Meet Una
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a fascination with adornment. At the age of 8 I delved into Vogue and Rona Barrett’s Hollywood, and at the same time my grandma taught me how to sew. My dolls all sported haute couture and of course jewellry, made by yours truly.
I also created paper dolls and the accompanying spring and fall collections for them. One Christmas Santa gave me a beading kit and I was off and running. Every weekend I would set up my blanket with my wares in front of the neighbourhood bead shop and sells my goods!
As an adult I continued to make and sell my creations. A turning point for me happened in 1998 when a friend showed me a sample of the Mexican Lace Weave she had made at a beading workshop. She lent me her sample and without instruction, I copied the technique and once again, I was off and running!
This style of weaving (without a loom) continues to inspire me to explore new designs and techniques, where recently I taught myself the Peyote stitch (a tighter weave). I’ve also begun to reincorporate sewing, both hand and machine stitching, and am thrilled with the pieces I’ve created, such as the Ooh La La Choker and matching Cuff.
Muses
When I begin to create a piece of jewellry, I start with a colour palette that inspires me. The design itself emerges as I bead, and as well as a sense of the kind of woman who will wear the finished adornment.
Whether it is a famous woman in history or myth, one of the many archetypal roles of Woman, or a woman I know personally, in the end the character of the piece of jewelry makes itself known and gives me the name for it.
The Helen of Troy Choker, The Elizabethan Cuff, La Madame Necklace, each one evokes the power and beauty of that unique woman. I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind jewellry that is as unique as the woman who wears it.
In this photo taken by me, I’m modelling the Valkyrie Cuff and Necklace. Custom nail polish also created by me.
Craftsmanship
Each piece of jewelry I create is a product of many hours of focus and attention to detail. Beading is a form of meditation for me in that it is requires a mindful approach.
My wearable art jewelry is handcrafted with the best materials and techniques to ensure a lifetime of wear. I use a tough nylon thread for the bead weaving, which is done without a loom. I also do frequent knotting, with each knot melted closed, to add extra durability.
As with any fine adornment, I recommend that you do not get your jewelry wet, do not leave in direct sunlight, and keep away from open flames. In the case where there are metal components, a Jeweler’s Rouge Cloth is the best way to restore shine.
When travelling, it’s a good idea to wrap your item in a soft cloth (I use silk handkerchiefs) and put it in a sturdy pouch, such as a makeup bag.