Etsy Feature: ♥Mia Beads♥

Etsy Feature: ♥Mia Beads♥
Shop Name: Mia Beads

What do you make? Mia Beads is an eclectic mix of jewelry for the young, and young at heart. I make quality pieces that are both trendy and timeless with designs inspired by nature and the vintage components I come across. I love delicate, feminine jewelry- and also bright, vibrant colors. Pearls, lockets, brass, oxidized silver and vintage glass are some of my favorite materials to work with.

How did you first pick up your craft? When I was younger, my mom and grama, who were both crafty and artistic, would buy me these huge bags of plastic beads. I would meticulously sort them and create colorful bracelets. My father built me a playhouse when I was 3 or 4, and I would sell my bracelets to family and friends through the window of my playhouse. (This was a very profitable business, as I would later get the bracelets back, cut them up, and make new ones to sell again!) At age six, my mom found me keeping track of my inventory on Yahtzee scorecards.... I've always had a great sense of business! :0) Over the years, I started using better materials and learning new techniques- I did my first craft show when I was 12 and started working at a bead shop a few years later. Working there, and interacting with so many talented people, taught me so much and helped me find my own style.

What are you inspired by? Mostly nature! I just finished a new bracelet; bright silver with frosted lucite flowers, crystal clear Swarovskis, and glass bell flowers in the palest shade of green- with an incredible luster. Think of an early morning- spring is just beginning to bloom- snowbells are pushing through the dirt, and everything is a little damp... then the sun starts to rise....

Tell me about yourself? I was born "Michelle", named after my father, Michael (in French). My younger brother gave me the nickname "Mia" as a kid, and it stuck. Currently, I'm a very ambitious 21-year-old... I run both my etsy shop and one location in a chain of bead shops, and am working on my business administration degree. I'm a sucker for good food and classic rock- which I also get from my father!

Other etsy shops you love:
Dalinda & JPATPURSES: Feeding my addiction for cute purses and pouches!
Picturesoflily: Gina makes great paper goods, and names them after my favorite songs!
Leeleeoh7: A fab jewelry designer and my good friend "IRL", we're always on the prowl for beads\
UglyAwesomeVintage: A super sweet etsian who makes the best treasuries!
Ellemoss: Photography that is just...cool.
And I could go on.... check out my favorites for more.....!

Advice for fellow artists/crafters? Just make what you love and be original- others will be able to see that passion in your work.
Etsy Advice: Never stop trying to improve! Pictures can always grab more attention, descriptions can always say more, and customers can always be happier!


***GIVEAWAY***
This weeks giveaway is just awesome and also from one of my favorite etsy shops and I'm so thrilled to be able to offer it on my blog!

Mia Beads has graciously offered a free pair of her stunning earrings priced $20 and under (You Pick Em!) from her shop to the winner!

How to enter:: RUN, dont walk, on over to Mia Beads etsy shop and leave a comment here stating your favorite item from her incredible shop! And be forwarned, it's stocked full of goodies, so you'll have a hard time choosing your favorite!

Standard rules apply ---> You must leave a way for me to get ahold of you in case you win!
On Tuesday 4/15 I'll announce the winner provided at least 20 people have entered this giveaway!

..... what are you waiting for??? Go and check out the amazing goodies at Mia Beads!!!