Latest News & Announcements

PotomacBeads Announces Third Bead Retreat for April 2025

Bringing Creatives from Across the Country to Hagerstown, MD

Hagerstown, MD — [September 13, 2024] — PotomacBeads, a leader in the bead and jewelry-making industry, is excited to announce its third Bead Retreat, set to take place in April 2025. Following the success of its first two retreats, PotomacBeads continues to bring 100+ passionate crafters from across the country to Hagerstown for a unique and immersive experience in bead artistry.

Founded 19 years ago in Hagerstown, PotomacBeads started as a small business and grew into a prominent name with 12 retail stores across the United States before transitioning to an e-commerce and manufacturing model. Despite its shift in focus, PotomacBeads remains deeply rooted in Hagerstown, where its 25k SF production facility is still located in the heart of the city’s downtown.

“Our Bead Retreats offer a special opportunity for bead enthusiasts to gather, learn, and share their passion for the craft in a collaborative environment,” says Nathan Buchman, founder of PotomacBeads. “We’re proud that our business not only supports the local economy but also draws visitors from across the country to experience some of the great things that Hagerstown has to offer.”

As PotomacBeads prepares for the upcoming retreat in 2025, the company continues to foster a vibrant community through its free tutorials, high-quality jewelry-making supplies/kits, and engaging events. The retreats have become a highly anticipated event, providing participants with hands-on workshops, expert instruction, and a chance to connect with fellow creatives.

For more information about the upcoming Bead Retreat or to learn more about PotomacBeads, click here or contact hello@potomacbeads.com

About PotomacBeads
PotomacBeads has been a trusted name in the bead and jewelry-making industry for 19 years. Based in Hagerstown, MD, the company has transitioned from a multi-store retail operation to a thriving ecommerce and manufacturing business, while maintaining its production facility in downtown Hagerstown. PotomacBeads is known for its high-quality products and commitment to fostering creativity through educational resources and events like its Bead Retreats.

Potomax Brands Announces the 2024 Launch of Athenacast & Floratrel

Expanding into Premium Jewelry Components and Sustainable Home Decor Solutions

Hagerstown, MD — [January, 2024] — Potomax Brands, the creative force behind industry-leading products for jewelry makers and crafters, is excited to announce the launch of two new brands in 2024: Athenacast and Floratrel. These new ventures mark an exciting expansion in the company's offerings, bringing premium jewelry components and eco-friendly home decor solutions to customers worldwide.

Athenacast introduces a new line of high-quality jewelry components designed to fill a gap in the market for high quality castings and findings. Potomax Brands aims to offer jewelry makers a reliable, well-crafted alternative to existing options, ensuring that both hobbyists and professionals can access high-quality components for their designs.

"With Athenacast, we’re responding to the needs of the jewelry-making community," said Nathan Buchman, founder of Potomax Brands. "Our goal is to deliver components that offer thick 24k gold and real silver platings that can last for years without wear."

Floratrel brings innovation to the home decor space with its stylish, space-saving plant trellises, designed to complement interior aesthetics & make plants & homes healthier. Made from sustainable bamboo, Floratrel’s trellises provide an eco-friendly solution for bringing greenery indoors without compromising on style or functionality.

"Floratrel was born from a vision of merging nature and design in a sustainable way," Buchman explained. "We’re proud to use sustainable bamboo in our trellises, offering customers an environmentally conscious option to enhance their living spaces."
https://www.floratrel.com Athenacast and Floratrel products will be available online through Potomax Brands' ecommerce platforms, with product launches rolling out throughout 2024.

About Potomax Brands
Potomax Brands operates a variety of direct-to-consumer brands that build community. An eCommerce company at heart, Potomax Brands has built several successful ventures, including PotomacBeads.com, BeadOnIt, Claspgarten, BeadTec, Floratrel, and Athenacast. The team elevates each brand through video, community engagement, and cutting-edge technology while preserving the core strengths that make each one exceptional. Each brand develops high-quality products that inspire loyal repeat customers and fans.