Today we’d like to introduce you to Dedra Weiss.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dedra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
With a fondness for vintage clothing and accessories, I began hand making beaded purses reminiscent of those from the 1900’s – 1940’s, but with a modern twist. I draw my purse designs to create a vintage or contemporary feel, weaving thousands of tiny, glass seed beads into a unique and functional purse.
I made my first purse from a sack of antique seed beads given to me by my mother, salvaged from a vintage purse. Staring at a pile of beads can be pretty intimidating, but I was determined to make something beautiful from them. Infatuated with the glamour and elegance of vintage fashion, I wanted to transform those little glass beads into a purse, a wearable work of art rather, embodied with the romance of the past.
But how? There were no instruction books, tutorials, or classes. I created my own method of purse making, building upon the loom beading techniques I learned making beaded belts and bracelets. I made the purse without any instruction or pattern, eventually mastering the art of purse making with my own unique techniques.
My designs are works of art that can be displayed or worn. Flooded with confidence and beauty, one feels like a classic movie star when wearing a Dedra handmade beaded purse.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In any journey, there are obstacles to overcome. Initially, I had to learn by trial and error how to create a seed beaded purse. There were no patterns or instruction books on how to create a purse the way I conceptualized how I want my designs to look. My purses have no visible seams in the satin linings and the finished beadwork fits perfectly in the frames. I wanted them to be sturdy, functional, elegant works of art. I created many purses and employed many different techniques before I created a method yielding the exquisite results I desired. The road to creating a perfect, artistic purse was littered with spilled beads, broken threads, and many moments of frustration; however, I never gave up and spent countless hours until my technique was perfected.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dedra – Handmade Beaded Purses – what should we know?
Dedra – Handmade Beaded Purses keeps alive handmade beadweaving traditions and melds the glamour of vintage styles with contemporary fashion. The business specializes in vintage-inspired handmade, high-end handbags and purses. Handmade jewelry that matches the purses is also a hallmark of the business.
Dedra’s designs are unique in that they are functional works of art that can be worn or displayed. Many of the purses are one-of-a-kind, made from authentic antique purse frames from the 1900’s-1940’s. Wearing a Dedra purse is sure to capture attention and are often conversation pieces.
Each handmade purse is made by Dedra herself who hand weaves thousands of seed beads on a loom and then hand stitches the lining to finish the piece. A single purse can take up to 40 hours to make. Owning a Dedra Handmade Beaded Purse has an element of rarity to it since they are not mass-produced in large numbers. It’s not just an accessory; it’s art.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family has played a big role in my success in the business. I have such a deep love for my husband, children, and parents who have supported and assisted me throughout this journey. My mother shares an interest in antique items and vintage fashion with me. It was she who inspired me to make my first purse when I was barely out of my teenage years, which I was so excited to give to her as a gift. It was a small basic purse made from vintage beads she had given me. Her reaction to the purse was encouraging and loving, prompting me to create more purses and to improve to the point I have reached today.
My husband, Cord Stone, is an incredibly talented web designer and businessman who has helped with the online presence of Dedra – Handmade Beaded Purses. He encourages and supports me, and I am so grateful for his love and help. Without him, it would not have been possible to transition my hobby into a business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.handmadebeadedpurses.com
- Email: handmadebeadedpurses@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/handmadebeadedpurses
Image Credit:
Dedra – Handmade Beaded Purses
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