Best Handcrafted Jewelry in the Coastal Bend: Tula Blue Turns 11

A Coastal Treasure, 11 Years in the Making

On August 1st, something magical happens—Tula Blue turns 11. From humble beginnings stringing rope and shells by hand to being voted Best Handcrafted Jewelry in the Coastal Bend (again!), this milestone celebrates more than jewelry. It honors the journey, the community, and the powerful pull of the coast.

To everyone who’s supported us over the years—whether you wear your pearls daily or just discovered Tula Blue last week—thank you for being part of the tribe.

If you’re anywhere near Corpus Christi on August 1st, join us at the Locals List Celebration.
Get your tickets here (link coming soon).
We’re giving away FREE Tula Blue to mark the occasion.
Not local? No worries—we’ll be celebrating online too! Join our email list so you don’t miss a thing. (LINK)

Where It All Began: A Dream Spun from Rope and Sea

Tula Blue was born right here on the Texas coast—fueled by sunshine, salty air, and the need for jewelry that could keep up with an adventure-filled life.

I started with one vision: to create lightweight, waterproof jewelry you can live in—swimming, sweating, surfing, and everything in between. I was hand-spinning nautical-grade rope in my living room before I even had a name for it. I still remember selling the very first freshwater pearl on a nautical grade rope out of my home to a friend. She’s still a customer and comes to markets to this day.

Then came the name "Tula Blue." When we lived in Hawaii and I made jewelry, it was called "Belle Rocce," a nod to my Italian roots—but no one could pronounce it. I would cringe.

I knew I wanted something simple, meaningful, and pronounceable. One day in a yoga class, our instructor Jan spoke about balance—not just on the mat, but in life. I left class reflecting on that idea and met my husband and baby on the beach. I googled the Sanskrit word for balance: "Tula." Perfect.
Blue was for the waterproof nature of the jewelry, for my three boys, and for the street we had just moved to: Bluefish Street. Tula Blue grew from my love for the ocean, the wide Texas sky, and the need for jewelry that moved with you. What started at the Padre Island Farmers’ Market quickly took on a life of its own.

Close-up of a maker assembling a Tula Blue necklace with rope and shell clasp.

Made by Hand, Made for the Coast

What makes Tula Blue the best handcrafted jewelry in the Coastal Bend?

• We hand-spin every piece using nautical-grade sailboat whipping twine.

• We design for the elements—everything is 100% waterproof.

• We’re based in Texas, with two Tula workshops and a team of 20+ women behind every piece.

It’s jewelry made for real life, beach days, and everyday adventures.

Coastal Bend boutiques carrying Tula Blue: Beach ‘n Blooms, BoJon’s Surf & Gifts, and Goin’ Coastal Outfitters.

Shop Local: Tula Blue’s Coastal Bend Retailers

Beach ‘n Blooms – North Padre Island
14929 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Home to our first-ever store-within-a-store, this women-owned boutique and florist is a coastal gem.

BoJon’s Surf & Gifts – Port Aransas
345 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373
A colorful, local favorite for surf style and beach gifts, BoJon’s is full of Port A charm.

Goin’ Coastal Outfitters – Rockport
302 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382
A stylish coastal lifestyle shop with beachy flair. Tula Blue is a local favorite here.

August 1st: Celebrate With Us in Corpus Christi

We couldn’t celebrate 11 years without you.
Join us Thursday, August 1st at the Locals List party in Corpus Christi:

• Free Tula Blue giveaways

• Eleven years of heart, hustle, and handcrafted magic

More details coming soon on socials. Or join our email list to stay in the loop.

Tula Blue's best-selling beach jewelry styled with natural beach elements.

What Makes Coastal Jewelry So Special?

The Coastal Bend is sun-drenched, barefoot, and laid-back. We take all that beauty—shells, sea glass, coral, driftwood—and turn it into everyday wearable art.

Corpus Christi favorites include:

• Princess Necklace – dainty + the OG

• Crescent Necklaces – the bigger the better!

• Seaglass anything!

• WRAPS

Highlights from Tula Blue's 11-year journey: markets, team and milestones.

From Beach Markets to a Movement

I still remember sweating through early market setups, explaining "yes, it really is waterproof!" to curious shoppers. Eleven years later, we support over 20 women, ship nationwide, and are honored to still be rocking & rolling in the Coastal Bend.

And I feel like we’re just getting started.

Woman walking along the Texas coast wearing stacked Tula Blue waterproof jewelry, reflecting freedom and coastal spirit.

The Spirit of Tula Blue

Tula Blue is more than handcrafted jewelry—it’s the rhythm of life by the sea.
It’s jewelry that moves with you, holds your stories, and rises to every adventure.
Inspired by salt air, made with intention, and built to last—
Tula Blue is for the woman who leads with heart, walks her own path, and always answers the call of the coast.

The Tula Tribe: Built on Connection

At the heart of it all is our community. You.

• Tag @tula.blue on Instagram and show us your adventures.

• Meet us at upcoming markets and events.

• Find us on TikTok and now in our Beach 'n Blooms shop.

Celebrating Tula Blue's 11th anniversary!

Let’s Celebrate Coastal Bend Style

We’re honored to be your Best Handcrafted Jewelry once again. Let’s raise a glass (and stack some pearls) to 11 years of rope, saltwater, sweat, and soul.

Join us August 1st in Corpus Christi:

• Free Tula Blue giveaways

• Eleven years of handcrafted joy

• Support local: Shop our retailers or visit TulaBlueRope.com.

Coastal Bend map with Tula Blue retailer locations in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and Rockport.

Find Tula Blue Near You

Beach ‘n Blooms
14929 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
BoJon’s Surf & Gifts
345 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373
Goin’ Coastal Outfitters
302 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382

See You in the Sand

As we head into year eleven, we’re more committed than ever to creating jewelry that reflects your strength, spirit, and love of the sea. Whether you're a surfer, traveler, yogi, or beach lover—Tula Blue is made for you.

See you August 1st. And don’t forget to wear your pearls.