Jan Carlson

Jan Carlson is a retired project manager who took up beading to exercise the creative side of her brain (as opposed to her logical work) and started her business, Jan’s Strands, LLC. Her beading techniques are bead weaving and kumihimo. Bead weaving is using a needle and beading thread to stitch beads together in various patterns. Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese art form of making braids and cords. Jan uses both techniques to make earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Jan uses patterns and ideas from various designers to inspire her work. She enjoys making a design her own by selecting pleasing color combinations. Jan is a board member of the Upper Midwest Bead Society. Her membership in this group has resulted in many new friends, learning new techniques, and continual inspiration from the creations of other members.