More beads, please

I can’t go to the central coast without hitting the antiques and bead stores hard. So even though we were a little short on time (we usually try to take a long weekend over there and this was a rushed overnight) I found plenty of things to get into.

I started off at Unique Bead in San Luis Obispo. They had findings and TONS of beads out by-piece. They had good prices on some of their semi-precious bead strands, I picked up a strand of small (6 or 8 mm) picasso jasper rounds labeled at $25 for $7 and change. The selection of higher-end semi-precious strands (on sale – 25% off) were behind the counter but I was readily invited back to peek. Unique Bead is much more than just a bead store – they had lots of unfinished stones and lapidary supplies, finished fine jewelry, and plenty of novelty jewelry items. Being in downtown SLO, which is a huge college town, I definitely understand the casual approach to the huge store area and the large selection of informal and body jewelry.

I couldn’t resist hitting up Beads Back on Main in Morro Bay for a brief visit. They carry the dichroic glass beads you see in the link but they also carry plenty of other beads, findings & chain as well. I love this store because it is completely organized – each set of strands of a specific type, size and color have their own hook on the wall and the price and material is clearly labeled. There is lots of light and plenty of space to move around even if there are other shoppers. I do like Beads By the Bay quite a bit but I only had time for one shop and Beads on Main is right next to the new/used bookstore which provides a diversion for my traveling partner.

I unearthed a wonderful bead-related surprise on this trip. Remember When in Cayucos has a TON of beautiful semi-precious strands. I did not buy even a tiny fraction of what I loved there, but I will say that I spent the whole ride home wishing I had bought a strand of big striped carnelian rounds only to find that I had and had just forgotten about it. It was something like finding $20 in an old pair of jeans, but better.

There was a soft yellow leather suitcase at Remember When Too (yes, they are related) that I was hoping would still be there from my last trip but someone else scored out on that one. I did get a yummy brown samsonite train case for a scandalously low price and a couple of old maps. It was a distinct challenge to leave Rich Man, Poor Man empty-handed that I met only because I practically ran through it as my traveling partner was awaiting me for our departure, browned butter sea salt cookies from the Little Market in hand.