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Copyright © 2009 - 2010
Bead Lavada
All Rights Reserved
info@beadlavada.com
Questions about the Artist

How long have you been making jewelry for?
I started designing and making jewelry when I was 8 years old. So about 16 years ago.

Where did you learn to do all this stuff?
When I was younger, I spent a lot of time analyzing trinkets and odds and ends I found around the house. I was an avid reader and would memorize instructions and recreate pieces I'd seen. Eventually, I fell under the tutelage of the owner of a local bead store. When I was old enough to get a "big kid job", she hired me to work the summer bead camps. In the fall, I became a regular employee and instructor. I spent 7 years working there and loved it!

What's your favorite thing to make?
I really enjoy working with needle and thread. You'll find a few needle and thread pieces in the portfolio, but rarely are they up for sale. There isn't a huge demand for the intricacies of such work, and because it is so time consuming, the price tends to be rather high.

How did you decide which charities to donate to on your Awareness Bracelets page?
The organizations that receive a portion of the proceeds from those sales are organizations that I have personal or close ties to. I choose the organizations very carefully and keep in touch with them as orders come in for bracelets. I believe that charity begins at home and it is very important to me to support my hometown and community.

Questions about Ordering

How do I place an order?
It's easy! Just click on the "Add to Cart" button below the description of each piece. You credit card and billing information is handled by PayPal, not by me. PayPal is fast, free to use, and secure. I am PayPal verified which means extra steps were taken to verify my business and identity. If you'd like to pay another way, just contact me and we can work something out.

When will I get my order?
Your order will be shipped via USPS with delivery confirmation as soon as it's done. Typically, custom orders take anywhere from 2-3 weeks to arrive in your mailbox. Everything is handcrafted and individually designed. High quality craftsmanship takes time and I appreciate your patience.

What if I don't receive my order?
Always be sure your billing information and shipping information are correct. If you need the item shipped to an alternate address, be sure to note this in the "Notes to Seller" field in PayPal, or send me an email. Items are shipped at no additional charge via USPS with delivery confirmation unless the buyer would like to pay to upgrade shipping. I am not responsible for lost or stolen mail.

Questions about Items

I really love [insert name of amazing item here], but I'm afraid it won't fit. Can it be resized?
Items that are already made and ready to ship may be resized. Depending on whether or not the piece needs to be shortened or lengthened and what type of material it is made out of, there may be a small material fee for the resizing.

I ordered a custom bracelet and it doesn't fit. Can I return it?
You may return it to be resized and you are responsible for any shipping charges. Due to the time and cost involved in creating custom items, I do not offer refunds. Please be sure to measure your wrist carefully and refer to my sizing instructions for reference. If you are still unsure about what size is needed, please contact me.

Why does it take so long for new items to be posted?
Unfortunately, I am not able to spend as much time as I'd like in the studio. Due to medical reasons, it has become increasingly more difficult for me to make as many items as I used to. Additionally, nearly 90% of my sales are custom orders for special events, personal keepsakes, and original accessories. A lot of my busy time in the studio is spent filling these orders.

What do you mean by "custom work"? 
I mean YOU call the shots! Jewelry is so much more fun and personal to wear when you've had a say in how it looks. I have had customers request that a piece radiate a certain aura or reflect specific emotions. I can incorporate semi-precious stones with various emotive and healing properties into the design and hunt down charms to reflect a variety of interests and hobbies. I have designed bridal party jewelry, prom accessories, and personal treasures.

Do you make "mother's bracelets"?  
Of course! A Mother's Bracelet is very similar to a custom charm bracelet. It includes the children's birthstones and quite often, names. Please fill out a request for a custom order if you would like to discuss a Mother's Bracelet.