about me
Hello, I’m Phoebe Nahoko, a part-time jewellery designer and painter based in Wellington, New Zealand.
I have been designing and making jewellery for over 20 years, working across a range of materials and techniques.
My mother was a bead artist. After she died in 2022, I inherited her bead looms and extensive collection of Miyuki Delica beads. In the months that followed, I began teaching myself bead weaving and soon fell in love with a new craft. Creating beautiful pieces with my mother’s loom was a meaningful healing process that helped me feel connected to her and rediscover joy during a difficult time in my life.
Over time, I have developed my skills across a range of hand-stitching and loom techniques.
My work often draws inspiration from historic textile traditions — from Japanese patterns and kimono fabrics to Scandinavian folk art motifs, cross-stitch, and woven colour studies. I enjoy exploring how these influences can be translated into contemporary beadwork.
For me, jewellery is a small, wearable work of art. I hope my pieces bring a bit of colour, sparkle, and delight into everyday life.
where does the name nahoko come from?
Nahoko (pronounced NAH - ho - ko) is my middle name as well as my Japanese name.
I am of mixed Japanese, Polish, English, and Scottish heritage and this name reflects an important part of my identity. It is also a way of honouring my family history and the cultural influences that continue to shape my work.
about my materials
I primarily use glass Miyuki delica beads which are known for their exceptional quality, durability, and consistent, uniform shape. These characteristics allow for clean lines and intricate, tightly woven pieces.
I finish my work with carefully selected metal findings, including gold plated brass, gold fill, gold vermeil, and sterling silver components. Each material is chosen with both design and durability in mind, and pricing reflects the quality of materials used alongside the time-intensive nature of hand stitching and loom work.
I am committed to using the materials I inherited from my mother’s collection rather than letting them go to waste. This adds a creative and sustainable dimension to my work, though it means I am not always certain of the exact metal content of some vintage findings. I will always specify as much detail as possible in each product description.
sustainability approach
I use recycled and repurposed materials for wrapping and packaging wherever possible. When sending jewellery through the post, I use compostable mailers to reduce waste.
As a small maker, my approach to sustainability is practical and evolving. I aim to make use of what I already have, and am currently investing in the work itself rather than branded boxes and packaging.