The Joy of Making: The Art of Beading

Madonna Green Parker has embraced artistic expression all her life. Her artistic journey began as a small child with weekly visits to the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore, Maryland. After exploring several mediums, she realized that jewelry design inspired her the most. In 2004 she opened Marvelous Creations by Madonna specializing in eclectic and fashionable, custom, one-of-a-kind wearable art and artisan jewelry. In 2015 Madonna narrowed her focus even more, specializing in Aluminum Wire and Paper Design.

Her artistic exposure has been extensive. Madonna has been on Artworks with the Denali Bead Circle, has been featured in several publications including the Baltimore Sun, has been the featured artist at art shows, frequently showcases in local galleries, serves as a traveling teacher, teaching wire and bead design, sells her custom waterproof paper beads and Aluminum Wire to fellow jewelers at gem & jewelry shows, collaborates with and sells to stores and museums including the Smithsonian in 2020 and so much more (Marvelouscreationsbymadonna.com).

Vivian Pollard is the owner of ramonasjewelrybox.com. She is solution-oriented and has a knack for improving organizations by improving processes and being an agent for change. She is an entrepreneur at heart.

Vivian left her corporate career as a Vice President of Media Analysis for a Crisis Communications firm to pursue her dream of self-employment.  She started moonlighting as a programmer and started a software development company. She also started making and selling jewelry, which was the beginning of another business, The Beader’s Workshop.

In addition to her entrepreneurial activities, Vivian works for the Department of Treasury as a Senior Program Analyst.

Vivian understands that being an entrepreneur has great rewards if you navigate the peaks and valleys. She believes the keys to success are prayer, preparation, and resiliency.

Shantel Teal has always loved being creative and making unique things. Pursuing her passion, she went to fashion design school in Atlanta, Georgia, and later became an art teacher. Shantel loved working with students. Eventually, she started making accessories and created her own brand, TealFace Artistry. She is most known for the earrings she makes. Her jewelry is unique and is created with a desire to make women feel extra special. Her wearable art makes a statement to show off a woman's individual style. She says that all of her one-of-a-kind adornments are created with good energy and love!