I can't tell you how happy I am to share that the ladies formerly of my favorite (and now defunct) bead shop have returned to Old Town Spring with a new shop!

I prefer to hand-pick my beads and strands, especially when it comes to stones that have color variations. It thrills me to no end to have a new local supplier. Here's to more Saturdays spent examining strands and contemplating new designs!

I plan on using some of the new beads to experiment with some variations on my rosewood line, but my purchases today will also be part of a new piece I'm making for myself.

Despite my silver smithing skills, I rarely make metal pieces. After making a necklace of silver chain and amazonite for a friend and "jewelry browsing" in some department stores, I got the urge. I never make pieces for myself, though sometimes, I adopt one-of-a-kind designs that are low on the retail interest scale.

While the beads pictured may be making some guest aprearances in my shop, some will be happily diverted to a project that is all about me!