Natalie's gift

re: Natalie's gift

stringingannie — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:23:44 GMT

Hi Alison!

What a wonderful gift your niece gave you - the bracelet and a new career along with it! It's funny how someone's seemingly small action can have such a great effect on another person and actually change the course of her life.

I love hearing how people got started in their craft businesses... I have been doing photography since I was a teenager and have accumulated lots and lots of pictures. Since I only have so much wall space in my house, I decided to make my photographs little and put them on beads. That was the beginning of my business Little Visions Photo & Jewelry Art. I've been in business now for about a year and a half -- I love making jewelry out of my photos; it's very therapeutic and brings me a lot of joy!

I looked at your website -- your jewelry is really beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story!

~ Ann Widner

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re: Natalie's gift

Cathy Jakicic — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:25:15 GMT

Hi Alison,

We're so glad to have you as our guest blogger - I went back to look at the pieces to sent for our gallery last year - I had forgotten how cool they were.

My nieces are a great inspiration to me too - though I haven't gotten a business plan yet. I just get the fantastic unconditional admiration only kids can give. It's amazing how seeing a better version of yourself in someone else's eyes can give you the confidence to be what they see.

If they think I'm a great jewelry artist - then I'm going to mak sure I become one.

re: Natalie's gift

Stacy Hillmer — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:51:35 GMT

Hi Alison, and welcome to the BeadStyle blogging team!

That's absolutely beautiful that your niece got your started on beading. The amazing thing about crafting is that what goes around often comes around. I learned many crafts from my mom when I was growing up, which made it possible for me to work for BeadStyle and Bead&Button. Now, my mom reads the magazines I work on and she is starting to make polymer clay beads. Even my sisters get into it.

I have no doubt that your fine work will be inspiring to your niece and to the next generation in general!

re: Natalie's gift

auntieal — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:43:06 GMT

Thanks Natalie for that totally unexpected reply. Love you too!

Melissa,

Sounds like in time you will have a great little helper for shows and events. Beading really does help you keep your sanity sometimes!

re: Natalie's gift

MelissaL — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:40:54 GMT

Hi Alison,

Congratulations on winning the contest! I enjoyed reading your story on how you started beading. I started making beads and designing jewelry after my son was born. I loved being a stay at home Mom (and still do), but I was looking for something new to do for those times when I started going a little stir crazy. I'd been wanting to try my hand at making beads for several years but I kept long hours at my former job, and I never felt it was practical to start. I've found that this has been the perfect solution, as I can devote some time to beads on most nights after my son is asleep. My son loves the beads, too. I keep most of the supplies out of his curious little hands, but I gave him two oversized, elaborately-carved stone beads, and he carries them around the house, saying "beads, beads!"

re: Natalie's gift

Natalie K. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:14:52 GMT

hi auntie al! how have you been???

This is your neice, Natalie (koon).

i really like the blog you wrote about

the anklet i gave you. I had forgotten what it

looked like until i saw the picture.... now i remember.

well, i love you and i miss you... (sorry you couldn't come up for the 4th!)