Hello and welcome to my humble shop. My name is Sandra and I am married to a retired U.S. Marine, and together we have four boys and four fur-babies. Recently we had our first two beautiful granddaughters born in 2018! I was raised in Maryland most of my childhood and live in Virginia most of my adult life. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University.
While I was waiting in line at a fabric-craft store, I picked up a Bead&Button magazine to pass the time and was immediately drawn in by so many wonderful projects. That night I Googled the materials needed for a particular bracelet, found one of the best local beading stores, Beads On Parade (which had closed it’s doors in 2017) and I was hooked! That was back in February of 2015, a few years later, I have met some wonderful local beaders I am honored to call my friends, I have met some of the best teachers and designers, and have learned so much from them, and I look forward to meeting and learning from so many more. But the very first designer that inspired me, and still does, is Ella Des…and no, I have yet to meet her in person…trying to though!
I love all beadweaving stitches and techniques, and am trying to learn and master all of them, nothing like an equal-opportunity beader! I also enjoy bead embroidery as it allows me to be more creative and free to open my mind, but it can often be difficult for me as my brain finds it difficult to work without rules. I’ve also dabbled in chainmail, mixed media, and even had the opportunity to get a private polymer clay lesson with the fabulous Barbara McGuire!
Several times a month I still get together with my wonderful group of beading friends from Beads On Parade, whether it’s to just gather around and bead or to take a class at the few remaining beadstores still around, I just truly find these ladies to be my TRUE inspiration and biggest supporters through it all!
Most recently I had my very first bracelet pattern submission accepted into The Bead & Button Magazine and even made the cover of the February 2019 issue! I am so very humbled and thankful for this experience, and as such I have decided to spread my wings more and share some if my patterns here in my humble little Etsy shop. Please join me on my journey, and I hope that one day too, that I will inspire you!