As you all know, I am a HUGE fan of Etsy and love the personal touches of handmade items. I still remember posting about a beaded bouquet that I thought was amazing, so  I thought it would be nice to talk to the innovator behind the creation & BeadFlora on Etsy. Fen is a regular reader of Wedding Obsession, and I thought it would be great to show you some of her most recent work!

How did you get started on this beading venture on etsy? (i.e. what got you interested in beading?)

I’m a self taught artist and started French beaded flowers in the tradition of French artisans in 2002. While following tradition, I like to add my own twists and make accessories, hair adornments, and jewelry with the French techniques. I enjoy the process of creating and getting a product at the end is so rewarding. However, I didn’t feel that my work was good enough to sell until the past year… I started my shop on Etsy last year and named it Bead Flora and Jewels.

Beads have always captured my attention, even as a child. I remember going to my cousin’s house and being mesmerized by the strand of pearls they hung on a nail on the wall. I would take it and run my hands over each bead like a Buddhist monk with prayer beads. There’s just something innate in me that’s attracted to them… I don’t know why. Now, I have enough seed beads to fill a store.

beaded shoe clips

How long does it normally take for you to make one creation?

The time that it takes me to make a creation depends on what I’m making. My hair fascinators will take a couple of hours while a bouquet will take months. Approx. 3 to 6 months…

Do you take custom orders?

Yes, I love custom orders. It’s the collaboration of ideas and I make things that I would not have come up with myself. It’s great fun.

{images courtesy BeadFlora}

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