Crystal's Beadery: From Crafting Disasters to Jewelry Mastery

In a small town tucked away in the heart of North Carolina, there is a story of resilience, passion, and the unexpected road to success. It begins with Crystal Forcum, the founder of Crystal’s Beadery, a thriving business known for its handcrafted, custom jewelry. Crystal’s journey is a remarkable one, not just because she transformed her passion for crafting into a business, but because she started from a place that many might consider a creative disaster.

The Beginning: Crafting Chaos

As a child, Crystal Forcum was no stranger to the frustrations of failed craft projects. While many children excelled at art projects, Crystal was more familiar with the feeling of watching her ideas crumble in front of her. Her attempts at building birdhouses were nothing short of disastrous, and she couldn’t seem to create anything that matched the visions in her head. “Crafting was never my thing,” she recalls with a laugh. “It always felt like I was making a mess rather than something beautiful.”

But, like many people who find success later in life, Crystal’s story wasn’t one of instant talent, it was a journey of discovery, growth, and perseverance. Her early crafting experiences were filled with frustration, but they also led her to discover the key to her future success: a passion for creating things by hand. Little did she know, this passion would one day grow into a business that would touch the lives of people all over the country.

A Spark of Inspiration

One afternoon, while wandering through a craft store, something caught Crystal’s eye. It wasn’t the usual paints or beads that she had glanced over countless times before. Instead, it was a few strands of beautiful, glistening beads that sparked an idea, a piece of jewelry she could create from her imagination. Without hesitation, Crystal picked them up and began to experiment, weaving together her first bracelet. It was simple, but to her, it was a masterpiece.

“I was shocked,” Crystal says, reflecting on that moment. “It was the first time I had ever made something that turned out exactly how I had imagined it. That bracelet wasn’t just a piece of jewelry, it was a turning point.”

This moment ignited something deep within Crystal, a newfound love for jewelry making. Over the next few weeks, her hobby grew as she began experimenting with different materials, creating necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Her friends and family quickly took notice of her creations, and before long, they were requesting custom pieces. What started as an unexpected hobby soon turned into something much more significant.

From Passion to Business: The Birth of Crystal’s Beadery

As Crystal’s jewelry designs began to gain popularity, she realized that she was onto something special. What had begun as a way to pass the time had now evolved into a craft that brought joy to others. Her pieces weren’t just accessories, they were a reflection of her creativity, dedication, and eye for beauty.

Driven by her growing passion, Crystal made the bold decision to turn her hobby into a business. She named it Crystal’s Beadery, a nod to the beads that had sparked her journey and the craft that had transformed her life. “I knew I had something unique to offer. It wasn’t just about making jewelry, it was about creating something meaningful, something personal,” she explains.

But starting a business wasn’t easy. There were many hurdles to overcome, securing funding, building a brand, and figuring out how to take her passion and make it a viable enterprise. Yet, Crystal’s unwavering determination carried her through. She spent countless hours researching, designing, and perfecting her craft. Slowly but surely, Crystal’s Beadery began to grow.

Craftsmanship at the Core: What Sets Crystal’s Beadery Apart

One of the things that makes Crystal’s Beadery stand out in the crowded jewelry market is its commitment to craftsmanship. Every piece of jewelry is handcrafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Crystal’s focus is on creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that cannot be found in mass-produced jewelry stores.

“I think that’s what people love most about my jewelry, it’s not just something they can buy at any store,” Crystal explains. “Each piece is a reflection of my creativity, and it’s made with love and passion. When you wear something I’ve created, you’re not just wearing jewelry, you’re wearing a piece of my journey.”

The personal touch that Crystal infuses into every piece is something that resonates deeply with her customers. Many of them share their excitement over the jewelry they’ve purchased, praising its beauty, quality, and uniqueness.

“I was pleasantly surprised that this jewelry was prettier than expected and was well made,” said Susan Adler, a satisfied customer. Another fan, Joy Rogers, couldn’t wait to wear her new necklace, saying, “Can’t wait to wear this pretty necklace. I think I will wear it tomorrow.”

It’s these reviews, these small moments of joy, that inspire Crystal to keep creating. She doesn’t just want to make jewelry; she wants to create pieces that people will cherish for years to come.

The Recognition: A Milestone in Her Journey

Crystal’s dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, she received one of the highest honors in the jewelry industry: the "Best Jewelry Designer in the US of 2025" award from the Evergreen Awards. This prestigious accolade recognizes outstanding talent and innovation in the jewelry industry and highlights Crystal’s exceptional ability to create stunning, handcrafted pieces.

“I was speechless when I received the award,” Crystal admits. “It’s such an honor to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about. This isn’t just a win for me, it’s a win for everyone who has supported me along the way.”

The award is a testament to the hard work and perseverance Crystal has shown over the years. It’s also a reflection of the trust her customers have placed in her and the love they have for her work.

Growing Beyond a Small Town: The Rise of Crystal’s Beadery

As Crystal’s Beadery grew, so did its reach. What began as a local operation in Julian, North Carolina, has now blossomed into a nationally recognized brand. One of the key steps in growing the business was creating a website where Crystal could connect with customers far beyond her town.

The website not only showcased her latest creations but also allowed customers to place custom orders. With this new online presence, Crystal was able to share her passion for jewelry with people across the country, expanding her customer base and spreading the word about her unique designs.

“Building the website was a game-changer,” Crystal explains. “It allowed me to reach people I never would have been able to otherwise. It’s been incredible to see how far my jewelry has gone and how many people have been able to enjoy it.”

More Than Just Jewelry: Empowering Creativity

What truly sets Crystal’s Beadery apart from other jewelry brands is its foundation. Crystal’s story is one of perseverance and passion, two qualities that have shaped her journey. She didn’t become a master jeweler overnight. It was a process of trial and error, learning from mistakes, and constantly improving.

But beyond the jewelry, Crystal’s Beadery is about more than just crafting beautiful pieces, it’s about empowering others to follow their creative passions, no matter where they begin. Whether a customer is purchasing their first piece of jewelry or returning for a custom creation, they are becoming part of Crystal’s journey, a journey that encourages everyone to embrace their creativity and chase their dreams.

Your Journey with Crystal’s Beadery

If you’re ready to add a little sparkle to your life, Crystal’s Beadery has something special for you. From pendant necklaces to charm bracelets and complete jewelry sets, each piece is designed with care and attention to detail. Every item tells a story, and that story begins with Crystal’s journey from crafting chaos to jewelry mastery.

Visit Crystal's Beadery today to explore the full collection and find a piece of jewelry that speaks to your individuality. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for the perfect gift, Crystal’s handcrafted pieces are the perfect way to add a personal touch to your collection.

About Crystal Forcum

Crystal Forcum is the founder and designer behind Crystal’s Beadery, a business built on a love for handcrafted jewelry. From humble beginnings in crafting, Crystal’s journey led her to become one of the most celebrated jewelry designers in the US. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and personal connection, Crystal’s Beadery continues to grow, offering stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces to customers nationwide.