Finding a Rosary: An Artisan’s Story
Finding a Rosary: An Artisan's Story
by A. Buis | founder and artisan | © OLOG Rosaries
published: September 2026 |⏱️ 2-minute read
Finding a treasure tucked away in my mother’s belongings made time stand still. Sorting through her things recently, I came across one of the first rosaries I ever made. Looking at my early work brought back so many memories.
A reflection on an early rosary discovered among personal belongings, marking the beginning of a lifelong artisan journey that started with basic wirework.
Humble Beginnings
Meaningful paths can have humble beginnings. – Our Lady of Grace Rosaries artisan
First Pliers
That first pair of pliers was a birthday gift from my parents. It came with a typed note asking that they be used only for making rosaries.
The First Rosary I Made
The note brought back memories of when I was ten years old. My grandmother helped me make a rosary using fishing line. The note was so intriguing. Soon after, I ordered supplies, like the beads shown in the photo.
With an instruction booklet open beside me, I read and reread the steps until they felt familiar. I carefully shaped the wire with my pliers, which I held so awkwardly at first. I had to learn to make hand-turned chain links, connector wraps, and even figure out the best way to hold pliers. Yet even then, the handmade wirework proved strong enough for years of my mother’s prayers. I can still pray with it today.
Early Work
A Gift
It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. – St. Teresa of Calcutta
At first, completing a single rosary took nearly a month – so much longer than I expected. But I found the activity meditative and unexpectedly relaxing.
So Memorable
When I finally placed that finished rosary in my Mom’s hands, I watched as she treasured every bead, lingering especially on the centrepiece. The Sacred Heart of Jesus had always been her favourite lifelong devotion. Seeing it now, worn smooth by decades of prayers, feels like holding a piece of our history.
When I finally placed that finished rosary in my Mom’s hands, I watched as she treasured every bead, lingering especially on the centrepiece. The Sacred Heart of Jesus had always been her favourite lifelong devotion. Seeing it now, worn smooth by decades of prayers, feels like holding a piece of our history.
A New Purpose
While I was praying, a sudden inspiration filled my heart to put as many rosaries in as many hands as possible. I remember thinking, “I’ve only just started making them. I’m not very good yet – but yes I would love to – only – please help me.”
The Inspiration
Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them. — Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
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Then and Now
Rosary designing is more than a mere art form – it’s an act of love. — Our Lady of Grace Rosaries artisan
Looking at that early 1993 rosary next to one I made recently tells the story of many rosaries placed in many hands. My techniques have improved over the years, but the heart behind the work has remained the same. Designing rosaries and working with wire and cord is part of meaningful prayer for me. Making them is so much more than a hobby to me; it is a simple act of love.
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CREDITS
The LOGO image of Our Lady of Grace is an original artwork by my son, Martin Lariviere (2009). We have the artist’s permission to use it as our exclusive trademark LOGO.
A beautifully photographed sky by Donald Tong inspired the website’s colour scheme. Cropped portions of it are the background for the footer Bible verse. He shared it as a free download on pexels.com.
Raphael painted The Sistine Madonna, circa 1513-1514. We made circular cut-outs from the original image.
These are our original photos and are intended for use only while visiting our website.
While our information is based on years of experience and shared resources, it is intended for educational purposes. We recommend using it as a springboard for your own research and fact-checking.
Quotes
Saint Teresa of Ávila quote: The Way of Perfection (or frequently attributed to her personal bookmark/prayer card discovered after her death, known as St. Teresa’s Bookmark: “Let nothing disturb you… Patient endurance attains all things.”)
Quote by Teresa of Calcutta: A Simple Path or her collected letters compiled in Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light (which draws extensively from her personal journals and private correspondence with her spiritual directors).
St. Thérèse of Lisieux quote: Story of a Soul (Manuscript A, Chapter 3), where she discusses God looking at the love behind small actions rather than their magnitude.
IN REVIEW
Where can I see a side-by-side comparison photo of rookie versus artisan-made rosaries?
A: The “Then and Now” section of the story features a visual comparison highlighting how techniques have improved over the years while keeping the same heartfelt dedication.
Is this article a personal story or a tutorial?
This article is a reflective look back at personal beginnings, family memories, and the lifelong journey of handcrafting rosaries.