The Rita Okrent Collection

Rita Okrent was one of the great ladies of the bead world. A talented designer who traveled the world and collected beautiful components, many ancient and antique, that she used in her own jewelery designs and also shared with others. Her legacy continues through her family, as daughter Jocelyne now heads The Rita Okrent Collection, home to beautiful beads, unique components and jewelry for sale - and all are exquisite. They attend prestigious bead shows, like the San Diego Bead Society's annual Bead Bazaar this past weekend, and can be found online at RitaOkrent.com, and on Etsy at RitaOkrentCollection.

Pearl Onion and Friend

These little purple onions came to be during a foodish faze, and were made not long after a beaded piece of sushi (on view in the gallery). So as I was 'stuffing' them with rice like seed beads, it occurred to me to top the one on the left with a large pearl bead (hence the pun). Then the friend on the right has a bit of the

sushi vibe, topped with roe-like beads.

Legendary Beads

There are some bead shops that just have that little extra magic. I love visiting Legendary Beads in Santa Rosa because I know I will always find unique treasures. Plus, it's a beautiful space to shop in. For a long time they were located in a strip mall, a sweet surprise in a nondescript location. But several years ago they moved into a charming spot in the historic Railroad Square area of Santa Rosa, surrounded by other interesting shops and eateries, and it feels like a more appropriate fit. The well curated selection includes shaped and carved beads in various materials (stone, glass, ceramic, metal, etc.), crystals, seed beads, charms, findings, stringing supplies, and more. Also, it's smack dab between San Francisco and the wine country, so it's a great place to stop while traveling around northern California.

Legendary Beads

111 4th St.

Santa Rosa, California 95401

legendarybeads.com, 707-569-0338

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