Barb Switzer

Barb Switzer "I was born in Madison, Wisconsin in a household of sewing machines, fabrics, looms, cameras, and tools, tools, tools! I studied English for two years at the University of Wisconsin, and then switched to technical school to learn graphics and typesetting. In 1989, I completed a vocational diploma in Lithography, and moved to Seattle."

"After several illustrious careers: Press Operator, Business Owner, Production Manager, and Graphics Technician, I have finally found JOY as a creator of jewelry and sculpture, and as a Beadwork Teacher. Teaching uses all my skills: color, design, handwork, attention to minute detail, engineering, and working a room."

"My special technique has grown from a sculptural piece I completed in 1997. After I began to teach in 1998, I refined the technique and applied it to jewelry. As my skills expand in my specialty, I continue to indulge my fascination for wire and its special chemistry with the light play of beads. I strive to teach classes that are fun and encourage students to use a technique or design to express their personal style."

"In 1998, my sculpture, Garden of Sleep, juried into 'Absolutely Beads', hosted by Beads & Beyond in Bellevue, Washington. I juried a necklace featuring my framed beads mixed with handmade glass beads into the 'Focus On Glass' exhibition, which was published in the May 2001 issue of Beadwork. In 2003, the technique for my beads was included as part of the book Beadwork Creates Beaded Beads. Betty, a 15-inch tall wire corset clothed in a freeform peyote skin, will be included in Dairy Barn's juried Show 'Bead International 2004'. I completed Betty in 2003 after moving to the redwoods of Northern California to live with Burt, a jazz trumpet player and chemistry teacher, two cats, two dogs, and eighteen koi."

The bracelet shown below is an example of jewelry made using of Barb's unique technique.

Click on the image to see a larger view of this lovely piece.