Maria Olds

Hi, I’m Maria of Cardinal Beads and More. I design and create jewelry out of my home in southwestern Minnesota where I live with my husband, 2 children and a boxer and a pug who are my furbabies. I’ve been creating since I was 11 years old when my grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet. My family and I lived in a small town in Mexico so since a very young age I’ve been surrounded by bright colors, and different textures. Watching women weave and embroider at the local markets fascinated me.

I’ve loved bright colors, different textures and everything that sparkles since I was a little girl, and beading brings all those things together. I first learned how to seed bead in 2007, and really enjoyed the stress relief weaving gave me. I returned to beading a year and a half ago and it has become my passion. Something I know I’ll be doing past my retirement years. I joined Summer Camp hosted by Jesse James Beads and fell in love with their beads, their brand values, and the beading community. Since then, I’ve opened my Etsy shop, created my website, and started my YouTube channel. My favorite technique now is wire working, but I’m always learning new ways to create my pieces.  I’m a huge fan of Jesse James Beads mixes and strands. They truly know how to mix textures and colors, and it’s so easy to create beautiful jewelry. I’m so very excited and honored to be part of the Design Ambassador team.

Etsy:

Etsy.com/shop/cardinalbeadsandmore

YouTube:

youtube.com/cardinalbeadsandmore

Instagram:

Instagram.com/cardinalbeadsandmore

Facebook:

Facebook.com/cardinalbeadsandmore