Shipwreck Beads- 2 Years in the Making

The idea blossomed 2 years ago. 4 great Fro-workers (friends of work), 1 VW Bug, and an epic trip to Shipwreck Beads. My dear friend Jillian is from Centralia, Washington and would constantly swoon us with stories of this enormous beads store. Finally, we all decided that this place deserved a visit. The only hang-up... all 4 of us being in town on the same day. In all honesty, it took about two years from the the first mention of the idea until the actual trip sailing happened, and sadly, one mate was missing, Jodi. Somehow we manage to all be in the same place at once almost every work day of the year, yet it took two years for us to get to Shipwreck. These ladies make the majority of my day amazingly happy. We are always able to find the good in something and bring light and laughter to any topic. All unique in their own way, the team combines to make a great family.

I thought that this trip was such a significant day on our calendar we better let everyone else know about it as well. So, we wrote it on the car.

An itinerary was made and the snacks were packed and we ventured out on our sunny voyage.
1st stop: Thatchers Coffee a really cool cafe in Vancouver, Washington. We first learned about it from another blogger and decided it would be our beginning destination. Followed by dropping off great Thatcher's treats to Teri's husband Tade at his work. (left to right, Jillian, Teri)


Here it is! Shipwreck Beads. Can you tell they're Super excited?
It really was enormous! You could say I was overwhelmed with giddiness. I dream about this kinda stuff!
Jillian in her element.
Our next stop was a REALLY cool place called The Art Yard in Centralia, Washington. A man by the name of Rich has dedicated both his life and full yard to creating nifty recycled installments. Everywhere you'd look there would be creative displays with names and doodads. The yard was huge and you could easily get lost wandering through the paths.
I believe Rich, the unique artist/homeowner called this one the King and Queen. I love that the king (on the left) had chest hair.

What an inspiring way to turn everyday trash into artful treasure.
Jillian, as we're getting a tour from from Rich. I would highly suggest checking this place out. A tiny slice of the world which will knock your socks off with it's dedication and inspiration.
All in all it was a great trip. Even if Jillian and Teri made me listen to Usher (no offense). Great laughs, lots of pictures and yes, I was even inspired to pick up my beading instruments and make a couple pieces... stay tuned. For more pictures take a peek at the album.