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Beadworks
Categories: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Shopping Jewellery Art Supplies, Jewellery [Edit]
1666 Johnston StVancouver, BC V6H 3S2
Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek
(604) 682-2323
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
6 reviews for Beadworks
6 reviews in English
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Review from siobhan d.
Vancouver, BC
2/10/2012
I love jewelry and I'm a crafting sort of person so it's always been in the back of my mind that I should try to make jewelry, however it just seemed like too steep a learning curve to me. Also, most of the "beading people" I've met in my life have been kind of annoying so it's not the kind of thing I was going to learn through a regular social setting. That said, last month I was on Granville Island and popped into Beadworks for some inspiration. It's hard not to be drawn into a store with so many beautiful colours and shiny objects with un-tapped creative potential.
Did I mention that I don't know ANYTHING about beading?
So, I was looking around wandering aimlessly, found something that looked like a clasp and thought to myself I would buy it and figure out the string thing at home and make something with some random beads I had from various broken necklaces etc. As I was at the register I saw a beautiful knotted chain semi-precious stone necklace in the window and I love that style. I was looking at it when one of the women who works there asked if I found everything I needed and I sheepishly said, "yes I think so." But in my heart what I really wanted was to be able to make something that fancy, and I knew it was WAY outside my skill level. I asked though, "do you have a class or book about how to make something like that?" And she smiled and said cheerily, "it's not too hard, it just takes a bit of practice, I'll show you how right now!"
Right there on the spot free of charge I got a whole tutorial on how to make the kind of project that is turning me into one of those annoying bead people.
I didn't buy the stuff right then, but I did go back a week later and a whole different girl who was equally helpful gave me yet another (free) lesson, and set me up with all the tools and supplies I needed to get started. So far I have a a 6 inch chain of twisted copper wire and pearls (which I had purchased in New York but never got around to stringing). It's pretty! Really! And I made it myself! I'm 1/3 of the way to having an actual necklace I made myself.
Beadworks offers classes too, for all ages, and based on my two experiences getting amazing customer service, and super dooper helpful advice, I bet the classes are fantastic.
If you know some annoying bead people, don't let that stop you from exploring beadwork as a craft / hobby. I don't think the personality disorder is a cause of handling beads, but if it turns out it is, I guess I can live with that. -
Review from Siri W.
8/8/2011
I don't know nothin' bout makin' no jewelry. But even still, this place is pretty cool. Lots of pretty baubles to look at. I went in with the boyfriend, who was looking for a metal Chinese dragon to replace one on a chain he has. This proved to be a pretty elusive dragon however, because no-where, including this place seemed to have it.
In fact, their selection wasn't what I thought it might have been...and some of the prices were a wee bit steep it seemed to me.
But what do I know, I'm not a beadie person. However, it is a cool place to look around and they definitely have some pretty things to purchase! If you're not in the market for a metal Chinese dragon, you might just be set. -
Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
9/23/2008 1 photo
If you love beads, beading, and bead work, Beadworks, located in Granville Island's Net Loft building, is the place to go.
The walls and counters of this crafty little shop are covered in what seems like a rainbow-induced explosion of colourful beads. Not only is the tonal spectrum amazing, the store carries beads of every shape and size and texture, from countries from around the world.
Beadworks also offers friendly advice on beading and jewelery-making from staff, as well as beading classes and workshops one can sign up for in advance. -
Review from Peter M.
North Vancouver, BC
8/24/2011
Just left Beadworks. They repaired and added to a necklace in minutes. The service and bright attitude was second to none. Fantastic store.
Peter
Vancouver -
Review from Cynthia F.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2011
Thank you Caitlin for transforming my three pairs of earrings into five new pairs. Your cheerful initiative to 'go the extra mile' was much appreciated. The next time I'm feeling creative, I'll be popping in to indulge in your store's awesome selection. Thanks again! Signed, a local lady.
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Review from Sarah O.
4/28/2010
As an ex-beader, I sometimes indulge on my need to make things. This bright and shiny bead store in Granville Island looks from the outside like it would be be well stocked but I found it to be otherwise. There were not very much variety and I kept having to limit myself and reconsider my design, and then reconsider again because they didn't have anything unique. Granted, bead stores around Vancouver are hard to come by but this place dissapointed me a bit. The prices are outrageous in my opinion (or is 90 cents per bead normal around here?) and the selection was very small. Also they don't sell individual headpins, eyepins, earwires, etc.. so you end up having to buy a bunch even if you only need a pair. BOO. Ended up paying 16 something dollars to make a very very simple and basic earring.
