I have always liked stopping at antique shops on road trips with family members and friends. All of my friends know that if we pass a shop, I will probably ask to stop on the way back. I don’t look for “just the right” antique table for the living room (okay, maybe once, but it was a drop-leaf table for crafting). Instead, I look for older, even broken, pieces of jewelry. Friends typically roll their eyes, and my husband sighs and says that at least he doesn’t have to make room in the car to bring home furniture. I just grin.

After spending a couple of hours absorbed in VintageStyle Jewelry, I realized just how lucky I am to live in an area that has many antique shops. Before joining the staff of Bead&Button, I thought I might be the only person to wander shops looking for a special clasp or focal bead to use in my jewelry. Now I know better!

The next time you are taking a trip, watch for those little out-of-the-way shops, because they could have some wonderful treasures waiting for you to find and use.