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designer x blogger x jewelry artist

At age 13, I discovered a book titled "Basic Beadwork for Beginners" by Mitsuko Muto from my public library. The title somewhat misleading (possibly coming from the fact that it was published in Japan), the book didn't show how to create a wrapped loop, work with memory wire, or any of the like. It was different - outlining how to expertly weave wire and seed beads to create little figurines and 3D structures. I had a slight obsession with miniatures, so this book was right up my alley. I soon had my own army of miniature characters: princesses, dogs, cats, bunnies, even food like pizza slices and apples. I bought Muto's other book, "The World of Beads", which included slightly more complicated tutorials like 3D playground sets, plants, flowers and more. My most favorite creatures to make were mermaids, fairies being a close second. For a while there, my bedroom was becoming a stockpile of size 15 seed beads (in all colors) and spools of 28 gauge wire. I started altering these patterns that Muto included to create "hybrid" like characters - rockstar princesses, Irish dancers, even taking custom orders to create miniature beaded wedding dresses, to the likeness of the client's own. I sold these in a gallery for about two years or so, until I got tired of doing the same type of work.

I had to move on from seed beads and wire. My next medium: polymer clay. Again, a lover of miniatures, I started molding little cupcakes, doughnuts, cookies and other look-alikes to mimic what I had been creating with beads. One of my favorite creations were my mini Starbucks Frappuccino charms, complete with a lookalike Starbucks logo, whipped cream, straw and caramel drizzle. I made a lot of these - these didn't get old. If you don't know, I do have quite an obsession with the real deal Frapp. Soy, no whip. Add Cinnamon Dolce syrup. You dig?

After these two phases, I got more into classic jewelry making and beading. I still used my polymer clay knowledge to create canes, which turned into sliced beads. I created simple-stranded bracelets and necklaces, usually mixing my cane slices with cat's eye beads (DISCLAIMER: I currently loathe cat's eye beads, and don't really have a solid reason why). These creations were super-colorful, bright and fun. Upon my discovery of hemp cord, I went with a totally hippie vibe, creating macrame knotted bracelets and necklaces with handmade paper beads.

Again, I was amassing a large lot of jewelry that just basically sat there in my room. I got an IKEA desk to put all my supplies on, made business cards, became more legit, made my first website, the whole kit and caboodle. I did some jewelry shows at a metaphysical rock store in Worth, Illinois, gained new clients, learned new techniques, and kind of got a wacky idea. The Quiet Lion.

In 2011, I created this blog - The Quiet Lion - as a way to document all my crafty creations. I was continually inspired to create jewelry (and other fashion-related crafts) by reading magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Elle. I thought, I might as well have an online presence, a place where others could come and gain skills and knowledge, just how I had gained my crafty proficiency through reading books I found at the library. Books, yes are becoming somewhat outdated, - we're in the digital age people! - (don't hate me, I still love books and real, paper magazines), so I thought an online learning place would resonate well with people, internationally.  I didn't have a real good camera, just a Fuji Film point and shoot, but I tried my best to capture step-by-step processes and good-looking final shots of my pieces. My first tutorials were designer knockoffs, showing readers how to make luxury-like items with beads and supplies you could find at any craft store. My blog has shifted focus over the years, and now I stick to original diys, spanning everything from jewelry and accessories to crafty decorations, beauty and more. I've also upped the ante, ditching my point and shoot for a DSLR, gained a studio space (if you call stealing and remodeling your brother's bedroom while he's away at college gaining studio space), and upgraded my Mac. I'm constantly working on ways to improve, innovate, and inspire so that this brand is always progressing!

I currently hold the title of Lead Designer at Cousin Corporation of America. I've worked as a Cousin Corporation Ambassador and Crafty Circle member since 2013. Most of my tutorials use Cousin brand products. Through my ambassadorship, I have worked on projects for retailers such as Michael's, JoAnn Fabrics, AC Moore, Walmart and Walmart Canada, and Meijer. I also have created a beaded showpiece, my Galaxia Dress, which acted as part of the Cousin Corporation fantasy ensemble at the 2015 CHA show in Anaheim, California.  I have also partnered with Goody Beads, DoreenBeads, Pandahall, Born Pretty Store and Beadmixer UK. I have been publishsed in Stringing Magazine and have won multiple beading competitions, including Happy Mango Beads' Trash To Treasure contest. I have a BFA in Graphic Design from the Illinois Institute of Art--Chicago. Being both a graphic designer and blogger allow me to focus on not just the technical side of making jewelry, but also the aesthetics of how my jewelry is presented. This has helped me create, visually, a representation of me as a person and my personal branding agenda. I also work as a graphic designer, photographer and web designer at Generation Bliss Boutique, and freelance in my spare time.

I recently re-designed The Quiet Lion in early 2015. Along with a new logo, coded blog template, overall theme and page additions, the final result exemplifies my brand inside and out. All photos located within this blog were taken by me, unless otherwise noted. Please don't use my photos or post them on other sites without crediting me and linking back to my blog.

Ok, now on to the fun stuff! Here's some stats and random facts so you know what you are dealing with here.

LIKES AND DISLIKES
Neutral Colors = ☺
Chicago Blackhawks = ☺☺☺
Cat's Eye Beads = ☹
Tie Dye = ☺
Sewing = ☹
Coffee = ☺
Conformity = ☹
Did I mention the Blackhawks? = ☺
People who drive slow = ☹
Societal Norms = ☹
Gypsy Souls = ☺☺
Grunge = ☺

CURRENT STATS

Based in = Chicago

Bead of Choice = ✳Crystals✳

Stringing Material of Choice = Nylon cord

Go-to Technique = Wire wrapping

Bead Obsession = Metal amulet pendants

Social Media of Choice = Instagram

Tech Specs = Apple MacBook Pro 15"

Camera = Nikon D5300

Software = Photoshop

MY FAVORITES

Color = Black (goes with everything)

Season = Summer

Graphic Designer = Louise Fili

Photographer = Camilla Akrans

Fashion Designer = Elie Saab

Art Movement = Art Nouveau or Dadaism

Store = Free People

Perfume = Prada Infusion d'Iris

Sport = Hockey, duh

Flower = Plumeria

Dream Pet = Fennec Fox

Tea = White with Peach

Magazine = Harper's Bazaar