Kat BarronMiller is an Iowa artist specializing in unique custom jewelry and beads. Her pieces incorporate both the practical and the whimsical in a variety of styles. The Artist describes her style as “eclectic” and rarely repeats herself artistically. Kat loves to experiment with color and texture in her jewelry, and delights in creating pieces that surprise the wearer. Kat uses a variety of materials, including stone, wire, glass, and recycled vintage jewelry to make pieces that are fun and unusual. Her newest endeavor is making lampworked glass beads. One of her principles of jewelry making is comfort. Wearable art needs to be that - wearable. Art is not diminished by being functional.

  Kat graduated from Culver Stockton College with BAs in history and psychology, but has no formalized art training. However, Kat grew up in a creative family including writers and artists. It was only a matter of time before she herself would discover her path to art. In 1995, she visited a large Native American museum exhibit, which included several hundred beaded artifacts. Kat was mesmerized by the beauty of the items and the time involved to make these incredible pieces. The artist was amazed by how commonplace beading can be, but is usually overlooked. Kat was obsessed with beads and beading from then on.

In 1997, she started her jewelry and bead business, Midnight Kat Productions. Her company name reflects her early experiences trying to learn her craft while raising a family. The only time she could be “productive” and create was at midnight.

   Her favorite method of selling jewelry is retail art shows. The connection to the wearer of her jewelry is very important for Kat. “Beads are like breathing, an essential part of my life. To share my passion with others is electric and intimate. That connection between the artist and the buyer should not be missed!” - Kat BarronMiller

   When she isn’t creating new works of art, she is busy working full-time and being a wife and mother. Her future goals include writing about, and teaching, beading; and increasing her knowledge of jewelry making techniques.