Organic Elegance

Random Facts About You?

My favorite author is Terry Pratchett

I majored in Archaeology

I spent a year teaching in Egypt

the Daily Show IS the news show with the most integrity

What got you started crafting?

I've been drawing portraits for years, but glass started this summer when I came home from a year abroad and had absolutely no idea what to do with my life. I took a course in glass at a local bead shop thinking it would be a fun afternoon, and it turned into a passion.

What is your source of inspiration?

Basically everything. A color, a shape, a pattern I happen to see. There's so many I can't keep track of them all! I like movement, mystery, and light. I usually read fashion magazines to get color combos, and Archaeology magazine to get patterns.

What have you made recently?

One of my collection's is called the Nadine Collection. It has various colors of glass beads, all in the same style, surrounded by swarovski crystals and silver plated findings. It's inspired by my cousin Nadine, who requested the first of its kind.

When designing the beads I wanted to keep them simple but interesting. I'm a newcomer on the bead scene, and this bead hones the basic skills of dot placement and size. Each bead is made of a core color in the basic bead shape with two layers of dots above it, then covered with clear glass. I enjoy the personality that pops out in the glass when you lay down the dots; I don't make them all exactly the same, and so the bead becomes dynamic.

For each bracelet I make six beads, aiming for the same size. I then pick out the best five. I line them up with the largest in the middle and the smallest on the ends, and start making the bracelet.

I love crystals. They're bright and light and add elegance to anything. What can I say; I'm like a magpie. Give me anything that sparkles. When designing this piece I wanted to make it more decadent than my others, to have more kick to it (like Nadine!). Each bead is strung onto silver plated wire with one round spacer and two floral spacers on each side. these are linked together with jump rings, and four swarovski bicones on headpins are hung from the jump rings. Once all five beads are linked, I hook two pieces of silver chain (about 1/2 an inch) on each end and attach the clasp. a few more Swarovski crystals go on the new jump rings.

The bracelet shows off my personality in the delicate construction and organic nature of the beads. The feel is feminine and confident. The bracelet draws attention, it says that it wants to be seen. All of my pieces reflect this part of my personality (even though it might be hidden sometimes!). I think that it's very hard not to give a piece your personal touch if you've made it from start to finish. Sometimes I find bits of me that got into a piece without me realizing it!

The Nadine Collection stands out on its own. The piece works as a whole to create a flowing, bright design that adds energy and verve to an outfit. It's fun, doesn't take itself too seriously, and knows how to work a room.

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I just started selling on Etsy, but hope to sell to some stores and galleries soon.

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

Tradition. I'm a big believer in putting your spirit into something, and that's what handmade is all about. Each piece handmade by someone has a bit of their essence within it. That makes a crafted piece all that more special. I also like the one-of-a-kind aspect of most handmade items; if I'm going to buy something, it has to be worth it. When I buy handmade, I know it is. I want to provide that same kind of service to others.

Find Me

Location
New Jersey

Email Address
Kyera Giannini

Personal Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kglass8

Store Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kglass8