About

As the owner of Vineyard Sky Bead Design, I take immense joy and pride in creating my original designs. All of my jewelry is handmade with meticulous detail and high quality craftsmanship. My portrait below was done by my talented friend, the artist Elizabeth Whelan. She did a great job of capturing me doing what I love best, making beaded jewelry is my passion! 
Sarah Young, Vineyard Sky Bead Design

I've had an avid interest in all things bead related from an early age, I developed my skill-set and learned a great deal about knotting techniques, semi-precious stones, and wampum in the 80s. My passion for beading developed at the Stoneworks Gallery in Dunstable MA (alas no longer). In just a couple of years I moved on to work with the Beadworks in Harvard Square -Cambridge, MA where I was soon promoted to store manager. I also began to do the buying for the store, which helped me understand the many sources of beads around the world. I began to build business relationships with the quality wholesalers. I also began teaching at the store, at adult education centers, and at bead conferences.

Along the way I took classes and attended national bead conferences to learn more about how beads are made. During this period I published several articles in Bead and Button magazine, and became an associate editor. My class education continued with experts including Sandy Gates, Kristina Logan, Kate Fowle, Dudley Giberson, City Zen Cane, Jamey Allen, David Chatt, Tom Holland and Sage.

Even though my jewelry was available on Martha's Vineyard before I arrived, a lampworking class held in Vineyard Haven led to me to fall in love with the Island and I moved here in 1997. I built my business by creating and selling my original bead jewelry designs at local artisan shows and trunk shows at private gatherings. Maybe you met me at one of the shows? My jewelry is most frequently purchased directly from me or here on the website.

I had grandparents who collected Depression and Art glass, an Aunt Carol who loved jewelry, and a dear family friend, Toni, who was a teacher and also introduced me to many crafts, but most especially to beading. I'm forever grateful to all the people who have helped me along my creative path in life, including those who taught me to always search for new and unusual materials, colors, and techniques to keep my designs evolving.

Thank you,

~ Sarah K Young - Martha's Vineyard