Caraway Beads
Original handmade jewellery
by
Klára Bradshaw
Hi! I am Klára, a self-taught artist and the mind, hands, and heart behind Caraway Beads!
I was born in magical Prague but I am currently living in Scotland. I create my jewellery in a small studio in my garden, surrounded by beautiful hills and dramatic weather.
I've been struggling with Fibromyalgia (widespread chronic pain) and associated chronic fatigue for many years. Jewellery-making is one of my self-prescribed therapies - all those colourful beads of so many shapes, sizes, and textures help me keep my spirits up, and being self-employed enables me to remain as much creative as possible despite the unpredictability of my health.
Moffat hills, Scotland
I love working with COPPER, BRASS, BRONZE, beautiful ARGENTIUM silver, hypoallergenic NIOBIUM and TITANIUM, and gold-filled wires. Please visit my Materials page for more information about each metal.
When I'm creating my jewellery, I carefully shape and secure every link that connects the individual beads and parts.
I also make all the ear hooks and clasps - after I've cut and shaped the wire, I hammer it gently for extra strength and file all ends for comfort and safety.
Workbench
I find inspiration in the wild parts of our garden and everywhere in nature. I spend hours completely immersed in the challenge of capturing the beauty I see around me - translating it into glass and wires, or freezing the time in photos.
Hammering strengthens the metal
Studio in the garden
I am very proud of Czech glass and glassmakers. The history of glass production in my home country goes as far as the 13th century. Especially the northern part of the Czech Republic (Northern Bohemia) has always been - and still is - richly dotted with glass factories and workshops. And visiting at least some of them is always one of the best parts of travelling home.
Beautiful Czech glass
It's an honour to work with Czech glass beads, and I am very happy that through my creations I can share their uniqueness and beauty with you!
