$7.00 strand table is BACK!

Just received, today, the latest shipment to add to the table. New products, more coral and some funky semi-precious things, i'm not sure of........

Hurry in for best selection.

Many changes are happening

WoW, what a week. First off, if you are not aware, we belong to an alliance of full service bead stores. To join there was a list of criteria which we had to satisfy, out of all the full service bead stores in Illinois, we were chosen! That was last year and, Well, this alliance is really starting to grow.

The alliance, LOCAL BEAD STORES has recently updated it's web site to offer better content to you! The alliance is made up of a select group of stores in the USA and Canada and are reviewing stores from other countries as well. What we offer that is different, better, more complete than other alliances is sourcing, (meaning group buying to save you money) sharing of knowledge, trading products amongst ourselves and working to teach each other new skills, tips and tricks of the trade in order to be able to give you the best buying experience we can offer.

Last week, I put out a sample of AGATE slices. If you didn't come in to see them, you missed them, they are all gone! We ordered more and they will be in shortly.

A local women in town, Amy Grabowski is raising money for the Avon walk for breast cancer and asked us to help her. She handcrafted some pretty neat jewelry holders made of cotton fabric and screen. We posted them on our online store for you to see and maybe assist her in raising money?

And how did you spend your Sunday morning?

How about this Hillary Clinton?

No matter what your political affiliation, hopes and or dreams are, ya gotta love her jewelry!

Except for Pelosi and her pearls, Hillary has brought out an incredible endorsement for the bead business in recent history.

Time of the year = PEARLS

Well, my $7 dollar table is gone! sigh,,,,, but, I've reached into my storeroom, you know the one behind the door that i'm embarrased of? yeah, that one. This week i'll be stocking up the pearls. I've also been "baggin' and taggin'" all Sunday. Now I've got to hang it!

Below is an article from Sher Matson a writer of many articles. I thought it was appropriate to post it here as it was written in March and fits in great with this topic.

Pearls never go out of style - they are always a classy and traditional wardrobe accessory that will never disappoint you. But this year they are a "front and center" fashion statement! So with more people in the market for pearls now is a good time for some "pearl talk."

The pearl has always been a rather prim and proper piece of jewelry - classic and seeped in tradition. Well things they are a changing! The pearl is has had a very glamorous make over! Yes, the classic strand still exists as it always will. But we warned we are seeing some vary daring looks from the pearl this season. Extra long lengths, tasseled multi strands, pearls with semi precious stone accents, pearls on gold or silver chains. The pearl has been transformed into a fun and fashionable accessory.

So if you're going to be in the market for pearls this year here is what you should know.

The opera length necklace simply never disappears from the fashion scene. They measure 36" or longer and they can be worn as a long single lean line, doubled up, tied in a knot, wherever the moment takes you. These long strands are terrific for dressing up a pair of jeans or semi casual look.

This season for first time, we are seeing pearls mixed with colored gems such as Amethyst, Peridot, or Topaz. They compliment each other nicely - pearls with their soft and subtle shades mixed with semi precious gems with their vibrant and bold color. Picture it - what a fashion statement!

· Pearls mixed with silver is also new this season. Long silver chain dangle earrings accented with pearls, or freshwater droplets set on silver.

· This season the pearl is all about the color. Pearls are available in many hues but this season the "hot spot" is "lavender" and the lavender family ranging from pale iris to plum.

Remember when you freshen your wardrobe for the spring, freshen your jewelry too and Make Your Fashion Statement!

This is copied from the website of Sher Matsen