Meet the Maker

Petra, the artist behind Sunwoven, on safari in Zimbabwe with elephants in the background

Hello, I'm Petra, the artist behind these jeweled spiders and shimmering suncatchers.

I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, and my childhood there was filled with vibrant color, sunlight, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature—even in its smallest forms. Whether it was the glint of sun through a spider's web or the shimmer of rain-drenched leaves, I was captivated by the magic hidden in everyday life.

That love of natural beauty and fine detail eventually led me to create decorative pieces that celebrate both. Each spider sculpture or suncatcher I make is carefully crafted by hand, using wire, glass, beads, and vintage or repurposed materials. I design them to catch the light, stir the imagination, and bring a bit of wonder into your home or window.

This work is a blend of art, storytelling, and memory. It's delicate, intentional, and made to last—just like the little moments of beauty that inspired it.

I'm now based in North Carolina, and I'm proud to offer these small treasures through GoImagine and Etsy. Thank you for supporting handmade art and taking the time to explore my work.

How Each Piece is Made

Petra's workspace showing beads, wire, and tools organized for creating handcrafted suncatchers and spiders

My workspace with carefully organized materials and tools

Multiple handcrafted pieces in progress showing the detailed creation process

Several pieces in progress, showing the intricate detail work

Organized storage containers with colorful beads, crystals, and findings sorted by color and type

Bead storage organized by color and type for easy selection

Natural-lit workspace showing jewelry-making tools, pliers, wire, and work surface by the window

My workspace setup with tools and natural lighting

Jeweled Spiders

Each spider is meticulously assembled by hand, beginning with a fine wire carefully threaded through the gemstone or glass body to join the head and abdomen. From there, individual beads and accents are selected and strung with precision to form the legs. Each leg is then delicately shaped and balanced into a natural, lifelike pose—requiring both patience and a sculptor's touch to achieve the right sense of proportion and poise.

Suncatchers

Each suncatcher is carefully handcrafted from start to finish. I begin by hand-bending the wire to form the base shape, then thoughtfully string the beads and select coordinating crystals to bring the design to life. I connect each crystal individually, crimp the rings for security, and weave the wire to create a flowing, balanced form.

Designing each piece takes about a day as I experiment with colors, textures, and layout to ensure it feels just right. No two are exactly alike—each one is a unique expression of light-catching artistry.

Materials & Care

Materials

Care Instructions