Beads East

I have bought 10 different kits from them. Most of the instructions are clear and the finished product is very nice. That being said, I bought two of the same kit and when I got them one of the kits had noticeable fewer beads in one section. I have emailed and called them no fewer than 12 times but still don’t have the shorted beads. Once I spoke with an employee who asked me to send her photos of the two kit’s contents which I did and once when Ann asked me to email her my address which I did. I have a friend who bought a kit also and she had the same problem.

Beads East, alas, has gone wholesale and isn’t open to the public anymore. You can, however, order some of their wonderful things online through
.

How about on a $ 23 dollar order, Beads East charges $ 6.95 to ship out two vials of seed beads, and Ann Benson can’t understand why people get upset!!! Kindness works so much better than attitudes!!! And, per Ann, their small and dedicated staff don’t return calls or emails!!!

This is a great bead store to buy your stash with lots of Delicas and size 15 beads in a multitude of colors (lots of other stuff too). Sometimes the staff is great and truly helpful (like teaching you techniques on the spot) and can’t wait to show you what is new. Other times you feel like you are in the way and should apologize for walking through the door. There are some negative signs in the store that reinforce this impression. Otherwise, this bead shop would be a 5 star place.
Update: I have taken a bead workshop with the owner that was pretty good. The classes offer a variety of techniques, some taught by well known guest instructors. A visit to their website reveals online project instructions that you can download and free video tutorials.
Beads East moved from a great location in Vernon to this one in Manchester. The current store is much bigger, nicer and has vastly better lighting. Big kudos for the lighting! However, the overall location is not as appealing. Beads East is nestled in a strip mall with cheapy stores, so don’t judge the store by some of its neighbors.