Meet Our Artists
Each piece in our collection carries the spirit of its creator. Get to know the talented artisans behind the work.
Calvin Orr
Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads
Hawaii
Calvin Orr has been crafting exquisite handmade glass beads for over 30 years, each piece a unique creation made in Hawaii. His beads are crafted using the lampwork technique, where a torch and flame are used to shape and form the glass. This spontaneous process results in one-of-a-kind beads that capture the essence of artistic freedom and creativity. My mom and I met Calvin at a bead show in San Francisco in 1997. They fell in love, he moved to Hawaii, and they've been together as long as our bead store has existed! I'm delighted to share his beads with the world. Fortunately, I have access to his stash after Sunday dinners, allowing me to feature them here. Please enjoy these handcrafted treasures, perfect for those seeking unique, artisan-made glass beads.
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Natsu
Japanese Lampwork Animal Beads
Japan
Natsu is a Japanese lampworker who loves animals, and makes the cutest animal beads ever! Her range includes birds, dogs, cats, sea life, farm animals and more! Each one has attention to detail that leads to easy recognition, while her shapes and sizes makes them absolutely adorable. We appreciate her skills of making beads for over 20 years, and the perfection she strives for in the quality of her work.
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Randy N.
Koa Wood Charms
Honolulu, Hawaii
Randy is a longtime cabinet-maker who works just down the street from The Bead Gallery, Honolulu! We are so fortunate to have met as he transitioned into retirement over a decade ago, and now has time for creative enjoyment! His attention to detail is superb, and his cleaning, refining, and willingness to do the tiniest of cuts is amazing. We appreciate having a pro do this type of woodwork for us!
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Manny M.
Koa Wood Charms
Big Island, Hawaii
Manny is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and all of his pieces are personally created by him on the Island. He has been around woodworking for the last 20 years of his life. Inspired by his grandfather who would always be in his shop making crafts to sell at the market, he would help him occasionally with sanding wood. Manny's father eventually learned the craft from his grandfather, and Manny is now perpetuating the craft for his ohana.
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