About

Cindy Holsclaw dabbled in crafts for longer than she can remember, but she’s always been most fond of geometric structures. After many years of exploring these mathematical forms in modular origami, in 2006 she learned that these structures could also be made with beads. From then on, she was hooked! In 2009 Cindy started writing patterns for her own beading designs, and in 2012 she dove into designing and teaching beadwork full-time.

With a background in academia and a doctorate in biochemistry, Cindy takes an analytical approach to her design style; she likes exploring different bead shapes and variations on the established beading techniques, and she’s constantly thinking of new ways to put beads together. Biochemistry and mathematics continue to inspire her and often show up in her finished work. As an educator, Cindy challenges her students to learn something new in every class, while giving them the tools they need through her very detailed beading patterns.

In 2015 Cindy was named Designer of the Year by Beadwork Magazine, and a series of her beading videos were published by Interweave in the same year. Cindy taught at the Bead & Button show for eight years, and currently teaches at national and international venues. Cindy makes her home in San Diego, California, with her husband and daughter.

Awards and Publications

Yukiwariso Necklace, Bead Art & Embroidery. The Japan Bead Society, March 2020.

PRAW Flower Charm Earrings, Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, February/March 2016.

Artist Spotlight, Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, February/March 2016.

Beadwork Magazine 2015 Designer of the Year Series:

  • "Flowerpots Bracelet," Beadwork Magazine (Cover Project). Interweave Press, February/March 2015.
  • "Chrysanthemum Blossoms Necklace," Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, April/May 2015.
  • "Garden Jewel Necklace", Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, June/July 2015.
  • "Wild Roses Bracelet", Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, August/September 2015.
  • "Opulent Octahedron Necklace", Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, October/November 2015.
  • "Galactic Gaze Bracelet", Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, December 2015/January 2016.

Featured Artist Profile, "The Science of Art" by Lori Ann White. Bead & Button Magazine. Kalmbach Publishing Co., August 2015.

Stitch Pro: "Prismatic Right-Angle Weave," Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, August/September 2015.

"How to Stitch Prismatic Right-Angle Weave," Web Seminar. Interweave Store, March 2015.

"Petals Necklace," Beadwork Magazine: Quick and Easy Special Issue. Interweave Press, Winter 2014.

"How to Make Beaded Beads," Web Seminar. Interweave Store, June 2014.

"Organic Inspirations for Beaded Beads," Web Blog. Beading Daily, July 2013.

"Endorphin Molecule," Finalist, Bead Dreams Competition, June 2013.

"Snowflakes Bracelet," Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, December 2012/January 2013.
Also seen in the 12 Days of Holiday Beadwork e-book, December 2014.

"Dewdrop Beaded Bead," Beadwork Magazine. Interweave Press, October/November 2012.

"Lavender Splendor" Honorable Mention, 2nd Annual Bead Star Contest. Bead Star 2009, Interweave Press, December 2009.

Education

Ph.D., University of California, Davis (2010). Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

B.S., San Francisco State University, San Francisco (2005). Cell and Molecular Biology.