The Bead Master

Anyone with just a tinge of OCD will love this shop — there is something so complete, so organised, about the rows and rows of colour co-​ordinated pots of beads that line the walls. Just like a candy store, was my reaction — but without the calories, the girl in the shop quipped back (I suspect she’d heard it before .)
My history with beading is not great — it involves a lot of buying beads and beading equipment but not much actual compilation of bead jewellery. Fortunately for me, the shop also sells some divine examples of their completed pieces, or will put together something for you in the colours and styles you choose. Though I guess I should really get my act together and sign up for a class.
Pity they don’t have teach children — understandably given the size of the shop and the high potential for spreading large quantities of expensive beads in all directions. But if they did, I could have sent one of my children to create on my behalf — it’s about time they got useful!

When I say, I had a severe reaction to ear-​piercing, we’re talking cauliflower ears that a prop forward would be proud of. As a result, any attempts to prettify my lobes are somewhat limited — particularly given the high-​streets rampant bias towards pierced lobes. There is however hope in the form ‘The Bead Master’!
The friendly chick behind the counter was just the right amount of involved (for me) when guiding me around the store though it soon became apparent we had very different ideas on what constituted ‘NICE’. I declined her offer of a basket (in an attempt to limit my spending) but soon found myself slinking back to her counter when my collection of jars grew too large for my arms. ‘I could do my purse some serious damage in this shop’, I remarked to myself, my mind running wild with ideas. As the assistant counted out my purchases, we reached an artistic compromise, where she could admire my understated elegance and I could appreciate her inclination towards Peruvian wooden beads.

This shop is a veritable treasure trove of shiny little beads, for artists of all abilities and tastes.