153 Comments

What’s Your Fave Bead Store?

February 10, 2012, 15:43 pm  Posted by Nathalie Mornu
 

Yesterday, a colleague asked me where to buy some specific beads. I’m so used to going to the bead store 2 blocks away that I couldn’t really suggest the best place for her to look.

That made me wonder where you shop. What’s your favorite bead shop ever, the one you could spend hours in and blow your entire bank account on?

 Share your opinion by leaving a comment. The store can be online (give us the website address) or anyplace in the world (tell us the name, city and country; website if you wish). In a month, I’ll collate and count all the responses and post a list of everyone’s votes in order of preference. That’s bead democracy!

 

 
 
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Nathalie Mornu

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Nathalie Mornu loves shiny things. Her focus as a Lark editor is on beaded jewelry, althou...

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  • Lisa9d

    THAT BEAD LADY in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada!

  • Suebird13

    The Bead Shop New Orleans (facebookpage)

  • Proberts

    That Bead Lady Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

  • Ekg4107
  • Ekg4107
  • Ekg4107
  • Sahmsations

    Bead and Glass Boutique in Pitman, NewJersey

  • Rluccarella

    Bead and Glass Boutique in Pitman, NJ

  • Rachel Nelson-Smith

    I’m very partial to Bead It on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, California as the owner took a chance on me 20 years ago though I knew very little about beads. I’m also partial to the Beading Frenzy in San Mateo, California because the owner encouraged me to begin teaching at bead shows, which led to societies and other fun events.

  • Darcy1

    4 Sirius Beaders at Paris, Ontario, Canada

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1127573460 Pam Klein

    Mana Beads  in Nevada City CA http://www.manabeads.com

  • Valerie Woods

    That Bead Lady- Newmarket,Ontario, Canada
    http://www.thatbeadlady.com 
    This is the best bead store I have ever seen! I’m sure it’s one of the best in the world!!!!!

  • http://twitter.com/Ainse Ainse

    Definitely That Bead Lady in Newmarket, Ontario!
    http://www.thatbeadlady.com/

  • Bmartin

    www,grandriverbeads.com – best bead shop in the State of Ohio!

  • Roberta

    Studio Beads in Deerfield, IL

  • Maureen Warland

    THAT BEAD LADY, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO, CANADA,

  • http://www.GaslightOriginalBeadwork.com/ Julierl

    General Bead in San Francisco!!

  • Katie

    Grand River Beads in Rocky River, Ohio!!

  • http://www.GaslightOriginalBeadwork.com/ Julierl
  • http://www.facebook.com/jobi.cates Jobi Petersen Cates

    Studio Beads, Deerfield IL; Bodacious Beads, Des Plaines IL.

    Online:  Bello Modo

  • Stonescapesjewellery

    That Bead Lady Newmarket

  • K9kingdom

    The BEAD AND GLASS BOUTIQUE…PITMAN,NEW JERSEY

  • Odie628

    Bead amd Glass Boutique in Pitman, New Jersey

  • Lissa

    Artful Beads and Studio in Pennington, NJ. Bead Cellar in Pennsauken NJ and Bead and Glass Boutique in Pitman NJ are all wonderful.

  • http://editorious.net/ Suzanne

    Chevron, on Lex, in Asheville NC

  • Marcia

    Beads by Blanche New Jersey, Das Perlament Bonn Germany, Whim Beads Cotati California, Creative Castle Newbury Park California, Fusion Beads, Seattle Washington

  • Argylsok

    Mariposa Bead Company (http://www.mariposabeadcompany.com/) is my favourite company, and it’s located in my home town of Barrie, Ontario, CANADA.  Tammy of Mariposa Beads not only teaches great beading and chain maille workshops — she supports Autism Awareness with her line of Autism bracelets and pendants.  Her work has been featured in Germany and in Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA.  Great crafts and a great heart: the combination cannot be beaten!

  • Argylsok

    Yes, I’ve frequented this store, too.  Wonderful assortment of products and great staff who are informed and helpful.

  • Felieke
  • Bead Hostage

    Beyond Beadery

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Anneta-Valious/1538406865 Anneta Valious
  • Decinaville

    My favorite bead store is Bead & Glass in Pitman, NJ. The store opened a few years ago. I had never given thought to making jewelry, but after one visit, I was hooked looking at the beautiful beads. So I took a class and I am now an official beadaholic! They are expanding to a new location and hope to reopen soon! A welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff make you feel like family! Stop by soon!

  • Argylsok

    The web site for Mariposa Bead Company is http://www.mariposabeadcompany.com/  and their facebook address is  http://www.facebook.com/#!/mariposabeads .  Great sites for inspiration, ideas, and bead/chain maille kits and supplies.

  • Cyndi

    Alaska Bead Company, Anchorage , Alaska

  • Kristal

    Fire Mountain Gems!

  • https://facebook.com/janemichael.beads Jane-Michael

    My biased answer would be, The Bead Garden of Sedona. But all local bead stores are worth visiting. No two inventories are the same.  Bead buying is the ultimate treasure hunt.

  • JanneB

    ShipWreck Beads in Lacey, WA

  • Lbgrigsby

    Hi everyone,
    I’m a seed beadahilic, using them on my sculptures, in Chester County PA.  Currently, my favorite bead store is Blue Santa beads in Media PA (see http://www.bluesantabeads.net/).  What they don’t have, they are willing to track down for me.  They also are very helpful when I need to buy beads in bulk for big projects.  (For an example of a “big project,” go to http://lbgrigsbybeadwork.wordpress.com/in-progress-egyptian-teapot-commission/.)

  • JMAhlgren

    Runningspringsbeads.com

  • Claire Kimble

    Definitely, Dancing Beads in Medford, OR.

  • Sundancegems

    http://www.Artbeads.com is my favorite online bead store.

  • Judy

    San Gabriel Bead in Arcadia, California – I’ve been to bead stores all over the country, and I’m so lucky to live close enough to shop here!
    http://www.beadcompany.com/

  • Love My Beads

    Mhai O Mhai Beads in Barrie On.  www.mhaiomhaibeads.com     HUGE store- with incredible prices!    

  • Steam Punk Jewellery by Dania

    Mhai O Mhai Beads Bauble & Bling in Barrie, Ontario….LOVE THE PLACE, love everything about it! I can’t wiat until they get their beads in from Ghana!

  • Margie

    There’s no one answer because I shop depending on what I’m buying. My favorite for unusual vintage finds is A Grain of Sand www.agrainofsand.com

    Findings I go to either www.rishashay.com or www.mobile-boutique.com or www.riogrande.com.

    Fun stuff I hit up www.artbeads.com and bellomodo.com

    Seed beads I go to both whimbeads.com and www.beyondbeadery.com.

    I just posted 8 favorite stores and I realize I did not follow the directions here at all! Ah, the plight of being a bead artist with it’s attendant bead buying addiction.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000509089066 Bonnie Brooks

    Favorite local bead store: The Artful Bead in Carrollton, TX
    Favorite show & mail store: Beyond Beadery, http://www.beyondbeadery.com

  • Loranna

    It is worth the drive up to Canada–Barrie, Ontario to see Mhai oh Mhai Bead store.  Check  it out on the web!

  • Carpe_diem_1969

    Mhai o Mhai Beads, Baubles and Bling in Barrie, Ontario, Canada!

  • Aeneads

    Bead Junction, http://www.bead-junction.com in Toronto, Canada :)

  • Debbie

    That Bead Lady–Newmarket Ontario Canada. Great selection and variety and reasonable prices. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. great atmophere. Worth the drive from Toronto

  • Jeanne Rhea

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC

  • Queen1

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC

  • Tracy

    Ornamentea, Raleigh NC –www.ornamentea.com  

  • Dawn Meisch

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC – http://www.ornamentea.com

  • Julie McCann

    Most definitely, Ornamentea in Raleigh,NC!!!
    Only place to get the fantastic beads by ceramic artist extraordinaire, Elaine Ray!!!
    http://www.ornamentea.com/

  • Willowmint

    Mhai O Mhai!! Definely the best not just for the beads, accessories etc. but also for the staff. They are friendly & extremely helpful

  • Diana

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC

  • Renee Goodwin

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC (http://www.ornamentea.com/Home.html)

  • Michelle Aldrich

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, North Carolina. Amazing stock, great staff, talented owner!

  • Chloenc

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC for sure!

  • Laurel

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC!

  • Kaari

    French General!  Of course!

  • Hayleyhedges

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC is hands down the best bead and fine craft ingredient store. Even if I didn’t live locally I would still order from their rockin’ website, http://www.ornamentea.com! 

  • Janise

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL http://www.beadplace.net 

  • http://twitter.com/TheSickChick Juliann

    US: Ornamentea of NC
    UK: Buffy’s Beads of London
    Australia: I Love You Beads of Sydney
    Online-only: BeadsofCambay.com

  • Hypnoeds

     The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL http://www.beadplace.net

  • Trellowyn

    I’ve visited a lot of bead stores across Kansas, Missouri and Illinois and the best one I’ve seen is The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and will go out of their way to help you with a project or to answer questions.  They offer a wide variety of the highest quality gemstones, beading materials and tools and carry the newest trends. Their store is a great place to spend an entire afternoon browsing or learning a new skill.

  • A Remedios

    Ornamentea, Raleigh NC. Great beads, classes and tutorials. It makes me happy to just walk in that shop! It oozes with creativity & friendliness! – Alice

  • Gardiner

    Beadfx in Toronto, ON http://www.beadfx.com

  • Michael

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL http://www.beadplace.net
    They are the Einsteins of the beading industry!

  • Michael

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL http://www.beadplace.net
    They are the Einsteins of the beading industry!

  • Rac409

    The Bead Place…Fairview Hgts illinois..great place learn…purchase…hangout…beads…wirework…knitting…its a hoot

  • Suze

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC

  • Ljdaly

    Cynthia Deis and Ornamentea in Raleigh NC!!!

  • barb

    Ornamentea in Raleigh North Carolina  http://www.ornamentea.com

  • BethJustBeth

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC  http://www.ornamentea.com/

  • Elizabeth gregory

    I love Ornamentea  though I live in Staunton Va. and only know them by the computer. They are so full of energy and great ideas that Raleigh  is a place I plan to visit just to go there.  Lizg

  • Dneeder

    Ornamentea in Raleigh NC

  • Jcg562005

    My favorite bead place is “The Bead and Glass Boutique” in Pitman, New Jersey.  I just love the staff!  Always helpful, answer questions and if they don’t have what I want they will order it for me.  How great is that!  I can’t wait until they are settled into their bigger space so they will hurry up and open!

  • Elaine Ray

    Thanks Julie!

  • Elaine Ray
  • Deb

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Everyone there is wonderful.

  • Dor

    Ornamentea!!! I live outside of Raleigh,NC and this place is the best. They also do a lot of online business but if you can get to the store, it is energizing and inspiring.

  • Candie

    I see I’m not alone in my love for Ornamentea.com.  All of their supplies are so unique and special.  BeadTrust.com is a fave too—also very unique stones.  Fire Mt of course because they have everything.  I could go on…

  • Donna

    Ornamentea, Raleigh, NC  http://www.ornamentea.com

  • Fann431

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, Il. Brest selections, comparable prices, fantastic and knowledgeable staff makes for a wonderful shopping experience. Come check them out and make your own impressions :)

  • Madtatter

    Ornamentea is a great bead shop here in Raleigh, NC.  The staff is friendly & helpful!

  • Galen

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC http://www.ornamentea.com !!!
     

  • Michele

    Ornamentea in Raleigh NC

  • Jill

    National Supply (http://www.nationalsupply.com/) and (https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/National-Supply-Inc/108060225922334).  They have THE BEST prices in St. Louis, helpful and friendly staff, and can order anything that they don’t already have in stock..

  • Bridgettesaunders

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights IL.  They are a mecca for all your beading and yarn needs.

  • Hanna

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL  Love, Love, Love!!!

  • Kbertuli

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL 

  • Ken

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL

  • Jamie

    For much “stuff” and standard supplies (and re-supply) gotta go with Fire Mountain.  Great selection and service.  But when I need to get inspired, look at, touch, let the mind free wheelin’ design, gotta go with Beads of Contentment in Modesto, CA, they have the unusual and inspiring. 

  • Nicki

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC

  • Anna

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC!  

  • JenBraley

    Ornamentea is snuggled in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, NC. When you walk into the shop it is like getting a hug from your favorite friend! The Ornamentea gurus can help you with almost anything (inspiration, finding that one thingamajig in a Lark book you saw and need to complete the amazing necklace/earring/bracelet/pendant you have to finish by tonight, a fun place to hang out with friends (for an hour —or more), a second home with no mess to clean up.) Ornamentea.com ROCKS!

  • Sally Schmitt

    The Bead Place, Fairview Heights, Illinois!!  I actually live in Bridgeville PA right outside Pittsburgh, but LOVE going to The Bead Place!! When I visit my son, daughter in law and grandson, I make certain to visit at LEAST once!!  Beautiful everything and the nicest, friendliest, most helpful staff I have had the pleasure to encounter!  AND THEY SHIP :-)

  • Lori Bell

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights IL !!  The ladies are supportive and helpful no matter what type of creative question or project I encounter.

  • Fann431

    The bead place in fairview heights il……great staff and everything I have ever needed. Come on by!!

  • http://www.ornamentea.com/ mykdsmom

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC – They have the most amazing selection of supplies and everyone there is so helpful and patient with new crafter/beaders like myself.  The classes are so much fun, great girls night out.

  • Jenni

    The Staff and the Beads are the bestest at the Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL http://www.beadplace.net

  • http://americanpickle.com Ashley Sue Bullers

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC is fantastic.  The selection is great, their website is fantastic, and if you have a chance, multiple times a week they have great hands on demos they do for, like, no money or a couple dollars.  You get practice and to go home with your new creation!  Yesterday even I was there when a middle-aged man walked in, wanting to know if he could make some earrings to give his sweetie – the staff jumped in happily and assisted this guy to figure out exactly what kind of bling his honey likes and to get him rolling!  It was adorable!  They make life easy – and beautiful!  http://ornamentea.com

  • Christy Newell

    Where else?!  Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC!!  It’s the gorgeous green building nestled by the trestle (sorry) at 
    509 N. West St. | Raleigh, NC 27603.  Visit Cynthia Deis & her gang of gurus for a good time ;D!
    Or…see them online @ http://www.ornamentea.com – You can Like them on FB too!  I do!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KQPPQN3P2UNI3VSSVZBSB2WWBY Sharon Wagner

    We have quite a few bead stores in the Detroit Metro area, that being said I do have my personal favorites.  My hands down favorite is Stony Creek Bead & Gallery in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  They have a great selection of seed beads, Czech glass, lampwork, semiprecious and many more, all in a very warm enviting atmosphere.  I will admit that the owner’s mother is a very dear friend, so I am a bit biased.  Another not so local but favorite bead store is T&T Trading, in Grand Ledge, Michigan.  To shop here is a day trip from home, but well worth it.  They have a warehouse full of products in addition to the sales floor.  Just ask they probably have it.  And they have been in the biz forever so their inventory includes vintage, etc…..you name it.  For my casual and impulse shopping my LBS is just 2 miles away…Alada Beads, Clinton Township, Michigan.  I share the love as much as possible to all my local stores so we can keep them all!

  • Yvonnei
  • Cancuncarrie
  • Marilyn

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC — the best bead shop in the Triangle!

  • Jenn Schwartzie

    Stony Crrek Bead in Ypsilanti, MI.  StonyCreekBead.blogspot.com

  • Jenn Schwartzie

    Opps, Stony Creek Bead, not Crrek Bead.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=604942137 Carol Tilton Garfield

    Dancing Beads in Medford, OR

  • Aypril

    Dancing beads. Medford, or!

  • Aypril

    Dancing beads. Medford, or!

  • Linda

    I’ve certainly learned some new bead places by all of these posts and am dying to check them out.  For me, I can’t imagine anything could be better than going to the garment district in New York, carrying only my credit card and a smile on my face, and just being immersed in every kind of bead known to man…and woman!!  They all ship, too.  It’s a little like rolling in beads, being so surrounded by all of the types, colors, styles and quantities of beads/charms/findings available. And, sales!!  Also, you don’t have to be a ‘business’ either, to shop there at most places.  Go.  Have fun!!

  • Alyson Covington

    Cynthia Deis’ Ornamentea in Raleigh, North Carolina

  • Liz – the Bad Liz

    Stony Creek Bead
    2060 Whittaker Road
    Ypsilanti, MI  48197
    734-544-0904
    http://www.StonyCreekBead.blogspot.com

    Just outside of Ann Arbor, MI – my favorite local bead store!!

  • Cara

    Dancing Beads in Medford, Oregon! There is a wonderful classroom with natural light at the back of the shop. The setting and displays in an older home is ingenious and charming. The personal attention from the owner and staff is great, and there is more squeezed into this modest space than one could imagine possible. There’s even a place to sit and design and dream. 

  • Tb1106

    Stony Creek Beads – Ypsilanti, MI  

  • Dona

    Bead Need in Davie, Florida

  • Lynnesausele

    Crystal Beads of Boston in Franklin, Massachusetts is the best in my area.  The selection of seed beads is truly incredible, so even though it’s over an hour drive for me, I go there and have a blast!

  • verna

    Mhai O Mhai Beads, I could spend hours upon hours in her store. Carolynn is full of ideas, suggestions, and just a great gal to talk to. Love her new place. Congrats to Carolynn on getting past the first year.  www.mhaiomhaibeads.com

  • Dichrodog

    Gifts of Avalon in Gainesville, FL. And Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC

  • love, ellie

    Ornamentea, Raleigh, NC and of course, online…www.ornamentea.com beady love!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001956213906 Catrena Hall

    Ornamentea, Raleigh, NC

  • Cindy

    Ornamentea in Raleigh, NC  I like attending their Try It Tuesday classes.

  • http://www.facebook.com/boryanakolf Boryana Kolf

    Firemountain Gems and Beads

  • Margaret

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL.

  • Larouefam3

    The bead place Fairview Heights, IL

  • corey

    The Bead Place!!! I think I go more for therapy than beads, the employees are AMAZING! But they have an incredible selection of top quality beads as well! 
    http://www.beadplace.net/

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kathy-King/1369212046 Kathy King

    In the Raleigh NC area it has to be Ornamentea! Great employees and bead selection.

  • Beedy Peep

    Sparkle Spot Bead Shop in St Petersburg, FL !!!!!

  • Leslie

    I love Ornamentea  http://www.ornamentea.com in Raleigh, NC. Great beads and supplies, the staff is friendly and helpful, the classes are great! The presentation is inspiring. Great website too!

  • Karena

    The Spirited Bead, Tehachapi, CA

  • KMW333

    My absolute favorite bead store in the world is The Spirited Bead and Klew’s Gallery in Tehachapi, California. Not only does Karen (“Klew”) make the most amazing polymer clay beads, she also stocks her shop with plenty of unusual beads, wonderful findings, vintage beads and semi-precious stones. If you need a drill bit for your Dremel, she has that too! Plus, she teaches lots of classes in jewelry making (from the basics to advanced), wire-wrapping, jewelry design and polymer clay. Klew also has fabulous artists from all over the globe teach workshops or have trunk shows.

  • http://www.christinesbeadworks.com/ Christine Wilson

    Pam’s Bead Garden in Farmington Hills, Michigan

  • Karen Nicolato

    Bead and Glass Boutique in Pitman, NJ

    I’ts AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Bcase

    My very favorite bead store is the Bead Place in/Fairview heights, IL. They have the friendlyist staff and they can answerany question you may have. It is where my friends are. My home away from home.

  • Collector

    The Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL has the highest quality beads I’ve ever seen! Great artist beads and CHEAP Swarovski crystals! I love their classes SO CREATIVE! They’re very professional and kind. Warm place. Love their online projects, too!

  • Bijewelry

    Stony Creek Bead Shop in Ypsilanti MI!  http://stonycreekbead.blogspot.com/

    Great store; great people!

  • Bijewelry

    Stony Creek Bead Shop in Ypsilanti MI!  http://stonycreekbead.blogspot.com/

    Great store; great people!

  • Mq972

    Stony Creek Bead in Ypsilanti, Michigan

  • Mq972

    Stony Creek Bead
    Ypsilanti, Michigan

    Fabulous bead store!!

  • Patty

    Stony Creek Bead in Ypsilanti, Mi is an awesome bead store with wonderful staff who help you find what you need, show you an easier way to finish a project, or teach you something new on every visit. My week is not complete without a visit to Stony Creek.

  • Madeline Caporale

    Stony Creek Beads in Ypsilanti, MI.  Love the in store gallery, great classes and one of the best seed bead collections anywhere.  Regularly holds trunk shows featuring local bead makers (glass and polymer).

  • Mq972

    Stony Creek Bead Shop in Ypsilanti, Michigan

    They are the best!!!!!

  • http://ninisbeading.com/ Jennifer Spaeth

    The Bead Place, in Fairview Heights, IL.
    http://beadplace.net/ 

    Amazing store and the best staff you could ask for!

  • Twerp7

    the Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL is fantastic!  By far my favorite place to purchase beads. 

  • Twerp7

    the Bead Place in Fairview Heights, IL is fantastic!  By far my favorite place to purchase beads. 

  • http://ninisbeading.com/ Jeremy

    The Bead PlaceFairview Heights, IL.

  • Laura Knopf

    Your Beading Heart in Irwin, PA!
    I spent so much time there that I ended up getting a part time job there. It’s so great to love where you work. :)

  • Wesleyktb

    Cindale Beads
    150-B South Equity DriveSmithfield, NC  27577
    http://www.cindale.com

    This store is great – not only do they have great prices and wonderful selections and the quality is amazing, but when you go in you feel like family. Al and Cindy the owners, really let you know that you are appreciated and want you to return. They are the type of people that let you know they care and you can’t help but have a wonderful bond with them. The girls that work with them are always so happy to help you out . They have classes that no one can beat and the prices no one can touch. Even if you want to just stop in to say hello they are glad to see you. This is why they are my favorite bead store.

    Teresa Allen
    Lillington, NC

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