Great Escape: Jewelry Making

The glitz and glamour of the winter holidays have passed, and our world is stuck in shades of gray until at least April. Want to add some color and fun back in to your world?

Glass Garden Beads in Northfield has just what you need to brighten up your day.

Row upon row of brightly colored beads in all shapes, sizes and colors greet you like a ray of sunshine as soon as you open the door to this little gem of a store. The store stocks beads made from glass (Czech, vintage and fire polish), glittering Swarovski Crystal, and classic pearls, which means there is something for everyone. The store also carries many types of chains and wires with which you can fashion your pieces.

One of the most unique items in the store is a locally made “Bottle Cap Bead."  According to Store Manager Heather Lawrenz, Owner Cathy Collison has a patent pending design on these one-of-a-kind beads.

The original design started out as a true bead, but Collison started making flattened disks, hearts and rectangles, as well as flower-shaped pieces that can be combined together to make beautiful 3D flower pendants.

Lawrenz said that “no prior knowledge or skill is needed” to create beautiful works of individualized art.

The store offers classes ranging from basic stringing or wire wrapping for the novice, to classes on soldering where novices are welcome and more advanced jewelry makers are sure to broaden their horizons. Private classes for just yourself or a group of friends are also available. If you would like a fun birthday party for yourself, a friend or child, the store offers them for anyone ages eight and up.

There are kits available for purchase to make needle woven jewelry pieces, books and tools as well.

If you are in need of a beautiful, personalized gift but don't have time to make something right now, Glass Garden Beads has displays of finished jewelry that store employees can make for you in as little as 15 minutes. Simply pick the colors you would like, and for a fee, the employees can make it for you. Fees vary depending on what you have chosen to have made.

Shoppers who need a gift, but do not have any ideas, can also make a copy of a display piece themselves at the store after purchasing supplies. Employees are happy to give minimal assistance, if needed.

If crafters have a project that they have started and would like to use the community table at the store, Lawrenz said to give them a call. If the table is available, you are more than welcome to come and use the space.

Glass Garden Beads also performs jewelry repair. Bring the broken item into the store for an employee to look at. If the repair is something that a jeweler should attend to, they will gladly let you know.

For more information on classes, prices, birthday parties and more, call Glass Garden Beads at 507-645-0301 or visit them online at www.glassgardenbeads.com.