An introduction…

First, I must introduce myself. Despite the name of my business being “Trixie’s Jewel Box”, my name is actually Amy Haftkowycz. “Trixie” was one of my cats, and – quite honestly – her name was much catchier than my own, hence “Trixie’s Jewel Box”. Sadly she is no longer with us, but her memory lives on. (Side note: You will also notice that many of my beading kits are also named after my kitties: Frankie’s Delight Earrings; Noah’s Path Cuff Bracelet; Simply Zen Bracelet; Petey’s Pebbles Cuff Bracelet; and – coming soon – projects yet to be determined that will named after the latest additions to our household, Holly and Ivy.)

Like many others, my journey into the world of beads began on a fluke: one day, way back in 1995, I wandered into a newly-opened bead store in a neighboring town, and I was immediately hooked. And that addiction grew incredibly fast. I knew almost immediately that I couldn’t just buy the beads…I had make the beads myself! Before the end of my first year in the world of beading, I was set up with a torch, glass rods, and a kiln…I became a lampworker.

I spent many years making glass beads and selling them at bead shows and art fairs. It was a wonderful and exciting time. But, as the years wore on, my hands grew weary, and my mind craved to expand my beading experience.

As luck would have it, I had two dear friends who were looking to open a bead store, and they wanted a third partner to join them. It was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time, and in 2006 Artful Beads Studio and Workshop was born! Over the next 10 years, we had a wonderful time teaching classes, learning new techniques in beading, metal smithing, and metal clay, and generally having a great time. But, as we all know, all good things eventually come to an end; we all decided it was time to move on to new adventures and in January of 2016, we closed our doors.

And that’s when “Trixie’s Jewel Box” came to be. I still adored beads, and this was an opportunity to try things out in yet another direction. I received my PMC certification back in the late 90s, but hadn’t had the time for playing around with metal clay as I wanted. So, with the store now closed, I decided to focus my energy for Trixie’s Jewel Box on making metal clay jewelry components…pieces that add a unique, artistic touch to peoples’ designs without breaking the bank in the process. I also offer beading kits (that are my original designs) that center around my hand crafted components.

These days I can still be found at several bead shows a year, as well as on Etsy, where I sell my handcrafted metal clay components, beading kits, Czech glass beads, seed beads, and beading supplies. Additionally, some of my projects can be found in various beading magazines (both past and present). I don’t imagine I will ever tire of beads!

 

• 
• 
• 
•