Continuing with the theme I began last week, I would like to spotlight another small business that offers gifts that keep on giving. In the spotlight this week is Bjeweledbylisa.
Several months ago I met Lisa Jameson, the brains and inspiration behind Bjeweledbylisa. I watched in amazement as she hand-crafted a necklace in the design of an American flag, using a board with strands of miniscule hand strung beads. I still have no idea how she does it or knows how many individual beads it takes to make a particular design, but it an experience to watch her work. I wanted to learn more and was pleased that Lisa agreed to sit down with me and tell me about herself and how her business began.
I learned that Lisa was making jewelry as a hobby for several years, mostly for herself and as gifts for family and friends. In May of 2010, Lisa retired from full time work and, based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback she had received, decided to go into business for herself, with the help and support of her husband, Scott.
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Lisa now makes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and accessories – individually and in sets – for women and men. She has a shop on Etsy and can be found at local craft shows. She designs her jewelry using Swarovski crystals, glass and crystal pearls, gemstones, sterling silver and other materials. Her pearl necklaces are individually knotted so, in the unlikely event that the piece should break, the pearls will not be lost. Pictures really do not do justice to the beauty and fine workmanship found in Lisa’s jewelry.
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Her signature pieces, however are the Kumihimo American flag bracelets and necklaces. Lisa saw the Kumihimo technique, which is a Japanese style of bead weaving online and was fascinated. She decided to learn how to make this type of jewelry and invented the flag design herself. It is made with a board and eight strands of tiny glass beads. Each strand has to be restrung when changing colors. A necklace takes about six hours to make from start to finish. This past summer, Lisa received an order of seventy necklaces which were given as gifts for the women attending the Inner Circle of Trial Lawyers convention in Washington D.C. Incredibly, she was able to complete the order and have it shipped to Washington with only about six weeks notice!
Lisa also makes jewelry for weddings and will work with customers to create custom designs.
I learned that Lisa, like myself, loves animals and her family includes a dog, a bunny and two sugar gliders. When I looked at Lisa’s Etsy shop, among the beautiful, unique pieces, I found this pretty charm bracelet that was right up my alley. It is hand-crafted in sterling silver. When it turned out that the bracelet was slightly too small for my wrist, Lisa was happy to resize it for me at no additional cost. If you love animals or know someone who does, Lisa is more than willing to work with you to create a pet-themed piece or set that you will love.
Best of all, Lisa uses her business to give something back to deserving organizations. Twenty-five percent of the sale price from all of her Kumihimo American flag jewelry is donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Lisa will also donate twenty-five percent of proceeds from custom orders for pet themed jewelry to local animal charities.
If you are looking for lovely and unique hand-made jewelry for family and friends on your holiday gift list, I hope you will check out Bjeweledbylisa. Check out her Etsy store here and, if you are planning a wedding, also keep her in mind for unique pieces for your bridal party.
If you don’t see what you want, please contact Lisa through Etsy and she will be more than happy to work with you to design exactly what you are looking for. For pricing and ordering information, please contact Lisa through her Etsy store.
I am happy to support Lisa Jameson and Bjeweledbylisa for beautiful custom jewelry that also helps people and animals in need.
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