Meet Emma Kenney of the Busy Bead Shop! She makes beautiful jewelry inspired by nature. Grateful to have her along for the Maker's Mash this Saturday from 5-8. Swing by Reformation to shop and sip with us. (Psst. She's my mom. So you know we're going to have a great time! :)
What do you make?
Handmade beaded jewelry, and a starting a line of yoga specialty pieces.
How did you get started making?
As therapy for my busy life: full time mom, wife, and nurse.
What does your average day look like?
Depends on the day! Now that I've retired, I look after my grandchildren (2 year old twin boys) one or two days a week. Between that and keeping up with my life, I try to spend some time in my studio whenever I can.
What inspires you to keep making work?
I'm inspired by nature: by its colors, textures, and combinations. Such beauty! Just sitting in my studio inspires me, and when in a "rut," being there can ease me out of it!
What is the hardest lesson you learned through your business/creative process?
Learning when to walk away! Sometimes, taking a break can make me more productive and efficient, and the solution to a problem will often come to me when I'm doing something completely unrelated to my "studio work!"
What's the best part about making what you make?
The peace it brings me.
What are you working on now?
I'm working on a line of yoga-inspired pieces. The roll-on bracelets are perfect to stack,and some have lava beads incorporated into them for use with essential oils. I also am making Zen hand-knotted malas, using gemstones to inspire peace and creativity. And, I'm learning to make Sami (or Nordic Tin Weave) bracelets. Their understated elegance makes them perfect for combining with other pieces, or as a stand alone statement.
Shop The Busy Bead online on Etsy. See you at the Maker's Mash on Saturday!