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Arton Beads Craft
Categories: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Shopping Jewellery Art Supplies, Jewellery [Edit]
523 Queen St WToronto, ON M5V 2B4
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West
(416) 504-1168
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
11 reviews for Arton Beads Craft
11 reviews in English
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Review from Chris P.
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've always been a really avid beader, I have made all kinds of bead creations for everyone I know and also kept a few for myself. I made a beaded necklace for my bestie 3 yrs ago which he still wears everyday. Awwwwwww....
So I'd been tossing an idea for my next beaded creation around in my brain for a few days and wasn't sure where I'd find the beads to make it, and then as the fates would conspire for it to be so, I found myself walking down Queen St and got taken in by the amazing beaded display in the Arton window.
I walked in and immediately pinched myself as it was obvious I'd just walked into a dream. I mean, a bead store as amazingly stellarly awesome as Arton just couldn't possibly exist in real life. It does however, in fact exist, and I spent about 2 hours reveling in Arton's pure beading bliss.
They have like seriously EVERYTHING a beader could want. And then a bunch of stuff that I didn't know I wanted untill I saw it and I knew I had to have. And thier prices are amazing. I walked away with enough supplies for several projects and spent under $50.
My favorite part is this wall where they have strings of semi-precious stone beads. I love working with semi-precious stones as many have healing properties along with being stunning to wear and look at. My favorite stone to work with is hematite as its magnetic energies increase blood flow to the area where its worn. I can say after buying hematite at dozens of others beading stores that Arton has the best price for it by far.
So if you are looking for a spot for beads, this is it!! -
Review from Flouny S.
Toronto, ON
2/20/2012
Don't expect any good service here, especially from the owners. customer service isn't exactly on the list of priorities here. On numerous occassions I have seen staff very friendly to regular customers (hint, people who drop a few hundred dollars) and if you aren't a familiar face, good luck to you.
Beads here aren't the best but they aren't the worst either. Don't expect high quality. -
Review from Melyssa A.
Toronto, ON
5/19/2011
I could spent way too much time and money in this place! The selection of beads is great and the price is quite reasonable. I often find myself buying far more beads than I know I'll ever use (at least I'm stockpiling a great collection so I'll have something to do once the zombie apocalypse hits! hehe).
There is a slight language barrier with the staff, however they are still very friendly and helpful so it's never been an issue. -
Review from Rana L.
6/4/2011
You can really spend HOURS at this place... For me it was 1.5 hrs (gosh it didn't feel that long). I was looking for glass beads, pearls, wires for a wedding centerpiece idea. We'll see how it goes..
I purchased most of the items at Arton and was very pleased. Customer service was friendly & helpful. They even helped me with a bracelet as I had a feeling it was not going to fit a friend.
Their selection was quite large. I think it's safe to say their selection is prob the best on Queen Street. I was honestly a little overwhelmed at first. I wish they made a door in between the two units so I didn't have to keep going back and forth. The units are 23 & 25.
If you spend over $60 u will get to be a Arton member and enjoy some discounts!Listed in: Chinese Bridezilla for a…, Artsy fartsy :)
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Review from Tanya N.
4/9/2011
I used to come here back when I was in high school going through a beaded necklace and bracelet phase.
I came back not so long ago when I needed to resize a bracelet of mine and remembered how great this place is. All the jewellery making things you need are here and I get inspired every time I go there. The staff is great - they're helpful with advising how best to do things and where items are. The stores (there are two actually stores, side by side) is unpretentious, a bit cramped but packed with goodies. My favourite bead store in Toronto. -
Review from Michelle V.
Toronto, ON
5/6/2009
Fact: This place sells beads. Beads. Beads. Beads. Don't go in there thinking "Oh, I hope they sell feathers 'cause"... oh wait, they have some of that too. Silly me!
Aside from having walls and containers of beads and the like, as well as everything you need to make your own jewellery and accessories, this place also offers up inspiration for your next project. I mean how can it not with that selection of beads? When I have a hankering to make some necklaces, very seldom do I walk into that store looking for a specific something. I go there with a clean slate and an open mind and let the ideas pour in.
If that's how you proverbially roll, then I suggest you come here.Listed in: Surprise Finds
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Review from Patty L.
North York, ON
7/12/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Everyone I know has been into Arton Beads at some point for something - located in the heart of the fashion district they sell every shape, size and colour of bead you can possibly fathom. They also sell Swarovski crystal components, and less pricey but equally beautiful Czech crystal beads. You can find lots of interesting jewelery findings and settings to explore your creative side.
They finally implemented a loyalty plan with a membership card that gives a 10% discount if you spend over $20. You have to spend over $60 in one purchase to qualify for the membership; and there is a rewards stamp card now available too. These programs weren't around when I was starting out making my own jewelery.
Almost all of their inventory comes from John Bead - who is the local wholesale distributor of beads and Swarovski components. Their store markup is not too ridiculous, and if they don't have something in stock but it's available from John Bead they can order it in for you. Shop around the other bead stores on the same block because sometimes you'll find the same items for a little less.Listed in: Fabric, Costuming and Design
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Review from Rosie S.
6/13/2009
Frequented by SERIOUS beaders/jewelry makers, Arton is the place to go (even for hobbyists like me).
They expanded a couple of years ago into the store next door as well - now it's a LITTLE bit less crowded... still, it's worth cramming yourself down the tight aisles for a fabulous selection at the best prices in the city! -
Review from Caitlin L.
Toronto, ON
12/4/2008
Beads, jewellery making supplies, accessories, and more.
This is always my 1st stop when I am in a creative mode! The selection is great. Lots of types/styles in all sorts of price ranges. You really can create some spectacular jewellery for next to night. -
Review from Lee O.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2010
I have shopped there in the nineties when they (names witheld) were running the place with just a couple of girls helping them. Originally he was on the floor to help and was at the cash for questions, help and cash out, but now the place just runs itself.
They have the best selection under one roof bar none. And the owners are really nice people unlike what Diva Dee who gave a really bad review says of the place. Most of the girls working there are new Canadian Asians so their english isn't great.
They're as nice as anyone else, they're definitely not rude. They usually are very busy and I wouldn't advise going on a saturday afternoon if you require special attention. I would have loved to have been there when DivaDee threw her tantrum. -
Review from Lisa Y.
Toronto, ON
10/19/2009
I love the selection in this store. They have most everything at fairly reasonable prices (though you will find some stuff a bit pricier than other nearby stores). Its very easy to abuse your membership which you get if you spend at least $60 in one go and it lasts about a year. You get 10% off purchases of $20 or more. I came in once needing 1 teardrop bead ($3) and left with over $20+. stupid membership making me spend..... anyways its definitely one of the stores to stop at if you are visiting the crafting/fabric area in Queen West between Spadina & Bathurst.
