Today we’d like to introduce you to Dedra Weiss

Hi Dedra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My journey I literally started with 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 usually take up to 80 hours to make, and are made from tens of thousands of tiny, glass seed beads. 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. Each one of my creations is made by myself 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 (www.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.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

For me, the process of creating my seed beaded purses was not exactly smooth, but the journey was definitely enjoyable. Initially, I had to learn through trial and error, as there were no patterns or instruction books available for the type of design I envisioned. I wanted my purses to be elegant, functional, and sturdy, with no visible seams in the satin linings and beadwork that perfectly fit the frames. To achieve this, I had to experiment with many different techniques and create numerous purses before I developed a method that yielded the exquisite results I desired. The path to perfection was filled with spilled beads, tangled threads, and many failed attempts, but I refused to give up. Countless hours of persistence and dedication eventually led to the creation of the beautiful, artistic purses I had always imagined.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

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. 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 in that 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.

What were you like growing up?

Growing up, I was an introspective person and immensely enjoyed art, nature, and creative outlets such as dance. While I spent countless hours with my close friends at dance classes, I also treasured time alone, immersing myself in creating art.

My patience, something that has been a big part of my personality since I was young, is reflected not only in the care I put into my artwork but in the way I nurture my friendships.

I would say that I could be described as a daydreamer growing up, imagining the many possibilities for the future and also the art that I could create. I found comfort in books and spending time in nature. These characteristics have remained with me into adulthood and shaped who I am today.

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: https://www.pinterest.com/dedrapurses