About us

Wearable Art Inspired by the Natural World

I am Iryna Shlapakova, an artist and the founder of Exclusive Craft. I create intricate, one-of-a-kind wearable art inspired by the insects, birds, plants, and small details of the natural world.

My connection with nature began in childhood. Growing up on military bases surrounded by forests, I spent much of my time outdoors—climbing trees, picking mushrooms and berries, watching birds, and discovering the insects and creatures around me.

That fascination has stayed with me throughout my life.

Today, I continue to find inspiration in my own garden. I grow sunflowers that attract bees and birds, zinnias for butterflies, asters, basil, mint, and other flowers that create a welcoming place for pollinators.

I love simply watching them feed.

From Nature to Wearable Art

I don't simply decorate jewelry with beads. I transform natural forms into miniature, three-dimensional works of wearable art.

I am fascinated by the intricate details of small creatures—the structure of a bee, the delicate wings of a dragonfly, the movement of a hummingbird, the patterns of a butterfly.

Using bead embroidery and a variety of materials including seed beads, sequins, crystals, pearls, wire, and stones, I build texture, dimension, and movement into each piece.

One of my favorite challenges is creating a creature in three dimensions.

My three-dimensional bee began with a simple idea: I wanted to see if I could create a realistic-looking bee using different materials.

When I finished it, I felt incredibly proud. The reaction from others was wonderful.  people were amazed that such a detailed little creature could be made from beads.

That feeling of discovery is at the heart of my work.

The Joy of Looking Closely

A butterfly landing on a flower.
The shimmer of a dragonfly's wings.
The pattern of a leaf.
A bee disappearing into a sunflower.

Nature is full of small moments that can easily go unnoticed.

Through my work, I hope to encourage people to pause, look closely, and discover the beauty hidden in the details.

Connection to nature. Joy. Elegance. Wonder.

For me, bead embroidery is more than a technique. It is a way of slowing down, observing the natural world, and translating what I see into something tangible and wearable.

Recognition & Publications

Winner of Bead Dreams and the Fire Mountain Swarovski Contest, with work published in Bead & Button, Beadwork, and other jewelry and beading publications.

Teaching & Sharing the Craft

Beyond creating, I am passionate about sharing what I have learned through years of working with bead embroidery. I teach classes and workshops, create tutorials, and develop projects that help other artists discover the beauty and possibilities of this intricate art form.

Teaching allows me to share not only techniques, but also the joy of creating something beautiful by hand—one bead, one stitch, and one detail at a time.

For me, creating and teaching are connected. I create because I am inspired by the natural world, and I teach because I want to share that inspiration and the joy of making with others.

A Little Piece of Nature You Can Wear

Nature gives me the inspiration.
Bead embroidery gives me the language.
And each finished piece becomes a little piece of nature you can wear.

— Iryna Shlapakova