handmade
Beehive Handmade
Forging New Ways with Metal
After 15 years, Beehive Handmade evolves and expands
As a tradition dependent upon technique and tools, metalsmithing is nearly a lost art. For
Jim Dowd and Sandra Bonazoli of Beehive Handmade, it’s a passion and purpose to keep
metalsmithing alive. For 15 years, the couple has designed and produced hand-fabricated
original pieces from their home and studio in Fall River, Massachusetts, determined to
keep their business in the USA, and in an environmentally-conscious way.
The business they founded in 1999 was Beehive Kitchenware Company. As its 15th
anniversary approaches, they have changed the name to Beehive Handmade. “We
have expanded so much beyond our original scope of just kitchen items, we thought
the new name would encompass all that we do, our new direction, and commitment to
handmade,” explains Jim.
Both Jim and Sandra are classically trained, and hold MFA degrees in Jewelry and Metals.
Along with their two employees, they create several home and personal accessories
collections, including kitchenware, holiday ornaments, frames, and more recently, jewelry.
Smiles and Inspiration
Jim and Sandra share similar design
aesthetics, with inspiration gleaned from
vintage tools, children’s books illustrations,
pattern design, and folk art. “We are inspired
by ideas that seem like they would add
happiness to people’s lives,” says Jim. “That
may sound corny, but we feel like an idea
is a good one if we can imagine it making
someone smile.”
Solid and Sustainable
As a maker, Jim struggles with the fact that
the things he makes are resource intensive.
Virgin materials are often required to ensure
quality and safety, especially for objects that
are used with food and by babies. All of the
pewter they use is lead–free, without any
electroplating, to protect the water supply.
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