Monarch Jewelry 101

Save Our Monarchs recently released our Pandora Monarch Butterfly Charm and we went behind the scenes to see how they were made!

The Monarch Butterfly Charm was created by local glass artist from Nebraska, Matthew Losee, and the proceeds go to support Save Our Monarch's School Pollinator Program.  The beads can be used on earrings, bracelets, necklaces, key chains and the list goes on! They also make thoughtful gifts to your Monarch-loving friends and family. 

Each glass color is layered separately onto a mandrel beginning with black. The glass that is used is call borosilicate which is what Pyrex is made from and is extremely break-resistant.

Next, the unique "Monarch Orange" glass color is layered on. 

Now for the distinctive white spots that we recognize on our Monarch friends. 

Lastly, a clear layer of glass is added in order to magnify the image and they are put into a kiln.

Meet the Artist

Matthew Losee, of Lincoln, Nebraska, has been blowing glass for 14 years and worked for 5 years with the Conservation Corps and US Forest Service to help conserve wilderness areas. His passion for environmental conservation and art spurred him to create a bead in the image of the Monarch. Save Our Monarchs was happy to combine forces in order to promote local art, conservation and the love of the Monarch butterfly.  

How do you use your Monarch bead? Please post in the comments ways in which you use yours!