 30 July 2010 at 7:32 pm

   Thank you so much!

   
3. Nia Morales   |  Saturday, 31 July 2010 at 5:40 pm

   Your pictures are beautiful!

   
4. Elle   |  Saturday, 31 July 2010 at 10:28 pm

   Wow, thanks Nia!

   
5. Jewelrybyjanelle   |  Thursday, 05 August 2010 at 12:30 pm

   What fun brooches! And I love seeing you use the vintage buttons as a center, very nice touch!

   
6. Elle   |  Thursday, 05 August 2010 at 6:19 pm

   Thanks so much Janelle! The buttons I use are all my grandmother’s so they’re extra special.

   
7. Start's Arts   |  Wednesday, 08 February 2012 at 7:23 am

   Great article! I checked out your YouTube videos and they’re awesome! You inspired me to make one:) Thanks:)