Beadniks is simply the BEST spot in Chicago (and probably Chicagoland) to not only find unique and beautiful supplies for jewelry making, but also to receive unbelievable support. My mom is a super talented jewelry maker - all self taught. Whenever she comes to visit me from Milwaukee we head to Beadniks with the intention of just shopping. And, we always end up spending a few hours shopping and learning. Lauryn and her staff are so incredibly sweet. They are patient and understanding - answering any and all questions we have...even repeating tutorials that haven't yet settled in. I can't say enough good about the Beadniks team and the Beadniks inventory. What a blessing it is to have these resources located in such a convenient Chicago neighborhood. read more

I went to BEADNIKS tonite after passing the place many times. In most cases, I have an issue when I'm not greeted after entering/soon thereafter a shop, especially when I'm the only one in the shop and you look at me and then turn away, as though I'm invisible. I had to speak first; Customer Service 101 anyone?! I stopped going to Bead in Hand (Oak Park, IL) for the same reason. Nice beads, quite expensive (which isn't an issue because if it's something I like I'm gonna buy), not sure if I'll return..... I spend quite a bit of $$$ on gems & beads and I'm not looking for anyone to "lick my ass" when I go in a shop, but it's all about you never get a second chance to make a first impression, BELIEVE THAT! Like I always say, my money is green too! Bodacious Beads in Des Plaines, now that's my spot! read more

It should be noted that I'm not very crafty. When I was young, I was constantly making crafts for my mom (mostly phone message organizers with foil and pressed leaves) and I'm pretty sure that they got thrown away. For my birthday, a friend took me to Beadniks for a crash course in findings; we had a great time! For the cost of the class, you take home a necklace, bracelet, and earrings...plus some tools! I can attest, with my non-crafty self, that it was a great time. The employee/teacher was REALLY patient and explained everything quite thoroughly. There was a nice selection of beads - color and texture wise. It was great to relax, catch-up, and create. I'm not sure if I'll be a consistent bead/necklace maker but I really enjoyed myself. I'd definitely recommend! read more

This store has alot of great things for those who enjoy purchasing unique pieces and also creating their own. The staff is very helpful and also great to just hang with when you are crafting. read more

I've never been much into beading, but my friend and I stopped here recently on a Division Ave stroll and I left with two new necklaces! I'm not a big fan of large beaded jewelry, so I was pleasantly surprised to find a variety of small and interesting charms, like the wishbone and lightning bolt I bought. I'd planned to buy the necessary chain and pieces to turn them into necklaces, but the owner said she could do the work for me (for a small fee). She also told us about their monthly Booze and Beads event, which we checked out the following week (during which I made my own necklace while drinking a free beer!). The assembly and use-of-tools prices are a bit high, but the place turned me on to the world of DIY jewelry. I'll definitely be back. read more

After moving to Logan Square I realized I had a small pile of jewelry that needed to be mended and/or completely reworked. I finally made my way to Beadniks after hauling my pile around town while running errands. I gave them two vintage pieces-one that just needed a new clasp, one that needed re-stringing. Both came back re-vitalized and ready to be worn : )! A precious purchase from travels abroad broke when I was horsin around. I scooped up as many of the beads I could find (with some help from friends) and held them heartbroken. Lauren (is that her name?) at Beadniks re-strung the necklace on something unbreakable while keeping the detailed hanging piece in it's original form. She returned it better than new with a vintage lucite bead at the top!! Perfect! She repaired an earring I'd purchased there for free. That's standing behind your product. I also had two or three other pieces for them to work on and they all came out beautifully. I highly recommend Beadniks to anyone needing help with pieces you love and cherish..vintage, foreign, or made in Chicago. I've never taken a class here but seeing what these women can do makes me want to try it out. read more

I went to Beadniks looking to make a simple strand necklace tailored to an outfit. The bead selection was wonderful, and the necklace ended up costing about $20 from start to finish. (I used a strand of beads; purchasing individuals beads for a necklace would be more expensive.) A staff member helped me design a bracelet to go along with the necklace using a mix of beads, and it is simply lovely. I will definitely go back! read more

This place is awesome. The owner, Lauryn, and all of her staff were more than friendly and accommodating to me coming in and having no idea what to get. I wanted to make something cool looking for my girlfriend, but had no idea where to start. They totally were cool with me wandering around the store. I wandered around the store until I found a few pieces I though looked neat together and the staff helped me mount it on a chain. I've recommended this place to friends and they've been happy when they went in. Edited on 5/16/08 to remove snarky comments against other commenters. read more

How I love my beadniks! I have brought friends here for classes and even my Mother-in-law for an earring making class! I LOVE taking their classes! Their staff is so patient (honestly, dealing with a group of girls, who most of them have no clue on how to make jewelry, you have to be!). I have taken the ring class two times (fabulous rings! I love them and get compliements on them!), and the earring class, which was tons of fun as well! The classes range from about $20 and up and then you pay for your beads, so you can make it as expensive or inexpensive as you'd like! Honestly, the classes I have taken were about $25, and I spent about $25 on beads...so you are looking at aabout $50ish per class...not to shabby to make your own jewelry (3 rings/3 earrings!). They also have a ton of jewelry for sale made by the employees! Quite pricey, but they have a bunch of fun and funky items! Their earrings are pretty reasonable though! I bought a pair of earrings today for $10! Not too shabby!!!! Check it out if you want to make your own jewelry, design your own, take a class or just check out the funky jewelry for sale!!! read more

They have so many different kinds of beads it's amazing! First time I went in there I was so wowed by this place. They also have accessory making class. They provide you with the tools you need and they will help you to make what you want to take home. It's a great way for a date, or for a girls hangout. Very reasonable price too. read more

Beadniks - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was so totally intimidated when I first walked in to Beadniks, mostly due to the daunting selection. I was also a little nervous about the staff after reading a few pretty negative reviews. Was this just another Wicker Park yuppie venture? My verdict is absolutely not. The staff could not have been more helpful or polite. They were totally knowledgeable, friendly but not pushy or overbearing...overall a pleasure. They didn't even seem pissed when we kept them there slightly past business hours due to our indecisive and time consuming construction. I didn't find the place to be particularly expensive. In fact, I left with a beautiful wire-wrapped pendant that I probably would have been willing to pay way more for had I found it in a shop. And I'm on a moderately tight budget. This is a really fun alternative to a night at the same old dive bar. I'll be back for sure. read more

I have collected and enjoyed beads for a long time. I know beads. I know that sounds stupid but I do. I have grown way past the days of making hemp necklaces. I now like semi-precious (just made a light and pretty garnet necklace) and my findings to be 14K. They have some intersting stuff there- just not what I want. And for what kind of stuff they have they are expensive (take a little drive on 90 to Bodacious Beads in Des Plaines- you will thank me) If you are looking for what I am looking for go to Caravan. Or beadsofcambay.com. read more

I thoroughly enjoy strolling through this shop while I am walking by. Its really neat to look through all the beads and making your concoction, but as soon as you step up to the register, something terrible happens...the amount that you thought you were going to spend on the creation is much higher than you anticipated. This happened to me, so don't fall victim to it. Demand that they tell you the price before they yell 40 dollars at you, for one pair of earrings with stones that you could've bought online for less than $2. I also noticed a bracelet there that I really liked for $50. I considered splurging but left without it. A couple of doors down, I walked into another store with a similar bracelet for $15. What is so freaking special about paying 3x the price? I understand this place has to pay its bills, but so do we so lets be reasonable! read more

I love this place! Not only are the staff friendly, but they also know their stuff. Being the klutz that I am, I broke my favorite everyday necklace's chain twice in just as many months. The first time was a sunny Saturday and they were swamped with screaming girls at a party, but I was in and out in no time - a fix for less than $4. The second time was just now - middle of the day Tuesday - and I was the only customer. The woman (I failed to get her name, and she helped me both times) suggested some flair to the fix, and it was still less than $5. (You wouldn't know it had been broken unless I told you - she did good.) Regardless of if you want to make your own jewelry, buy handmade goods, or get your pieces repaired, Beadniks has it all. read more

Stupid overpriced. No idea how they stay in business with those prices. Not worth the time.

I LOVE this place! I am not creative and can't make jewelry myself but I know what I like and I go here regularly to have them make something for me. Sometimes I bring my own jewelry to revise (add an "extender" to alter the length, repair it, etc). Sometimes I pick out something from their stock and have them make it to my specifications. And sometimes I buy their pre-made jewelry. They have lovely and reasonably priced chains and stones, cute stud earrings. Last year, I got 4 anklets made for around $65 (one sterling silver, one black tone metal, one gold plated and one rose gold plated). Today I got a necklace revised so I can make it shorter or wear long, got a necklace and anklet made from a chain I brought in and everything was just $40 with tax. Everyone is super nice and I definitely recommend this place. And you can bring your dog in as I usually do! read more

I liked it, it does have very high prices. I do have to say that if you walk into a store in Wicker Park and you expect the under the age of 23 girls behind the counter to lick your asshole for you just because you might buy something there, then go to Barneys or somewhere else. Maybe you should just smile at them and say hi first. Give them a break, they probably make 7 bucks an hour here. Everyone was pleasant and helpful and they checked out the goods I made and we chatted and I ended up getting some really, really cute beads and some silver chain. The selection was varied, but a little on the cheesy hippie end. but I had a pleasant time all in all. read more

I love this place. It's like a candy store for beaders. Staff is very very friendly. You can bring your projects and work on them in the store with some assistance from the staff. They also have workshops if you need to beef up a technique or learn a new one. read more

This place has soooo much stuff! I couldn't even look through all of it. I will definitely return to get a few supplies and make more jewelry. Sisters took me here to make chandelier earrings as part of my bachelorette party. They reserved a spot in the back in which an expert helped us in designing and making our earrings. I came up with a stupid complicated design and the lady not only helped make it a reality, she did the whole thing herself. That was a slight disappointment for me but she was insisting that she wanted me to go home with a nice looking pair. I probably would've been proud with misaligned and crappy looking earrings had I made them (think a kid's crappy scribbled drawing that gets put up on a fridge). However, I do appreciate that she cared that much and that I do have nice earrings to take home. It came out to be a bit pricey for what they were but I will come back for some of their unique supplies. read more

Just got home from a girl's night gathering here. I have very mixed feelings about my experience. Being very indecisive, I generally look to professionals to assist in the decision-making process and the overall inspiration for projects at crafty places as such. So here's how it went down. It was a Sunday night and we had a table of 6 girls with us. So they automatically charge a $10 fee per person for their help. Okay, fair enough. But keep in mind that there were six of us and really no other patrons. There were 4 employees working the store. I personally had three different employees trying to assist me, but then I would say "is this going to be a lot of work, or expensive or too challenging" and they would each have a different answer that usually drove me away from my original idea. Then they would just walk away. Finally, I got frustrated and headed back to the table empty-handed saying I was ready to cry because I was so overwhelmed (yes, sometimes I can be overly dramatic) and one of the employees offered to help me. She was great and didn't try to talk me out of what I wanted to do. So that was a step in the right direction. We gathered all the things we needed and went back. Now the three employees and the six of us sat doing our projects. The employees were like one of us, chatting away and exchanging anecdotes and being very personable and pleasant. Another plus. The chairs we sat on were cute to look at, but functional they were not. They were basically little beautiful tree stumps. This has very little to do with the experience, but thought I would throw that out there. While doing our projects the employees didn't really show us what to do as much as they took over our earrings and more or less just made them for us. I repeatedly mentioned that I wanted a chain to run through my beaded necklace and alas, my necklace came back completed sans chain. All of this would have been fine, not great, but if it weren't for the horrific end result which was the checking out I would have said this was an okay experience. So things aren't very clearly marked or labeled so it's easy to get carried away without realizing what you're spending but for the life of me I can't figure out how my simple little beaded necklace, like the kind you get at a Claire's cost me $60. My friend spent $90 on a necklace and now has to eat ramen for the rest of the week. Not a single one of us left without paying a minimum of $50 for things that we weren't overly impressed with. I now learned that to do the type of beading we did today, we could have easily bought beads, pliers, clasps, and rings at a craft store and made these things for a fraction of the price. I loved the idea of a place like this, but I just can't justify the cost especially because it was complete sticker shock! I also looked at the classes and for $60 you get to "learn" how to make something and a bracelet and earrings are included in that price - a much better deal than I feel we got. Like I said, I really liked the girls that we were working with if we were out at a bar let's say, but I'm sad that I can't love this place more and give it a better review. read more

I came to beadniks during the Do Division fest. They do have a variety of interesting items and you can spend at least an hour looking at things. They help you with projects and give recommendations on what looks good or how to approach a project. We asked them to make some necklaces for us, they were happy to oblige. I would recommend that you ask them for an estimate for parts and labor costs before they start making things, just so you dont get a surprise at the end when they charge you. Overall, cute store, nice designs and ideas and friendly people. You can even sit at the back and make jewelry and use their tools so in case you have repair projects you can do them here. read more

Can't comment on the ladies helpfulness in making accessories -- they just let me run around like a kid in a candy store selecting random beads! -- but can attest to the variety and quality -- very fresh and a good mix of moderately priced and higher-end unique beads, from glass to ceramic to vintage Lucite and carved semi-precious stone. For the size of the space it's nicely laid out and a great experience overall! For a half-hour bead-shop stop it was a bit pricey, but I'm quite happy with my purchases (mostly carved semi-precious stones and such)! The slumped glass rings caught my eye, but weren't part of my final purchase :( FYI: Prices for the bulk chain (choose from mixed-metals or actual silver) are on the sides of the spools -- slide them to the right to see the prices. There are trays and findings and all the usual stuff you'd usually find at a bead shop. read more

I love this shop!! The girls working are super helpful and it's easy to make your own piece of jewelry. (with the help of the girls and a $3 table fee) They have a great selection of crystals and stones to use. And if you're not very creative, they have finished jewelry for sale that are so amazing and chic. read more

So I went in here again last night looking for a large Hill Tribe Silver beed to round out a necklace that I am making for my mother. I have to say that, on second blush, this place fares better. The staff were helpful (and funny!) which was nice. I really like the cloisonne bead selection. They also have more gold filled findings than I had originally realized which is great. The prices are typical for a bead store (expensive as all heck) but I have come to expect that. I also took a look at the class schedule and have to say that they have some pretty great classes available - I plan on taking one soon. read more

Went there today with 2 of my cousins and was wowed! Everyone is so nice and the shop is adorable. THE BEADS! WOW- I can spend lots there. BUT I'm budgeting. I would love to buy one of their butterfly wing pendants. At a hefty price of about $80 I just couldn't- BUT it's worth it! The butterfly wings are found in the rain forest and no animals are harmed. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! They also have a class every Tues ($60) but you go home with a bracelet, necklace and earrings along with the tools needed and a 20% off coupon. Can't wait to go next Tuesday! read more

I swung by Beadniks this afternoon and had such a wonderful experience. All the associates as well as the owner, Lauren, were super fun, chatty, and helpful. A lot was accomplished in this visit: 1.) An associate helped me to fix a necklace that I have been meaning to fix for quite a while. 2.) I picked up a SUPER CUTE bracelet and pair of earrings. 3.) I made my own necklace (!!!) of course with some assistance from the same associate who fixed my necklace. I have read some reviews that this is a pricy place; it's certainly not cheap, but it is very reasonable considering the quality of the materials as well as the abundance of help available. I am very excited to come back and design some more of my own jewelry (for both gifts and myself). I am especially looking forward to coming back in a couple of months after my bridesmaids pick their dresses; this place helps design bridal party jewelry too! This place is seriously heaven on earth! Do yourself a favor and stop in- there is something for everyone there. read more

I had a $50 gift card from Christmas and figured I'd better spend it. I had no idea what I wanted, so one of the sales clerks showed me the inspiration books in the back of the store. I finally found something I liked and put the pieces together, but had to have them make it for me since I'm not a beader. Lauren was very helpful, however once I got started with the design I knew exactly what I wanted. They told me the estimate and I didn't think it was so bad - about $80 more than the gift card. When I came back the next day to pick up the piece, it was $130 above the giftcard, which was much more than they estimated. Another beadnik beader had done the piece, so she didn't know exactly what I wanted. It isn't exactly like the piece I laid out with Lauren, but anything I wanted changed would have cost me more and I wasn't willing to pony up any more cash. I like the variety of the beads and plan to take a class so I can do it myself in future - how hard can it be? The place is great - pretty pricey, but there's nothing closer to me with this much variety, so I may be back, but just to pick up some beads.... read more

I'm beyond happy with Beadnik's selection of fab beads. I use them in the hair barrettes I make, and neither myself, nor the clients I make them for, are ever disappointed. The staff there are sooooooo sweet and helpful, it's a dream. I highly recommend this place! read more

This place is amazing! The selection is amazing, it just goes on and on and on....The place is really well thought out concept and execution wise. The staff was really nice and the whole vibe of the place really is just very welcoming. I am a sometimes shy person who works with numbers bu am surrounded by artists in my family and friends so art stores intrigue and scare me....this place made me feel like I can make jewelry too - that anyone can. I really really fell in love with the place and am planing to encourage my niece to have her 11th birthday party here (their approach on kids birthdays really impressed me too. :-) A great little joint. read more

Had a blast at a Jewelry party the other day. Staff was friendly and extremely helpful (and patient). A touch pricey...would be my only complaint. Soooooo many beads it was a touch overwhelming at first.... but once I found the books with samples and got an idea the night took an unexpected turn. Can't wait to go back. read more

I signed up for a class there a few Sunday's back and was very impressed. The girls that taught the class were extremely patient and helpful and my jewelry turned out great. It was much more expensive than I had planned but I'm chalking that up to my own naivety. They have a great selection and were pretty much packed the entire time that I was there. If you do plan on a class, do not go by the time line that they post. I expected to be there from 12-2 and didn't end up leaving until around 4pm. And I was the first one done. read more

We used Beadniks for a recent bridal shower with a mixed age group of about 15 women. I must say, it was such a great choice of location. All the ladies had an amazing time. We were able to provide our own food and beverages, mingle and make some really cute jewelry. The staff was so helpful when it came to working with our budgets (who knew beads could be so expensive!). They were also very creative in their suggestions and execution of some of our ideas, literally assembling pieces for some of us. Great night! I highly recommend this for a group, or even on your own if you are feeling a creative streak coming on. Nothing better than getting a compliment on a piece of jewelry that you created! read more

After reading the reviews, I wasn't that excited to try this place out. But decided to try it this afternoon for their earring class. My first few minutes there was rather frustrating. It was very crowded and there wasn't enough staff to cater to the clueless jewelry creator wannabes. I stuck it out and finally got help from the class instructor. The class allows you to make 5 earrings for $20 + the cost of the beads. My problem is simply, I'm not crafty or original, I couldn't think of another design after 2 pairs so I just had to pay for the beads. Got two pairs for $15 and they're pretty cool. Bottom line...you will not see me selling any jewerly at the DIY shows, but it's fun. I suggest going on a day when there isn't a class. read more

I haven't actually stepped inside, but whenever i pass this place, it seems a lot this past week, i can't help but crack a smile at the sign... It reads, "Beadniks - DON'T WORRY BEAD HAPPY" Buahwahahahahahahaha. read more

This place has great selection of beads, materials for wraps bracelets, clasps, and lots of great ideas. The staff is super helpful too. They also have a pretty extensive class schedule. Hoping to get some friends together and go sometime. Definitely one of the better bead places in the city! read more

Stopped by yesterday and was amazed by this wonderful little spot :) They had a great selection of beads including stuff I have not seen anywhere else. I bought some chain, they have a deal going on... buy 5 ft get 1 free. Overall great experience, will be back soon! read more

I looove this place, the only thing I hate about it is how much money I spend when I checkout. There is something for everyone, and every budget. Somehow, I always look for the expensive stuff :o/ Oh well. Staff extremely knowledgable and helpful, and SWEET! Looking forward to taking my craft mother there for her birthday next month. Oh and I need to mention all the compliments I get on the unique jewelry that I have either made or bought from there, thats worth 5 stars in it's self. and it's all one of a kind! read more

I used to travel further North to a bead shop I had found there until I ran across this local jewel. The locale is perfect being that I live in a nearby neighborhood. Recently, I had my second and third visits to Beadniks. I was helped by a very helpful staffer Wendy. She helped me with everything I could have needed for all my projects and was patient enough to teach me what I felt I should or wanted to know myself! I'd definitely go back. If there is one downside, it would be the pricing...you definitely don't just pay for the pricing of your beads, and the additional couple of bucks may have you wanting to see the itemized printout of what you paid for, but from my experience, this holds true for an make it yourself Jewelry spot..but it's all worth it when you walk out loving what you made and it's all worth while when it becomes the topic of conversation when you're out and about or when someone offers to buy your jewelry right off of you! When I need some new conversation pieces or have a moment I want to commemorate a piece of jewlry for..I'll be at Beadniks..looking for Wendy! read more

I have been here a total of 2 times and both times I walked away with beautiful, one of a kind piece of jewelry along with a pleasurable experience. Don't let their huge amount of inventory intimidate you, beginner jewelry maker, there is a great staff who are more than happy to collaborate and build you a fantastic piece. I came in to get one of my favorite necklaces fixed and I didn't see the right chain to match; Allison worked with me and together we came up with the perfect solution. I then decided to make my friend a necklace for her bday with which, Alison helped. It turned out amazing and more importantly for me, very affordable!! Thanks Beadniks! I'll be back for sure, sooner rather than later. That ain't no jive, man. (get it? beatniks say that...ha ha) read more

We came here for a bridal shower and the experience was awesome. Allison helped me make the perfect necklace! read more

Beadniks - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois