Today we’d like to introduce you to Dedra Weiss.
Hi Dedra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Art, fashion, and beading have always been a passion of mine. I’m an artist and designer seeking to create functional works of art, keeping the traditional art of bead weaving alive. I make beaded purses reminiscent of those from the late 1800’s – 1940’s but with a modern twist. I weave together thousands of tiny glass seed beads to create a unique and functional purse. Many of my purses are one-of-a-kind, made with authentic, antique purse frames dating over 100 years.
I discovered bead weaving in my adolescence, creating bracelets, belts, and other accessories on a small loom. I challenged myself with every project, creating complex designs and becoming more skilled along the way.
It wasn’t until my mother gave me a sack of seed beads that she’s saved from a tattered vintage purse that I experimented with the notion of weaving a purse. I had no instructions or tutorials. I used the techniques that I already knew and modified them to create my own process. My first purse wasn’t much to look at; it was small and simple. However, I gave it to my mother, who still has it decades later.
As a young adult, I often wore my purses to different events or outings in the cities that I lived. They always received a lot of attention and became a conversation piece. I was asked to commission a few purses by women who had seen me or my friends wearing them; I eventually launched my website, www.handmadebeadedpurses.com. Here, I showcase my handmade purses, artwork, and my artistic vignette videos.
Eventually, magazines and other media outlets such as HGTV, Southern Living, and Southern Bride started to feature my purses, and the business began to grow. My purses have also been on display at the Museum of Beadwork in Portland, Maine.
Most recently, I’ve launched the Opals and Clovers YouTube channel, where I create artistic videos combining the concepts of slow living, bead weaving, purse-making, art, and poetry in a natural setting. In many of my videos, I highlight my purse-making technique.
I feel so blessed to be able to share my passion with the world. Getting to where I am today was a slow but rewarding process, likened to the beadweaving process where patience yields something admirable.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Creating something new or finding one’s own path typically isn’t paved smooth. My path has been filled with bumps and potholes along the way, but it’s made for an exciting ride.
I created my own method of purse-making. I experimented as I wove my purses, figuring out how to transform a drawing into a chartable design, weaving unique shapes, and attaching the beads to fabric and a frame. Through trial and error, I created my process. However, let me emphasize “error.” I literally cut up several purses, frustrated at the mess I made. Tangled threads, uneven rows, and messy stitches were a common occurrence at first. It’s painful to take scissors to a piece of beadwork that I’d spent countless hours making. But I wanted nothing less than perfection for my pieces. Eventually, I came up with a technique that yields beautiful, flawless purses. Now, the road is smooth, but as I look over my shoulder, I can still see all those bumps in the distance that I had to power through to get where I am today.
The business side also has posed several struggles along the way. Success isn’t absolute. I’ve participated in arts festivals, not making a single sale. I’ve been turned down countless times from magazines and editors. I’ve launched videos to an audience of crickets. However, those disappointment have made me appreciate the successes so much more. Struggles keep me humble and appreciative; they motivate me to strive for greatness and set new goals. Though I can’t say that I love the struggle, I acknowledge its necessity for character-building and finding one’s way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Bead by bead, I weave thousand of tiny, glass seed beads on a loom. From this beaded fabric, I create a vintage-inspired purse, often using metal frames from the late 1800’s – 1940’s. Many of my purses are one-of-a-kind and are functional works of art that can be worn or displayed.
Dedra purses not mass-produced, machine-made, or even crafted by other artisans. Each one is a unique piece of art, meticulously created by me. I personally draw, weave, and sew every bag, starting from my own sketches or paintings that I turn into intricate patterns. My purses take 50 hours or more to make. This rarity and artistic flair make them highly sought-after by my clients.
What makes me most proud is that my purses are infused with meaning and love. They reflect my artistic vision, passion for preserving bead weaving and historical fashion, and my mission to empower people to feel confident and beautiful in what they wear.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
As a beadwork artist, the Covid-19 crisis has taught me several valuable lessons. It highlighted the importance of diversifying my business and embracing digital platforms. With in-person events and markets being canceled or restricted, having an online presence became essential for reaching customers. I revised my website and expanded my presence to other social platforms.
Moreover, the pandemic underscored the importance of resilience and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges and uncertainties, I remained committed to my craft and found innovative ways to continue creating and connecting with my audience. I began filming me making purses, drawing, writing poetry, and exploring nature during this time. My craft is solitary, but through video, I found I could share my art with others. I launched the @opalsandclovers YouTube channel as a means to inspire, entertain, and document my purse-making and artistic processes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.handmadebeadedpurses.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/opalsandclovers
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/handmadebeadedpurses
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@opalsandclovers
- Other: www.pinterest.com/dedrapurses
