Artist Statement

"Attention to detail, high-quality craftsmanship, and beautiful embellishments make each of her pieces a work of art." I've been making beaded jewelry in my home studio since 2004, specializing in complex beadweaving and bead embroidery. In December 2009, I added polymer clay to my materials arsenal. Making jewelry using the millefiori, or caning, process is very exciting and fulfilling. I build colorful beads and jewelry which I sell on my website and at craft shows. History: An accomplished seamstress for most of my life, I leveraged my BA degree in Studio Art (Denison Univ, 1981, printmaking) to develop my art skills on a more intense level: 2000-2001: I studied with my Shibori mentor Lorin Fields of Beyond Surface Design to add color, texture, and a variety of fabrics that complement fluid garments designed to flatter the body. 2002-2005: I studied professional finishing techniques with Margaret W. Simmons (Fayetteville Community Technical College) to add couture touches and delicacy to my work. Aug 2002: I studied applique skills and design composition from fiber artist Lynda Sanders (Durham, NC) for those wonderful little artistic custom touches you won't find anywhere else. With these solid new skills under my belt, I felt free enough to let my creativity blossom, from pieced scarves with pockets which sold out as soon as they were introduced, to reversible cowl-neck blouses for twice the color combinations, to national award-winnning quilted Haori coats. I've produced a new and innovative style or design every year that wows each customer who walks into my craft-show booth, visits my website, or just sees my pieces on women walking down the street. In 2005, I injured my hand which made dyeing fabric and sewing more challenging than fun. Part of my rehab was moving piles of beads one-at-a-time. Soon I was stringing those beads and a new business was born. Contact You may contact Kate by mail at: 1303 Wildwood Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27517 Or by phone: 919-942-6660 Or by email at: kate.tracton AT gmail.com (trying to minimize spam by writing the address that way) My Personal Blog: http://shiborigirl.blogspot.com/