Wholesale
(ask us about our wholesale line)
Women owned and operated business
Where the love for beadwork started
Hello! I'm Michele; I am excited to share my inspiring journey in beadwork with you. It all began in the charming city of Duluth, Minnesota, a hub for incredible artists. During the cold winter months, my passion for weaving ignited a dream: opening my retail bead store. Close to two decades ago, with a modest budget and a vision, that dream became a reality. The support from the Duluth community was heartwarming, and I am forever grateful for their encouragement as I ran my first store.
However, the harsh winters inspired me to seek new adventures. I sold the store and moved to the breathtaking Colorado Springs, Colorado, where I launched my second venture, Silver Sparrow.
At Silver Sparrow, we celebrate the joy of creativity! It is a welcoming space for everyone who loves to express themselves through art and design. We proudly offer a fantastic selection of semi-precious stone strands, pendants, charms, chains, and exquisite handcrafted jewelry and textiles. My commitment is to provide quality products at prices that empower creativity. Through my journey in sourcing, I realized the importance of supply chain, igniting my passion for learning more about best practices within supply chain to bring value to customers through quality materials, as well as building relationships with manufacturers from a variety of countries that specialize in their unique craft.
Designing and sourcing materials isn’t just my job; it’s my true passion. Crafting beautiful jewelry for others to enjoy is incredibly fulfilling. For me, it’s more than a hobby; it’s a way of life that brings joy to others through beadwork and community.
Hi, I’m Elaine, and I am thrilled to be a part of The Silver Sparrow Team! My journey with beads and jewelry-making began in 1974 when I took a silversmithing class in college. After pursuing careers in the Air Force, healthcare, and special education, I returned to my passion for jewelry in 2005. I opened The Bead Corner in Monument, Colorado, a studio-based shop focused on helping others learn and create various types of jewelry. I sold the shop in 2014 and then worked as a designer for an online bead store.
In 2019, I teamed up with Michele to teach classes and contribute to her wonderful shop in Colorado Springs. Together, we started collaborating on Silver Sparrow Jewelry designs, and here we are!
The experience of working with Michele is incredibly exciting! We are eager to share our passion for the art of jewelry-making with each other and with all of you!
Testimonials
“Michele is salt of the Earth. She is hands on and knows all of her pieces like an old friend. She puts her heart into her work and wants everyone to be blessed by the treasures she creates. Each piece is uniquely made and ready to wear, or, come in and let her and her staff guide you in creating your own masterpiece.”
- K K
“If I had started my search here instead of ending here, I would have saved two years of roaming around on Etsy. Kate, the manager, is courteous and so knowledgeable. They have a great selection. Kate also directed me to a store that strings beads.”
- Madeleine Prendergast
“This is one of my favorite bead shops, they have the biggest selection of gemstone beads! And they have really neat trinkets and one of a kind adornments for jewelry. The owner and everyone who works there is always so kind and accommodating. And it’s a women owned business, which I do love to support. I’ve found some really rare and unique gemstone beads here and really enjoy the vibe while shopping.”
- Missy
“Great selection of beads, gems, jewelry and other cute gifts for really great prices. I come to Colorado Springs frequently for work and try to swing by when I am in town. The manager is extremely nice and knowledgeable. She's helped me pick out gifts, including a necklace for my partner. When the chain wasn't the right fit, she helped create one out of leather rope.”
- Emilie Liadis
“This shop is amazing on another level. Not only are the staff knowledgeable and helpful, but they took the time to help my friend fix her necklace and helped us pick out the right stuff for some projects! They have amazing variety here especially for crystal beads.”
- Chloe Lomprey
“Love, love, love this store! I live in Atlanta and have traveled around the world, and I always come straight back to Silver Sparrow Beads. The owner is amazing and extremely nice. The beads are unique and you can spend hours in this special spot. It is a must see and on my list for favorite stores. If you're in Manitou Springs, CO you have to go! P.S. If you can't stop by the store, you can shop online.”
- Kimberly Vanas Buchanan
“A Must-Stop for any creative person! The best bead store I've ever shopped! The owner was kind, helpful, and engaging, and the selection was absolutely outstanding!! From Nashville, but if I'm in CO. Springs again for even one day I will make coming back to Silver Sparrow a priority!!”
- Kristina Fox
“Love this bead store!! Now in a new location in Old Colo City it is huge, bright and such a great selection. Michelle the owner is so sweet and helpful and takes her time with you!! They offer many great classes and I have learned so much!! Unique beads and stones...stop in you won’t be disappointed.”
- Kathy Schroeder
“I LOVE this store! The selection is amazing. The people who work there are knowledgeable and helpful. This store is heaven every time I go there. There’s always some new treasure to find, and I can spend hours getting lost looking at all the pretty things. The prices are decent, but the rewards and discounts make pricing really good.”
- Taka Carnes
“Literally LOVE this store! Took my little sister out to make matching necklaces and also went to make an anklet. Sooo reasonably priced, fun, and an amazing selection!”
- Carissa Lovelace
“Has the coolest findings and great selection of raw stones. Excellent customer service, helped me build and complete a necklace right then and there. Great place!!”
- Valena Hunley
”Beads.. Everywhere! A huge selection to choose from, with make-your-own too. Rocks and metals and plastic to shiny, unique beads. Shapes and sizes galore.”
- Matt Maria