The Christmas Spider ornament and legend is very popular around the holidays, much like the Christmas Pickle. I've been making and selling my beaded Christmas Spiders since 2005. One of my eldest sisters and I were beading tassels in the 1990s and she said I should try making one... and so I did and I never stopped. The ones I made that year and the next all sold out that following Christmas, along with my beaded grasshoppers. I made them lightly throughout the years, recently making them more along with other bugs such as bees, fireflies, praying mantis, ladybugs and more.
Now I make them full time in the winter and stock up during the Spring and Summer seasons, selling most of them by Fall and Christmas again, although there are still collectors who buy them throughout the year. Etsy has been a big part of that. I’ve tried in-person craft shows but it mostly scares people with a lot of mean things to say. It also can be overwhelming to see all the designs so that’s why photos of them seem to work best. Although through a craft show I found out how much kids absolutely LOVE and ADORE them. One little girl came over with her money and handed it to me, didn’t say a word, picked up “her” spider smiling ear to ear and cupped it with both hands walking around with it up in the air like a prize possession, and I suppose it was! It was one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen.
My beaded spiders and bugs are different from the average, they have unique bodies, beads, and designs, unlike any others. They are all my own designs from my own artistic talent, inspired by the real thing in nature. I try to keep it fun and find something everyone can relate to. They can be turned into earrings and pendants, although they are delicate so keep that in mind. I love sharing my own handmade designs with all of you!