Rachel Nelson-Smith, author of
Seed Bead
Fusion: 18 Projects to Stitch, Wire and String (Interweave Press, 2009,
is a master beadweaver whose work is infused with her unique combination
of fabrication techniques. With a wealth of knowledge and fearless
adventure, needle and tools shape bold and vibrant works alive with
enormous energy and dynamism. Finding inspiration in surrounding nature,
pure color, and beads themselves, Rachel creates pieces reflecting the
world she sees around her.
Examples of her dynamic finished work have appeared in
Masters:
Beadweaving (Carol Wilcox
Wells, Lark Books, 2008) where she was featured along with other modern
beadweaving masters in 2008 as well as seven projects in Kate Shoup
Welsh’s
Not Your
Mama’s Beading (Wiley
Publishing, 2006) and instructional jewelry-making books Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence
(Lark Books, 2009) and Sharilyn Miller's Contemporary Copper Jewelry (Interweave Press, 2009).
Rachel pushes the boundaries of improvisational
beadweaving combinations and wire techniques to amaze the viewer.
Since 1996, Rachel has offered basic to advanced classes in the
California Bay Area for the South Bay Bead Art Guild, bead stores, park
& recreation programs, and privately. Since 2005, her designs have been
offered at national bead shows Bead & Button Show and Puget Sound Bead
Festival and around the US in bead stores and for bead societies.
She resides in beautiful Santa Cruz, CA with husband Colin.