Olga Mihaylova
OMbeadwork | Pittsburgh, PA
“For me, simplicity has always been the defining quality of great design. Striving to achieve it is an arduous process involving constant learning, endless experimentation, and precious Eureka moments which make it all worth it. It’s an… Learn More
Featured Work
See allLarge Dot and Ball Earrings
Crocheted Teardrop Pendant
Fuzzy Ball Earrings
“For me, simplicity has always been the defining quality of great design. Striving to achieve it is an arduous process involving constant learning, endless experimentation, and precious Eureka moments which make it all worth it. It’s an exciting and fulfilling journey”.
Olga creates her jewelry by crocheting, stitching, and weaving thousands of tiny glass beads together. Basic geometric shapes flow into organic forms, producing clean, elegant designs. The earth tone color palette and soft textures make her contemporary pieces versatile and comfortable to wear.
Olga’s signature style derives from her use of bead crochet. This centuries-old technique allows for great creative freedom when combined with modern materials. A crochet hook, thread and beads is all that’s needed to create anything from simple ropes to nature inspired sculptural shapes. The resulting pieces exhibit a unique fiber-like quality.
Originally from Bulgaria, a land with rich craft heritage, Olga has lived in the United States for the past twenty years. Her fascination with the art of beadwork was a natural expansion of her love of fiber arts. An exciting challenge for a self-taught artist, the new medium with its abundance of colors, shapes, and finishes opened new paths for artistic expression. The infinite possibilities and meditative quality of this ancient craft has kept Olga’s focus ever since.