Personalize a piece of jewelry with your own pet
From my own experience, I know how important a pet can be to you. From the age of 14 I have had pets and still, now 37 years later, I am surrounded by pets that all have a special place in my heart.
The idea of painting your own pet on a charm bead came from a repeat customer. I had been painting animals on charm beads for some time, and she was familiar with my work. So when she purchased a charm bead featuring a kitten, she asked if I could paint her own cats on the charm beads. “Of course, it’s possible,” I replied. After she sent me the photos, I got to work right away in my my studio.
I usually start by making a sketch of the animal. Sometimes, the photos I receive aren’t the highest quality or perfectly sharp, or the pet might not be captured from the best angle. That’s not a problem, I first create a sketch to ensure I have a clear and accurate image to work from. This helps me bring out the best in every piece.
A miniature painting is so small that each stroke of a brush must be in exactly the right place. There is very little space to work on.
After I finished the charm beads and showed the result to the cats’ owner, she was extremely happy. And that is what is important to me, a customer who is very happy with a special charm bead.
A custom charm bead can be so much more than just a portrait of your pet. It could feature a musical instrument, a meaningful place, or even a miniature painting of your bridal bouquet. The possibilities are truly endless, and almost anything is negotiable! If you’d like more information or already have an idea for your own special charm bead, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to discuss it with you and bring your vision to life!
My way of working
1. Research and testing
Before I started making charm beads, I did extensive research. I read articles, watched instructional videos, and tested various epoxy resins available in Italy. After several trials, I selected the best resin, one that even passed a practical test on our dog’s collar, proving it was both scratch-resistant and colorfast.
The paints were also carefully tested. Ultimately, I chose a high-quality paint because it offers both maximum precision and durability.
2. Preparation of the bead
The base of the bead is slightly smaller than the mold to make room for the protective epoxy coating. This forms the perfect surface for painting.
3. Painting
I start with a base color and work up the portrait layer by layer. The eyes get attention first, followed by the rest of the animal. It is in the eyes that the recognition and “soul” of the portrait is created. On the other side, if desired, a name, heart or paw print can be added. Painting takes about one day.
4. Protection with epoxy resin
After painting, I apply a transparent protective coating. The bead is placed in a mold and filled drop by drop with epoxy resin. It then cures for 24 hours under high pressure, followed by an additional 48 hours to become completely strong and clear.
5. Finishing touches
After curing, the bead is carefully sanded, polished, and fitted with a silver core. Finally, the bead is polished, packaged, and sent to the customer.