Broken TeePee Designs

Broken TeePee Designs creates gorgeous jewelry with incredibly interesting color combinations. Using sterling silver, semi-precious gemstones, pearls, swarovski, and lampworked beads, these creations really POP!!

Another item to add to my list of Hawaii-inspired (and desired) items. How cute are these Hibiscus earrings?

A Little About Broken TeePee Designs

Website address: www.brokenteepeedesigns.etsy.com

How did you become interested in the items you sell? I started making beaded jewelry almost as a fluke. I have a lot of medical problems including very poor eyesight. When I learned I would need two pairs of glasses I decided I wanted to make beaded eyeglass holders so I could keep the glasses handy for myself. Well, I found my talent! I fell in love with the beads and the colors. I started making jewelry and decided if I didn't start selling it I would soon run out of space. I have since acquired a third pair of glassed to wear while beading! I have chronic headaches and although I can only work in very short bursts of time it does help distract me from my headache. I also have difficulties with maneuvering my hands.

How did you come up with your name? I called my little hobby business Broken Teepee because we had just moved to Montana and the only thing on the lot we bought was this broken teepee. I figured no one else would have the name....

What type of items do you sell? I sell beaded and sterling silver jewelry. I use semi precious gemstones and other stones to create brightly colored and uniquely designed bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I have also worked with customers to custom design pieces to suit their needs.

What makes your items unique? I think my pieces are unique because of the way I use color. I think that it is because of the way I see (or maybe don't :) ) see things. I don't tend to see very well, but I do see colors vividly. I love to combine colors that you might not tend to see together.


Broken TeePee has offered readers of this blog a 25% discount, good through February 16th. Be sure to mention that you saw her mentioned on Indie Arts Buzz!

Patty has also contributed a gorgeous Sterling Silver and Garnet bracelet for the monthly giveaway. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list to be entered to win a basket full of great products from selected featured artists!

I adore this bracelet! The colors of the lampworked beads are perfectly picked up by the turquoise, pearls, and the mother of pearl beads. It's just so pretty!

Digging A Little Deeper

A little more info about Patty from Broken TeePee Designs

If not working in your current job, what would you like to do? Since I haven't been able to really work since my health problems descended on me I am just happy to be able to spend what little time in the week I feel well making my jewelry. It has been a godsend for me to have found this.

What three people (living or deceased) would you invite to a dinner party? My dinner would include my father who passed away three years ago - he was a funny and literate man and I miss him terribly. Jon Stewart who just cracks me up. It is always good to have a comedian at dinner - you never know when you will need someone who can make a joke. And finally, Michelangelo. I was an Art History major in college and was fascinated by his talent. It would be thrilling to meet the man, although he was well known to be obnoxious and anti social!

What is your favorite curse word? My favorite curse word - now that is a tough one. I suppose it depends on why I am cursing. If I have done something stupid I stick with "crap," if I have done something to have caused myself pain I go with "son of a bitch" and if someone has hurt someone I love I go with "that asshole" and if things are just generally bad it's "shit." I am a multicurser :)

Last book you read? I just finished "Duchess" about the Countess of Marlbourough who was Winston Churchill's great, great, great, great, great Grandmother and am currently reading "Prep."

What is your biggest indulgence? My biggest indulgence is beads. Beads, beads, beads. And some chocolate in there somewhere.

What inspires you? The scenery in my new home state. It is awe inspiring. I had never seen mountains like this. We live on the Clark Fork River and the views are astounding. Also seeing all of my beads in their boxes. I will often come up with my designs just by seeing different beads next to each other.

Pajamas or street clothes? Pajamas! Gotta be comfortable!

I love the color combination of the green turquoise and the golden amber in this necklace. So pretty and great for any season!