Face to Face: Giuliana Verdelli

At Beadingschool, creativity sparkles brightest when it’s shared—like beads strung together into something beautiful. Every design tells a story, and every beader adds their own unique touch to the vibrant tapestry of our community. We love celebrating not only the finished pieces but also the stories behind them: the moments of inspiration, the hands that bring them to life, and the hearts that connect through a shared love of jewelry making.

This Face to Face interview introduces a designer whom we’ve come to admire mainly through her jewels—each one a reflection of her imagination and skill. Yet behind every shimmering piece lies a deeper story: the person who creates it, the journey she’s on, and the experiences that shape her artistic voice. We’re curious to learn more about what drives her creativity, where she finds inspiration, and how her passion for beading has evolved over time.

So take a moment to settle in, admire the beauty of her artistry, and join us as we uncover another inspiring story—one that reminds us how creativity, when shared, truly connects us all.

Meet the Beadingschool friend-designer known especially for her 2-sided jewels!

Talented, inspiring, creative, and kind,

Giuliana Verdelli.

Please tell us about yourself and your brand a bit!  When did you start to bead or create and how your journey navigated?

I have always been a creative person, especially drawn to writing and to techniques involving paper and wood. I discovered beads in 2009, during a rather complicated moment in my life, when I was looking for a new kind of distraction. It wasn’t love at first sight, but something that slowly grew into a deep and lasting passion.

I started with simple kits, then watched a few YouTube tutorials (which I soon left behind), and later began purchasing patterns from various Italian and international designers. It was a time of intense study — I wanted to try new shapes, discover new stitches, and immediately put them into practice.

After a few years, I finally felt ready to create something of my own. I realized I could express what I felt inside through these tiny pieces of glass. That’s when I opened my Etsy shop and published my first tutorial: the Giano pendant, a double-sided design inspired by Greco-Roman mythology. I loved the idea of a piece that could be worn on both sides — and that was the beginning of my creative journey.

Since then, I’ve experimented with all kinds of beads, large and small. Among the techniques I learned — weaving, bead embroidery, and soutache — bead weaving completely stole my heart.

As for my brand, I decided to simply use my own name. I’m deeply inspired by the ancient classical and oriental worlds, by history, beauty, and art that speaks to the emotions. I lose myself in colors — I truly love them all — and I hope that a part of these passions shines through my jewelry.

 

How did your story as a designer begin? To those who know your work – can you tell us one interesting and one fun fact we don’t know yet?

My story as a designer truly began with the Giano pendant, which I mentioned earlier. What I didn’t say is how warmly people welcomed that creation — it was an incredibly emotional moment for me to see other beaders making their own versions following my instructions. That’s when I realized I could truly communicate through beads. Still, I keep making designs from other artists, because I believe there’s always something new to learn.

An interesting fact? I never draw a design before creating it. The first phase, for me, is always a matter of heart and hands — the rational part only comes later.

A funny fact? You can often find seed beads tangled in the fur of my little “wolf pups”! They’re always by my side… my loyal little assistants! 🐾

 

Do you remember the first piece you sold? What was it?

I felt an incredible sense of satisfaction when I sold my first beadwoven pendant — it featured a large, colorful agate as the centerpiece. I had been advised not to make such a piece: “You can’t start with more than 60 Delicas,” they told me. But being stubborn, I decided to try anyway, stringing many more beads… and in the end, it turned out beautifully — it was sold almost immediately!

As for tutorials, I’ve already mentioned my Giano pendant, but I must say that the feedback I receive on Etsy always brings me so much joy. They’re small but truly meaningful rewards.

 

Please tell us what your average day looks like! It’s so exciting to get to know more about your lifestyle!

There’s really no such thing as a “typical day” for me! Sometimes I manage to spend several hours at my desk, but that’s quite rare. I usually bead after dinner, often late into the night — it’s a habit I’ve had since my student days. Evening and nighttime bring silence and peace, the perfect atmosphere for creating.

During the day, I dedicate time to my home, my dogs, and other passions, like gardening. That is, of course, when I don’t have commitments with my Association. Together with a dear friend and colleague, we run an organization that hosts high-level craft and artisan exhibitions in the historic center of the beautiful city of Lucca. These events require a lot of preparation and often keep me busy there from early morning until evening.

 

What makes your designs stand out from the crowd of other designers? What are your favorite colors, shapes, materials, etc?

I’m not really sure what makes my designs unique. People often tell me they can recognize my creations — and to me, that’s a wonderful compliment. I believe my work always carries a touch of the Orient, but one that is imagined and dreamlike, rather than real. I love arabesques, harmonious and flowing shapes — and my favorite beads are definitely Zoli and Paisley.

I don’t have a single favorite material; any material can be precious if it helps me express what I feel in my heart, even the simplest one. That said, I must confess I have a true fascination with crystals!

As for colors — I love all of them, madly. There isn’t one I don’t like, and I couldn’t imagine a life in black and white.

 

Where does your inspiration come from? Do you have some rituals to boost your creative energy, a favorite place for work?

My inspiration can come from anything beautiful — a trip, a painting, a flower, a story… and most of all, a dream.
I don’t really have any special rituals; I work in my small room, where I have a big desk and everything within reach — although very soon I’ll probably have no space left for myself because of all the materials piling up! 😄

Recently, I restored (another one of my passions!) two vintage printer’s cabinets from the 1940s–50s. I thought I would never manage to fill them completely… but before I knew it, they were already full!

 

Do you have a piece of jewelry you made that is somehow special to you?

I could mention the necklaces I created for the BOTB (Battle of the Beadsmith): these were much larger projects than my usual pieces, requiring a lot of work, and they gave me immense satisfaction.

I could also mention some necklaces I made for myself, which I still wear after ten years or more. But in truth, every piece of jewelry is special to me, and it brings me great joy when I feel it is alive and full of energy.

 

If you could design something for a well-known person or maybe a fictional character from a film or book, who would it be, and why? (If you already made such a design, please share it with us!)

I created a series of jewelry pieces inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, which gave me great satisfaction.
Recently, I also designed a beautiful necklace inspired by the TV series Bridgerton, specifically the Queen Charlotte Necklace, and I really enjoyed working on that project as well!

 

What kind of clothes and accessories do you wear? Who are your favorite designers and why?

I love choosing colorful clothing, and I usually prefer shades of the same color rather than contrasts. I enjoy comfortable clothes and anything that makes me feel like myself and matches my mood.

Bags and shoes are a real passion of mine — sporty or elegant, I love them all. I think what I wear most often are jeans.
I don’t have a specific style or favorite designers: whatever I like, that makes me feel good and speaks to me, automatically becomes mine!

What is your goal in the future? Where would you like to see your brand?

I’m satisfied with my brand and the events connected to my jewelry, but of course, the more it grows, the better. I would love to have more time to reorganize my Etsy Shop and dedicate more hours to design: I have so many project trials that I can’t finish because I’m always in a hurry.

I have plans for special collections, both regarding unique pieces for sale and the design itself. I would love to collaborate again with Bedingschool by Erika as well! It’s an exciting experience! 

I would like to take a Raku ceramics course to create ceramic jewelry to combine with bead weaving… I hope to manage it in January.
Alas, a day only has 24 hours, I have many passions, and I think I’ll have to proceed a bit slowly! 

 

If you could ask yourself one question and also respond to it… 

I would ask myself if, at my age, I should finally slow down instead of rushing from one project to another… and the answer is nooo, no slowing down! Life is short and must be lived intensely, without wasting a single moment.

 

Where can we see and buy your designs?

You can view and purchase my creations on my Etsy Shop and on my website, which will soon be ready and will feature both my designs and unique pieces. Alternatively, you can also see them on Instagram or on my creative Facebook page.

I’m happy to share the links to my Facebook, Etsy, Instagram, and Designer’s Zone with Beadingschool. 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for answering our questions and sharing more about your beading journey, Giuliana! We wish you joy and growth in the areas you want to pursue as a designer. May your days are filled with sparkle and inspiration.

We can’t wait to see and bead more from your beautiful jewels!

 

Dear beading-friends and beadwork admirers, please, use the comment section if you have more questions you would like to ask, or greet our Giuliana.

Stay tuned for more interviews for Beadingschool.com by Erika Sándor.