Artist Tribute Collection & Gallery
A Sun & Thread Sisters Series
Honoring the teachers, designers, and classes that have shaped our beadwork journey.
Celebrating the artists whose creativity, generosity, and guidance continue to inspire us every day.
“Every Artist Begins as a Student”
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Every Journey is Shaped by Those Who Inspire Us
The Artist Tribute Collection is our heartfelt way of saying thank you to the remarkable teachers, designers, authors, and bead artists who have shared their creativity, knowledge and passion.
Each piece represents a meaningful step in our own journey - created through classes, workshops, retreats, kits, books, patterns and tutorials,
that challenged us to learn, grow, and discover our own creative voices.
We are grateful to the artists whose generosity as teachers continues to inspire our work and our love of the remarkable art form.
We invite you to slow down and explore each piece in the Artist Tribute Gallery. Every description shares the story behind the original artist or teacher, the inspiration that shaped the design, and the gratitude we feel for those who have so generously shared their creativity and knowledge. We hope you'll enjoy discovering the remarkable artists whose work continues to inspire ours.
Artist Tribute Collection
ARTIST TRIBUTE COLLECTION
Barbara E. Elbe Original Design:Village Purse
This piece was handcrafted from a legally purchased copy of Back to Beadin': Elegant Amulet Purses & Jewelry Using Delica & Seed Beads, written and illustrated by Barbara E. Elbe and published by B.E.E. Publishing.
Barbara E. Elbe was a gifted bead artist, author, and teacher whose books introduced generations of bead artists to the beauty of beaded amulets and miniature beadwoven landscapes. Her creativity, artistry, and generosity continue to inspire bead artists around the world.
This necklace was created as part of my continuing journey as a bead artist and is shared with heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation for Barbara's lasting contribution to the art of bead weaving.
Original Design © Barbara E. Elbe. All rights to the original design remain with the designer and author.
Inspired by the peaceful beauty of alpine landscapes in bloom, this individually handcrafted beaded amulet necklace captures the serenity of nature through thousands of carefully woven Miyuki Japanese seed beads.
A snow-capped mountain rises above a vibrant meadow of wildflowers beneath a brilliant blue sky. Rich shades of purple, blue, green, and earth tones create depth and movement, while the flowing hand-beaded fringe adds graceful elegance with every movement.
Suspended from a 25-inch hand-beaded necklace, the piece features carefully selected Czech glass, vintage beads, red jasper, amethyst, and decorative vintage rosebud beads. Each material was thoughtfully chosen to complement the mountain landscape while celebrating the timeless beauty of traditional bead weaving.
Every bead in this necklace was individually stitched by hand using traditional brick stitch techniques. The many hours of craftsmanship, together with the use of vintage materials and the handmade nature of bead weaving, make this individual necklace uniquely its own. While inspired by Barbara E. Elbe's original design, this finished piece reflects my own careful workmanship, attention to detail, and appreciation for the artistry that first inspired me.
Details
Individually Handcrafted
Necklace Length: 25 inches
Amulet Size: Approximately 4½ inches long × 1¾ inches wide
Technique: Brick Stitch Bead Weaving
Miyuki Japanese Delica Seed Beads
Czech Glass Beads
Vintage Beads
Red Jasper
Amethyst
Vintage Decorative Rosebud Beads
Hand-Beaded Fringe
With Gratitude
Barbara E. Elbe's books and original designs have inspired generations of bead artists to explore the beauty and artistry of bead weaving. It is an honor to recognize her creative legacy and the knowledge she shared so generously through her writing and teaching.
With sincere appreciation and respect,
Kristina Amato
Sun & Thread Sisters
ARTIST TRIBUTE COLLECTION
Stephanie Eddy | Original Design: March Berry & Leaf Spring Bracelet (2002)
This bracelet was handcrafted from an original March Berry & Leaf Spring Bracelet Kit, designed by Stephanie J. Eddy. The kit was legally acquired and carefully completed respect for Stephanie’s original design, artistry, creativity, teaching and contribution to the bead community.
Stephanie Eddy is an accomplished jewelry designer, author, and instructor whose nature-inspired beadwork has encouraged generations of artists to explore dimensional bead weaving. Her original designs beautifully combine flowers, leaves, berries, and botanical elements with exceptional craftsmanship and imagination.
This bracelet was completed as part of my continuing journey as a bead artist and is shared with heartfelt gratitude for Stephanie's artistry, generosity, and the inspiration she has provided to the bead weaving community.
Original Design © Stephanie J. Eddy. All rights to the original design remain with the designer and author.
Inspired by the beauty of an early spring garden, this handcrafted bracelet celebrates nature through delicate blossoms, textured berries, and softly curved leaves woven together into a richly dimensional design. The combination of Czech glass flowers and leaves, hand-beaded berries, and traditional bead weaving techniques creates a bracelet that feels both whimsical and timeless.
Every element was individually stitched by hand using traditional peyote and brick stitch bead weaving techniques. Many hours of careful craftsmanship, finishing, and attention to detail transformed this design into a wearable work of art. While inspired by Stephanie Eddy's original design, this completed bracelet reflects my own workmanship, patience, and appreciation for the artistry that first inspired me.
Details
Individually Handcrafted
Bracelet Length: 7 ½ “
Technique: Peyote Stitch & Brick Stitch
Miyuki Japanese Seed Beads
Czech Glass Flowers
Czech Glass Leaves
Hand-Beaded Berries
Button Closure
Dimensional Botanical Design
One-of-a-Kind Finished Piece
With Gratitude
Stephanie J. Eddy's original designs, books, kits, and classes have inspired countless bead artists to discover the beauty of dimensional bead weaving. It is an honor to recognize her creative legacy and the knowledge she has so generously shared through her teaching and published work.
With sincere appreciation and respect,
Kristina Amato
Sun & Thread Sisters
ARTIST TRIBUTE COLLECTION
Jeanette Stutzman | Original Design: Bloom Earrings
These pairs of Bloom Earrings were handcrafted after attending Jeanette Stutzman's Bloom Earrings workshop through the Rocky Mountain Bead Society in 2025. Learning directly from the original designer was a wonderful opportunity to experience Jeanette's thoughtful teaching, generous spirit, and passion for creating beautiful, wearable beadwork.
Jeanette Stutzman is an accomplished artist, jewelry designer, instructor, and award-winning pastel painter whose work is deeply inspired by the beauty of nature and the Colorado Rockies. Through her jewelry, paintings, and classes, she encourages creativity, craftsmanship, and personal expression while inspiring others to explore their own artistic journey.
Taking Jeanette's class was both educational and inspiring. Her patient instruction, artistic vision, and willingness to share her knowledge made this project especially meaningful to complete. This pair of earrings represents not only the beauty of her original design but also the joy of learning directly from an artist whose creativity continues to inspire the bead weaving community.
Original Design © Jeanette Stutzman. All rights to the original design remain with the designer.
Bloom Earrings
Inspired by the delicate beauty of spring blossoms, these handcrafted earrings feature graceful Czech glass petals surrounding a luminous center bead to create a lightweight floral design full of movement and elegance. Their simple yet refined construction makes them equally beautiful for everyday wear or special occasions.
Each earring was individually stitched by hand using Japanese seed beads and Czech glass components. Careful attention to detail, balance, and finishing transforms Jeanette's original design into a beautifully handcrafted pair of earrings that reflects both her artistic vision and my own appreciation for traditional beadwork.
Details
Individually Handcrafted
Original Bloom Earrings Design by Jeanette Stutzman
Created after attending Jeanette's workshop at the Rocky Mountain Bead Society (2025)
Japanese Miyuki Seed Beads
Czech Glass Petals
Czech Glass Center Beads
Sterling Silver or Gold-Filled Ear Wires
Lightweight Design
One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Finish
With Gratitude
Jeanette Stutzman's artwork, jewelry, and teaching continue to inspire artists throughout Colorado and beyond. Her ability to combine fine art, jewelry design, and a love of nature encourages others to create with confidence and curiosity. It has been a privilege to learn directly from Jeanette, and I am grateful for the knowledge, encouragement, and creativity she so generously shares with the artistic community.
To learn more about Jeanette's artwork, jewelry, workshops, and exhibitions, please visit her website:
jeannettestutzman.com
With sincere appreciation and respect,
Kristina Amato
Sun & Thread Sisters
ARTIST TRIBUTE COLLECTION
Red Tulip Design by Angie (Angie Mézes) | Original Design: Princess
This bracelet was individually handcrafted from the original Princess bead embroidery kit and tutorial, legally purchased directly from Red Tulip Design by Angie.
This kit includes the carefully selected materials specified by the designer, allowing students to recreate the project while learning Angie’s bead embroidery techniques.
Angie Mézes is an internationally recognized bead artist, designer, and educator whose elegant bead embroidery designs combine exceptional craftsmanship with thoughtful instruction. Through her tutorials, she has inspired bead artists around the world to explore dimensional bead embroidery and wearable textile art.
This bracelet was created as part of my continuing journey as a bead artist and is shared with sincere appreciation for Angie's artistry, creativity, and dedication to teaching the beadworking community.
Original Design © Red Tulip Design by Angie. All rights to the original design and tutorial remain with the designer. This listing is for my individually handcrafted bracelet only and does not include, reproduce, or replace the original tutorial.
Inspired by Angie's graceful original design, this richly textured cuff features flowing hand-dyed Shibori silk ribbon surrounding a striking fossil coral cabochon. Swarovski crystals, Czech glass, freshwater pearls, and Japanese seed beads create layers of shimmer and depth while highlighting the sculptural movement of the silk.
Warm coral, champagne, blush, and soft gold tones evoke the beauty of ocean treasures shaped by time. Every bead has been individually stitched by hand using traditional bead embroidery techniques, resulting in a bracelet that celebrates both artistry and craftsmanship.
Although faithfully created from Angie's original tutorial, every stitch was completed by hand in my own studio. The natural variations that occur in handmade beadwork ensure that each finished bracelet is uniquely its own while honoring the original artistic vision that inspired it.
Details
Individually Handcrafted
Approximate Size: 7-inch cuff
Hand-dyed Shibori Silk Ribbon
Fossil Coral Cabochon
Swarovski Crystals
Czech Glass Beads
Japanese Seed Beads
Freshwater Pearls
Repurposed Sterling Silver Clasp (marked 925 SC)
Traditional Bead Embroidery Techniques
One-of-a-Kind Wearable Art
With Gratitude
Angie Mézes has inspired bead artists through her beautiful bead embroidery tutorials and generous instruction. It is an honor to recognize her creative work and the artistry she continues to share with the beading community.
The original Princess tutorial is available directly from Red Tulip Design by Angie. Supporting original designers by purchasing their tutorials helps preserve and encourage the continued growth of bead artistry.
With sincere appreciation and respect,
Kristina Amato
Sun & Thread Sisters
About the Gallery
The Artist Tribute Gallery celebrates the artists, teachers, designers, and beadwork traditions that have inspired my journey as a bead artist. The beadwork shown here was completed by Kristina Amato while learning from original kits, classes, patterns, books, and instruction by the credited designers.
Each work is presented with respect for the original artist and their design. These pieces are part of Kristina’s personal collection and are displayed here to honor the artists whose creativity and teaching have contributed to her growth as a bead artist.
Personal Collection • Gallery Display Only • Not for Sale
Turtle Tracks • Original design by Sherri Serafini
Tranquilty • Original design by Sherri Serafini
Ooh... That Fringe! • Original design by Betty Stephan
Harmony • Original design by Betty Stephan
Moon • Original design by Rita Caldwell
Mental Vacation Cuff • Original design by Kinga Nichols
Entwined • Original design by Kinga Nichols
Maroon Bells • Original design by Kinga Nichols
Follow Your Path • Original design by Carrie Tahquechi