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

Featured Shop Creative Artworks

Last Updated on Monday, 5 July 2010 02:03 Written by Chainmaille By MBOI Monday, 5 July 2010 02:03

From stained glass to hand painted glass and cards, Creative Artworks is very diverse in their creations.

One of my favorite pieces is this Mosaic Letter “A”. Linda of Creative Artworks will help design a custom piece to your liking.

I can just picture this in a kids room over their bed or even a more adult piece for a bedroom or family room.

Her stained glass pieces really come alive as well such as this Tulip

These are just a couple examples of Creative Artworks talents make sure you stop by her shop on the Handmade Artists Shop to see more!

Featured Artist – Crafty Pants Carol

Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 09:50 Written by Manic Butterfly Wednesday, 18 November 2009 06:00

I just recently started selling on Etsy, but have been making all kinds of things since I was a little girl. My mom taught me to knit, crochet, sew and embroider and I do all that now – and more.

I have welded metal garden art, sewn clothing and bags, glued ornaments, made molds with plaster and replicas with resin – and I am really excited about incorporating as much of what I like to do into the items that I sell.

I use recycled materials from around my home, vintage and used materials from estate and garage sales, and new things that add interest. My main objective is to use recycled materials, but my overall goal is to create something functional and interesting to look at. I consider it a challenge and I love it! 

Check me out on Etsy.
Read my blog.