The deep appreciation for the thousands of ethnic and ancient beads found at Beads and Beyond in Bellevue is not lost on jewelry designer Ronna Sarvas Weltman.
Specializing in handcrafted artisan jewelry, Weltman continues to fine-tune her craft using sterling and fine silver, high quality semi-precious stones, precious metal clay, polymer clay, glass beads, bone, leather, resins and found objects. Her one-of-a-kind pieces are now featured in her first book called Ancient Modern: Polymer Clay and Wire Jewelry.
The Bellevue-based artist first discovered her love of jewelry making a little over a decade ago when she attempted to replicate a bracelet she saw her sister-in-law wearing.
“I had seen a similar bracelet at Nordstrom that I loved, but when I tried it on it was to big around my wrist and it cost more than I wanted to spend. I decided to try and make a similar one myself,” Weltman explained. “I had always dabbled in art in one form or another but this was my first time exploring the art of jewelry. Once I began, I was hooked.”
Weltman began taking classes and learning the different techniques of wire work and beading. She now leads her own workshops for beginner to intermediate experienced students at Beads and Beyond, located within Quiltworks Northwest in Bellevue.
“When I teach a class I like to help others find their own voice in creating jewelry,” she said. “It’s the same with this first book I’m putting out. I wanted to create a how-to jewelry book that was visually appealing and informational. I am so happy with the way it turned out.”
To capture the images of her work, Weltman enlisted the help of jewelry photographer Doug Yaple from Seattle.
“His work is exquisite,” Weltman said. “It was really important to me to create a book where people can look at it and can clearly understand the step by step actions I take to create some of my pieces. The idea is not for the reader to replicate what I have done, but to learn from it and create their own unique pieces,” she explained.
Beads and Beyond will host an exclusive book signing for her new book on Friday, May 29. Her book is available for pre-order at Amazon.com and will hit bookshelves soon.
“I realize now that I got really lucky. There’s more going on in Bellevue in terms of the art of jewelry making than just about anywhere,” Weltman said. “The people who work at Beads and Beyond know their customers and they know their product. They are bead experts. So whether you are just starting out or deep into the world of beading, this store is the best around.”
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
Quiltworks Northwest/Beads and Beyond is located at 121A 107th Avenue Northeast, 425.453.6005, http://www.quiltworksnw.com.
For more information on Ronna Sarvas Weltman or to purchase her book, visit www.ronnasarvasweltman.com.
