The Bead Company, Glasgow West End

Photo: pearl bangle.

7 Keith Street, Partick, Glasgow G11 6QQ
Telephone: 0800 970-5234
Email: [email protected]
www.thebead.co.uk

Now, as we head towards Christmas it's an excellent time to find out about jewellery making classes at The Bead Co and make someone a special gift or your own affordable jewellery. Classes include: Precious Metal Clay, Seed Beading, Pearl Knotting and Ring or Tiara Making.

It's uplifting to see bright and beautiful businesses thriving in Glasgow's West End. The Bead Company certainly falls into this category. With an incredible array of products presented in a fabulous setting, together with a very innovative approach it's a gem.

My good friend, Roy Beers, writing about The Bead Company recently in The Herald Magazine sums it up very well when he says that it's: "no ordinary arts and crafts store".

The selection of beads is astonishing, with wall upon wall of their very chic and spacious premises lined with beautiful beads of every hue. Everywhere you cast your eye you will find beads of all shades of emerald, ruby, amethyst, turqoise and topaz. With row upon row of glorious selections in every colour you ever imagined and assorted materials including gemstones, glass and crystal. There are also trays of beads of various shapes and design, tools, wire, backs for earrings, hooks, clasps, clips, necklets and ribbons.

If you have a yen to create or design your own jewellery then you will be delighted with the choice available. Both novice jewellery makers and the more accomplished are welcome at The Bead Company. There are friendly staff and experts at hand to offer advice and a jeweller in residence, Nicola Proctor, who studied jewellery design at Glasgfoew School of Art. She will be happy to discuss any ideas, projects or commissions you may have in mind.

Photo: bead shop. I popped in for a little peep at The Bead Company and was there an hour later, it is an absolute delight and my only difficulty was making a decision when confronted with such an extensive and beautiful selection. It's also a very pleasant place to hang out, spacious and attractive, with friendly staff, who were very willing to answer any queries.

However, The Bead Company is much more than just a shop, apart from providing "one of the largest selections of product available anywhere", you can sign up for different classes, where you can learn to make your own jewellery. Or you can even have a party.

The company is a franchise of The Potomac (puh-TOE-mack) Bead Company USA and here in Glasgow's West End we are lucky enough to have the UK's flagship store for the franchise.

"The word 'potomac' is an Native American word that means ?where the goods are brought in". Appropriately, The Bead Company fulfills a market niche in the UK for a high end, affordable, and customer-driven bead store by providing the largest selection of beads, supplies and education."

Their aims are very ambitious, but, I believe they are very geared up to succeed in providing:

"a unique and fulfilling experience by offering the best customer service, the best selection, the highest quality products, the most competitive prices, and a creative environment in which our customers can release their imaginations."

It's certainly a very exciting notion that you can produce a fabulous piece of jewellery. Whether it be something simple, or rather more complex, after you have some lessons under your belt.

Photo: the bead shop workshops. Courses

The courses are flexible and aimed at all levels. There are regular monthly classes from beginners to advanced levels, teaching the skills necessary to make beautiful jewellery and bead related crafts. Most classes are 1.5 - 2 hours long, meet just once, and are designed to encourage you to build upon the basics. Most classes cost between £10 and £15.

Mezzanine Beading Area

In addition The Bead Company has a very sociable element, it creates an opportunity to make new friends or spend your leisure time gaining new skills and relaxing in a very pleasant environment. They have a very popular monthly beading group and a special beading area in the spacious mezzanine, where the classes are held. The beading group is open to anyone and provides a great opportunity to work with others, share ideas and make friends.

You can drop into the beading bar on the mezzanine any time during opening hours, have a coffee and seek any assistance you require from staff.

Parties

For something a bit different you can arrange a birthday or special occasion treat at The Bead Company. These are available for children aged from 5 years and adults. A very unusual and easy option - with catering and classes provided.

I enjoyed chatting with Mike Kurtyka about this ambitious venture and was impressed by his knowledge and professional approach, which is equally matched by his enthusiasm for The Bead Company. I left totally convinced that at The Bead Company they really love to: "teach classes, throw parties and educate others about jewellery, design, and our products."

You really need to find time to check it out.

Information about classs and workshops at The Bead Company

Photo: sweets. Opening hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays.

7 Keith Street, Partick, Glasgow G11 6QQ
Telephone: 0800 970-5234
Email: [email protected]
http://thebead.co.uk/index2.html

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