Spirited Bead & Klew's Gallery special Mother's Day event

One fall afternoon circa 1994 Karen Lewis was looking for more space than what she was currently working with at her home studio, she brought her mom with her to check out the space. As Karen gazed out the window wondering out loud about the space, her mother Mary said as she positioned herself flat on the floor hands folded...."Let's try it on!" Karen turns on the spot to see her mother lying on the floor behind her in the center of the room. Mary smiled brightly as she often did and said "It feels right! " So Karen did, she moved into the space the following week.

Karen's moniker had been Klew since she was in high school and she had already established her budding Polymer Clay jewelry company before ever moving to Tehachapi as Klew Expressions.

Two years later brought the tragic loss of both Karen's mother- Mary and Carl's mother -Jean. It was with the inheritance they received that brought into the same place that was to become one of Tehachapi's most popular destinations for visitors, artists and jewelry lovers, The Spirited Bead & Klews Gallery was born and as an homage in the spirit of their Mothers

It has been 16 years since then and a lot has changed since the space was Klews private studio. Back when she opened her doors to the public, she also infused her starter inventory with pieces from her own cherished, private bead and button collection. Now, in addition to a wealth of her own signature work, she imports precious beads and stones from around the world as well as fair trade gifts from the likes of Botswana, Guatemala, and Zimbabwe. Folks congregate there for classes as well as frequent guest teachers from around the country, which range from polymer clay and jewelry design, wire-working, bead weaving and metal-working. Klews clay classes often fill quickly but not to worry all classes may be scheduled to one's personal choice most days or evenings. Private workshops and parties are also welcome. Saturday afternoons 2-5 is open studio to work on unfinished projects, need a bit of expertise or interested in learning about all the new products in the shop- $10 gives you a seat at the table!

Locals boast to visitors and bring them by for a special visit and perhaps a fresh brew of Klews famous salted-caramel coffee lates'. Walking into The Spirited Bead is like entering Aladdin's cave- it is a trove of unexpected, gorgeous jewels and beads where you can wander and explore. Gifts and treasures for non designers are plentiful as well. Should one ever need that one of a kind gift for a special friend or spouse this is the place to find it. Customers love to scavenge through the drawers of the antique printer cabinets where thousands of tiny treasures are waiting to be discovered for their current project.

Now in celebration of their 16th Anniversary, The Spirited Bead is having a 30% off all glass, stone and clothing sale.

Do you need to find a gift idea for this Mother's day? Save 15% off on gift certificates as well. Present your mother with a gift card from the Spirited Bead and then escort her into the gallery so that she can pick out something special.

The Spirited Bead & Klews Gallery is located at 435 W. J St. http://www.thespiritedbead.com