Handcrafted stone, metal and glass jewelry designed and created by myself, Ann Haines in my studio overlooking the Puget Sound in Southworth, Port Orchard, Washington.
Art and nature have been interests throughout my life. Arts and crafts as a child; watercolors, decoupage and seed bead daisy chains as a teenager; wall textures, decorative furniture and gardening as a young woman in my first home. At the same time my career path in biology and conservation has led me from scientist to field biologist to land protection specialist to executive director.
My interest in beading was re-ignited one day when I came across a box of beading supplies from when I was a teenager. Naturally I had to dive right back in! After many years of giving my work as gifts I ventured into the world of the small business entrepreneur and Beadware was born.
My designs reflect an interesting juxtaposition of left and right brain. I thrive on organization, order and details. I love color, combining it in surprising mixes or staying within a color family. My work is colorful, delicate, tasteful, understated and simple. Stones and freshwater pearls are favorite materials. And then there are seed beads - such tiny treasures!
All items are individually designed and handcrafted using stones, freshwater pearls, glass beads, crystals, sterling silver, and silver, copper and gold wire. Findings are pewter, copper, brass and silver or gold plated. The result is beautiful jewelry that is affordable enough to wear a different piece everyday.
For nine years Beadware was a part-time endeavor with several annual sales out of my home. Then, due to job challenges, I took a huge leap of faith and dove into the deep end taking Beadware full-time. Shows every weekend for at least 6 months of the year, developing displays, branding, wholesale, bookkeeping, and all the other myriad of things that go with running your own business. I am grateful for the positive responses and support from all of my customers that helped make Beadware a successful small business venture!
After nearly 20 years of working
in my art business I have now retired. My studio is still set up so I
can dabble as time and inspiration permit.
Cheers,
Ann
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