My 18-Year Bead Stash — Finally Letting Go
I’m Tricia, the human behind Studio Roo in Bothell, WA.
18 years ago I walked into Ben Franklin in Redmond to make a birthday gift for a girlfriend. I saw a little corner of crystals and ear wires and realized I’d been paying a fortune for earrings I could make for $10. Two hours and $150 later, I was a jewelry maker. Collecting beads became the obsession.
After 14 years as a corporate trainer, I traded conference rooms for cruise ships and worked at sea for a while. In every port I picked up little treasures — lampwork in Murano, natural stone in the Caribbean, a carved charm in Alaska. After that it was local shops, craft stores, and trades with artists at Seattle Center shows. That personal treasure stash became Studio Roo at my kitchen table — vintage Swarovski, lampwork, big large-hole beads, chakra strands and natural stones turned into necklaces, earrings, and a Seahawks 12th Man collection for us locals.
Here's the honest part: I will never make enough to use it all. Sorting for a Friday night Whatnot auction, I was holding beads from three decades that I loved but never wore.
Keeping them hidden felt wrong.
What you'll find: my personal collection sold as craft supply. Vintage Swarovski, lampwork glass, natural stones, large-hole artisan beads, and one-off treasures I couldn't leave behind. Plus a few finished Studio Roo pieces tucked in.
Important note: I did not make these beads. After 18 years of aisles, ports and trades I don't remember every original artist or source, so I photograph everything clearly and describe what I know. What you see is what you get.
A little about me: Jeep girl — first topless drive of the year is a holiday. Usually beading with gummy bears nearby. I ask everyone the same thing: what inspires you? For me it's nature first — botanical garden walks, dahlia close-ups, beach sunsets on Okaloosa Island, pool floats in summer. Faith, family and creativity keep me grounded.
Thank you for giving these well-traveled beads a second life. I found them with joy in Redmond and around the world. I hope you make something that gives you that same feeling. If you do, tell me what inspired you. I really want to know.
— Tricia | Studio Roo
