Today I am getting to know Candace from A Beaded Story – an Etsy shop focused on creating inspirational poem bracelets for special gifts. Candace offers peace and comfort with her beaded bracelets and has a wide variety tp choose from for all occasions.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where the inspiration came from to start your Etsy shop.
I have been doing crafts for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories are of Mom and I at the kitchen table making shrinky dinks. I have dabbled in almost every craft out there over the years. Those times spent crafting with Mom are very dear to me and formed a special bond between us.
In 2012 without notice my place of employment shut down along with some other bumps in the road. I took these as signs to do something that would make me happy in life. In the past I had owned a ceramic business and mural business and really enjoyed creating for people. This time I wanted to do something different maybe online sales so not to have storefront costs.
I had been doing the Life of Christ bracelets for a few years for friends and family and they seemed to enjoy them so much I thought I would expand on that. I searched or wrote poems for a few bracelets and started beading the words. In the mean time a friend suggested Etsy. I looked into the site and was impressed with the ease and low cost of starting. It was just what I was looking for so I signed right up! I did get cold feet and sat on the idea for a few months while still looking for a traditional job. At night I would make the bracelets to pass the time and once my craft table started overflowing with bracelets I knew it was time to take the plunge and get serious, and so A Beaded Story was born. In June of 2012 I opened my business and have never looked back. I enjoy the freedom it gives me and all the wonderful customers I get to work with. I now make 22 different poem bracelets in my line. You will find Family, Bridal, Cancer, Faith, Military and much more in my shop.
2. Do you have a favourite piece? Tell us about the thought process involved in creating it and why it is your favourite.
My favorite piece is my memorial bracelet. It is to remind the wearer that their loved one is always near to them. I enjoy making them because I know each one is giving comfort to those with a broken heart of loss of a loved one. Losing my own mother not to long ago I know that pain.
3. What is it that makes your shop unique?
My poem bracelets are not only a beautiful piece of jewelry but each one holds special meaning. I take a poem, pick out the significant words and put it to color. Each bead has a meaning in relation to the poem which makes it a special present to give. Each bracelet comes with a poem that outlines the meaning of the beads.
4. What’s next in the pipeline?
I’m working on an Aunt and Grandmother one. I’m always open for suggestions on new bracelets. Many of my best sellers come from suggestions from customers.
5. Tell us something about you or your shop that you haven’t previously shared!
I really enjoy making custom orders for people. Over Christmas I had a customer contact me asking if I could use a special poem she wrote to her Sister in Law. She sent me a family heirloom cameo to be included in the design. I thought this was such a special gift for her Sister in Law and enjoyed making this bracelet for her.
6. And finally, let us know where we can find you.
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ABeadedStory
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABeadedStory
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/abeadedstory/
Email: Abeadedstory@hotmail.com
Candace has also kindly created a coupon code exclusively for The Candy Tree readers! Use Coupon Code THANKS at checkout for 10% off your purchase.
Thank your for sharing your shop with us, Candace. I love that you have taken an original idea and used it to create not only a beautiful piece of jewellery, but a meaningful gift as well.
EmmaDickieDesign 