Beadniks

I love this shop. Not only is this a great place to hang out with your friends, but you come away with an amazing piece of jewelry to boot. In the past when I've visited other bead shops, I would get overwhelmed with all of the choices and sometimes end up with a weird looking piece. Not here. The folks who work at Beadniks are sooo talented and they are ready to help with advice and fabrication (or to leave you alone, whatever you want). The selection is also much more modern than at other places I've been -- it's not just "beads" the way you may think of them -- the things they have really allow you to make jewelry you would actually want to wear; not something you'll just throw in a drawer later. In fact, there were many pre-made pieces that could easily have been sold side by side with the jewelry at Fragments in NYC or in the Sundance catalog. I left with a pair of earrings that I made, and two pairs of earrings and a necklace that the staff had made. In fact, even if you have no interest in beading, if you love jewelry, you should grab a friend and check it out.

Come on guys you know that you are looking for something a little extra to add to that weekend uniform...or something unique to suprise the little lady with. Well on a recent stroll down Division St. in Wicker Park I came across a store which I had seen before but never took the time to actually check out. Well shame on me...this place is great. I figured the place to be a store with jewelry for women but was pleased to see plenty of unique bracelets and necklaces for me. I have to admit at first I was a little aprehensive to believe I could pull off a bracelet but with the help Mary and the staff I found something that was very "me". Not only does Beadniks have some great stuff for guys all the artifacts and such are for sale. I was able to find something very cool for the apartment.

A very relaxed atmosphere coupled with an intelligent and creative staff make this a enjoyable shopping experience. I recommend for anyone looking to get a loved one something unique for a birthday, anniversary and such. What a welcome addition to the ever growing Wicker Park neighborhood!

As the holidays draw near, I have begun to think of the gifts I have to purchase for the countless friends and family this year. This year I want to be creative and unique with my gifts, and I found the best place for both...Beadniks on Division. On a snowy Tuesday, my roomate and I strolled around the corner to the inviting oasis for the creative and imaginative. Only being open for about four months, Beadniks is one of the newest members to unique and diverse eray of shops and restaurants on Division in Wicker Park. I wish I had known about it sooner, as it is an amazingly fun and creative experience.

I am not a big fan of gift shopping, but I do enjoy art and hands-on-activities. Beadniks gives you the opportunity to be creative and artistic while making your own jewelry. With a vast eray of beads and materials...the possibilites are endless! The best part about the process is the process. With the help of the awesome and extremely inviting owner Mary, my roomate and I jumped in head first. We picked out our beads, formed our designs, and then went to work. Whenever we had questions or needing help creating our masterpieces, Mary or Cathie (another sweet staff member) were there to guide us. Instead of going to a store and buying a common bracelet or necklace for my sister, mom, nephew, or girlfriend, I was able to make unique gifts that show real thought and care. Not only did I get a bunch of gifts taken off my list, I also found a great spot to hang out.

I went into this store not really knowing what it would be like and I was helped immediately. They were willing to explain how they typically work things there. You can do it all yourself, which I was not quite ready for, or they will almost do it all for you. I picked out a piece that I liked and one of the girls there put it all together for me. I love my necklace and got so many compliments on it. I enjoyed this place so much that I brought a friend a gift certificate and can't wait to go back with her.

My wife and I TOTAL disagree with the review by dpelley. The nicest, friendliest most helpful people weve ever shopped with for beads. Their selection is large, the atmosphere is great. There are open spaces to make it easily accessible. Tables to put your selections on to look then over. My wife is a beadiest and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I bought several incense sticks and the sales lady helped me by suggesting putting them into different bags so the scents would not mix.

THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT EVEN IF YOU DO NOT DO BEADING! They have pieces of jewelry you can buy.

Ron & Billie