Kathyn Schwille

kathryn schwille

Kathryn Schwille began designing jewelry 15 years ago when she found a bracelet of her grandmother’s that needed repair. She turned the bracelet into a striking necklace and has been working with beads ever since.

A writer by profession – her MFA is in creative writing – Kathryn’s beads come from all over the world and reflect her eclectic tastes. “I’m especially drawn to anything – a particular shape or cut – that I’ve never seen. I buy the beads by instinct, then sit with the raw materials and see what speaks to me. The design process is one of trial and error.
I combine the beads in different ways until I find the effect I’m looking for. It’s not unlike the way I write fiction: structure is important, and revision is key.

“In my jewelry, I try for a combination of shapes and textures that create a subtle surprise. Most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind. Once I’ve created a piece, I’m rarely interested in reproducing it. The satisfaction comes in the
discovery of a design that makes my heart beat a little faster.”