The name Dark Poet Designs was lifted from my one-time one-line resume:

"...wife, mother, Girl Scout leader, dark poet..."

1998 was an interesting year, somewhat in a "Chinese curse" sort of way, but also one of new endeavors. Poems I'd scribbled for two years became my first chapbook. A six-week session of dance classes seeded an ongoing love affair with Argentine tango. A single beading class lead to Dark Poet Designs.

This website has served primarily as a virtual gallery to preview work before one of my studio shows, or check on what's new before setting up a viewing appointment. As of August 2020, the site will include links to a very special new online sales site. When we are past COVID-19 social distancing, I'd also love for you to see my work firsthand. At that time, if you are a local or are visiting the Albuquerque area, feel free to contact me to arrange an informal private viewing, no obligation.

Each one of my designs is done as a one-of-a-kind creation. I frequently use mid-century vintage glass beads, usually post-war Japanese, German, or Czech. Other materials may include semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, Swarowski crystals, seed beads, metallic glass rondelles, and interesting sterling silver or bronze clasps.

Work is priced as necklace/earring sets. If one earring is pictured in photos the pair was designed as a matched set. (I often design unmatched sets.) If you don't wear earrings, the pairs make lovely gifts.

My work is available for sale online at the goimagine website, a new online shopping venture showcasing craftwork, artwork, and other handmade items. goimagine is operating with a business model where their corporate profits will be donated to charities; their focus will be charities supporting children.

Thanks for visiting,
Karen Reck

This website has featured bead designs and other fine craftwork by some of my favorite people. Although two of them are no longer active, you may click on Friends to view a small gallery sampling of their past work.