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| Linda Cline |
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| Linda Cline |
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The Bead Chicas
bead jewelry & fashions
lincoln city & newport
What does “Chica” mean? Linda Cline, who sells beaded jewelry under the name “The Bead Chicas,” answers that question a lot. It’s a Spanish term for girl, or young woman, often used in an affectionate or personal way. In Southern California, where Cline is from, it’s a common term of endearment, used between girlfriends of any age.
Step into Cline’s booth at the farmers’ market, and you’ll know the definition right away. It’s a place to play, with beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings that are fun to try on and easy on the pocketbook. Cline, a former teacher until her so-called retirement, loves to meet new people and show them her creations.
They’re all hand-crafted combinations of Swarovski crystal beads, pearls, glass cane beads and gemstones, with sterling silver, 14-karat gold filled or pewter findings. She makes everything from inexpensive “stretchy” bracelets for wrists both large and small (the baby girl versions are just two for $5), to complete grownup sets (with the most expensive necklace, bracelet and earring sets going for $100).
“It’s always quality with me. I use very high quality findings, and I always back my work,” Cline said.
There was another beading chica, when the business began in 2001. Her friend moved on to other projects within a few months, but Cline has found a passion for the business. Her husband Eric built her a beading studio above the garage in their Newport home, a place where she can work, display and even entertain customers looking for custom jewelry. She exhibits at shows like the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival, and at the farmers’ markets in Lincoln City and Newport.
This year, she said, most people are crazy about sterling silver and chains with the crystals set right in. She’s been working with a new shipment of beads and findings, which she was able to pick out for herself from the wholesaler, and added more inspirational jewelry (cross pendants and faith-lifting bracelets) to her selection.
“I’ve missed the market thing, because that’s where I meet the best people. Then, during the rest of the year, they’ll call me if they need something special,” she said. “They’ll call me for Mother’s Day, or Christmas, because they like my stuff. It feels good. It feels really, really good.”
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