About Meredithbead
The Artist Wore a 50-Cent Straw Hat
self portrait, age 26
Acrylic on canvas 18x18"
I come from a long line of creative women.
One of the last memories of my grandmother was watching her embellish a simple black dress with navy blue iridescent rocaille beads blossoming into elaborate flowers and leaves. She worked freehand without a pattern. Three beads forward, one stitch back. I was 11, and have loved beads ever since.
In the nascent Hippie era, when I was 15, I started making jewelry because commercial baubles bored me to tears. I made earrings out of cut-up plastic margarine tubs, and necklaces out of cheap hardware and knotted leather.
Gradually my style expanded to include more techniques and materials. I have neither a particular style nor a specific orientation. What I do have is a great sense of color and design, and love for the creative process. Millions of possible jewelry designs beckon and I’ve only made a fraction of them.
From my heart, through my hands, to you.
My grandmother made this purse in the 1930s. In my college years, this was my favorite evening bag because the strap fit perfectly over my wrist when I was dancing.
I beaded a collar around this vase for my brother's wedding gift. Beads are glass, garnet, hematite and freshwater pearl.
I call these "Treasure Boxes" --- upcycled wooden tea boxes, decorated with beads, paint, and chunks of quartz crystal. I made six of these in different colors; sold three, and kept three.
Meredithbead
limited edition handcrafted jewelry
Connect
My other websites
www.meredithlaskow.com (writing)
Coming early 2027:
vintage.meredithbead.com
DIYsupplies.meredithbead.com
© 2026 Meredithbead
All rights reserved.