The Bead Shoppe

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I posted last week about serendipitously stumbling upon The Bead Shoppe in Avondale Estates. What a cool, unique and neat place — and a shop that should not be overlooked by Atlantans.

The Bead Shoppe's Web site tells me that the shop is "Atlanta's one stop bead store for all your jewelry making and beading needs including:  exotic beads, vintage beads, glass beads, Czech glass beads, crystal beads, Swarovski crystal, seed beads, Native American beads, African sandcast and bone, semi-precious stones, jade, sterling silver findings, copper findings, headpins, toggles, ear wire, beading wire, bead strands and much more." And "new classes and inventory are always being added."

My eyes tell me The Bead Shoppe carries a helluva lot of items to build your own jewelry — as well as ready-to-wear pieces. I spotted beads-upon-beads in every shade and material under the sun, chains, vintage pendants and brooches, rings, clasps, beaded strands and more. Seriously, anyone with a hint of estrogen would have a field day in this place. I left the store last week with a simple chain used to make a tassel necklace and a chain made of various-shaped squares and circles — and I'm dying to go back and make something else. 

I should also add that The Bead Shoppe helped me get both of my necklaces in working order before leaving the shop (versus handing me a bag of my supplies and wishing me luck DIY-ing).

I saw a sign on the door that said "private parties available." When asked to elaborate, the gal behind the counter guaranteed that the private parties are tons of fun — and when I inquired, she enthusiastically assured me that bottles of wine and snacks are more than welcome. I've been to pottery shops' studio space with wine in tow — but something tells me making a necklace or a bracelet may be a little more rewarding than an ugly platter. 

The Bead Shoppe

Web site: http://www.thebeadshoppeatlanta.com/ 

2849 E. College Avenue

Avondale Estates, Georgia

(404) 296-9898

- Katy