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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Vintage French beading with a modern touch: An interview with Bead Flora Jewels

This week's interview features Fen Li of Bead Flora Jewels.  Fen is located in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I discovered the art of French Beaded flowers about 8 years ago and have been in love ever since.... Hi, My name is Fen and I'm a bead-a-holic.  I have an OCD personality. If I like something, I go all out! I don't mess around ;) I do have a degree in graphic communications but obviously it wasn't my calling. While I was supposed to be doing my homework in college, I beaded roses instead.

What special things do you create for weddings?
My beaded flower bouquets are the stars of my etsy shop. Like any good marketer, I also create beaded hair accessories, clutches, rings, etc at lower points.

Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?
Me, myself, and I! :) For my wedding, I designed my bridal bouquet and it has gone off from there. My parents saw how I was beading night and day and working full time and nagged me endlessly to just buy fresh flowers instead. I was tempted at times because I was just running ragged from planning my wedding, working full time, and beading my bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, 10 beaded centerpieces... oh my, just writing all of that is bringing back all the stress. But I told them, no. I'm known for my beaded flowers so how can I abandon who I am when it comes to the most important day of my life.

What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?
Some of my work aren't really "French." I've adapted some of the techniques so it's not entirely French in its purest form.

If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?
I wish I made beaded hair accessories when I had my wedding.

What is your favorite wedding song?
Teresa Teng - The Moon Represent my Heart. I walked down the aisle to the instrumental version.

What trends do you see happening in your specialty at the moment?
Tiffany blue is hot right now.

What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?
My favorite part is the end. Yeah, seriously. I was so stressed out planning, I couldn't wait until it was over. The day was beautiful and I have many happy momentos.

What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?
My advice to brides...take it easy and enjoy the moment. It's just one day and all you have will be memories. It doesn't help to get stressed out...or fight with your parents about whose wedding it is. It's your day. period.

What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
I didn't go on a honeymoon. I went to work the next day... long story. :)

If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?
I think Angelina Jolie will look fabulous with my Crimson Passion bouquet...she's already married, right? Maybe the next wedding... ;) just kidding.

If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?
Any bride would need to dress up their tootsies with some fabulous beaded shoe clips like these blooooming amber silver shoe clips:

 
 
 
 
 
What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy, wedding or otherwise?
There are so many. Wedding related shops

http://norakaren.etsy.com/ - Nora creates the most beautiful painted peacock shoes. I have a pair and wear it to the office sometimes and makes the day feel more festive.
http://chloeandmaddie.com/ - Kim makes the most beautiful hair pieces..wedding and otherwise.

Do you have a website, blog, where we can read more about you and your work?
Website: http://www.beadflora.com/

Blog: http://beadflorajewels.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/beadflroa

1 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the team and all the girls are very lovely inside and out :)