Today’s column is the first in a series I will be doing highlighting local businesses. Some will be new to you and others will be familiar to you.

A delightful shop has opened along the Prairie Path: Blue Frog Beads at 15 E. Park Blvd., Villa Park.

I stopped in recently with my daughter and had a great experience. The shop sells beads and other supplies to make beautiful jewelry. You can also purchase items already made or request custom creations.

The array of beads is wonderful. There are so many colors and beads to choose from, you’ll just be amazed.

Blue Frog Beads is owned by Nancy Knight. It was previously located in Elmhurst and owned by someone else. Knight was a frequent customer and learned that the store was closing. She bought the inventory and started looking for a space to lease.

“I decided to open the store in Villa Park, and I think it was a good decision. The store space is perfect for a bead store and there is plenty of parking. Plus we get lots of exposure from the Prairie Path. Also the rent is so much more reasonable than it would have been to stay in Elmhurst. And the town of Villa Park, from city officials to residents have been so receptive to the shop,” Knight said.

When you walk in the shop you can “make and take” an item of your choosing. A staff member gives you a shallow tray, which you use to make your selections. You can choose beads in the color and size of your liking and personalize it with an accent piece. There are many to choose from.

Customers purchase strands of beads or individual pieces. The stringing wire is sold by the foot. After you’ve made your selections, you are directed to a work table. Once you’ve designed your piece, with as little or much help from the staff as you request, a staff member “closes” the piece so that it is a secure, wearable piece of jewelry.

If the customer already has taken a class at Blue Frog to know how to finish the piece or has previous knowledge of the use of the tools, they can close up their fasteners themselves and avoid the nominal fee charged for a staff member to do it. The workspace and tools are available to anyone.

What’s nice is that after you choose your beads, which are sold in small containers, and make your piece, you keep the extra beads, which you can bring in another time to make something else.

According to Knight, beading has been growing in popularity for several years.

“As the price of gold and silver has increased, people realize how much value there is in making their own jewelry. Plus, items can be custom made. We have so many brides who have us make bridesmaid jewelry to match the dresses. Same for school dances. If you have the perfect dress, you should have the perfect jewelry to accent it, right?”

Blue Frog Beads offers many classes and workshops for those new to beading. The shop also offers children’s birthday parties, workshops for Scout groups and a ladies night held after hours. These special events are popular, Knight said.

“A lot of conversation occurs during a beading event. It creates a sense of community. Even people who feel they are not very creative end up with unique pieces of jewelry that they can wear and enjoy.”

Making a piece is very affordable. The shop does sell stone and semi-precious strands that retail at higher prices, which are for more advanced stringers. Swarovski crystals are also sold and used to create pieces that are perfect for formal events.

“We get in new beads monthly and always have something new going on at Blue Frog. Customers range from novice to expert but everyone shares what they know with others. It is very much a community feeling. Blue Frog is a great place to gather and create. And it’s a lot of fun,” Knight said.

I couldn’t agree more. My daughter chose two pretty colors and an accent piece and designed her own bracelet. It was easy to string and she was so proud of making her own piece. She was so thrilled with it actually that she went back two days later with her extra beads and made another piece. Be sure to stop in. You’ll have a wonderful experience.

Contact the store at (630) 530-8558 with any questions.