So delighted to have Lisa Hamilton, handmade jewelry artisan and owner of Beadsoul, as my first V.I.P. guest.  Santa Claus, who brought me two lovely charm necklaces, (yes, I am 16…still believing…”don’t stop believin’…hold onto that feeling…” I tend to randomly burst out into song from time to time even though I cannot sing haha) is to blame for my obssesion with Beadsoul.  Lisa creates unique, whimsical jewelry that goes with everything from jeans to the little black dress (LBD).

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Due to the fact that Lisa lives in Colorado, I had to interview her via email.  I hope you enjoy the interview below as much as I did!

• Share with us a brief bio about yourself.

” I have lived in the Denver, Colorado area my whole life.  I have been married 25 years–my husband and I met when I was 15, and he was 19! We have 3 kids–ages 24, 22, and 20.  I have always done “crafty” stuff, but nothing held my interest until I tried making a necklace for my mom for Christmas just about 8 years ago.  I loved that there wasn’t any one thing you had to do and started trying them all–working with only beads didn’t keep my attention very long.  It has been fun exploring all the different mediums with jewelry making, but I must say that I love metalworking the best.”

• How long have you been designing and making jewelry?

She has been making jewelry for eight years.  ” I started out using the patterns in the beading magazines, but that was just to learn techniques.”

• What different kinds of metals do you use?

“I mostly use sterling silver, but the prices have gone terribly high for that and gold- that has gotten me to explore using what are called “base metals” such as copper, brass and nickel silver.  I love the look of copper, but I can’t wear it :(”

• What or who inspired you?

“I can’t say a specific artist has inspired me; one of the other instructors I have taught with knows all the famous jewelry designers; I don’t know who is who- just what I like. I tend to favor simple lines that are more organic and not too fussy. I am very basic and matter-of-fact and that is reflected in my jewelry.”

• How would you describe your style?

” I also love to do mixed media pieces with a bit of “bling” too- I guess I can’t just stay in one place, but that is good!”

• What is the most popular thing you make?

“I would say the hand stamped guitar picks are my top sellers, although the new stacker rings and stamped cuff bracelets are moving a lot too. Pretty much anything personalized is popular these days.  It warms my heart that I can make someone’s wish come true, so to speak, by putting their words/thoughts/messages onto a keepsake!”

• Do you listen to music while you work? If so who or what genre?

” Definitely yes on music.  I listen to many types of music; many times I put my itunes library on shuffle and laugh to myself- reggae, 80’s, The Beatles, and new stuff my kids turn me on to will come up in the same short period of time. I have to be very careful; however, I have messed up stamping a word while getting into a song.  I have found if I am enjoying the music too much I better put the hammer down!”

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Well there ya’ go readers…the totally awesome interview with the amazing jewelry designer, Lisa Hamilton (Beadsoul)!  I told you guys she has incredibly superb jewelry…not to mention her taste in music is totally rad.  Go check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thebeadsoul ,or find her on Twitter (@beadsoul). If you are ready to own some of her handmade treasures, visit her Etsy shop at www.beadsoul.etsy.com .

Stay tuned for the next V.I.P. blog post about how to put together outfits with thrift store finds!

Love&Hugs,

Abby Hathorn