Celebrating Beadwork Artists on International Women’s Day

Today on International Women’s Day, we are celebrating all beaders and spotlighting four special women who elevate the craft.  Each of these artists creates unique beadwork designs, has built a business from her art, and shares her passion by teaching others. Be energized by these beadwork artists and learn more about their background and inspiration. 

Naomi Smith: Indigenous Beadwork With a Modern Twist

Beader Naomi Smith is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash nation and believes that art and life are intertwined. Naomi uses traditional techniques and materials to create intricate and beautiful pieces that showcase her culture and heritage. She says, “We embellish our everyday objects as a way of preserving what has meaning in our lives.” Naomi is also an educator and shares her knowledge and skills with others through workshops and presentations. She teaches her students that “the creation of art is not separate from our teachings, roles, and responsibilities. Everything is intended to work together.” Learn more at Black Tulip Designs.

Melissa Grakowsky Shippee: Beaded Masks and More

Beadwork artist Melissa Grakowsky Shippee is an award-winning beadwork artist whose intricate, ethereal designs are instantly recognizable. Her innovative beadwork is inspired by nature and Melissa’s background as a scientist and painter. She says, “Once you learn the basic stitches, you can build them upon one another and combine them in new ways with different mixes of beads for a seemingly unending number of design possibilities. Melissa sells classes, beading kits, patterns, and supplies through her business, MGS Designs.

Cindy Kinerson: Western-Inspired Beadwork

Designer Cindy Kinerson is an accomplished beadwork artist and the co-owner of Reno Bead Shop and Out West Beads. Her beadwork usually starts with a color palette and then grows from there. She recommends keeping a color journal or a record of color combinations that have worked for you. Cindy has a passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge with others, which is why she opened the Reno Bead Shop. Her shop provides a wide variety of beads, tools, and supplies for all levels of beaders, from beginners to advanced artists. Cindy and (and her cowgirl boots) have taught beadwork classes there and across the nation.

Kim Leahy: Uncommon Bead Embroidery and Beyond

A talented beadwork artist, Kim Leahy is the owner of Esther Beadwork, which specializes in unique beaded jewelry kits. With over years of experience in the field, Leahy has honed her skills and developed a distinctive style that sets her work apart. Kim says her jewelry making motto is “Be true to you. It sounds like a cliché, but I have had to step back and really tell myself this time and time again. I like to try new products and ideas—and so much of my jewelry is not the norm—but I keep plugging along.” Kim teaches classes at Bead Fest and at other local shops and shows nationwide. When she isn’t beading, she enjoys mountain biking around central Oregon.

Celebrating Beadwork Artists

These women, along with many others, have helped to elevate beadwork from a traditional craft to a respected art form. Their dedication to the craft and their innovative approaches inspire us, their students and beaders across the country—and around the world.

Who is your beading super-shero? We’d love to hear about her in the comments.