Cape Ann Designs, Sea Glass Wearable Art
44 Thurston Point Road, Back Barn
Gloucester, MA
978-283-8333
Email Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco
Website
Instagram
Facebook
2026 marks my 23th year as an artisan creating distinctive, functional wearable art! Last Spring, I had the great privilege of my Gloucester studio being featured on Channel 5’s Chronicle! The Cape Ann Designs collection celebrates the natural beauty and authenticity of the region and provides a consistent connection point for those who visit and live here. My work highlights the distinct qualities of REAL sea glass through a full line of hair accessories and jewelry. With a robust stock of locally found sea glass – a diminishing resource – my goal now is to find new ways to use it. Each year, I introduce a new twist in design or materials. In recent years, I have introduced sea glass and leather; a collection of lariats called “Anchors” for their mushroom anchor designs; and in 2023, “Woven Wonders.” In 2024, inspired by participation in the Cape Ann Museum’s Cape Ann Blossoms and the Gloucester Garden Tour – I now produce garden stepping stones, sculptures, and custom stones.
Collecting sea glass is now an international pastime having been catalyzed by a sea glass festival in Rockport in 2004. We are fortunate that Cape Ann has been a haven for collectors long before its ascent to fame. For me, it built on a life-long interest in history and antique objects. But collecting sea glass and pottery shards coincides with my move her 30+years ago. Collecting was simply not enough, so I set out to create something that was overlooked in the world of jewelry – hair accessories. The Sea Glass Festival in Rockport was my debut.
Today my work can be found up and down the east coast in select galleries and I have been fortunate enough to be recognized in the Boston Globe, Cape Ann Magazine, Art New England, North Shore Magazine, and in Carole Lambert’s iconic book, A Passion for Sea Glass. Among my key community activities here on Cape Ann, I am the founder of the seARTS Wearable Arts group which pioneered “Celebrate Wearable Art” from 2011-2017. I have also been a co-producer and co-host for Cape Ann ARTWaves, a local TV program that highlights local artists.