I started making jewelry when I was in college.  I loved the styles that were around but couldn’t wear them due to severe nickel allergies.  This is why all of my jewelry is made using sterling silver, gold vermeil (14kt gold over sterling silver) or well labeled with what the pieces are made of.

 I am completely self-taught which is how I got my name.  Every time I would make a mistake I would start over at square one, so when the time came to create a name for my business Square One Beads seemed like the obvious choice. 

I get my inspiration from everything around me.  I can see bead patterns in the gardens in my neighborhood and see a necklace design in the flight of birds.  Vacations I have taken or want to take have shown up in my beads as well as images from around the comfort of my own home.

Working with glass and designing jewelry is currently something I do in my free time but I would love to be able to do it full time.  I love to make jewelry because it is my escape from the demands of the rest of the world.  I turn up my music and block everything out until its just me, the glass, and the flame.

I will see into the fire.
I will breathe into the fire.
And then, I will leap into the fire
And watch my valleys of doubt burn away.

Heather Hertziger, Square One Beads, Watertown Wisconsin