Jennifer Magnuson

Jennifer Magnuson

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010 featuring Glass

Finalist

Jennifer Magnuson

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Contest 2010 featuring Glass

Finalist

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Olathe, Kansas

Describe your artistic style.
Prayer is such a personal journey that each person takes in a different way. I am constantly inspired by different beads, colors and materials to come up with unique and personal rosaries.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
My style is somewhat traditional but with a practical side. I love the traditions of the rosary but I am also looking for new ways to present the rosary. As new generations enter the church, our traditions must update to accommodate and welcome. I enjoy finding new ways to present the rosary to excite the recipient.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
A Life Together and in Prayer Rosary and Blooming Violet Rosary

I have submitted two designs. The first, "A Lasso Rosary," is sometimes used in marriage ceremonies, especially in Hispanic weddings. It was presented at a wedding that incorporated the Lasso Rosary. I loved the idea and looked for materials that would be both beautiful and practical.

The second design was an afterthought design! I was purchasing the beads to make the Lasso rosary and needed a few more items to meet the next discount level. I saw some beads that were called "oil slick" and I was intrigued. I purchased them intending on making a "traditional rosary." I love the iridescent colors and ended up pairing them with a lampwork bead as the Pater beads.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
When I returned home from a trip, I stopped by a craft shop with the intention of making my own rosary. All the beads on display just amazed me! I saw endless possibilities within that tiny shop! I started a rosary but never finished it. Instead, I began making bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

Within a year, I was selling the jewelry at local trade shows and making a small profit. A few years into it, I found the original rosary that I started and decided to make another. I was thrilled with the result. I made another, and another. I couldn't believe how relaxed and happy rosary making was for me. Within a year, I quit making jewelry and have just made rosaries in many shapes and forms.

Who introduced you to beading?
I first started being interested in beading when I was visiting my parents and my father was laboring over a rosary that he was making. He was making it as practice because he wanted to eventually make a special rosary for my mother. As I watched his arthritic hands twist the wire and laboriously string on beads, I marveled at it. That rosary, and many others, took shape under his hands. Eventually, he donated those rosaries to a mission and ordered the beads and supplies for my mother's rosary. Over a year after he decided to make a rosary for her, he finished it. To this day, she treasures it.

Beading Success


If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
Since I have focused entirely on rosary making, I do two trade shows a year. As of right now, this is just a hobby. I would love to turn this into a full-time business but, currently, do not have the time to do so!

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I donate many of the rosaries that I make to churches, military and missions.

View all of Jennifer's designs in the Gallery of Designs.