Barbara Ellis is originally from Chicago, Illinois and graduated from Ringling School of Art and Design In Sarasota Florida. She has received many awards for her work as a licensed Interior Designer and as a creator of fine jewelry.

     Barbara also creates and designs her own beaded jewelry pieces and patterns. In the past she has had her Beaded Spats on display for the grand opening of “The Museum Of Beadwork” in their “Wings and Stings Competion” and later at their “Cosmic” event. She has been published in "Beadwork Magazine" several times with her necklaces and bracelets designs. She has participated in the Toho Challenge events, where several of her pieces have been on display.

Barbara is an Interior Designer, Artist and teacher focusing on beadwork as her medium. She specializes in bead embroidery, peyote stitch and off-loom weaving techniques. Her work has been showcased in Beadwork Magazines, Arts Bonita of Bonita Springs, Florida, Bead Dreams 2017 and Toho Challenge 2016 touring Japan and Germany. She was selected as one of the Bead Dreams Finalist in 2017 and 2018.

She currently shares her craft by teaching at Arts Bonita in Bonita Springs, Florida with beginner and intermediate classes. She travels all over the country teaching at Regional and National Embroidery Guild of America events and organizations. Online classes via Zoom was also taught with this organization. She has also taught at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio And “NAN” National Academy Of Needlearts Assembly in Troy Michigan. Barbara exhibits at Shangra la Art and Soul events in Bonita Springs, Florida and other recognized local shows.

In November of 2024 Barbara achieved her Masters in Beadwork through the Embroidery Guild of America.

“The choice to use beads as my medium was primarily influenced by my love of color and combinations of color. The process of working with beads and thread is meditative and calming, creating each piece one bead at a time. My relationship with beads will always be one of learning, experiencing and sharing. The decision to teach grew from desire to share my love of beads and all the wonderful things that can be created with them. My personal goal is to contribute by teaching and sharing to keep this art form alive.” -Barbara