Well, no, but it is someone’s birthday somewhere, and I’ll use any excuse to go bead shopping. When I first got into jewelry making, I discovered a somewhat local bead shop called Intrinsic Trading. It was small, but packed full of gemstones and findings, and I realized right then and there that the best part of being a jewelry maker is the shopping.
A couple of years ago, they moved into a larger location and I don’t know that it is farther, but it less of a straight shot and I just hadn’t made it out. Until now. It is larger with an expanded selection of quality stones and a smaller collection of the costume beads. I feel like the staff also grew and they were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, not that they weren’t previously, it was just that there was usually only one person working the register.
I made a first pass without picking anything up, just taking it in. I’m often drawn to certain colors, but even more to shapes. The shape and cut of a bead can completely change the aesthetic.
I’m also in love with pendant stones, and there were so many interesting shapes! They are sculptures all by themselves. The Red Creek Jasper triangular pendant seriously resembles a painting. I don’t love the term “wearable art” but it truly is.
I made a little montage of most of the goodies I brought home and posted it on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@mieloabelodesigns or click “Watch” in the menu.
Here is the short:
Check back to see what necklaces and earrings I make with these amazing gemstones!
If you want to see more about my latest jewelry, visit my shop blog. I am trying to post more there about items that I have just listed, and more about the behind the scenes here. That is the plan for now anyway. https://blog.mieloabelodesigns.com/