SPOTLIGHT ON ... STORE
February 2007

Our featured bead store for this month is The Red Bead.

Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, The Red Bead is bright, airy, and contains an extensive selection of both unusual and essential items for novice and experienced jewelry designers alike. The collection includes gemstones, Japanese seed beads in several sizes, furnace glass, lampwork, and one entire wall devoted to strands of glass beads. An entire showcase is dedicated to sterling silver and gold-filled findings and components, while other showcases house an assortment of unusual beads and pendants. Two areas of the store are devoted to books. You would be hard-pressed to find a larger variety of contemporary titles on beads and jewelry. In the rear of the store you will find a large assortment of tools and an even larger assortment of stringing materials including, Soft Flex and Soft Touch, silk, Nymo, Silamide, C-Lon, leather, satin cording and assorted others. There are tons of sparkling Swarovski crystals, and a huge variety of silver, gold and copper plated findings as well as a large variety of pewter. Many types and gauges of wire are available for the metal enthusiasts. Owner Mary Ann admits to having an insatiable appetite for beads and jewelry resulting in new items being continually added to the store.

Classes are regularly offered on a variety of jewelry topics and class samples are always on display in the store. Come be inspired! Well lit tables at which to work are available for customers free of charge during regular store hours. Customers who wish to sign up for the newsletter are kept up to date on class descriptions, new arrivals, beading news, and useful tips.

Owner, Mary Ann Williams, has been making jewelry since her mother sat her down at age 4 with a needle, thread, and a large Skippy peanut butter jar full of buttons to string. That jar started her sons with stringing as well and is being lovingly stored until the next budding young jeweler joins the family. For 15 years Mary Ann ran a successful business creating and selling lampwork beads and jewelry through art shows and the internet, saving her "bead money" until she was at place and a time in her life when she could devote herself to a bead store. "The bead business has to be one of the best to be in" says Mary Ann. "People are happy the minute they step in the door and excited and thrilled at the treasures they discover. I have the best customers and their enthusiasm and creativity energizes and inspires me everyday! I want The Red Bead to be a place where customers can have a sense of community, where they can come and share with other beaders. I want them to walk in feeling good and walk out feeling even better!"

The Red Bead is located at 3209 Jefferson Street, Napa, California, a block and a half south of Trancas, and across the street from McDonald's. Business hours are Monday through Friday 10-6, Saturday 11-5, closed Sundays. For additional information call 707-253-2323.

The Red Bead
707-253-2323
www.theredbead.com