More Than You Wanted To Know!

Thank you for visiting my part of the World Wide Web! As most of you might know from talking with me, I am not an "artist" by trade. Before I began jewelry making and lampworking, I was a radio news reporter living and working in Houston, TX. I spent almost ten years "on air" covering mainly local and state politics.

After I married, I became a stay-at-home mom. And as all you moms know, there is more to life than changing diapers and cleaning bottles! So I looked around for a hobby that would allow me to use my sense of design and creativity. I accidentally discovered the fun and beauty of beads and jewelry design. I also discovered that jewelry doesn't have to be expensive!

When my neighbors, friends, and friends of friends began buying my jewelry pieces, I decided to "open shop" online. I first began by making Mother's bracelets; those wonderful bracelets that spell the names of children, grandkids or loved ones. (Hence, my name!) One of my personal favorites was my Cancer Awareness Bracelets. My friend asked me to make her a breast cancer bracelet and that's how the idea was born! When I was diagnosed with melanoma in the fall of 2002, I was shocked, but I am truly grateful for the advancements that have taken place during the last decade. I donated the proceeds from each Awareness Bracelet to cancer research and to organizations that provide programs for children with cancer. Cancer research is a very important charitable organization to me.

I have recently changed my direction and am focusing on my own "lampwork" or glass beads. I have my own studio in my house and I'm usually at the torch creating little pieces of art glass. I sell those beads mainly on ebay under my ID LeahBeads and here on my website.

A proud moment for me came in the summer of 2005 when I was elected South Regional Director of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB). Members in five states elected me to represent them and I take that honor seriously.

So, please, if you have any questions, email me at leahnelson@thespellingbead.com .

I check my email often (sometimes I feel like it's tied to my hips!)

Thanks again for your interest and business!

Leah