LouiLoui Designs is owned and operated by me, Allison Birney. I am often asked how I began making jewelry and hair accessories. When our daughter, whom we call Lu, (and sometimes Loui), was about 3 years old (about the age she is in the photo on the home page), I set out to create a "fairy land" in her room. My vision was a magical forest with beautiful creatures peeking out from the thickets on the ceiling and walls, and moss creeping up every vertical surface with sparkles and lights evoking magic everywhere. I had a VERY specific vision!
With this goal in mind, I set out to Michael's Crafts and bought a truckload of artificial vines, flowers, trees, fairy's, sparkles, and anything else I could find to make my vision become reality. I then began to work. Our entire summer was focused on finishing the room. While the picture in my head was great, the room...not so much. Lu loved it though which of course was the point and we had fun doing it.
One of the elements of her fairy garden was a "pearl" and "diamond" lighted doorway. I bought (from Michael's) about a billion plastic pearls and tiny diamonds, and strung them on pieces of string to form a curtain. I have never been a "crafty" mom. My interest was and still is music, so I was surprised to learn that I loved stringing beads! In fact, I became completely obsessed by it! I started reading everything I could about jewelry making, and buying my supplies at Michael's Crafts and the Bead Bungalow in West Annapolis. I was also able to take some classes at the Bead Bungalow. I began to experiment with wire as well. That's when I REALLY became consumed. Soon, I discovered the wonderful world of Silver (not to mention buying wholesale!) and the rest is history!
To learn more about some of the materials that I use in my designs please click on the following links:
