The Story Behind the Starburst Collection

The Starburst Collection began with a simple discovery.

I've always been drawn to handmade and hand-beaded pieces. The amount of time, attention, and skill that goes into creating them is something I deeply appreciate. While I enjoy designing, I'm not interested in making exact reproductions of someone else's work. I would rather build on beautiful craftsmanship than copy it.

For years, I've searched for vintage appliqués, but truly exceptional hand-beaded examples are surprisingly rare. I might only find one or two each year that inspire a project.

One day, while browsing Etsy for materials, I came across these faceted beaded starburst appliqués. They immediately caught my attention. They were generously sized, beautifully made, and available in eight different colors. The intricate beadwork was already complete—I could see the finished collection in my mind almost instantly.

Sometimes the best design decision is knowing when not to change something.

These appliqués didn't need to be redesigned. They simply needed a new purpose.

I already had the clip-on findings, stud posts, pendant pin backs, adhesive, and everything else needed to bring the collection to life. By pairing the same starburst design with different hardware, I could create coordinating clip-on earrings, stud earrings, and convertible pendant pins.

The result became the Starburst Collection—a limited series celebrating texture, sparkle, and versatility.

What I love most is that every color has its own personality. Some are soft and elegant, while others are bold and dramatic. Yet they all share the same beautifully hand-beaded foundation that first caught my eye.

Sometimes inspiration doesn't come from starting with a blank page.

Sometimes it begins by recognizing beautiful craftsmanship and imagining what it could become.