Seed Beads with Mika

Hey it's Tamika (Mika for short!) and I’m a self taught beader since the tender age of 8 years old. I began with loomwork, and in March of 2014 began doing hand-woven pieces. I use a wide assortment of beads ranging from stones and crystals to Czech, vintage and Japanese seed beads. My stylings are heavily influenced by Russian, Colombian, South African, Ukrainian, and First Nation seed bead traditions. I create my own patterns, as well as those I’ve researched, modified and bought. You’re getting the first look directly from my lair aka studio ^_^

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Extra large beaded collar. This is my design called “Petals” It’s meant to mimic petals and nature’s green leaves. 

It’s made of glass, gemstone, metal and seashell. It’s fcking laid right? I’m really good. I fucking love this. You didn’t know? Not about the good part, but the obsessed part. I used TOHO seed beads, Preciosa seed beads, vintage seed beads, rocailles. This is one of my most beautiful and favorite pieces. I can’t wait for you guys to check the styles when I officially launch my website. <3

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The Pine-Sol lady wears my beaded jewelry!

Check out the last few beaded necklaces I have available here on my Etsy!

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This Saturday at DSR Studios! Come join us for DSR's Art, Beauty and Fashion Pop Up event in #DTLA. I'll have a beautiful array of ethnic beadwork and an amazing spread of beautifully brilliant crystals. I think a workshop will be in order! RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dsr-hosts-art-beauty-fashion-pop-up-shop-tickets-19394513512

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Seed beads anklet. Anklet with beaded stars. Glass seed beads, copper bells. Gifts! So thankful for all the people who share my passion. From a house guest 😍😍😍My first anklet! The stars are perfect! 🌌 #seedbeads #stars #bells #artisan #anklet #jewelry #peyote #ooak #green #golden #community

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Green fringe beaded necklace. #jewelry #beader #seedbeadswithmika #seedbeads

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Colombian beadwork. I have some special pieces from Colombia! My friend left the country to bring healing and love to tribes starting in Mexico and ending in Colombia. These necklaces will finance great community work. Stay tuned for exclusive pieces you cant find anywhere in LA! #weavingworlds #seedbeads #artisan #ethnic #tribal #indigenous #beading #ooak #colors #beauty #losangeles #TaMeuBem #jewelry #LA #necklaces #seedbeadswithmika #adornment

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Maasai beaded collars and Queen's laxe by Ta Meu Bem jewelry. I take pride in my eye for indigenous art. All from my personal collection - from Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and one of my own against the skin like lace. I have a piece of Africa in and on me 🌍. BTW I no longer offer my own beadwork for sale ☺️. Check out my Etsy for the last of my public stock. Also no custom work available. ✌🏾️#seedbeads #seedbeadswithmika #beadedcollar #accessories #adorned #beadwork #beaders #tribal #indigenous #ethnic #jewelry #queenslace #curator #blackwomen #queen #goddess #glass #LA #losangeles #socal #folkart #necklaces #layered #African #maasai #moran #Southafrica #tanzania #kenya

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Peyote stitch bezel. Of all the things that just dont click for me, peyote stitch is one of them. This is the THIRD time I've done this only to foolishly break it by pulling the tail (I know who does that???). Regardless I realize the key to a successful bezel is MORE LAYERS. Already did 4 levels? Add another three why dont you? Ill be posting a picture when I finally get this right. This is Japanese and Czech seed beads. I love. Beautiful handpicked gemstone by yours truly- Moss Agate. #bezel #jewelry #seedbeadswithmika #crystalenergy #workinprogress #selftaught #etsy #amazonhandmade #IG #matsuno #preciosa #seedbeads #pendants #agate #mandala

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From my personal collection. Three necklaces in all. The purple I made based on a South African Xhosa/Zulu pattern, the fringe piece is from Guatemala and the crystal glass pyramid-cubes are a favorite I use. Amethyst details too. 😈👾💜 Purple is regal. #TaMeuBem #collection #seedbeads #seedbeadswithmika #artisan #collector #glass #Amethyst #crystal #ooak #layered #gemstones #gemstoneswithmika #necklaces #beader #beadweaver #czech

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#Inspiration. One of the most beautiful Colombian necklaces I’ve ever seen 😍😍😍 This is one of the first beaded necklaces I saw on the net, and it definitely sent me toward a death-defying dive into the heart of beading and indigenous beaded jewelry. Still love this and will use this color scheme one day, but won’t be recreating this. #tribal #artisan #Colombiana #chaquiras #mostacilla #colar #glass #seedbeads #ethnic #ooak #sacredgeometry #color #beauty #fractal #inspired #Colombia #love #passion #indigena

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Have you checked out TaMeuBlog.tumblr.com. Its my photo blog streaming from Instagram and some sometimesy posts from me. Peep the caption

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Easily one of my favorite pieces I’ve EVER created. I love wire wrapping, I love how it can go from natural roots stylings to fine jewelry likeness. I’m somewhere in between :)

This is made from four Quartz Crystal points that I wrapped in copper wire. The seed beads are these super rare Topaz/Purple/Nebula color scheme that are to die for. The industry is awash in painted/lined beads so finding something true to color is a real treat. I bought the base from a boutique for $18 even though I know she probably bought it for $3 lol. I used a RAW weave to create the wrap around the torq/necklace bit.

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AMAZING COLOMBIAN BEADWOOORRRRRRKKK ARGGHHHH. This isn’t even the BEST one if you can actually believe that. To purchase pieces like this one please visit my friends philanthropic and community inspired organization, Unity is Change.

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She was so happy! She just wanted something to cover her scar, which to me was barely noticeable. But its not about me right? ☺️ so glad to have an impact on how people feel about themselves. This weekend at the  @beadsociety bazaar was EPIC. Shout out to my sisters @soulgemz and @kuschbusch for making it special! #seedbeads #demos #events #scars #healing #littlethings #chokers #jewelry #TaMeuBem #culvercity #losangeles #artisan #glass #stone #community

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My first foray into bead embroidery...if at first you don’t succeed, fuck it? lol.

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My beaded Octopus from overseasssss. ISN’T HE THE CUTEST? His name is Pillsberry Doptupus <3

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Extra Large Beaded Collar

Queens Lace Ta Meu Bem original netted beadwork. I chose the milkiest premium Japanese, Czech and faceted crystals beads, tightly woven in an

WHO’S THE PRETTIEST OF THEM ALL *LAUGHS MANIACALLY* 

Easily one of my most popular patterns. Color scheme was an idea from a friend in the DMV area. I call this Queen’s lace.