My passion for jewelry making started at an early age as I would snap together those overly sized plastic beads and make necklaces and bracelets. From there I graduated to a smaller version of snap beads and plastic pendants that I have saved to this day. By the time I was very far into grade school I had my own special bead organizer & was making jewelry for my family, dolls & stuffed animals.

As I got a little bit older I moved away from it, being busy with other activities, but it would always sneak its way back in. Be it needing something fun to go with a new outfit, a Girl Scout project, or inspirational bracelets for campers and fellow staff I worked with for a few years of summer camp, I would always get back into making jewelry. Then, in 2001 I answered an ad for an administrative position at a wholesale gemstone bead company and entered into a world of gemstone beads, crystals, silver & gold that I had never realized existed. I was hypnotized by the rows and rows of beads and supplies at my finger tips and soon started making beaded gifts and jewelry.

The duties of my positions during my time with the company filled me with the knowledge of many different gemstones, cuts, qualities, difference in manufactures, and beading techniques. I was included in choosing new lines of beads and supplies to carry & even worked a few major Bead & Button and Gem & Lapidary shows.

During my time there I met many small time designers, some slightly better known designers/beaders, and also had the opportunity to meet some wholesale company owners and management. When I left the company I brought with me the experience of being on the market side, and a beading addiction that will never be fulfilled.

I entered the beading world before the bead craze really hit hard and I’m not ashamed to say that I am one of those who have fallen under the spell. Here on MandaMade.com you’ll not only get a glimpse into what goes into my beading projects (and how my crazy mind works), but you’ll also have access to all the photos and descriptions of jewelry that in my MandaMade Custom Jewelry Catalog, plus new pieces and works in progress. I hope you enjoy your time visiting here as much as I do!

Thanks for stopping by!

Amanda