Out On A Whim

Meh. The perfect word to describe this bead shop, UNLESS you are looking for seed beads only, they do have a fair amount of those. Was expecting a wide variety of interesting beads after briefly looking at their 5 star review. Also disappointing the gal working on the day I went had almost no knowledge of beads. At least familiarize yourself with what you sell. On the plus side she was pleasant, just not terribly knowledgeable.

I just LOVE this bead store! I was reintroduced to beading by a coworker when she invited me to BABS in Oakland. Out on a whim had the largest selection there with the prettiest beads and most helpful staff. I have been to this store twice and ordered from them online once. They are 1 hour and 15 minutes away from me but well worth the drive. Every experience I’ve had with them has been fantastic. Planning my next trip there now :)

I go to Out On a Whim to get Japanese seed beads to add to my knitting. They have a huge selection of these beads in sizes 6, 8, 11, 15 and more. In fact, a whole wall is dedicated to just seed beads, plus additional aisles in the store. They also carry other beautiful beads, antique and new Swarovski crystals, etc. I don’t make jewelry, so can’t comment on that aspect, but they do carry instructional DVD’s with the necessary beads to make the pictured finished product. I picked up a Victorian Swag bracelet kit by Beki Haley to give jewelry making a try. I was told it was a beginner’s kit. Staff are friendly and helpful. They were packing to get ready for a trade show, so items were a bit out of place, but I was greeted when I came in, and they will stop what they’re doing to help and/​or answer questions. I’ve been to other bead shops in the Bay Area, but this one is tops if you need seed beads.
Easy to get to from Highway 101. The shop is located on a corner, opposite a fire district building. There’s parking along the streets.

On a recent trip to California, I visited a favorite bead store so I could see what it looks like. Don’t let the small size of the building scare you, this store is packed with goodies that beaders will love! A huge selection of seed beads, cabs, crystals, stones, findings, and more.
If you are in San Francisco, take the less than hour drive north to Cotati to visit Beki, Shawn and the rest of the staff. It’s well worth it.
(And ask for their recommendation for Mexican food! Brava!)
Side note to Unilocal — Funny isn’t it, that I was standing in the building and I couldn’t check in because I was «too far» from the business. But I walked out the door and in the parking lot, I could. Hmmm?

This is definitely my favorite bead store in the area! They have a huge selection of seed beads and very helpful staff! I came in needing help with a project and the girls working there had fantastic ideas that really helped me.

This bead store is fabulous. The staff are super and the seed bead selection is unparallelled. They have a huge selection and also a great selection of Swarovski crystal stones and beads. I love this store and come up from San Francisco periodically just to pick up some beads! I believe they have classes, but have never taken any. They do have a helpful web site not only for ordering, but also to teach some stitches. They have wonderful designers on site who have earned recognition in the top beading magazines, too.

LOL the review above is for the deli NEXT to the bead store not to the bead store itself.
That said, if you are into seed beads, this is the place. Amazing selection of Japanese seed beads and Delicas. Gorgeous Vintage Swarovski crystals. Lots of TierraCast findings (copper too!!) And prices? Almost insanely low! The staff KNOWS THEIR BEADS.