Photography: Ebony at Ebonistik Photographix

Breastmilk jewellery is by no means a new addition to the market, with numerous listings of companies and individuals specialising in its craft across the Internet. Each has their own unique take on preserving a mother’s liquid gold into beautiful accessories and one in particular caught my eye. Miranda Biasol, owner of Heart and Soul Keepsakes is new to the breastmilk jewellery-maker clan but her simple and elegant designs already speak for themselves. Applying sensitivity and creative expertise to the art of encapsulating breastmilk, placenta and even the ashes of loved ones; your memories will be safe and revered in Miranda’s talented and capable hands.

With today marking the birth of her brand new business, Miranda shares the highs and lows of her journey to breastmilk jewellery-making, her own personal experience with breastfeeding and what it means to be working with materials that mean so much to her clients.

Plus, to celebrate the launch of Heart and Soul Keepsakes, Miranda and I have teamed up to offer my readers and social media tribe an exclusive 10% discount off their order. Just include the code HADASSAH10 and Miranda will apply the discount. Simple! The code will be available until 31 January 2019.

TLH: what led you down the path to breastmilk jewellery?

MB: I purchased five breastmilk European style beads that were crafted by my mentor Amy McGlade at Baby Bee Hummingbirds, each bead to represent my four children in different colours for my breastfeeding journeys. I went on to purchase a DIY kit from Baby Bee Hummingbirds (BBH) to craft three special keepsake European style beads for a family with the hair from a loved one who is no longer earth side. The emotions that came with helping this family keep a part of their loved one close to them every day and helping them fill a void in their aching heart was heartfelt honourable. I then decided to preserve my own breastmilk with the DIY kit and played around with colours and inclusions of hair and breastmilk. I enjoyed doing this as a ‘hobby’ and when I heard about the DNA & Breastmilk Academy I knew I had found my calling and what I was set out to do.

TLH: tell us what the process is for a customer who wants to send in their breastmilk to be transformed into a wearable work of art?

MB: Customers will contact me with the piece/s they would like crafted and any colour and glitter flecks to compliment their piece. Sending 5- 10mL of breastmilk double bagged and wrapped in paper towel for me to preserve. Once I receive their breastmilk I preserve and craft with much care and utmost respect to every customers order. Once Crafting is complete, it is all packaged in a special box with care instructions and sent back to the customer to love, cherish and especially be worn with pride. PRESERVATION OF BREASTMILK and other milk (formula, soy etc) Starts with 5mL of YOUR breastmilk, heated & mixed with the tried and tested 100% Natural Preservation method using Milky Mumma Magic Dust from @babybeehummingbirds. It is then dried for 48 hours and ground into a fine powder. It is then perfect to be mixed with Jewellery Grade Resin, I use Little Windows Resin, and set with any other inclusions of your choice for up to 24hours and finished with Solid Sterling Silver fittings.

Miranda at work with her mortar and pestlePhotography: Ebony at Ebonistik Photographix — Miranda at work with her mortar and pestle
Photography: Ebony at Ebonistik Photographix

TLH: what is your favourite thing about what you do?

MB: I don’t know if I can name one thing, but celebrating mothers reaching special milestones in their breastfeeding journeys and every special moment during motherhood. Whether that be reaching a breastfeeding goal or crafting with a precious first curl from their beautiful children. To helping grieving families, hold memories of a dearly loved lost one close to them forever.

TLH: what has breastfeeding meant to you personally?

MB: Being able to nourish my children with pure liquid gold. Bonding and having that special connection. Those two eyes looking up at you while playing with your necklace and slowing falling into a milk drunk heaven. Knowing that my children can find comfort at the breast when upset, unwell, tired or simply hungry. It is truly the most beautiful feeling to breastfeed.

TLH: why do you think it’s so important to women to preserve their breastmilk/placenta etc?

MB: Every woman’s pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys are different, no two are alike. The placenta nourishes the growing baby while inside the Mother’s womb and Breastmilk nourishes the growing baby outside. They are both as equally important and having these preserved, rewards the mothers and celebrates their milestones nourishing little humans.

Me and my third breastfed baby and the beautiful pendant Miranda crafted from our breastfeeding journey

TLH: what has been the most interesting commission you’ve taken on so far?

MB: I recently crafted for a mother who hadn’t breastfed her children for 4.5 years but was still lactating and able to express the amount of milk needed to preserve and craft with. A woman’s body is truly a magical and amazing thing.

TLH: in addition to bracelet (Pandora) charms, what are the range of options you have in your collection?

MB: Memory Lockets, Crystal Pendant, Pearl Necklace, Feather Charm, Resting Baby and Rings

Photography: Ebony at Ebonistik Photographix

TLH: which piece would you say is the most popular among your clientele?

MB: European style bead and rings are the most popular. Beads can be worn on a bracelet like a Pandora style and fit on necklaces too.

TLH: how does it make you feel when you’re commissioned to encapsulate a child’s ashes (or similar)?

MB: I feel much sadness and heartache for the family going through this, but I am also honoured to craft a special keepsake memory to hold them close and help these families through these tough times. (Oh my you’ve got me on this one!!! I haven’t crafted as yet with ashes, but I do have some of a loved child in my studio and it is going to be a tough one I tell you!)

TLH: what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned since venturing on this professional journey?

MB: Everyone’s journey is different; everyone has a story to tell. And there is a world of people who haven’t heard about the breastmilk jewellery before.

TLH: how do you balance your Mummy duties with your business?

MB: With a busy household and four kids, time management and planning is the biggest thing. I craft when the children are in bed and I can 100% focus and concentrate on the importance of each and every piece. I do paperwork, admin, social media when the youngest are napping during the day. Allocating time with a family planner.

TLH: what do your kids think about your new business?

MB: My children are very proud of what I do, and love seeing new creations in particular new designs. They are intrigued about the whole process and often ask for their own keepsakes made with their choice of inclusions, colour and glitter and happily show them off to friends, family, students and teachers.

Photography: Ebony at Ebonistik Photographix

So there you have it, an amazing Mama of four making her dreams a reality and turning your memories into the most beautiful wearable art you could imagine.