We love creating jewelry (shocking, right?) and half the fun of creating fabulous pieces is getting to select amazing beads to use in our necklaces, bracelets & earrings. Although we consider ourselves to be a progressive group of gals, we do not believe that all beads are created equal. There are those in the bead world that stand out head-and-shoulders above the rest, and we are fortunate enough to be able to feature some of those very beads in our store!
Pictured below are just a few samples of beads created by local artists and other amazing individuals:
Deborah Anderson of A Thousand Canes
In 1993 Deborah started working with polymer clay with her daughter, Marah, and has been hooked ever since. She and Desiree McCrorey are the founding members for the South Bay Polymer Clay Guild in San Jose, California. A few of our fave beads from Deborah’s collection: her Beatles series! Visit her blog at www.athousandcanes.wordpress.com.
JC Herrell of JC Herrell Glass
While working as a corporate trainer, JC began to teach herself lampworking in 2000. In January 2005, addicted to melting glass and having established the roots of her current business, she began making beads full time. JC creates designs with fine, straight lines inspired by a long history of architectural interest. in her home studio on the Mendocino coast in northern California. We love the urban whimsy of her streetlight series! Visit her website at www.jcherrell.com.
Jan & Gary of Global Marketplace/Kazuri Beads
This husband & wife team travel the country selling Kazuri handmade clay beads. Buying these beads enhances the lives of disadvantaged families of the Kikuyu tribe in Kenya and helps in promoting fair trade in Africa. What started out as a backyard business (literally!) has expanded to become a help center for women in need of steady jobs. Watch inspiring videos about the Kazuri story at www.kazuribeadsusa.com.
Come to Blue Door Beads to see these inspiring beads in person and go home with one (or more!) for your next jewelry project.
Behind the Blue Door 