About
Classes
The very beginning...
It all started with a daisy.
In 2000, daisy designs jewelry was created from my love of art, color, and jewelry design.
I consider each piece I create a wearable work of art.  My approach to design style is simple.  I create only
what I would wear myself, with materials that catch my eye and are of fine quality.  Clean lines, texture,
and sparkle are captured using Swarovski crystal, sterling silver, gold-filled, semi-precious gemstones
and various types of glass beads.  I comb gem and jewelry shows and travel around the country to seek out
only the best materials for the construction of my pieces, and to offer them to you at affordable prices.  I
hope my collections bring you as much joy as they do to me.







So why the daisy?
It's always been my favorite flower. Like my jewelry they are simple, yet beautiful.  You can't help but
smile when you see one!  Every bracelet, necklace and anklet adorn the daisy logo as my symbol of fine
craftsmanship.  Look for the miniature sterling silver daisy on each of bella's designs.






So who is bella?
In 2006, daisy designs jewelry grew into bella beads boutique.  Beaders could find unique materials for
their creations, and the non-beader could scoop up  finished treasures to accent their wardrobe whether it be a
stunning piece of jewelry, beaded belt, purse or scarf.  Each piece or bead is in itself beautiful...or "bella" as
my Italian grandmother Nanni used to call my cousins and me.  So "bella" was the natural choice for a
name, keeping the daisy as my logo and changing the name to bella beads in memory of my Nanni. It
was a teeny tiny 200 square foot bead store & boutique, located in the Olde Andover Village in Andover,
MA. Our Teen Trunk Show Program was started in that tiny space so local teenage designers could show
off their creations.  

Within 2 years it was time to grow again! bella beads moved across the Olde Andover Village courtyard to
a charming 1000 square foot space next to the famous Lantern Brunch and Andover Bookstore. Currently
bella carries over 1000 different types of beads and findings including an ever expanding assortment of
Swarovski crystals, Bali & Hill's Tribe silver, gold-filled, copper, pewter, brass, semi-precious, Millefiori,
Murano style glass, porcelain, and Czech glass.  Bella now offers in house birthday parties, Ladies'
Nights, and our summer Bead Blast! program for kids, as well as various classes throughout the year in
their "Make It Yourself" classroom space.  A full line of beaded gifts can be found for any occasion: book
marks, tote bags, badge lanyards, eyeglass holders,  jewelry organizers/stands, trinket boxes, bead kits,
books, supplies, t-shirts, etc.  
You have to experience it to believe it.  There is so much to see!  Come bead by the fireplace on our Winter
Beading Nights while enjoying a cup of tea, or bring the kids for a project in the Make It Yourself Center
while you kick back on the couch and relax!









When I am not thinking about beads and designing jewelry, I am a wife of 26 very proud years & mother
of two "bella" teenagers, one very fuzzy dog named Tucker, and a neurotic cat, Gracie.  I am a
former
elementary schoool teacher
and  member of the Andona Society in Andover, MA.  I have walked sixty
miles for the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 2002.  I continue to generously donate to
school and organizational
fund raisers in the form of silent auction and raffle items.  Over the past
eleven years, daisy designs/bella beads has
donated over 20% of its profits back to the community in
support of children's programs and education.

In 2008 bella beads, with the support of local businesses, private donors, and endless volunteers, joined
forces with the
Priceless Prom Gown Program, founded by Carol Lanni. This program provides
deserving teens a complete ensemble to attend prom assuring that all teens in the Merrimack Valley have
the opportunity to attend their prom without financial worries or the inability to afford the experience.
Carla currently serves as vice-president which include the various roles of: dress hanger/storer, shoe hauler,
boutique setter-upper, jewelry fixer, and space finder of this amazing organization... and couldn't do it
without her friend Carol Lanni, and her incredibly supportive friends and family. :)

I have always believed very strongly that it is the social responsibility of every community
member, especially businesses, to give back in any way possible to support our youth...our
future.  Whether it be as a coach, school volunteer, scout  leader, or fund raiser, etc.  We all have
a role to play in the life of a child, as our parents, coaches and teachers did for us. They all
helped make us who we are today. We all know the saying about it taking a village to raise a
child...Now it's our turn to
"Pay it forward..."
Peace,
    Carla
                                               ...now keep it going!


(16-Nov 2006)
The Lowell Sun
(17-Dec 2006)
"She has soooo many beads, and no bones!"