The Fusion of Flamenco and Jewelry

Shari Bonnin's passion for Flamenco dance has inspired original designs in Flamenco jewelry and accessories.

Whether dancing in a pink tutu, photographing the dog, or creating dolls out of her moms pantyhose, artwork in its many forms was a big part of Shari Bonnin's childhood. That love grew stronger as she grew into adulthood and today, her art has become her profession. "I have traded the pink tutu for flamenco shoes", currently performing in the Flamenco dance company A Nuestro Aire" in Azusa, California.

About the same time she started Flamenco four years ago, she merged her interest in dance with her love for making beaded jewelry and accessories. Shari's business, Bonnin Designs at www.bonnindesigns.com features original designs with a special focus on flamenco, and many of her pieces have been worn by actresses on sitcoms such as Becker", Yes, Dear", and Curb Your Enthusiasm".

"Jewelry and dance are similar in that they have movement, form, color, and texture. Passion is evident in Flamenco dance, and I hope my jewelry evokes that as well for the wearer. I am one of very few jewelry designers making handcrafted flamenco jewelry and accessories in the U.S. I want to enhance what is out there for flamenco dancers and put a unique twist on the styles using beads, which add sparkle, texture, and movement."

Some of her flamenco earrings use the typically Spanish coral, but in a more contemporary way. Traditionally, flowers worn in the hair are silk, hers are just as big, but beaded. Many colors are offered on the website, but customizing colors of peinetas (Spanish hair combs), pins, and earrings to the dancers dress colors is encouraged.

Besides flamenco jewelry, Shari offers many other styles of jewelry, accessories, and even home décor items. All of her jewelry designs are done in beads; glass, crystal, and semiprecious using only the finest quality of beads and findings available.