Meet Our Designer

How a Necklace, a Misprint, and a Little Spark Started It All

A story stitched together with curiosity, color, and two busy hands.

2handcrafting by Peter Wilson began with a simple Christmas gift in 2005 — a necklace Peter Wilson made for his sister, Cyndi Lepley, after she fell in love with a strand of turquoise beads at Benicia Bead. What started as a heartfelt gesture quickly revealed a deeper creative spark. Peter found joy in crafting pieces for the people special in his life: his mother, mother‑in‑law, sister Victoria Gally, and cousin Geri King.

Carol de Maintenon, owner of Benicia Bead, recognized Peter’s natural eye for design and encouraged him to explore more advanced techniques. Her guidance — along with classes and new challenges — helped Peter grow from a curious beginner into a dedicated maker.

A turning point came when Peter and his friend Cheryl Feldman took an upcycled jewelry class. There, he discovered the unexpected beauty hidden in everyday materials. Aluminum cans became flowers, pendants, magnets — vibrant pieces that blended sustainability with imagination. This opened the door to a world of creative possibilities.

In his Studio Lair, Peter continued to experiment: wire wrapping, charminatas, beading, Kumihimo and other creative avenues. Introduced to the craft by Grace Aberle during a visit to Benicia Bead, Peter hesitated at first — but quickly realized he had a natural talent for the rhythmic, meditative braiding technique. Kumihimo became another way for him to keep his hands busy, whether relaxing at home or traveling. Many of his braids were completed on the road, woven into the memories of each trip.

Friends and family encouraged Peter to share his work with a wider audience, and 2handcrafting by Peter Wilson was born. Cynthia Sproule, proprietor of Zoey June Gift and Garden in Vallejo, became an early supporter, offering space for trunk shows and consignments. Peter’s work also found its way into the community through donations to local nonprofits and through the craft classes he taught at the Florence Douglas Center, where he shared his love of Kumihimo and upcycled jewelry.

Every piece Peter creates carries his energy, curiosity, and dedication. Whether it’s a beaded necklace, an upcycled aluminum flower, or a meticulously braided Kumihimo cord, each item reflects hours of intention and the joy he finds in making.

The name “2handcrafting by Peter Wilson” came from a happy accident — a misprint on an embossing stamp meant to read “handcrafted by Peter Wilson.” The stray “2” sparked a moment of reflection during a hike in Sea Ranch. Peter realized it represented the two hands that bring every piece to life. And so, 2handcrafting by Peter Wilson became the perfect name for a brand rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and heart.