About Me
Mara Olden
I create my "adornments" in my home-based studio located in Minnesota. I grew up in an artistic family. My home town is located on the shores of Lake Superior in Upper Michigan. My love of nature is reflected in my work as I incorporate natural stones and pearls into my designs.
I have been creating jewelry and glass art for about 8 years. A friend of mine had a fleeting interest in beading and I went along for the ride. Eventually, she lost interest but I just couldn't stop. Soon, I had the urge to create my own beads and pendants so I started Lampworking (melting glass in a torch) and then Glass Fusing (heating glass in a kiln). I have always had an affinity for glass so it made sense to work with this medium.
I started consigning my jewelry at a local gift shop called Artistic Treasures in Andover, MN. Jana, the owner, was looking for local artists to consign in her shop. She believes that our community needs to support our local artists. She says they are the "thinkers of the world". I have been selling my designs there for five years.