Hi All,

I'm pretty new to beading but I really enjoy it.  We're going on a road trip next week from CA through Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.  I know that these states are rich in gems and beading.  Are there any "can't miss" stores I NEED to see? 

Hey there! Ok I'm in Albuquerque and there is a store called Kameyab Imports 6000 Alameda Blvd.NE Albuquerque, NM 87113 505 821-6217 www.kibeads.com Open to the public. They may ask you if you have a tax ID number. I don't so I just tell them no. 7000 square Feet of Bead goodness. I'll add more as I think of more!

If you are going through the Phoenix area, consider stopping by to see us at AZ Bead Depot. We're only 1000 sq ft, but we've got a lot of stuff in that 1000 sq ft. Swarovski, semi-precious stone, Czech, Delicas, seed beads, lampwork, chain, findings including a large selection of copper. I've had vendors tell me that we've got more semi-precious stone beads than 75-80% of the stores they visit.

The coffee pot is almost always on and I've been known to hand out ice cream bars or popsicles as a snack in the afternoon! We're here 7 days a week - when it quits being fun, we'll put up the "For Sale" sign.

Hope to see you soon!

Deb

 Don't overlook the Find a Bead Shop link at the top, right hand of the forum screen.

If you are going to be in the area of Austin drive south about 35 mins to Georgetown. Downtown Georgetown has a wonderful bead store locally owned. They have a lot of beads for a reasonable price. They are always having sales. I was just there today and they are going to have a buy one get one free sale soon. I just bought a $100 worth of beads that probably would have cost me around $300 worth. The store is called Brazos Collections and is in the downtown area of Georgetown. Happy bead hunting.

 

I forgot to mention, you can also look up bead shops on www.guidetobeadwork.com. They have listings by state, zip code or store name. Guide to Beadwork does suggest that you call ahead to find out store hours, etc. If possible, they note where stores are reported to be closed or if information has changed or is no longer accurate.

Have a safe trip!

Deb 

Thank you everyone!  I'll be sure to check it all out!  ~JJ

If you'll be coming through the Dallas area, Bally Bead (in Rockwall, just East of Dallas), has an amazing inventory of everything you can imagine, and items you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere.  They do require a tax id, but that's easy enough to get, and free!  Their website doesn't even come close (at least the last I saw) to representing the quality and diversity of their goods.

Also in Dallas there are several suppliers at the World Trade Center near downtown (of course tax id is required there), and several other suppliers on Harry Hines Blvd., just south of Hwy 635.  Some sell at pretty reasonable prices to the general public, but they do have minimum purchase requirements without a tax id.

If you need more specific information, I'd be happy to help.

~Maria