Local Mother Creates Beaded Jewelry

Gail Evans Potter is creating her own collection of one of a kind, handmade jewelry from her Forest Hills home with the goal of making those who wear it feel better about themselves.

“I want them to feel like they have something no one else has,” she said.

Potter, who currently works at Forest Hills Coffee Company part-time, has her jewelry on display as she serves cups of coffee and other tasty treats. With a series of necklaces, bracelets and earrings, Potter completes special orders and also sells some of her pieces at Keystone Health Club.

“I had my own store in Forest Hills in 1999 and closed in 2007 called Enchanted Forest,” she said. “I got hooked on looking at other people’s jewelry and eventually ended up doing my own stuff.”

Most recently, Potter created a First Holy Communion set for a young girl in the community, and also designed the accessories for a dance class at their studio. The majority of her jewelry is made with beads she finds online, sterling silver and crystal.

Earrings are around $12, necklaces are in the $40 to $60 range and nothing is over $100, Potter said.

She said she loves the idea of brightening someone's day.

“If I have the right pair of earrings on, I feel like I look better,” she said. “It’s a nice creative outlet.”

For more information e-mail Potter at gailevanspotter@verizon.net.