From kitchen table sketches to gemstone-studded stacks—here’s how your favorite pieces come to life.
When you shop small, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in someone’s story. And at The Always Busy Mama, that story often begins long before a piece ever hits the website.
It starts with a spark—an emotion, a milestone, a memory I want to honor. Then, one bead at a time, it becomes a piece of jewelry that you can wear to feel connected to your story, too.
In this post, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes peek at how each handcrafted jewelry collection comes to life—right from my home.
Step 1: The Idea
Before anything physical is made, there’s a feeling.
Sometimes it’s inspired by a season (like our summer shoreline stories).
Other times, it comes from a moment in motherhood, a gemstone’s meaning, or something deeply personal—like the time my daughter named our Men’s Collection The Protector after her dad.
Once the spark hits, I start thinking in stories.
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What will this collection say?
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Who is it for?
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What will it help her feel?
I scribble ideas during car naps, voice memo names while grocery shopping, or dream up stack combos over coffee before the rest of the house wakes up.
Step 2: The Materials
Next, it’s time to find the right gemstones, metals, and components to match the story.
I hand-source each bead, charm, and chain with intention. Quality always comes first—because these aren’t fast-fashion pieces. They’re made to be worn every day and still hold meaning years later.
I use:
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14k gold-filled and sterling silver for lasting wear
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Ethically sourced gemstones with rich symbolism
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Simple, dainty silhouettes that layer effortlessly
Every detail matters—down to the jump ring.
Step 3: The Making
This is where the magic (and mess) happens—right in my home studio, often with a snack-stealing toddler nearby or Olivia helping me organize bead trays.
I design, string, wrap, polish, and inspect every single piece by hand. Nothing is mass-produced. Nothing is rushed.
It’s not uncommon for a collection to shift during this phase. A bracelet might start one way and end another. A necklace might surprise me with how it lays just right. That’s the beauty of working with your hands—you can feel when it’s right.
Step 4: The Launch
Once everything is made, it’s time to style, photograph, and prepare listings. I write every product description myself, making sure the meaning behind the piece comes through.
Then the collection goes live—usually with a deep breath, a coffee toast, and me refreshing my Shopify dashboard a few too many times.
Why It Matters
I’m not a big studio. I’m a mama who turned late-night jewelry making into a business that now connects with women all over the country.
And every time you wear a piece, you’re wearing part of that journey.
You’re also wearing your story—your strength, your milestones, your energy.
And that’s the part I love most.