- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Laura Bee Designs
Categories: Shopping Jewellery Shopping Fashion Accessories Jewellery, Accessories [Edit]
6418 20th Ave NW(between 64th St & 65th St)
Seattle, WA 98107
Neighbourhood: Ballard
(206) 789-4044
- Hours:
Tue, Thu-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Wed 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
The most convinient and safe way to have your most valuables repair on site as you wait. Gold, Silver, Platinum. Eye glass, diamond setting
54 reviews for Laura Bee Designs
Review Highlights
-
"My favorite thing they do is their cute gift wrapping." In 4 reviews -
"They also have locally made earrings, barrettes, and other..." In 4 reviews -
"with such a great assortment of unique purses and jewelry." In 11 reviews
Loading...
54 reviews in English
-
Review from Danielle M.
Seattle, WA
4/15/2012
I love Laura Bee's! I get a lot of ladies presents there. They have an awesome selection of jewelry and gifts in addition to the handmade purses and wallets. The ladies who work there are very nice and helpful, and I love the pug!!
They also have a stamp card where you can earn $15 worth of store credit if you spend (I think) $100. -
Review from Beatrice C.
Ashburn, VA
2/18/2012
Love this place. Beautiful handmade original purses, clutches and tote bags. There are other items there so take a look.
This little shop is a super stop for that unique piece of jewelry or hand-made item that will win a big smile at home. I really like how creative and hand-crafted everything is, and it is fun to give a gift that doesn't look like it came from a chain store. Also, the prices at Laura Bee are low enough that it doesn't have to be a special occasion to stop in! -
Review from Suzy K.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2012 2 photos
I am not a purse girl. The purses I do own are small (my husband jokes that a purse of mine is only large enough to hold a tic tac and a whistle. The few I have are a smidge larger than that - but not by much). I am not a jewelry girl (literally the only piece of jewelry I wear is my wedding ring).
So why am I reviewing Laura Bee? Because I came across her site a year ago by sheer accident and I thought to myself - I could see having a Laura Bee purse. Last month my husband surprised me with a gift certificate and into the studio I went. High quality faux leather? Yes, please! Patient and helpful staff on hand to help you design your own? Yes, please! Turn around time of 3 weeks to get your very own custom purse (and coin purse)? Yes, please! Deliver on time with a high quality product and fantastic customer service? Yep, they nailed it! The largest purse I have ever owned - but I can fit my book and water bottle in it!
Guess what? They sell lockets. Remember I said I am not a jewelry girl? Well, I don't know.....we'll see..... -
Review from Robert W.
Seattle, WA
2/17/2012
Beautiful handmade original purses, clutches and tote bags. There are other items there so take a look.If you're in need for a gift for a hard to shop for lady in your life, this is the place! Laura is guaranteed to have something unique and perfect for everyone. Not just handbags but jewelry, socks, charms, wallets, etc and all locally made, cute, and totally reasonably priced which is an added bonus! Pop in and look around, you'll be hard pressed to leave empty-handed!
-
Review from Don K.
Ballard, Seattle, WA
12/30/2011
This little shop is a super stop for that unique piece of jewelry or hand-made item that will win a big smile at home. I really like how creative and hand-crafted everything is, and it is fun to give a gift that doesn't look like it came from a chain store. Also, the prices at Laura Bee are low enough that it doesn't have to be a special occasion to stop in!
-
Review from Ddd B.
Seattle, WA
1/4/2012
Love this place. My wife had had a number of custom items made and the prices and our overall experiences have been awesome!
-
Review from Krista J.
6/14/2011
Cute store and nice online shop.
Beautiful handmade original purses, clutches and tote bags. There are other items there so take a look.
I had her make me a picture necklace with my dog's picture and it turned out really nice and is a great keepsake. If you want to make a memory of a loved one (furry or otherwise) this is a great way to do it and you should visit her store or online. She is super nice and helpful. -
Review from Elaine K.
5/30/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I still can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet! I love everything about this shop and is definitely my "go-to" store for either a last minute gift or finding a gem for my favorite girlfriend. The handmade bags are wonderfully one of a kind since you get to choose the fabric, style, and design from start to finish. The staff at Laura Bee are unbelievable helpful throughout the process, ensuring that the bag you're creating is perfectly suited to your liking. The prices are VERY reasonable for the quality, attention, and love that is put into their products. Lastly, their free gift wrapping is stylish, gorgeous, AND a time-saver for me! Love it!
Ballard is so fortunate to have this shop in its neighborhood! -
Review from Jennifer B.
Bremerton, WA
11/28/2011
I have been a customer of Laura Bee Designs for a few years now. The first thing I bought was a photo purse for my mom for her birthday. The quality was great so I have been returning since for presents for Christmas, birthdays and weddings. I love supporting a local artist.
-
Review from Laura P.
Seattle, WA
11/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you're in need for a gift for a hard to shop for lady in your life, this is the place! Laura is guaranteed to have something unique and perfect for everyone. Not just handbags but jewelry, socks, charms, wallets, etc and all locally made, cute, and totally reasonably priced which is an added bonus! Pop in and look around, you'll be hard pressed to leave empty-handed!
-
Review from Diana E.
1/22/2011
I've got four bags from Laura Bee Designs, but haven't gotten a new one in about a year and a half... time for a trip to Ballard!
Every time I've gone to Laura Bee, it's been a fun, inviting experience. They do a great job working with you to find the *perfect* design - they know what you want, even if you don't!
And if you're stumped by the thousands of combinations possible, there are always supercute, unique bags, clutches, and wristlets for you to choose from... and every one is a stand-out, one-of-a-kind creation, well-made, by hand, and with some serious craftsmanship!
Love the collection of jewelry on hand, too. Making it fun to shop local (especially if Otis the Pug is on duty that day).
If you haven't already - sign up for their e-mail mailing list for great specials and fun happenings!! -
Review from Corey C.
San Jose, CA
3/9/2011
I want everything in this shop.
Recently I went in and ended up buying a piece made by a local artist who refurbishes vintage jewelry into something new -- a fact the owner knew just from looking at the tag of the piece. It was gorgeous, in my price range, and gift wrapped (for free!) in the cutest little chinese take-out box. Come here to get a sweet, unique gift for any female in your life! -
Review from Geanna M.
2/5/2011
The homemade purses, wallets and necklaces here are beautiful. I couldn't decide on one that I liked best, so I left without buying anything, thinking that was a smarter choice than buying EVERYTHING in sight.
The items are cruelty-free, and VERY well-made. The quality of each purse puts the $1500 ones by Marc Jacobs to shame. They are made of gorgeous materials and bright colors, and each has something special adorning it to make it unique.
I will be back to this charming Ballard shop, and the next time I will buy something (or somethings...). -
Review from Charisma G.
Seattle, WA
10/20/2011
This place is so cute. I have just bought some jewelry here, found a cute little owl necklace and earrings. I am excited to hit this place up for xmas!
-
Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
5/7/2007
Honestly, I wasn't so sold on this store at first. It sounded a little too girly, a little too DIY, a little too...I dunno...a little too not me.
I was wrong.
The foreshadowing of my wrongness was when Ian K told me to go check it out. Seriously, Ian? You are telling me to go check out a girly girl shop? Ok, I'm on it.
Oh, he was so right! The accessories they sell here are extremely well made, have just a touch of the aforementioned girly girlness and a whole lotta style.
Don't see something you like? Or something you love, but it's not quite right, just go tell Miss Bee herself and she'll work something out with ya.
Most importantly you can support an amazing local business without breaking the bank. My new Laura Bee camera case only set me back $16 and it makes me smile every time I pull it out of my purse.
I love being wrong!!!Listed in: The Best of Michelle's Seattle
-
Review from Katie S.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2006
I love Laura Bee and her cute pup Otis almost as much as I love her handbags! I received one as a gift a few years ago and I haven't looked back since. While she's got plenty of great bags, wallets, and clutches ready to go when you walk in, I'd suggest the "build your own" option. She's make it for you according to your specifications. No "home sewn" looking hangbags here.. She's a pro.
Great selection of trinkets, jewelry, cards, art, and other bobbles all at great prices. She's always got something new to show, and is always a pleasure to talk to!
I give Laura "two pugs" up! -
Review from Fridaypeach H.
Seattle, WA
8/19/2010
Awesome shop. They are so helpful, friendly and patient.
First off you can buy things off the rack OR you can choose a bag style you like and then pick out all the fabrics (so many to choose from almost overwhelming), buttons etc and have it made custom to you which means it is really yours and no one will have your bag. The associate will help you match and see what your final product will look like so you can make a informed decision.
They hold up extremely well and I love mine. Though I will admit mine is a hand me down from my sister but it holds what I need well and is perfect.
I plan on making a bag here at some point when I have the time and some more inclination about what I want and the money. This is something that is worth saving up for and will last quite a long time!!! My 3 sisters all have bags from Laura Bee and they love them!
Also plan to be there for awhile so you can pick out just the right materials for your bag. It does take some time. But well worth it. -
Review from Erin W.
Seattle, WA
8/16/2010
I own... 3? Yes, 3 Laura Bee bags -- each one is gorgeous & impeccably made right there in their store! You can honestly feel the love they put into every piece, and that's why I have also given countless LB items as gifts over the years. (I'm a well-known great gift-giver!) :P
There truly is no better shop in town to find the perfect gift for that special lady (or dude, in some cases!) in your life. Where else can you design the most perfect item you can imagine, and then KNOW that it will be made by hand by some extremely talented, creative, (& thoroughly charming!) local people?!
The perfectly-priced bags & wallets are really a steal because they'll last you for years and years, and will make you or your loved one feel great to wear/use such a top-quality, stylish, functional, and FUN item!Listed in: Born to Shop
-
Review from Sharon F.
Seattle, WA
8/16/2010
I have ordered about eight or ten custom made items from this fantastic shop, and purchased many, many more items that are ready-made. Every bag I have has been lovingly hand-crafted to my specifications by Laura, Ashley and the rest of the wonderful, helpful staff.
Designing a bag is super, super fun and there are hundreds and hundreds of fabrics, ribbons, and vintage buttons to choose from to make it completely one of a kind. It's so much fun to stop in and see the staff sewing away and to check out the amazing designs other customers have created!
If you're not into the DIY approach Laura and her crew have absolutely impeccable taste which can be seen in the wide selection of ready-made bags they have available.
They also have a huge selection of jewelry, hair accessories, hats, cards and other gift items. They also offer gift certificates. (All of my friends should take note of that preceding sentence.) Moms and Grandmoms everywhere love the bags, the pillows and notebooks that can be customized with old family photos, baby portraits, or kids' artwork. So cool! -
Review from Carrie H.
Seattle, WA
4/2/2007
Talk about purse-gasm. This lady at my work has one of her bags and I'm jealous as all hell. I guess I gotta put in the overtime and go get me one of those.
Her website is great, too. I do a lot of "mental shopping" here and check out the latest in purses and purse accessories.Listed in: Ballard rocks.
-
Review from Jamie C.
Redmond, WA
7/9/2007
I have been driving by Laura Bee Designs for about 6 months now on my way home from work and I finally got a chance to go in. I love it! Very reminiscent of 1154 Lill in Chicago, but way less expensive! Agree with all the previous comments on here, this place is so great for a female gift idea. I am thinking about hosting a baby shower here for one of my girlfriends, and would love to hear from someone who has done this.
--If you aren't familiar, this is very popular in other cities- you go here, everyone has to spend $40 or so on either something for themselves or for the party recipient.--
Its only a 5 minute walk from the Jiffy Lube on 15th Ave if you are ever stuck there some Saturday afternoon :) -
Review from Wendy N.
Sausalito, CA
12/15/2007
I remember when this place was just a tiny shop with cool handbags. When I first saw the sandwich board outside I thought, hmmm, looks like a cute shop. I worked nearby so after a couple of walk-bys I finally went in and I was right - cute shop.
Now they have more space and more cute stuff. Great store with handbags you can get custom made. Great for Christmas gifts. I get all girlie when I step into the shop and get into shopping mode. My eyes glaze over a bit and time stands still.
Just got a couple of gifts and they gift wrap. The gift wrapping is so cute that I want to get a bunch a things for myself just so I can get it gift wrapped and open them one by one. Wait - the gift wrapping is so nice that I probably wouldn't want to open anything and I would just keep it the way it all of its cuteness. And the gift wrapping is free. I love Ballard, even though the condos are taking over.
Want to feel like a girl? Go to Laura Bee Designs. If you have done some drive-bys (we saw someone at the stop light trying to get a look into the shop) and have not gone in yet, park your car and go in, it's worth it. -
Review from Anna L.
King, WA
6/10/2010
I discovered Laura Bee last year and now it's the first place I go if I need to get a birthday gift for a friend. In addition to her amazing handbags and wallets that she makes right there in the store, she has an array of jewelry and other things that all seem to be in a style that I like.
I recently customized my own handbag. I get more compliments on this handbag than any other, and I get to say that I had a hand in making it. -
Review from Chris T.
Seattle, WA
3/7/2011
What an adorable little shop! I was drawn to Laura Bee Designs by way of the Yelp Passport to Ballard and because the shop is consistently featured on the "Hot on Yelp" list. After visiting restaurants and cafes on Market Street, I was surprised to have to walk four or five blocks away from the hustle and bustle of Ballard to a quieter (read: boring) part of the neighborhood but I became a believer as soon as I opened the door to Laura Bee Designs!
The jewelry ranges from classy and understated (these pieces are usually sterling silver) to loud and bold and everything is reasonably priced. There were necklaces, bracelets, and rings, but the earring selection was my favorite--lots of cute, simple studs and small dangly earrings with beautiful stones. I'm usually really picky about jewelry and when I do find pieces that I like, I shy away because I'm too cheap (er...frugal) to buy something that I'll only wear a few times a year but at Laura Bee, I found prices that I was comfortable with and pieces that I could see myself wearing day after day. Of course, the walls and tables are also adorned with a large assortment of handbags and clutches--there's lots of different shapes and sizes and I'm definitely going to consider coming here the next time I need a simple, sturdy, stylish bag. I also saw scarves, a limited but great selection of knee-high socks, and...a PUG! While Laura sits behind her sewing machine all day churning out her handbag creations, her pug Otis keeps her (and her customers) company. And they're both very friendly...in different ways of course: Otis is warm, welcoming, and conversational while Laura will snort and gently jump up to try and get you to pet him. Oh wait...it's the other way around...
Laura Bee Designs gets five stars for being a one-stop shop for jewelry that I love/can afford, socks that make me laugh, and a pug. -
Review from Anya D.
Los Angeles, CA
7/22/2011
I came in here last November looking for two birthday gifts for my girlfriends. The sales assistant was busy getting ready for an open house or a season preview event the following day and couldn't be bothered to acknowledge or help me in any way. The store also seemed low on the merchandise. When I asked if they would have a better selection in a few days (looking at all the new and, yes, very cute!, items that she was arranging on the display tables) she said something along the lines of "oh yes, we'll have more stuff tomorrow, but the event is by invitation only and it will likely get all sold out". And turned away to continue with arranging the displays.
Overall, it was odd to be treated that way (=ignored and generally regarded as a nuisance) in a retail establishment. The SA was very unhelpful, almost rude. I did find gifts for my girlfriends elsewhere, thank you, and I will not be setting foot in LBD ever again. Which is sad, as I live nearby and would like to support a local business. But sorry, I won't do it just because you are local. -
Review from P J.
San Mateo, CA
6/7/2008
This place is top notch. I don't know where I first learned of Laura Bee, since I'm from out of state and all, but I've long drooled over the creations via the interwebs. Knowing I'd be in town for a few days, I emailed and asked if they had samples of their work to see before designing stuff. What a silly question, of course they do, and Laura Bee herself emailed me back saying I should stop by.
The store is CUTE and the staff is friendly. I had a hard time not buying everything there. And, I got to design a bag which will be arriving in a few weeks. I can't wait to see it.
Now that I know what everything looks like, i can see buying another bag online in the future. What a great store! -
Review from Matt W.
Seattle, WA
4/24/2009
Laura Bee is an amazing place for gifts. As a guy, I'm not really into custom handbags as much as I could be, but everything I get here for the wifey has been absolutely tops.
Working with the designer was a great educational experience, and the end result was a shoulder bag ("tote?") that she uses every day and gets compliments on all the time. It looks like it would have cost an arm and a leg, but it was +/- $110. That's less than Nordstrom Rack prices for a mediocre pleather monstrosity of a purse.
The wifey even liked their stuff so much that she got five clutches made for bridesmaid presents. They looked great, and cost her less than the cheesy-ass flasks I got for my groomsmen. -
Review from Sara L.
Seattle, WA
2/16/2010
This store is addictive, which is dangerous because I drive past it all the time. Everything about the business is stylish, thoughtful and sincere - which says something about the folks running it.
I started dreaming up a custom purse after visiting there having only purchased one purse before in my life that was very generic. I'm only slightly obsessed with ducks (they make me happy) and I decided to design a purse around duck ribbon. The problem was that all the ribbons I could find in fabric stores or online were cutesy pink-and-yellow ones that looked like they belonged on baby gear. Then I got a call from Ashley - apparently Laura had found some vintage duck ribbons in her secret stash and was willing to share them - they were perfect!
It was so much fun that I ended up having a matching wristlet designed to go with it, which has turned out to be incredibly useful. It goes with me everywhere, and I've started getting gift certificates for my friends to make their own custom wristlets because I think they are so awesome (and affordable!)
And as if that wasn't enough, there's a lovely collection of inexpensive, often locally-made, jewelry and fabulous paper crafts like cards and stationary. For all these reasons, when I want to get a gift, Laura Bee is often the first place I think of. -
Review from Tracey V.
Ayer, MA
8/16/2010
I have never been into the store as I live on the East Coast but I have ordered things online and I have never ever been disapointed by Laura and her amazing CUSTOM HANDMADE accessories. I have a super cute little wallet that has withstood all of the abuse I throw at it. I also have a soda pop dahlia pin that I bought while Laura was doing her helping Haiti promotion. I get so many compliments on both items whenever I have them out and about.
I just ordered a new bag for the fall that I cannot wait to get, as well as a little pug wallet that is for Laura's newest charity of choice. I love that I can pick out my own materials and prints and that just by buying something beautiful and useful I am also helping out a good cause!! The prices are totally reasonable as well.
Do yourself, or some other lucky person in your life, a favor and go straight to her website and buy yourself something nice!! -
Review from katy b.
Seattle, WA
2/18/2011
I totally forgot about this place! Thanks, Yelp, for reminding me where I can go drop some bones.
-
Review from Rachel S.
Seattle, WA
6/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is the perfect shop for Birthday gifts for all the women in your life!
Jewelry, handbags, journals, wallets, and tons of other great things. The best part? It's all affordable!
Laura the owner and the other women who work there are super friendly!
My favorite thing they do is their cute gift wrapping. They use chinese containers wrapped in decorative paper.
Check this place out! -
Review from Jillian A.
Seattle, WA
3/18/2011
Everything is so cute here. I love that they work right in the shop. I browsed their inventory and look forward to going back and customizing a bag.
-
Review from Mariana H.
Seattle, WA
3/25/2011
I recently went into Laura Bee Designs after years of driving by.. I am so happy I did! I fell in love with most everything in there. I settled on a locket and cannot wait to be back for more.
-
Review from Geraldine D.
Seattle, WA
8/18/2008
The absolute only reason this place gets four stars, and not five, is that I can't really afford the place. That's really the only reason. They have lovely stuff, and you'll find yourself wandering around the sweetly-decorated store in a bit of accessories-induced haze. Earrings and necklaces are pretty reasonable, hovering from $15-$35. The store has a few signature earring styles that come in tons of colors and patterns (you are sure to find one you like). The purses are where the prices really take a leap. Sadly, as cute as they are, I just can't justify $80 on a fabric bag.
-
Review from Sandie L.
6/2/2009
I love finding products that are local to the area and with lots of unique character! Laura is very helpful and pleasant. I ended my shopping spree with 3 handbags all design by me! its a great place to take your friends and shope for fabric, buttons and selecting the design of placement. Most of all, I haven't run into anyone with my handbag!... I LOVE THAT! I also gets lots of compliments... thanks Laura!!!!
Listed in: Can't get more unique than…, wicked creations!
-
Review from Maria C.
Seattle, WA
2/11/2006
I LOVE LAURA BEE!!! I don't care how much the handbags cost. I'll pay it. Vintage, modern, retro and she'll CUSTOM MAKE A BAG FOR YOU! The photo bags are such a great idea and you can pick the fabric. She's got everything from mini purses to medium bags, tote bags and wallets and the best fabrics going, including some really fun vinyls. You're guaranteed a totally unique product to suit your personality and taste and something no one else has. They aren't cheap, but they aren't out of range for a designer bag either. I have my eye on an avocado Naugahyde asian style handbag for $58 and you can supply a photo for your own bag for under a hundred. Well worth it.
-
Review from Daniel O.
Warner Robins, GA
1/17/2011
Wanted to do something different from the tourist thing while on vacation. This place was the perfect spot, off the beaten path... with such a great assortment of unique purses and jewelry. Left with a new clutch that only i will have back home. Afterwards Laura told us about a the farmers market in Ballard, which made for a fun morning!
-
Review from lisa b.
Seattle, WA
9/30/2006
I love this store! I have sent so many people in here. They are always really friendly and the owner has a cute little pug, too. You can buy her handbags, checkbook covers, and wallets either already made or design it yourself. The vinyl things I have bought have lasted forever and seem indestructible. They also have locally made earrings, barrettes, and other jewelry all at reasonable prices. Support the little stores!
-
Review from Laura d.
Seattle, WA
12/14/2010
Love this store! They have really great handbags, and even better, the option to design your own. I have 3 myself and have ordered a few as gifts for others. They have a funky storefront with some great gift items for sale, and the staff there are always super friendly. I would highly recommend shopping there!
-
Review from JP L.
Seattle, WA
9/5/2009
Love. It. I've spent mucho dinero on barettes and other accessories here, not to mention the super cute purse I bought my grandma for her 88th birthday. It looks so sassy hanging from her walker - she loves it. Laura and the staff are great - friendly, but hands-off when you say you're just browsing. Thanks, ladies!
