AJ News

By Gerard Hetman ghetman@timesleader.com
Reporter / Photographer

CLARKS SUMMIT- For Holly Sebastian, the art of crafting jewelry with beads began as a hobby to pass time with her children.

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Holly Sebastian, owner of Bead Jeweled in Clarks Summit.

Abington Journal/Gerard Hetman

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Now, the Waverly resident and entrepreneur is taking the bead craze to a new level that, she hopes, brings out the fun side in all ages at all times of the year.

Open at 320 South State Street in Clarks Summit, Bead Jeweled is Sebastian’s attempt to bring her hobby to those seeking easy, creative fun. A former hair stylist, ribbon maker and interior designer who still works in the latter field, Sebastian has opened her shop with a boutique-style theme, with customers able to pick beads to construct items of jewelry and decor. Customers can then assemble the beads themselves with assistance, or Sebastian can help design an item she can build for them.

“I started working with beads as a hobby with my kids, and recently I wanted to get out of the house a bit,” Sebastian said of her inspiration to open the shop. “I wanted to start a business that my kids and their friends could get involved in and have fun with.”

Indeed, artistic ability seems to run in the family for Sebastian. She pointed out two of her daughters as particular examples: one excels at silverwork, another specializes in glassblowing. She also said that her daughters and family have been a great help in starting the shop. Sebastian said that the shop is designed to appeal to jewelry fans of all ages and demographics, and will offer a range of options for special events, such as birthday parties and church outings.

“My experience with bead and beaded jewelry design came from looking at pictures and working with mistakes,” she added. “We have such a wide range of things that can be built here it is truly amazing- dog collars, wine stoppers, letter openers…all in addition to bracelets and necklaces and the like.”

While hours for the shop are in the process of being finalized, Bead Jeweled is tentatively open from 11a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with weekend hours still to be announced. For details, call the shop at 570.319.1181.