Carole Grisham

"I am inspired to create elegant and contemporary wearable art using traditionally hand crafting methods and modern materials in new and unlikely ways."

In a world of mass production, Carole believes that detailed, beautiful, and unique goods will survive fleeting fashions. She strives to create wearable art that is elegant and contemporary in style yet traditionally hand crafted using historical techniques. Carole knows that when a creation of a much loved treasure is the goal of your work, perfection is key.

Using a historical wooden braiding stand of Japanese origin, Carole creates vibrantly colored textile and beaded jewelry from fine silk, cotton, and monofilament threads and small glass beads, stones, and found objects. Materials and unusual embellishments are carefully selected to make each piece a small treasure. All work is done meticulously by hand, bead by bead and thread to thread.

Carole's love for handmade objects and textiles, and her ability to use unlikely materials comes from working with her mother, Alyce Hiyama, a talented tailor and costume designer. She has perfected her skills through coursework, teaching, and continued practice. She has returned to this first love, after successful executive careers with leading Pacific Northwest companies and organizations.