SPOTLIGHT ON ... DESIGNER
August 2008
Our featured designer for this month is Jilani Beads.
We are Jilani Beads, a 2 year old family home-based business. Mother and daughter, Phyl and Jil, started the inevitable bead rolling by enrolling in a beginner lampwork class in September of 2005. The mesmerizing gather of glass worked its magic on them and in January 2006 the glass studio began to take shape in their home.
Phyl creates most of the lampwork, while Jil began stringing and wiring the beads. Our signature beginning was bracelets of lampwork beads mixed with sterling or Bali silver and Swarovski® crystals. Our aim became to add something different to ladies wardrobes that would jazz up their style with one of a kind bead creations.
Jil had wrist surgery last year, and because of continuing demand for our product, dad, Mike, stepped in. He is a creative man, and loves detail. These combined traits, were a perfect fit into what is now a family-business. Jil continues to consult on designs and color combinations.
From the beginning we have used .019 and .024 Soft Flex wire. Its strength and flexibility work well with our bracelets. In the past two years we have expanded our line of creations into necklaces, pendants and earrings.
We continually grow with our customers’ demands. Because of the inability to find bride, bridesmaid and mother of the bride jewelry that was reasonably priced, durable and of the desired size and color, we now offer our clients all of the above. We are happy to be a part of our local Welcome Wagon Bridal Shows and help brides perfect their day. Using the hottest colors and styles in genuine Swarovski® crystals and pearls, combined with sterling silver accents and clasps, we make their special day sparkle.
Mike enrolled in one of Dale Armstrong’s cabochon wiring classes and has found bliss ever after! His pieces are exquisite, and intricate. We are reserving the first dozen for family heirlooms. Subsequent pieces will soon be on the market and offered to the ever expanding wait list.
We continue to take classes and learn from great instructors, which keep us current and provides variety to our clients. Thanks to Soft Flex we have been able to hold it all together!
