Featured Artist The Bead Muse

Sometimes life happens and when it does, it can drag you down or set you on a new path of creativity. Such is the case of Califia, a stay at home mom who had put her creativity on the back burner until a leg injury left her searching for something to do! Right after hurting her leg, she found out she was pregnant so mobility was massively limited. Since there are only so many books to read, she decided to pull out her box of “rescue” beads from her childhood.  Glass, stones and broken jewelry began taking on a new life in her hands and Califia was soon addicted.

As a child, Califia was an aspiring artist (graphite pencil work and acrylics), writer and dancer.  She even taught herself to juggle purely because it was something different and she was looking for a challenge.  Thanks to some negativity in her life, she slowly turned away from her creative pursuits until her injury.  What could have been a very depressing situation turned out to be the spark that she needed to regain her creative soul.

In the beginning, Califia was bent on earning money for a car.  After some discussion, she and her husband decided to make her jewelry pursuit a business and The Bead Muse was born.  She has since found her way to create with beads, wire wrapping, chainmaille, ribbon, leather, stones, glass, wood, bone and more.  She loves to upcycle items and take what could have become trash and create a one of a kind work of wearable art.

Califia has learned a lot about business….mostly due to trial and error!  Her advice to those wanting to dive in and sell their own handmade creations, research and practice a lot before you start to sell.  Start a fan page on Facebook and allow your friends watch as your talent grows and develops.  Take a good look at where you started and where you are now and allow yourself to be amazed at how far you have come.  In addition, the best advice she was ever given; don’t give up!  As an artist it takes time to bridge the gap between what you want your creations to look like and what your skill level is.  Don’t dive ahead before you are ready.

This talented artist has found so much joy in selling her creations.  She has met many unique people and enjoyed working in collaboration with other artists as well as worked trades with other artists.  She loves the connection and wishes we could get away from the “consumer” mentality and that more people would learn to appreciate the art; a passion for artistic endeavors rather than instant gratification.  The downside?  Well, learning to run the business side of the business is a work in progress for Califia.  Since most handmade artisans must wear all hats, she has jumped in and forced herself to learn.

The Bead Muse has sold at a few craft shows, but her work is mainly found online, which is a great thing for those of us that don’t live close!  You can find her shop on HandmadeArtists as well as on Etsy.  If you want the first look at her new creations, follow her on Facebook and Tumblr!

Tags: bracelet, chainmail, chainmaille, Handmade, Handmade Artists, jewelry, necklace, pendant, thebeadmuse, wire wrap

Posted in Featured Vendor, Handmade, Handmade Artisans