ABOUT

About Dequa Designs: A Journey of Thread, Beads & Legacy

Welcome to Dequa Designs, where every thread tells a story and every bead holds a memory.

I’m Dequa, a lifelong fiber artist and heritage bead crocheter based in sunny North Florida. My journey into the world of hand-beaded crochet began as a child, seated beside my mother and grandmother, learning how to transform simple strings into fabric and family treasures. We crocheted blankets, scarves, and hats for loved ones, but it was the delicate art of crocheting in the round with beads—a tradition passed down from my grandmother—that truly captivated my imagination.

What began as a shared pastime has blossomed into a deeply personal artistic expression. Over the years, countless hours of experimentation with bead types, colors, and crochet techniques gave birth to Dequa Designs—my tribute to the women who came before me and the art that shaped my spirit.

From Research to Ribboned Threads: My Professional Journey

Before dedicating myself fully to my artistic passions, I spent over 40 years managing high-stakes research portfolios at leading universities and hospitals, including the last seven years at the United States National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. In these roles, I nurtured brilliant minds and groundbreaking science—often juggling complex logistics, timelines, and funding strategies. While my professional life required precision and logic, my creative life was a sanctuary, a place to let intuition and imagination take the lead.

Now in retirement, I’ve found a beautiful symmetry between those worlds: detail and structure from research, fluidity and play from art. The repetitive rhythm of crochet allows my mind to wander, dream, and design—what I call the perfect balance of creativity and intelligence having fun (thanks, Einstein!).

 


What Inspires Me: Color, Nature & Meaningful Moments

My designs are inspired by the colors of nature, the changing seasons, and those tiny moments that make you stop and smile—a sunflower against a fence post, the sparkle of dew on morning grass, or the rich oranges and rusts of a North Florida fall.

I’m especially drawn to:

 

  • Oceanic blues and sea-glass greens from our coastal surroundings
  • Earthy tones that whisper stories of autumn leaves and pine forests
  • Bold contrasts that surprise and delight, just like life

I find joy in seasonal design themes—be it a Spring Equinox bracelet or a Holiday Glow necklace. When colors and shapes come together unexpectedly, it feels like a little bit of magic.

My Process: Magic in the Making

Each piece begins with a spark—sometimes from a swatch of fabric, sometimes from a walk in my garden. Then I sketch, play with color combinations, and test bead shapes until I find the right harmony. Every design is:

  • Hand-crocheted with a beading hook
  • Created in the round for elegant, seamless design
  • Made with high-quality threads and durable, lustrous beads
  • Infused with care, memory, and intention

I often listen to music, sip tea, and let the rhythm of the hook take over. This meditative process leaves room for “happy accidents”—unexpected curves or color turns that often become the most beloved features.

My Signature Styles

While I love exploring new techniques, a few design styles have become my signature:

✴ The Memory Wrap Bracelet

Multi-strand, bead-woven pieces inspired by family heirlooms. Each color tells a story.

✴ The Coastal Coil Necklace

Lightweight yet bold—woven in oceanic hues, reminiscent of sea spray and driftwood days.

✴ The Market Medley Earrings

Whimsical dangles inspired by farmer’s markets and the joyful clutter of handmade life.

These pieces are not only wearable—they are walkable stories, little talismans of joy, strength, and history.

What’s Next for Dequa Designs

Retirement isn’t a pause—it’s a creative bloom. I plan to:

  • Expand my seasonal collections and experiment with global design influences
  • Host virtual workshops to teach bead crochet basics and celebrate heritage craft
  • Launch a limited-edition Legacy Line, honoring the designs of my grandmother and mother
  • Write a short eBook on the meditative power of beading and fiber arts

This chapter is all about sharing the magic, connecting with others, and leaving a legacy stitched with grace, color, and purpose.