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Rosary-Making Classes Being Offered at Blue Betties Boutique in Pilsen

By Chloe Riley | April 26, 2013 9:38am

PILSEN — Even if you’re not Catholic, Blue Betties Boutique owner Laura Arellano wants you to come make a rosary.

“You don’t need to put on a cross. It could just be a rosary necklace. It’s a style,” she said, holding up a custom Day of the Dead rosary necklace she created.

Arellano, who opened the boutique at 1626 W. 21st St. in November, said she had been getting requests for the rosaries for the past month and decided it was better to educate the masses on making rosaries.

Pilsen resident Dulce Diaz just completed her first communion at age 30. She and a friend took Arellano’s class last Saturday.

“It’s not just about making the rosary beads,” Diaz said. “You can make other jewelry with that same lesson.”

The boutique is lined with jewelry and clothing from 25 local Pilsen artists, including Pablo Ramirez, Teresa Magña and Carmina Cortes.

Arellano, 40, has been interested in fashion and making things since she was a little girl. She used to sit and sew with her grandmother while watching "The Lawrence Welk Show."

It was there, she said, that her love for both clothes-making and big band developed.

Having community support is a big part of what drew Arellano back to her childhood neighborhood.

"That's what I love about Pilsen. Everybody here, like, helps each other," she said.

Rosary-making classes at Blue Betties are from 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost is $20 and includes all supplies and tools.

Arellano said she also will have times available for one-on-one classes. Call 773-469-7139 or stop by Blue Betties from noon-8 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays to sign up.