Our featured bead store for this month is The Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery.

The Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery is located in a historic Victorian train station in downtown Amesbury, Massachusetts. The shop opened in January 2006 and has had a very successful first year. The Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery specializes in natural stones, shells, pearls, bone and handmade lampwork and ceramic beads. In addition to beads and Softflex supplies, The Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery offers classes in all types of jewelry making from wire work, bezel setting, chaine maille to Precious Metal Clay. Other classes offered are a series of Healing Arts classes, including Gemstone Healing Jewelry, Prayer Beads, Chakra Jewelry, Wheat Weaving and a Spirit Bag Workshop.

With more than 1500 square feet of artfully displayed bead tables along with finished jewelry, supplies and a beautiful selection of books from jewelry making to crystal healing, the store is an important regional gallery of folk and fine craft including wheat weaving, pottery, carved gourds, handmade drums, and walking sticks.

Twice a year, in early July and early October, The Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery hosts an outdoor art festival in front of their shop, bringing together the best local art, music and food north of Boston and south of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Nancy Plante, the proprietor of The Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery brings a different approach to her bead shop. With a background in interior design, retail and visual display, the shop has a warm and inviting atmosphere and is very spacious with artful displays. The worktable is a counter-height square surface that seats eight comfortably. The worktable and tools are available during business hours and is also host to bridal parties, girl's night out and special events in the evenings and on weekends.

The Riverwalk Bead Shop and Gallery is connected to J. Buck's Expresso and Wine Bar which serves the best in coffee, wine and micro-brewed beers, sandwiches, soups and gourmet cheeses. This connection makes it a great day trip for couples, while the women shop for beautiful beads and findings, the men can watch the game and have a beer.

This store is a must-visit for bead enthusiasts and those who enjoy beautiful original art. Come get inspired and purchase the best quality in natural stones, findings and Softflex supplies. Visit their website www.riverwalkbeads.com or call 978-388-3499 to get information or sign up for their mailing list.

The Riverwalk Beadshop and Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, Thursdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

The Riverwalk Beadshop and Gallery
978-388-3499
www.riverwalkbeads.com