From Deseret News archives:

Beading in all directions

Published: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 12:03 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Give Garity Hathaway a few stainless steel washers, some chain, a rock or two and some gemstones and she can create treasures — a dog collar that is different from every other dog in the neighborhood, a baby bracelet that no one else has, even industrial-strength jewelry for a tough biker.

Or she can create fashionable necklaces and bracelets for an entire wedding party that will be the envy of bridesmaids everywhere.

She will take a CTR ring and a length of leather and make a keepsake for a boy's baptism or fashion a unusual Binky pull for a toddler.

All it takes is some time, a lot of imagination and the beading skills Hathaway picked up from a jeweler friend.

"I enjoy doing this," said Hathaway. "I can spend a lot of time on a piece, and if I don't like it, I'll take it all apart and do it over. I don't mind."

Hathaway, of Orem, and her mother, Jan McEwan of Highland, have a business they've built out of their interest in unique jewelry and they're starting classes at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi in the Holdman Art Studios for those who want to make their own original pieces.

People interested in designing a necklace or a bracelet or a pair of earrings that's a one-of-a-kind can sign up, pay for the materials and learn a new skill.

Hathaway and McEwan will offer advice, hands-on instruction and the opportunity to buy gemstones, chain, whatever a customer wants, from their impressive inventory.

Story continues below

"We started with trunk shows and a Web site," McEwan said, "But we've found people like to see the pieces, handle them, try them on. This is a business that grew from a hobby."

Hathaway became interested in designing jewelry after her daughter Kaia was born.

"I wanted to create jewelry just for her," she said. "She's five now and she'll go down and design her own jewelry."

Friends and family members noticed her work and asked her to make pieces for them.

A biker friend stopped by and asked her to create something for him. The result is an industrial line of necklaces and arm band bracelets for guys that include heavy chain, large washers and solid steel rings.

Hathaway likes a lot of bling but also clunky pieces with a lot of different textures and different sizes.

McEwan likes gemstones and pewter.

"We bring two different attitudes. We do have similar tastes but we're not alike," said McEwan.

"We make jewelry when we get inspired," McEwan said. "We have to be inspired, by a season, an environment. We don't just sit down and make something."

Whatever the design or occasion, the pieces are unique, even from one another.

Recent comments

Garity made me for my birthday a beautiful bracelet and I must admit...

alexandra | July 6, 2008 at 4:58 p.m.

Image

Garity Hathaway makes a bracelet at Holdman Studios at Thanksgiving Point Tuesday. Hathaway and Jan McEwan are offering jewelry-making classes.

previousnext

Latest comments

Philpot may run for Congress

GOP and independent conservatives have run against Matheson since he started...

'Grandfamilies' a growing trend

RE: .. Anon 808, assuming the church you are referring to when you say "The...

Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal

i cant decifer this as a rising gospel or simply a sports article. WHoever...

Jazz win 6th in 7 games

" I will brreakk you." Did he mean finacially?

2 citations issued at Y.-U. game

and the U turns it into an assault on his mother. Liars! Whit your kid...

Understanding translation process

After the Apostles died,You had their diciples,(who learned directly from the...

Many fans are stepping to the dark side letting the anger and hatred flow!...

We don't know how this all started and who was more in the wrong here. Please...

You guys are killing me!!!!!

I feel sorry for the police who have to deal with these people of privelege....

Advertisements