Jewelry that's fun and fabulous
LOUISE BOLGER | SUN
Lois Manza, standing, teaches beading classes in the afternoon.
The oldest known jewelry dates back 100,000 years and was made from nassarius shells. Mostly jewelry is used for person adornment, but throughout history, it has also been used as currency and kept as an investment.
On Anna Maria as in most casual beach communities jewelry made from beads are popular, but in Holmes Beach there’s a shop where beaded jewelry crosses the threshold from a simple strand of beads to the look of fine jewelry.
Lois Manza, the owner of Creations By L, opened her bead shop five years ago and has been redefining beaded jewelry ever since. What Manza creates in her fresh beachy shop is actually intricate beading with the finished look of fine jewelry, setting her apart from the average bead shop.
You’ll find everything from simple corded pieces made with beads to jewelry with semi-precious stones like Swarovski crystals, fresh water pearls, jasper and other natural stones, a cross between fun beach and fabulous one of a kind jewelry.
Manza carries bracelets, necklaces, ankle bracelets and pieces suitable for little girls and specializes in custom made designs. Bring in your outfits, and she will work with you to create one of a kind jewelry to go with each one. Brides and wedding parties are frequent customers looking for the perfect unique piece for their beach wedding.
The store has branched out, and you’ll find some of the gift shops on the Island, as well as a few places in Sarasota, carrying its jewelry. In fact, a satisfied customer encouraged Manza to ship some of her pieces to an art gallery in Ohio, where they are on display for sale. She also is carrying more sterling silver because of the demand as well as stainless steel for the men.
And if purchasing jewelry isn’t enough, you can also attend one of Manza’s beading classes, the only beading class on the west side of Manatee County.She has afternoon classes usually twice a week for two hours. The cost is $20 plus supplies, and you can also arrange private classes or beading parties. It’s a great way to meet new people, create a piece of art and add to your jewelry collection.
To celebrate five years in business, Manza is having a Guess the Number of Beads contest. It will run from June 13 through 27, with the winner being announced in the July 4 edition of The Sun.
First prize-is a two night stay at the Harrington House Bed & Breakfast plus a $50 gift certificate for Creations By L; second prize is a Kindle Fire plus a $50 gift certificate for Creations By L; and the third prize is a $50 gift certificate for Island Gourmet and a $25 gift certificate for Creations By L.
The best way to describe the jewelry you’ll find at Creations By L is it has the look of fine jewelry at the affordable pricing of beads. Stop by to buy one of Mnaza's fabulous designs or sign up for a beading class and congratulate her on her five years in the business of turning beads into so much more
Creations By L
5500 Marina Dr.
Holmes Beach
941-779-0779
www.creationsbyl.com
Monday-Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visa, MasterCard,
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