Welcome to the Bead Art Originals Blog!

The first post in a new blog is always the most difficult. In this case, however, it's not difficult at all, as this first post will introduce you to a brand new Etsy team, Bead Art Originals, and its three founders: Carol Dean Sharpe (SandFibers), MaryLou Holvenstot (time2cre8), and Regina Jiron (BeadJewelryShopgirl).

Why a new team?
The Bead Art Originals (BAO) street team has been created to promote the art of its invited members. BAO includes both creators of art beads and creators of beadwoven art. The team's focus is on the business and artistic growth of its members through on and off-Etsy promotion of the team, its activities, and individual members' achievements.

Who are the founders of Bead Art Originals?

Carol Dean Sharpe, aka SandFibers
Before her life as SandFibers, Carol Dean was a student of rhetoric, teacher of English, professional writer/editor, and an environmental analyst. Now she spends her time creating and playing with beads. Her beaded jewelry and fabric bowls (and occasionally, Carol Dean herself) can be found at the Laughing at the Sun gallery in Mesilla, New Mexico. Her original beadweaving patterns have been featured in Step by Step Beads magazine.


MaryLou Holvenstot, aka time2cre8
MaryLou has spent a lifetime creating in her spare time, and after retiring from corporate life in late 2005 time2cre8 was born. Never satisfied with a single art form, MaryLou's creations include beadweaving, bead crochet, art (drawing), photography, knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, and stationery. With her builder husband, she's even helped to create a few houses. MaryLou's work hasn't been published... yet, but some of her creations are due to appear in a book being published by Lark Books and in Step by Step Beads magazine.


Regina Jiron, aka BeadJewelryShopgirl
Regina is a self-admitted compulsive beader. She finds creative satisfaction in crafting beadwoven pieces, stitching them into artistic treasures to adorn the body. Regina's jewelry has been featured in WickedlyChic.com, CraftRevolution.com, Belle Armoire and Step by Step Beads magazines. Her designs are also featured in 1000 Jewelry Inspirations (Quarry Books, June 2008).


Who are the members of Bead Art Originals? You can see the list of member shops in the sidebar, and over the course of the next few weeks you'll be introduced to each of these incredible artists. Stay tuned!