Frequently Asked Questions
About beading, beads, bead supplies and bead parties
Where are you located?
Please see our Directions page
Can I make jewelry in the store anytime I visit?
Well, we wish we could say yes but with the exception of the Bracelet Bar (see What’s the Bracelet Bar?) it is just not practical all the time. We invite those with beading know how to use our class bar when it is not in use for a scheduled class or party. There are basic tools for your use free of charge.
What if I don’t know what I am doing?
Our top suggestion is to take our Basic Beading Class which is scheduled a few times a month. This class teaches you about selecting the appropriate beads, beading wire, crimps and tools for making a strung bracelet (these techniques carry over into making anklets and Necklaces too!). The class also covers using headpins to make bead dangles and attaching them to earwires to create earrings. The class includes all your materials and the use of our tools for $15. Yes, that’s right. You make a bracelet and a pair of earrings for $15!
What if I am only in the area for a short visit and cannot make it to a class?
If a class is not being taught and there are not too many people in the store, one of us might be able to help you attach a clasp to a bracelet or necklace. But, please understand that we must service the customers at the register first and you may have to wait for assistance. The best way to get individual help is to take a class.
In the front of the store we have cozy little table (it’s actually my dining room table that I have no room for right now!) with an assortment of beads. We try to keep a seasonal assortment of beads along with letter beads on the table at all times. Anyone is free to sit at the table to make a Memory Wire (What’s memory wire?) Bracelet in one of two different sizes for $5. It is as simple as selecting the bracelet size, threading on the beads until the wire is full up to the last ½” and then bringing it up to the counter for one of us to turn the end. Viola! Your own beaded creation. It is also possible to make a choker style memory wire necklace or a bracelet with a sterling silver clasp using the beads at the bracelet bar for $10. Just ask at the counter and we will get you started. Bracelet Bar is recommended for beaders 5 and up although we allow younger children if they are well supervised. We recommend one adult per child if you have children younger than 6.
What is Memory Wire?
Memory Wire is a springy steel wire used for making beaded jewelry. It comes in four sizes. The smallest size is for rings and wine charms, there are two bracelet sizes and also a necklace size. Unfortunately, you can not change the size of the wire. It has “memory” and returns to the size it started. Memory wire is usually used for wrap around styles so it does not need a clasp.
Do you teach Classes?
Yes! Yes! And Yes! And we love to do it! Please see our class schedule for a list of our current classes. If there is something else you are looking for in a class, please send an email to me at nicole@notsimplybeads.com.
Do you teach Children’s Classes?
We do not have separate classes for children but students 12 and up are welcome to come to our classes. Students younger than 12 are welcome in classes as long as they are accompanied by an adult student.
Do you teach private lessons?
We do. Private lessons can be booked with Nicole for a 2 hr minimum. The price for private lessons is $100 per hour.
Where did you gals learn to make jewelry?
Please see our individual profiles
Nicole Blanchard
Petie Blanchard
Claire Bartlett
Wendy Jones
Debbie Stephens
Where do your beads come from?
All over the world! We travel to many places to search out the best quality and most unique beads and findings. We try our best to select natural gemstones for sale in our store because we think that this is the best use of our natural resources.
Do you carry Sterling Silver beads and findings?
Yes, that is practically all we carry. We have a very large selection of Sterling Silver and it is all Nickel free (see What’s so important about Nickel free?). We also carry vermeil and 14K gold. You will not find any silver plate or base metal beads or jewelry findings in our store. We want to offer you the best there is for your projects. If you are not used to buying sterling silver you might think the prices are a little high but remember this is solid sterling silver, just like you would find at a quality jewelry store. We encourage you to do a little comparison shopping (make sure you are comparing like items that are Sterling Silver not Bali or Thai Silver) at other stores and on the web. We think you will find our prices really competitive!What’s so important about Nickel free?
Nickel is a base metal that is sometimes added to silver jewelry alloys because it is cheap and does not tarnish. The problem is that many people are allergic to Nickel. Even a small amount of Nickel can cause severe rashes on people who have this allergy. Even items that are marked Sterling Silver can contain or be plated with Nickel. If you know anyone who says they “can’t wear cheap jewelry” because they breakout, they might be allergic to Nickel. Nickel allergies are very common. If you plan to give your items as gifts or sell your jewelry, it is a good idea to make sure it is all made from Nickel free alloys. For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nickel-allergy/DS00826. This article seems pretty accurate to me. Both my Mom and I have pretty severe Nickel allergies. The only thing I don’t agree with is they suggest the use of surgical steel and sterling silver to avoid Nickel and I have had many cases where something stamped or marketed as these two items had Nickel in it. I suggest always ask is it Nickel free?
Is your store Handicapped Accessible?
The first floor of our store which contains all the beads and supplies, the bracelet bar, and one of our classroom spaces is all handicap accessible. On the second floor we have our office space, birthday party room, and second classroom space. The second classroom space is generally used for PMC, metalwork and painting classes. If you would like to attend an event that is typically held on the second floor and are unable to make it to the second floor we will move the event to the first floor. Please let us know in advance if this is required as it might necessitate the moving of equipment. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.If a few of my friends want to come in to bead is that O.K.?
We recommend that you book a private party. It is impossible to predict if the store is going to be “really busy” so please do not ask us to. We want to serve all of our customers needs and the best way for a group of people to come to the store to make jewelry is a private party. You will have your own dedicated staff member to help you out this way. We have all types of parties and we will try to accommodate any special requests we can. You can also book parties “after hours” and have the whole store to yourself!
Class Schedule | Featured Classes | About Us | Parties | FAQs | Favorite Links | Home
Book a Class |View Cart