Jewelry Designs by Amy Haftkowycz

Amy Haftkowycz from Trixies Jewelry box has a talent for jewelry design that is both-of-the-box and trendsetting. Her style combines vintage and modern elements, a perfect recipe for using Czech Glass. When we asked Amy to create some designs for us using our new faceted dangle drops, there were high hopes. However, nothing could have prepared us for the ways in which she used them; the designs are not just beautiful, but completely turned the traditional use of this bead on its head. True to her form, she mixed the modern colors with vintage-look metals for a stunning result. But it was the unexpected and versatile way in which she used the bead that inspired us to have a new appreciation for the faceted dangle drop (as well as Amy's skill!). We hope these designs inspire you too.

Bracelet

Because of the elongated shape of these beads, designs that incorporate "things that dangle" (ie, earrings and necklaces) is where my mind naturally goes. But, I wanted to challenge myself with designing a bracelet with the faceted dangle drops. After trying several techniques and bead combinations, this is the finished piece I ultimately landed on. As is evident in all of my work, I love the way the fancier/sparklier nature of the faceted dangle drops contrasts with the rustic character of the cord and the metal beads/components. This contrast, to my eye, really makes the beauty of the focal beads - the dangle drops - jump out.

 Rosewood Charm Earrings:

I like to work in bead combinations that would generally be considered unexpected. With these earrings, I chose beads that would frame the faceted dangle drops in a way that would make the drops the star of the show. Again, I selected beads that have a more earthy tone to them, so that when they sway on either side of the faceted dangle drop, they almost "point" to it, saying "check out this gorgeous sparkly bead!"

Chandelier Earrings

I feel this stunning gray faceted dangle drop has a very vintage air to it, so designing a chandelier style earring around these beads flowed easily. The lustrous colors of the melon and rondelle beads I used to bring together a soft color palette that allows these earrings a "goes with anything" style, whether it be formal or casual. And, of course, the more swing, the better!!

About Amy Haftkowycz from Trixie's Jewel Box: 

Like many others, my journey into the world of beads began on a fluke: one day, way back in 1995, I wandered into a newly-opened bead store in a neighboring town, and I was immediately hooked. And that addiction grew incredibly fast. I knew almost immediately that I couldn’t just buy the beads…I had make the beads myself! Before the end of my first year in the world of beading, I was set up with a torch, glass rods, and a kiln…I became a lampworker.

I spent many years making glass beads and selling them at bead shows and art fairs. It was a wonderful and exciting time. But, as the years wore on, my hands grew weary, and my mind craved to expand my beading experience.

As luck would have it, I had two dear friends who were looking to open a bead store, and they wanted a third partner to join them. It was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time, and in 2006 Artful Beads Studio and Workshop was born! Over the next 10 years, we had a wonderful time teaching classes, learning new techniques in beading, metal smithing, and metal clay, and generally having a great time. But, as we all know, all good things eventually come to an end; we all decided it was time to move on to new adventures and in January of 2016, we closed our doors.

And that’s when “Trixie’s Jewel Box” came to be. I still adored beads, and this was an opportunity to try things out in yet another direction. I received my PMC certification back in the late 90s, but hadn’t had the time for playing around with metal clay as I wanted. So, with the store now closed, I decided to focus my energy for Trixie’s Jewel Box on making metal clay jewelry components…pieces that add a unique, artistic touch to peoples’ designs without breaking the bank in the process.

I also began designing beading kits that center around my handcrafted components. This is a challenge that I truly enjoy, as it brings together my love of original metal pieces and my love of artistic Czech glass beads.

These days I can still be found at several bead shows a year, as well as on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/TrixiesJewelBox, where I sell my handcrafted metal clay components, beading kits, Czech glass beads, seed beads, and beading supplies. Additionally, some of my projects can be found in various beading magazines (both past and present), and I maintain a beading blog on my website www.TrixiesJewelBox.com. I don’t imagine I will ever tire of beads!