SPOTLIGHT ON ... STORE
June 2009
Our featured bead store for this month is The Red Bead.
Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, California. The Red Bead is bright, airy, and contains an extensive selection of both unusual and essential items for novice and experienced jewelry designers alike.
Though having its start as a walk-in bead store, The Red Bead currently is moving toward being largely an online store. Though it will continue to conduct classes the storefront will be available to walk-in customers only on special sales days where prices are generously discounted, some up to 50% off normal retail prices. These sales are generally held once per month. The dates are announced in advance on the website as well as through the email newsletter.
The Red Bead carries a wonderful selection of gemstones, Japanese seed beads in several sizes, furnace glass, lampwork, and one entire wall devoted to strands of glass beads. A large display area as well as a showcase is dedicated to sterling silver and gold-filled findings and components, while other showcases house an assortment of unusual beads and pendants.
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, C-Lon, leather, kumihimo supplies, Fireline, and assorted others. There are tons of sparkling Swarovski crystals, and a large variety of copper, vintage-style brass, 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 and pictured in the class section on the website. Come be inspired! The classroom is well-lit and classes are kept small to provide personal attention. Students receive step-by-step printed instructions including photos to take home with them.
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. We are currently open only for special sales days and classes. For information on these events as well as online sales please check the news page or sign up to receive the newsletter.
Online sales are conducted at www.theredbeadboutique.com
The Red Bead
707-253-2323
www.theredbead.com
Find a bead store near you! 
