I'm a firm believer in the value of handmade. When you purchase a finished handmade item, you're supporting a person and an idea instead of just the commercial giants. You're supporting someone's personal dreams and keeping a craft technique or creative process alive. I'm proud to be a part of the handmade community with this Zibbet shop.

I make funky magnets, many of which are made from upcycled materials. Upcycled products are great for the environment and they are very often one of a kind. I take great pride in rescuing things like old keys and drink bottle caps from being tossed into a landfill. I'm able to take this so-called trash and turn it into something both functional and quite beautiful.

Magnets aren't my only creative endeavor. I also make modern and vintage-inspired jewelry as well as eco-friendly accessories. Some of my jewelry and all of my accessories are made from recycled goods. I take donated fabric scraps, vintage charms and buttons, old neckties and sweaters, and other items and turn them into brooches, barrettes, pins, purses, necklaces, and anything I can dream up or for which I can find a tutorial.

I write a blog which you can read at http://ellesbeads.blogspot.com. I'm also on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ellexmarie) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/ellesbeads). Follow me on one or more of these social media sites to be the first to know when new items are added to the shop and to receive exclusive promotions.