My name is Sandrine alias Sanya. I took an alias a few years ago to make my creative self come out more easily, thus Sanya I am!
I am right now expanding my jewelry skills and sharing my journey with all of you through the ETSY shop SanyaArt www.etsy.com/shop/SanyaArt or www.facebook.com/SanyaArt.Boston. In this regard, I needed beads and other jewelry related supplies so I decided to investigate beads shops in the area. So far this is where my jewelry supplies and learning experience has taken me. Let me know what you think!
"Bead + Fire" at 460 Harrison Ave in Boston (www.beadandfiber.net) is the first bead or jewelry shop I visited. I actually attended a polymer clay jewelry class at the shop's studio with Betsy Baker from Stonehouse Studio (www.stonehouse-studio.com). The class was amazing and I learned in a couple of hours so many tips and tricks that I would recommend this class to anyone interested in learning about polymer clay jewelry.
I then visited "Abeille" at 45 Harvard St in Brookline village (www.abeille.us). Lovely small place that has many beautiful items that include more than beads or jewelry, a lovely boutique. In terms of finding beads, this is more than a bead store, this is a bead jewelry making community that includes a studio-shop where various groups of people or individuals can learn many different styles of making jewelry using beads. As described on the website: "a unique boutique and studio featuring locally sourced jewelry, women's apparel, and gifts". Good beads and supplies selection. Friendly atmosphere. I visited the shop during a gemstone special and the selection was amazing. Many group events. A very active community. I am planning to join more of these group events as time permits.
Next I went to "The Pear Tree" in Brookline, www.thepeartreeofbrookline.com/. A small shop in Coolidge corner with a great but limited selection of beads: I could not find what I was looking for at that time. Someone was working at the working table with supplies all over the place although organized and it felt a bit messy. However, the owner was extremely welcoming and helpful and so is the staff. always helpfull. I did buy a few items there and found it a bit pricey but a very charming place overall. They have unique beads and jewelry items difficult to find elsewhere, so, a place to visit for sure. Classes and events are also offered.
I ended my jewelry supplies hunting
at Boston Bead Company (www.bostonbeadcompany.com/) on church street in Cambridge. Great selection of beads and other jewelry supplies. Very friendly help and welcome. This place offers many classes and some events (parties) as well. I love the location near Harvard square and the extensive bead offering.
I also went to A.C. Moore and Michaels arts and crafts stores. Good beads and jewelry supplies but without the charm and warm welcome of the shops cited above. Some items feel really cheap but it depends what you're looking for!
Enjoy your search for beads or jewelry supplies in Boston!
Best,
Sanya
