When Holly Gardner was a child, she loved collecting rocks and would carry them around in her pocket. As Gardner got older, she kept up the habit, discovering she enjoyed wearing shimmering rocks in addition to collecting them.

Gardner recalls buying beads while on a trip to Fredericksburg years ago. Unsure of what to do with them, she asked the shop owners to show her. That experience gave her the idea to open a similar store in Friendswood.

Jewelry crafters of all skills and ages may find their mecca at Gardner's One Glance Jewelry Supply and Design, which she opened in June 2013.

"My goal is to share my knowledge and love for beads," she said. "We like to be different in what we offer, but our ultimate goal is for people to be comfortable and to come and stay for a while."

The shop offers a varied selection of beads, baubles, buttons and jewelry accessories. Customers can choose from her vast inventory of necklaces, bracelets and earrings, or if they are feeling crafty, can make a piece themselves through one of the shop's 100-plus class offerings.

Many customers also take advantage of her open studio time.

"I have several customers who come in, bring food and drinks and will stay here for hours," Gardner said.

One of the best-selling items is a flowering vine necklace called The Duchess. Gardner said each necklace is different as customers select their own colors.

The shop owner prides herself on having a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Gardner said she also wants the shop to be as open and welcoming as possible so customers feel like it is their space.

Although her shop offers a wide variety for customers to choose from, Gardner said her merchandise changes constantly, so she advises customers to buy items when they can.

"If you see it and you like it, you better get it or it will be gone," she said.

Gardner also hosts an array of events, including birthday parties, ladies nights out and team building. Her most popular event is the Make-n-Take Party, in which guests can choose up to four different projects and make as many as they want during a two-hour period.

The cost is $20 per person plus the cost to make each item. She also hosts smaller versions of the Make-n-Take party on Saturdays where customers can pay $6 and make something in 15 or 20 minutes.

This year, Gardner plans to add as many as five new classes. They are available via an online calendar that changes every two months. She is also planning to create her own line of jewelry. A few boutiques have already agreed to sell her merchandise.

"We do a lot of custom items for people, so this was the next step," Gardner said. "I enjoy when people bring me an idea, and then let me run with it."

One Glance Jewelry

607 S. Friendswood Drive, Ste. 30

Friendswood 832-569-5969

www.oneglancejewelry.com

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Closed Sunday