JET Artisan Profile:Vintage Inspired Jewelry by Michele of Malves1009

Hi! I'm Michele Alves, and my shop on Etsy is malves1009. I opened the shop in April 2007, and since that time my jewelry has grown into a line that is a combination of traditional vintage styles and my own designs.

You'll see a lot of antiqued brass, crystal, and copper jewelry in my shop. Recently I've been using crocheted techniques in my jewelry designs, as you can see in my new crocheted chokers collection.

My jewelry line includes earrings, a nice selection of bracelets, and of course necklaces - but also many other items like rings, hair accessories and more!


My mom was my inspiration. We were always doing something crafty. If it wasn't sewing, or floral arrangements we always found something to do that was creative.

She always wanted a shop of her own, so she asked to me research it, and that's how I found Etsy.

I started out as someone who surfed the forums and figured I would give it a try. I sold my first bracelet within a few weeks! It was an exciting and nervous moment for me, being new to this.


I'm self taught. My first challenge was taking apart a crystal necklace my grandmother gave to my mom.

It was a double strand necklace which she said was too heavy to wear. Mom said to make two necklaces out of it if I can, one for her and one for me.

I ended up making two necklaces and a bracelet out it, and she was so thrilled.

Something about the that sparkle of those crystals had me hooked from that moment on. When my mom became ill I used to sit by her bed and put up a tray table and we would create jewelry together.

Aqua Blue Crystal Earrings

Now, creating jewelry is one of my favorite things to do. I like to use a lot of crystal and brass in my designs; it keeps things affordable for my customers.

I believe you don't have to spend a fortune to own beautiful jewelry!

Vintage Inspired - Lady Cameo

As time passed I realized that jewelry making wasn't just beads and string, it was much more. 

I'm a person who gets bored easily so I like learning and trying different techniques in jewelry making.

I love vintage inspired style, so cameos, filigree, floral components and antique finished ear wires, links and chains are some of my favorite things to create with.

Emerald Green Earrings

Turquoise Kumihimo Braid Beaded Bracelet

Beaded and fiber Kumihimo braids are my obsession right now!

They can be done in many different colors, fibers and cords to make all different designs.

Beaded Kumihimo braids are so precise and perfect looking. The bracelet on the right is a great example of what can be made with this fantastic beading method. 

Multi Colored Jade Leather Wrap  Bracelet

I also love the wrap bracelets that are so popular now. These are not as easy to make as they look but the result is amazing!

The one pictured on the left is made with multi colored jade. But they can be made with any beads and vintage button clasps.

They can be made in any size and in so many colors!

Crocheted Earrings with Pearl Dangle

 I almost forgot to mention my passion for crocheting!

This has opened up a whole new line for me. I recently discovered that I can use crochet to make so many new jewelry designs, and they fit in perfectly with the vintage theme of my shop. The earrings above are light and so pretty. I can make them in so many colors to match any outfit!

I have been crocheting since I was very young. My great aunt taught me the basic techniques.

From there I read books and magazines to learn more.

I have made several blankets, sweaters, baby gifts, accessories and even pet items.

I find it a very relaxing and enjoyable activity to do.

When you look at a finished blanket, crochet looks like it is a very complicated and time consuming thing to do.

Actually, its the kind of activity you can do when watching TV. You get into a rhythm and don't even think about it after a while.

Once you know a stitch, it can move along very fast. There are lots of patterns online and always new things to make. I love it!

This is one of my new crocheted choker necklaces. I've made many of these by request. This type of necklace is very popular for weddings, and can be made in any size to fit children and adults.

My favorite tools? There are so many! But I would have to say my pliers are always at hand.

One technique I would like to learn is casting. Casting always has my interest; it would make creating my own designs a lot easier. I would like to learn it one day.

 I love it when my  my daughters give their input on some of my designs. It lets me know that their grandmother's inspiration - and mine - is part of them and I hope this will continue.

You can find me here
www.etsy.com/shop/malves1009
www.facebook.com/michele.alves.1675275
twitter.com/MAlves1009
pinterest.com/malves1009/
www.thecraftstar.com/memberDetail/4648/michele/

My jewelry is sold at Hold Fast, a very cool clothing and music shop in Asbury Park:
www.holdfastasburypark.com/