Hello designers, and welcome to this month's spotlight!
Halcraft Collection is excited to announce our April 2022 Spotlight Designer is Sana Khilfeh of Willow West Jewelry. She is a master at creating unique bohemian glam jewelry.
Read on to learn more about Sana and her boholicious designs featuring Bead Gallery® beads by HalcraftCollection.com
When did you first start beading? Tell us about yourself.
My first beading experience was accidental. It all started in 2018 when my sister brought over her beading kit. I made my first pieces that day, and I was totally hooked from then on. I bought my own beading supplies, and making jewelry soon became one of my new passions. Creating jewelry has always made me happy. It brings a sense of peacefulness and balance to my life. Ever since I can remember, I have always had a creative instinct. As a kid, I started to dabble in embroidery, macrame and drawing landscapes of nature and people. I was obsessed with anything involving the arts. I developed an interest in fashion design in my teen years by sketching my own apparel designs. My favorite moment was when my high school friends asked me to sketch prom dress designs so their seamstresses could create the designs. It was exhilarating to know my art came to life from a fashion sketch.
While pursuing my undergrad in Business Administration, I picked up some apparel draping courses in my leisure time. I brought my sketches to life, learning to sew and drape my own designs. I even participated in local Chicago fashion shows, which was definitely a memorable experience. I genuinely believe that my past creative experiences helped me reach where I am today.
Tell us about your jewelry business.
My business is Willow West Jewelry, LLC. I design and make unique boho glam jewelry. My specialty is earrings, but I also make necklaces and bracelets. I use quality gemstones in my designs with vibrant colors. I enjoy making stylish and sophisticated jewelry for women to look and feel extra beautiful. You can find my shop at willowwestjewelry.com. Besides Instagram, you can see my shop on Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok.
What is your favorite project that you've recently finished and why is it your favorite?
My favorite project would have to be the spring collection I released a few weeks ago. I wanted to create earrings that are colorful and vibrant with an elegant, bohemian vibe. I enjoyed working on this collection.
What are your favorite beading techniques and materials?
One of my favorite beading techniques would be hand forging metals to form my own earring frames. Hand forging is a way of making my own style that no one else has. Another favorite technique of mine is hand wiring mini gemstone beads onto my earring designs. There are so many options in this technique using different bead sizes, shapes, and mixing colors.
What are some of your favorite beads or components on the Halcraft Collection website?
The Halcraft website is an excellent resource for all your beading needs. Some of my favorites include their gorgeous selection of gemstone beads, ceramic, and Czech glass beads. There are so many colors, sizes, shapes, and textures. Halcraftcollection.com is definitely is a great place for your beading essentials and tutorials. Check out their DIY inspirational library and YouTube channel if you are a beginner!
Where do you get your beading inspiration? What most inspires you?
My inspiration comes from everything around me. Fashion design has been a big part of my life, so I’m influenced by colors, prints, patterns, and styles. Also, nature has been inspirational in my work with the use of Czech flower beads and leaves. Inspiration is everywhere; you just have to find what sparks your creativity.
Do you have any tips for the readers regarding building their social media reach?
The best advice I can give is to be consistent in posting daily. There are ups and downs to being on social media, but just remember that it takes time to establish yourself. Another essential tip is always to interact with other makers/artists. This interaction builds relationships that are vital to building your audience. Also, you can become part of a community of makers that support and educate one another.
If you had room for only two tools in your bead kit, what would they be?
The most valuable tool would be my wire cutter to cut gauge wire to form my earring frames. The other tool I find I can’t live without is my bail plier. This one allows me to form wire, but importantly I can make my own ear hooks.
What jewelry trends are you excited to incorporate into your beadwork?
The nature collection I designed for Halcraft Collection was inspirational and fueled my creativity. So I decided to incorporate it into my upcoming collection. The jewelry I created has a beachy summer vibe. The sea-life beads - starfish, nautilus shells and, butterflies, & leaves inspired me. These Halcraft Collection pieces are the essence of summer.
What jewelry techniques would you like to learn?
This year I plan on experimenting with new jewelry techniques. I am really interested in metalsmith and intricate beadwork. I've already dabbled in metalsmith and made my first necklace, so I'm optimistic about exploring this jewelry technique. Beadwork is fascinating! I am enthralled with the different types of bead stitches and intricate beadwork. The history of this craft is so interesting. Beadwork can be found in apparel, jewelry, and furnishings in many cultures.
Sana lives in Willow Springs, Illinois, with her four children and husband.
Her business name is derived from the area in which she lives. Taking the first word from her town and its location in the state of Illinois.
She worked for a major healthcare company for 20 years before deciding to be a stay-at-home Mom to spend more time with her children.
Island Girl... She spent her childhood and teenage years living in St. Croix, USVI (a US Caribbean Island.)
She enjoys working out to stay fit and healthy. Her favorite workout is online indoor cycling.
Sana loves the changing of the seasons.
Purple and blue are her favorite colors.
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We choose a new designer to spotlight each month and would love to celebrate you!
Denise Yezbak Moore is a self-taught artisan. She is a senior jewelry designer and content creator for Halcraft Collection and loves to create jewelry with bohemian flair. Denise resides in Orange County, California, and enjoys hearing from fellow beaders worldwide. Be sure to follow her on Instagram @deniseyezbakmoore
