I enjoyed the book The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I liked it so much that I never saw the movie—I didn't want to be disappointed. I've been thinking about that book a lot because last week I visited Ornamentea
in Raleigh, North Carolina.
I don't know about you,
but I try to visit a bead shop every time I'm traveling. Bead
shops are all so different and I never fail to come away with some new
inspiration. But I'll admit I was a little nervous about this particular visit. It felt a little like that book/movie dilemma. I loved ordering from Ornamentea online. Plus, I enjoyed exchanging emails with the owner, Cynthia Deis when I was the editor of Beading Daily. What if it wasn't like that in person? |
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I shouldn't have worried. The shop is amazing in person. It's not huge, but every
square inch is covered in beads, findings, and tools. There are spools of
ribbon, tiny charms in glass jars, and fascinating class samples near
the door. I saw so many things to add to my wish list: tiny
metal alphabet stamps, brass
scissor charms (with blades that actually move!), and enameled
charms like this green
apple. Plus, the store was full of helpful information—I especially liked the little display that showed you
how the exact same materials would look if covered with different
resins. (Resin choice does make a difference!) At left: A pair of earrings I made with brass bead caps and chain from Ornamenta. Originally published in Creative Jewelry 2009. |
Not only did I meet Cynthia (who is every bit as delightful in person!) and
had a fantastic lunch with her, but I also met beadmaker Elaine Ray. Elaine was at the
shop with some brand new items—new beads and a
new glaze. I'm not going to spill the beans on their new products
(sorry!) but let me just predict that her new line of beads is going to
be very popular. You're going to want some, particularly if you work in
steampunk or like vintage-y looking beads.
I wished I had more time to spend there. If you're in the Raleigh, North
Carolina area, I hope you'll check out
Ornamentea. What a treat! |