Julie Brochu

My name is Julie Brochu. I am an artist and physical therapist and reside minutes from Fort Worth. I have been creating art through a variety of mediums, including paintings, drawings, and jewelry making for many years. I started jewelry for myself about 25 years ago. I absolutely fell in love with making jewelry that is unique, beautiful and versatile. I have also been collecting vintage beads for many years. Most pieces contain some rare bead, such as pre-WW II nail heads, vintage Czech glass, vintage German buttons or re-creations, found objects (such as sea glass or agates), semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals. I use strong materials to ensure years of wear, including Kevlar, strong Nylon and 14# Fireline.

My bead-embroidered bracelet cuffs are made by stitching buttons and beads to doubled stiff-stuff. They are then backed with supple leather that is hand-sewn to the piece. I use beautiful sterling closures to complement each piece. These cuffs take more than 100 hours to complete, but are so worth the time! Some bracelets are loomed using delica beads in a variety of colors using original patterns with accents in 22K gold or silver plated beads. Others are hand beaded off-loom, using a variety of beads and beading stitches to create original design patterns. Great care is taken to ensure they are structurally sound and will last for years to come.

Many of the necklaces are wire-wrapped to accentuate the stone’s beauty. Drops may be worn on a necklace with accent beads hand-knotted on silk, or worn on chain, leather cord, unique fabric or ribbon. When using smaller beads, I use a variety of beading techniques and stitches to create texture and color that is original and striking.

I make earrings to coordinate with necklaces, as well as individual earring sets. Some are made with hand-hammered copper or sterling silver with accent beads finely wire-wrapped to create unique one-of-a-kind earrings.

I feel I would be an asset to Main Street Arts Festival and would love to offer a unique selection of jewelry to festival goers.