Reads to Beads

♻️ Handmade upcycled paper bead jewelry
📖 Jewelry for book lovers
❤️ Wear your favorite book on your sleeve

08/18/2026

One of the most fun things about paper beads is that no two are exactly alike. I make every single one by hand, and while my goal is to get them as uniform as possible, there will always be slight differences, even if it's only due to there being different words printed on the page they're made from.

The pink pearls in the Pride and Prejudice collection are also pretty unique – they’re freshwater "potato" pearls, meaning there are variations in their shape, size, color, texture, and smoothness. None of them are perfect, which I think is a great metaphor for the characters in the novel.

(I also like to think this collection would look great with Lizzy Bennet's pearl-studded updo in the 2005 film adaptation.) 🦪

08/12/2026

Kinda chic to like and share this post. 💅

08/07/2026

Artistic inspiration can be subconscious sometimes.

I wanted the Sherlock Holmes collection to have an elegant Victorian look to honor the stories’ setting, but also thought a hint of steampunk would be a fun way to incorporate one of their many adaptations through the years. I realized recently that these colorful glass beads remind me of oxidized copper, which makes me think of pocket watches and gears and other Victorian/steampunky things.

(Fun fact: The Statue of Liberty's exterior is copper that has oxidized over time. It originally was a brassy color. 🗽)

What do you think, should I make some pieces that lean more steampunk?

07/07/2026

One year ago today, I found out I was pregnant. Now my baby girl comes with me to the post office to ship orders. 🩷

04/12/2026

The Etsy shop is open again, and I'd like to introduce you to my new little assistant! 🩷

Autumn Grace was born on March 8 (her due date!), weighing 7 lbs 13 oz and measuring 20.5" long. She's a healthy, spunky, adorable little squish, and her daddy and I are absolutely in love with her. 🥰

I'm healing well (though quite sleep-deprived) and looking forward to getting back to business... assuming I still remember how to do my job. 😅

02/16/2026

🚨Maternity leave announcement🚨

The Reads to Beads Etsy shop will be temporarily closed February 22 through April 11, and will reopen on April 12.

Or that's the plan, anyways. Babies come on their own time, so it's possible these dates may change slightly! 😅 If that happens, look for an updated announcement on Instagram and Facebook.

I so appreciate your support and understanding as I prepare for my sweet girl's arrival and the transition to motherhood! 👩‍🍼

🩷 Chelsea

12/23/2025

You never know the impact a simple gift can have! 🎁

Has someone ever given you something or introduced you to a hobby that changed the course of your life? Let me know in the comments! 👇

12/15/2025

It's not every day one of your favorite authors turns 250! 🥳

In honor of Jane Austen's birthday, my Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility collections are 25% off, but just for one day -- December 16th! Head to readstobeads.etsy.com to explore the collections!

What's your favorite Jane Austen novel? Let me know in the comments! 👇

Address

Cincinnati, OH

Website

http://readstobeads.etsy.com/

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