Today we’d like to introduce you to Dedra Weiss

Hi Dedra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I literally started from a pile of loose beads, a spool of thread, and a vision. As a teenager, I made seed beaded bracelets, belts, and hair accessories on a loom. My mother gave me a sack of seed beads she’d saved from a worn vintage purse. I used those beads to recreate a purse, building upon the bead weaving techniques I’d been using. The purse was simple, but sweet; I gave it to my mother. She still has it hanging, framed, in her house decades later.

It was from that project that my interest in making purses blossomed. I created my own technique through trial and error, constantly improving my process. My purses are made from tens of thousands of tiny, glass seed beads and take dozens of hours to create. They are wearable works of art that are reminiscent of the beaded purses from the 1900’s to 1940’s, many with authentic vintage metal frames dating over 100 years old. I design, bead weave, and hand stitch each one myself.

Fashion, art, and history intertwine with Dedra purses. They can be spotted glamorously hanging from the arm of a patron at a charity gala, displayed as art in homes, and as part of museum exhibits. I make each one of my purses with love and many are one-of-a kind creations.

The journey of purse-making and my love of art and poetry have evolved into the launch of Opals & Clovers, a YouTube channel (youtube.com/@opalsandclovers) where I create artistic vignette videos of my purse-making, art, poetry, and nature in a slow-living style. I hope to inspire artists, fashionistas, and those looking for a bit of creative relaxation with my creations.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

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 wanted 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 and functional, but also 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, tangled threads, and cast away attempts. However, I never gave up and spent countless hours until my technique was perfected.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Dedra – Handmade Beaded Purses celebrates the art of traditional beadweaving by blending the allure of vintage styles with modern fashion. What sets Dedra designs apart is their unique blend of functionality and artistry, and that I personally design and handmake each bag. Many purses are one-of-a-kind creations, often using genuine antique frames from the 1900s to the 1940s. A Dedra purse is not only a stylish accessory but also a conversation starter.

Weaving together thousands of seed beads on a loom and hand-stitching the lining, crafting a single purse takes 40-80 hours to make. With their limited production, Dedra Handmade Beaded Purses offer a rare and artistic touch, making them more than just accessories—they’re pieces of art.

As a company, I am most proud that I have remained true to melding art and fashion together as I continue to make each and every purse myself despite the limitation in production capability. By doing so, I ensure that my pieces are artistic works of the utmost quality, setting them apart from mass produced products.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?

Belmar, NJ is like living in a dreamland. My creative spark is constantly ignited here, being able to walk to the ocean or stroll our quaint Main Street. The ocean provides me with endless inspiration. Walking along the sandy shore, I recently conjured two unique, ocean-inspired purse designs. One of those handbags, which I call “Tea on the Sea” is now on display at the Museum of Beadwork in Portland Maine.

Belmar means “beautiful sea;” it’s certainly a name fitting of this New Jersey shore town. It’s also been a constant source of ideas for my YouTube channel @opalsandclovers, which I showcase many of my beaded creations, art, and poetry in a slow-living style.

The environment and my surroundings has always impacted my creative process. What I like best about Belmar is the unparalleled beauty and the change in energy throughout the year. This town is sleepy and quiet in the winter and then explodes with energy and activity in the summertime. The change in seasons, people, and activity fuels my creative processes and endlessly inspires me.

Also, the great city of Manhattan, New York is only a short train ride away, with a world of art and fashion opportunities. No place compares to the vibrancy and location of Belmar.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.handmadebeadedpurses.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opalsandclovers
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handmadebeadedpurses
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@opalsandclovers
• Other: www.handmadebeadedpurses.com www.pinterest.com/dedrapurses