Always look for the Unusual

I am always on the prowl for the odd or unusual bead to add to my stash. Finding unique beads is a lot harder than you think, so when I received a tip from a friend about the Potomac Bead Company , I was more than thrilled. Knowing I would be traveling through Maryland, I planned to check out the Hagerstown location (cute town by the way) and I am so glad that I did. My mouth dropped to the floor when I opened the door of the shop and the light bulb inserted within the cartoon cloud above my head began to flash incessantly. I was in bead heaven and enjoying every minute of it. I floated around the store resting on one bead station after another. I finally landed squarely on the glass enclosed bead case at the front of the shop (you know…the one with the expensive stuff in it) and gazed at the treasures within. Here are a few of my finds.

Just gorgeous! Bali turquoise/sterling/coral


Faceted lapis lazuli teardrops (they make me want to cry)...


Bali sterling/amber


Ethnic madness! Think color, texture and bold design. Shell/buffalo teeth/ceramic glazed bead/batik bone button



Let me show you how one unusual bead can transform a humdrum necklace into something stunning. Check out the techniques in my book, A String of Expression.