Get to Know…
Tama Swain-Solomon
Specialty - Bead Weaving
Tama Swain-Solomon is an off-the-loom seed bead weaver known for unexpected jewelry forms and bold, boundary-pushing color. He discovered beadwork after a serious injury left him unable to use both hands for more than three years; a friend suggested beading as part of his hand-therapy rehabilitation, and he quickly became captivated.
Each piece reflects more than 30 years of study in disciplines such as graphic design, painting, sacred geometry, chromotherapy, and apprenticeships with several medicine men and women. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Toho Bead Galleries in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, and featured in publications such as Beadwork Magazine, Facet Jewelry, and Bead & Button.
Tama’s beadwork has earned numerous awards and honors. In 2018, he won the grand prize at Bead Dreams, where he was chosen for the People’s Choice Award. He later received Facet Jewelry’s Reader’s Choice Award (July 2019) and Judge’s Award (November 2019). His work has also appeared in advertising campaigns for The Museum of Beadwork in Portland, ME, and for Toho Beads in partnership with Bobby Beads and Starman. Also, Toho Beads invited him to serve as a featured artist for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Toho Bead Challenges. He is a permanent ambassador for the Bead Workers Guild and International Beading Week and was selected as the international tutor for Melbourne, Australia, in 2021.
Today, Tama teaches bead weaving internationally through bead stores, bead societies, and retreats. Before becoming a full-time artist and instructor, he worked as an instructor for a college of natural medicine, as a chef, and in private holistic medicine practice. He is married with a daughter, and they make their home in California near San Francisco.
Tama’s Creative Portfolio
Tama’s Available Workshops
Tama’s Future Workshop Dates
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Project TBD
Déco d’Eiffel Earrings Live Virtual Zoom Workshop September 13, 2026, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM EST
Inspired by the glamour of 1920s jewelry and a memorable trip to Paris, Déco d’Eiffel is an elegant earring design that captures the sophistication and architectural beauty of the Art Deco era. Crisp geometric lines, sparkling crystal embellishments, and delicate floral motifs come together to create a striking pair of statement earrings.
The design features a Swarovski crystal-encrusted chevron shape with optional chatons at the top, evoking the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles against the Parisian night sky. Crystal rice pearls form intricate floral fan motifs both within and above the chevron, paying homage to the Egyptian Revival influences that were popular throughout the 1920s. At the base of each earring, a rare Swarovski Kaleidoscope crystal reflects light from every angle, adding exceptional brilliance and connecting beautifully with the designer’s beloved Downton Deco collection.
With more than 50 Swarovski crystals incorporated into the finished piece, this project offers a rewarding challenge and a truly stunning result.
When, Where & Price
Date: September 13, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom
Price: $95 + $68 for Required Kit
Skill Level
Advanced
Prerequisite
Students should have a strong working knowledge of CRAW (Cubic Right Angle Weave) and Peyote stitch.
Techniques Covered
CRAW increases
Freeform stitching
Bezeling triangle-shaped objects with a prong-setting appearance
Embellishing and shaping CRAW structures
Advanced crystal embellishment techniques
Kit Information
Required Kit: $68
Kits are mandatory and available for purchase directly from the instructor in 3 colorways
Student Supplies/Requirements
To participate, you will need:
A desktop, laptop, or tablet
The Zoom application (available for Windows, Apple, or Android)
A reliable internet connection
Let every crystal reflect the beauty of a bygone era as you create a breathtaking design inspired by the lights of Paris and the artistry of the 1920s.
Zoom access details will be emailed the week of the workshop after registration is complete.
Note: Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of payment. All payments are final and non-refundable, except in the event that SocialBeadia cancels the class, in which case a full refund will be issued.
If you are unable to attend for any reason, you may transfer your enrollment to another individual— provided you arrange the transfer and notify SocialBeadia in advance of the class. Should you choose not to transfer your seat, you will still receive all instructional materials included with your registration, along with the option to purchase a kit, subject to availability.
Please note that once instructional materials have been delivered, refunds, credits, or exchanges are not available.
Thank you for supporting SocialBeadia and our community of artists. For any questions, please contact info@socialbeadia.com.