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About Kendra
For as long as I can remember I have admired the beautiful artsy beaded jewelry that fills the trendy little gift shops. I have always admired, but never been able to buy. Bead Still My Heart began as a single craft project. I became so fascinated by the shapes, sizes, colors and textures of the beads I was working with that I couldn't just stop with one project. As one piece of jewelry led to another I realized I was hooked. When a friend stopped by and saw one of my pieces and asked "Can you make me one?", I started considering the possibility of turning a hobby into profit. So I started putting trays of jewelry together and taking around to friends' homes. Selling enough jewelry to start investing in a good deal of beads and receiving my mothers generous overflow of beading supplies, Bead Still My Heart was born.
One night while I was searching for unique beading supplies I discovered Handmade Lampwork Beads and instantly fell in love. After months of drooling and anxious anticipation to light the torch and try it for myself, I finally was able to get the equipment and supplies needed to start the lifelong process of learning the ancient art of Lampwork Bead making. I absolutely love making beads. Recognizing that I am drawn to so many styles and designs I dont focus on a particular theme. But, I will say that I am intoxicated by transparent colored glass.
Most of my bead and jewelry making time is done after the kids are in school. But sometimes an idea for a new bead or piece of jewelry just wont rest until I sit down and bring it to life. Creativity is a wonderful, albeit time consuming, thing.
I am a stay at home mom with 5 boys, from college age through pre-school. My husband is a computer and internet guy at a telecommunications company. He is wonderfully supportive and a great dad. When I'm not busy, ha ha, I like to write and read and tend to my flowers. I spend way too much time on the internet and watching reality TV, but we all have our vices, don't we?
Thanks for taking the time to explore my site. Kendra
What kinds of beads do you like to make most? TOP
I love making the Garden goddess beads. They really take on their own form and personality as I work through the shaping. The BEST part is decorating them. I love doing the raised floral application, trying to incorporate color and texture and lush appeal....GREAT FUN! When do you have time to make beads? TOP
I have 5 boys, so my time is very limited. My youngest is in a half day special ed school program, so after he gets on the bus, I get on the torch. Unless "the unexpected" happens, I am usually on the torch Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 3:30, with breaks here and there. Taking photos, setting up auctions, packing and shipping, website work....all that I try to do in the morning along with my other household chores. I try very hard not to let my bead obsession take over my weekends, but sometimes I lack self control :D How did you learn to make beads? TOP
I took an intial intro class, just so I could see the process in action on a "Big Girl Torch" and make sure I understood what I was getting myself into. Most everything else is self taught from tutorials and videos. I did get to spend the weekend with Schermo last year, and that helped A LOT. Live classes with a solid instructor are worth every penny. |
