Hello designers, and welcome to this month's Spotlight!
Halcraft Collection is excited to announce Amy Chebat as our November Spotlight Designer. This East Coast lady magically mixes gemstones and Czech glass to create inspiring jewelry designs. Armed with round nose pliers and wire cutters in hand, she is a design force! Her creations are organic and earthy, with the perfect mix of sparkle.
Read on to learn more about Amy and captivating creations featuring Bead Gallery® beads by Halcraft Collection.
When did you first start beading? Tell us about yourself.
I know the precise moment when I started creating jewelry. My best friend was celebrating her fortieth birthday. I wanted to give her something unique and from the heart... I decided to make her a set of gemstone bracelets with charms of initials with her two sons' names. I had so much fun with it that I also made a pair of earrings. She was so thrilled and impressed with the gift she urged me to continue creating. I started posting my designs on social media and eventually open my own online shop. Having always loved decorating and fashion… creating accessories felt very natural for me.
Tell us about your jewelry business.
I have an online jewelry shop through Etsy. The name of my shop is CAC JewelrybyAmy. CAC stands for my two children Chase and Charlize. I started selling through Etsy because it was a platform that I was familiar with as a customer. Also, I liked what Etsy had to offer me as a seller. Not having a lot of website knowledge when I started selling, Etsy made it relatively easy, and I felt comfortable with the website. I direct my traffic to my Etsy site from my Instagram account.
What is your favorite project that you've recently finished and why is it your favorite?
One of my favorite projects was working with a customer who contacted me via my Etsy shop. She asked me to create a custom bridal and bridesmaids earrings for her wedding. She gave me swatches of their dresses and complete creative control. It was an enjoyable experience, and the bride was thrilled with the outcome.
What are your favorite beading techniques and materials?
I love to change up my techniques from time to time. Currently, I really enjoy wire wrapping. Wire wrapping Czech or gemstone beads around hoop earrings that feature unique focals seems to be my go-to right now. I am also obsessed with individually wrapping an array of organically shaped gemstones to make a long necklace. These necklaces are usually accompanied with a gemstone or brass focal accent piece. These pieces are wrapped with bronze or deep brass metal hues (they are my favorite metals to design with during the fall months.)
What are some of your favorite beads or components on the Halcraft Collection website?
I could spend hours on the Halcraft Collection website admiring the yummy natural gemstone beads and focals. Some of my favorites are the faceted moonstone and natural precious faceted stones. Another favorite collection of mine is the incredible selection of Czech fire-polished beads. There are so many styles with a rainbow of colors. I always find what I need on the Halcraft Collection website!
Where do you get your beading inspiration? What most inspires you?
What most inspires me most are the seasons and nature. I reside in Western New York, and I look forward to the changing of the seasons. When it's spring, and the flowers are starting to bloom, I admire the greens and light spring hues. I am inspired to design with cooler metals and pastel stones. The excitement of summer draws me to vibrant gemstones. Now is my time to create fun dangle earrings and arm candy stacking bracelets. In fall/winter months, I gravitate towards neutral colors and metals. It's fun to make long beaded necklaces to wear with cozy sweaters in the winter and fall seasons.
Do you have any tips for the readers regarding building their social media reach? The best advice I can give to my creative friends is to be yourself. Do not try to build a significant following by buying followers. Be patient and grow your account organically (this is how I grew my Instagram account.) Create content that showcases your strengths. Customers and other artists will gravitate towards your talents. I've met some fantastic, supportive artisans on Instagram. I continue to meet and collaborate with other artisans. Hopefully, I will have more opportunities in the future. I would like to thank Halcraft Collection for being a part of this incredible spotlight experience!!
If you had room for only two tools in your bead kit, what would they be?
Only two tools? Wow, that's a tough one! I would have to say my handy needle nose pliers and my wire cutters. I could not live without these two tools because I work with metal or wire in almost every creation I design.
What jewelry trends are you excited to incorporate into your beadwork?
I'm always on the lookout for new Trends! One fun new trend I've incorporated into my designs is fringe. Embroidery fringe is fun to mix with brass and gemstones for that boho glam look.
Amy was born, raised, and continues to reside in Buffalo, New York. with her two children Chase and Charlize.
She enjoys all four New York seasons and loves nature walks on beautiful days.
Summer is her favorite season... Lazy days by the pool.
Sometimes she sets up her workspace outside to be inspired by her surroundings.
She has 44.2K followers on Instagram!
Are you interested in being in our Designer Spotlight?
Join our Beaded Jewelry Facebook group today and tag us in your projects on Instagram with @halcraftcollectionbeads, #Halcraftcollection #beadgallery #halcraftprettypalette #prettypalette!
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 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
