Meet The Beaded Art Boutique
Do you have a story behind your company name?
I wanted my company name to accurately reflect my work – to show that I was making art out of beaded jewelry.
Makes sense! How did you get started?
I taught myself to bead during the pandemic by watching videos, taking online classes with professional bead artists, reading books, and lots of trial and error! I had started beading as a way to nurture my creative side and help me through when we were in lockdown. My beading then became a passion. My husband encouraged me to start my shop based on all the pieces that I was making that he thought I should share – and The Beaded Art Boutique was born!
That is so cool! What inspires you to create?
There are so many things that inspire me to create! Mostly, I love to create to make something beautiful that will make whoever wears it feel happy and treasured. Also, I work my “day job” in the sciences, so it is so good to be able to use my creative side to make beaded jewelry.
Where are you from and how does it affect your work?
I am originally from New York though I have lived in Pasadena for the last 24+ years. I think the combination of living on both coasts has affected my work as I bring in facets of my life in NY, such as my love for bright lights and fast-paced action, and combine them with pieces of my life here in Los Angeles, including my love of the ocean and the mountains. I also am so lucky to have lived in two places that have so many cultural and artistic opportunities which inspire me and influence my work.
A good balance. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?
My favorite part of my maker process is actually when I have that moment when a design all comes together. Many times, I have had to pull out beads (called “frogging” in beading lingo) and start a design over until I am satisfied with the way it looks – and it is the best feeling to get that perfect piece after struggling to create it.
What is a typical day like in the studio for you?
When I am beading, I am in a peaceful place. I don’t spend all day in the studio due to family and my day job, but when I do bead, it is my “me time.” I sit at my beading table, decide what I want to focus on, chose the beads that catch my fancy, and then sit down, listen to my audiobook, and just bead. It is my favorite part of my day.
How have you developed your skill at your craft?
I am a person who loves to continually learn and stretch myself. I am a self-taught beading artist and I continue to learn new skills by reading books, taking beading classes, learning new techniques, and following other beaders who I admire. I like challenging myself as it keeps life interesting and helps me to further my artistic skills.
With that, what is the hardest part of the process for you?
The hardest part of my creation process is when I make a piece that doesn't quite "work" and I need to start all over again. However, though this is the hardest part as it can lead to frustration, it is also the most rewarding part when I finally feel that I have gotten the piece "right."
Do you have a favorite item you have created?
My favorite item that I have created is a custom necklace for my best friend. She lost her mother several years ago, so for her birthday, I made her a one-of-a-kind necklace featuring a picture of her and her mother. To see her face when I gave this to her and the pleasure this necklace gives her each day, is the very best feeling.
How do you define success as an artist?
My definition of success as an artist is creating a piece of jewelry that brings happiness to the person wearing it and makes her feel beautiful both inside and out. I also think that having someone buy a piece of my jewelry to share with a loved one is the highest compliment someone can give me and that, in itself, is the definition of success.
We can’t wait to see you in person this December 10th & 11th in Downtown Burbank!
Where to see more of The Beaded Art Boutique:
Website | https://www.thebeadedartboutique.com
Instagram | @thebeadedartboutique