CLAUDIA CHAVEZ

Claudia was born and raised in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. Along with living in Santa Fe, she has spent her entire life on our family ranch. I currently sell my jewelry on Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza through the City of Santa Fe’s Plaza Artisan Program. Through this program I am able to meet customers from all over the world. I have also showcased my jewelry in many art shows including the prestigious Contemporary Hispanic Market, Santa Fe, NM, where I was awarded Best Jewelry Non-Precious in 2015.

I am a self-taught bead artist and have been creating original, delicate designs since 1992. In 1997 I created my Flower Garden Necklace. This design has evolved over the years and is now my top selling item. My customers tell me that this necklace is a conversation piece and sometimes they get stopped so people can get a closer look. My highest compliment is their repeat business.

My beaded jewelry pieces are one-of-a-kind, handcrafted originals. I generally work in three Bead Work methods: Bead Weaving, General Jewelry Construction and my own self-developed Wire Wrapping/Weaving Technique. I use high quality materials such as natural stones & pearls, Czech Artistic Glass, seed beads, etc. Bead Work is a very colorful and expressive art form. I am constantly inspired by nature and the beautiful scenery I am surrounded by. I touch, I feel, I meditate, I pray; if I don’t create, I feel incomplete.