I'm not a crafty person and don't make jewelry, so in the 20 years that Country Beads has been open, I have never made a purchase, and I don't think I have ever set foot in the store. However, many a time I have looked at the colorful displays of beads in the window while walking by or waiting for the bus, so while I have always been aware of Country Beads, I have never had a need to go there. Then a couple of years ago I purchased a pendant at a craft fair and could not find the right chain to go with it. I remembered Country Beads and I was able to find the type of chain I needed, and I was able to customize it to just the right length as well. They also attached the clasp for me, and it was a very reasonable price--just a couple of bucks, whereas a jewellery store would have charged at least $20. From then on, I decided that I would go to Country Beads for all my necklace needs. Last year I purchased a couple of necklaces. They were cheap (about $30 for both), but I loved them as they went very well with several of my outfits, and people always complimented me on them. So I was worried when they broke in a way that I, a non-crafty person, could not fix, then I thought of Country Beads, and was pleased to discover that they do repairs as well. The price of repairs is $20 an hour plus materials (the materials are not terribly expensive, though), and I figured that based on the type of repairs that needed to be done (which seemed very complicated to me), it would cost me more than the price of the necklaces. But I loved my necklaces so much that I was willing to pay whatever it took. So I was pleasantly surprised when the bill came to only $26--$15 for labour, and the rest for materials and tax. And my necklaces are as good as new. So whenever I need a chain or a repair, Country Beads will be my go-to place. Go to Country Beads for all your necklace needs! read more

Give your credit cards, debit cards, and any pocket change to someone responsible before entering this store. Because when you are in throws of filling your ice cube tray with delicately beautiful pearls of glass and clay, it is very difficult to stop. In fact, you are likely to convince yourself to buy the strings of semi-precious stones behind the back counter and start your own jewelry making business--forgetting that you've never made anything for anyone beyond your mom and your best friend. Country Beads offers unbelievable beauty and variety in its beads. But just like saving change in a big jar, those beads add up very quickly. My advice? Head to the back of the store and look for pre-packaged collections of coordinating beads. You'll end up happier with the selection (since it's picked by a professional) and less poverty stricken. read more

Country Beads - Art Supplies Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Wonders for people that wants to make their own bracelets and earrings, TERRIBLE CUTOMER SERVICE at this place! I was in and out more than 10 times, been buying strands here regularly but the owner and staff are genuinely unfriendly. I wish there are other places in town that sells strands and offers classes and service that doesn't give this type of attitude towards their customers! read more

I'm a complete newbie regarding the bead world and making necklaces or bracelets.. came in to Country Beads with no doubt, ridiculously dumb questions and was greeted in such a welcoming manner. Very helpful staff that made me feel most encouraged that I could actually create something nice. They were very knowledgeable and did not at all talk down to me or make me think I was dumb. I will be most certainly coming back to create fun things and am going to take their beginners course next week! Thankful to find a store where service is abundant and done with a smile. read more

I made two men's necklaces with beads from this store. The first one, I made in May 2018, cost me about $35 initially. I wanted it to be white and silver, so the staff showed me options of shell, bone and African gun metal. At first, the necklace was amazing, but after about 6 months of normal wear, the bone had turned yellow and the "silver" gun metal had turned copper, while the shell remained pure white. The yellow bone looked awful in contrast to the shell. In November 2018, when I took it to show the staff, they told me this was to be expected since those beads I had selected are natural. I was disappointed since the intent of the piece was to be white and silver, which I had told them during my initial purchase. To fix the piece, I asked for beads that would not change color. Without any offer of discount or compensation for the issue, I paid an additional $25 and got solid white stone, with stainless steel and had to dissemble and reassemble the necklace. During that same visit that I explained my disappointment about the white necklace, I asked for advice on making a black and silver piece, with a matching bracelet. I expressed my concern that I didn't want the beads to change color and asked for recommendations. I was shown glass beads. The staff explained to me that the glass beads are "coated" with color, but expressed that they are durable and as long as not worn in water, etc, would. I spent another approx $35 and got the black and silver glass beads. As I made the black and silver necklace and bracelet, I ran out of beads. I went back to the store and spent an additional $25 on more beads. It is now only four months later, and the coating of the beads has begun to peel off, revealing white underneath, as shown in the attached photos. I took the black and silver piece to show the staff. One girl remembered me as I reminded her of the issue I'd had with the white and silver piece. She basically told me it was "how my boyfriend was wearing the beads" that has caused the issue, while the other staff member told me "it was common sense not to use glass beads if I wanted it to last". As options to replace the peeling necklace, they showed me hematite stone and stainless silver beads. I wondered why they hadn't suggested this in the first place when I was there in November. I asked if I could leave the damaged necklace for the manager to see, and indicated that I wished to get the hematite and silver beads, otherwise the necklace and bracelet are useless. I requested that the manager consider giving me a discount for 2 strands of hematite beads ($22 each) plus 25 stainless steel beads ($1 each). The manager called a few days later and told me she had never "seen anything like it before and it must be the way my boyfriend had mishandled the necklace" but she would give me 10% off. What kind of customer service is this? I have spent a total of $121.49 on only TWO necklaces, and would have to spend an additional $70, and all you can offer me is $7 discount? Not to mention my time making and re-making the pieces, and the embarrassment of the gifts I had given to my boyfriend that seemed cheap and he gave back to me. Country beads, your staff are rude and un-helpful, and your management has very poor service values. I would not recommend anyone spends their money in your store. read more

See all

I remember being little and obsessed with bead work! So much so, that I begged my mom to drive me down to Granville Island nearly every weekend, to visit the bead shop by the market and pick out new beads with which to make my creations. Now, the bead shop is just around the corner from where I live, and I can stop by any time to admire and buy colourful beads by the bagful, check out the latest pieces the staff and other customers have been working on, get new ideas for potential creations, and drool over pretty beading accessories and tools. A definite must-shop for the bead lover! read more

Country Beads - Art Supplies Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

I'm new to Vancouver and thought I'd get back into beading and taking some classes to meet new friends. So I yelped bead stores in the area and Country Beads got a good review so thought I'd pop in and check them out. The store itself is stocked with plenty of beads and supplies, however, the staff didn't even acknowledge I even walked into the store! I thought that was alittle rude considering I was the only customer in the store. Needless to say, I walked out with nothing. read more

This is a 3.0 for their introductory beading class. I am true beginner in that I know nothing about beading. I took this class because I thought it would be a good idea to design my own jewelry to accessorize my outfits with and perhaps learn to fix some of my old jewelry. I attended a fully booked class (7). Unfortunately, this resulted in a rather cramped table in the middle of the store. (They need to either reduce the number of students, or increase the table size and move it to another location in the store.) It would have been helpful to have a leaflet or something with illustrations of the tools and definitions of things we used/techniques during class. I forget easily, especially when I'm learning something new. Despite that, I did manage to follow the instructor and successfully made my earring and bracelet. I was looking forward to using my 10%off for that day only, but was told that it only applied to beads (I only wanted to purchase tools). I'm not sure whether I would have had a different experience had there been another instructor or a bigger table, but I'm still interested in beading and would like to take more classes. Since I did learn something about beading (though I can't remember the correct terminology) and figured out how to fix my old jewelry, I would say I accomplished my goals. Until I stumble upon another class somewhere else with elbow room, Country Beads will have to do...just be careful not to drop a bead or two on the floor... read more

I could have written the same review as Margaret H. Just read her review because my experience was **exactly** the same. Two staff working, only one other customer in the store and they were reluctant to help and acted like it was a burden. One of the gals working had an Aussie accent. I think this store is hit and miss -- I was in there once before a long time ago and the gal that helped me was great. read more

This is one of my *favourite* bead stores. My sister introduced me to Country Beads while in high school, and she taught me how to make earrings too. Grab a price-labelled ice cube tray and start shopping. I am always shocked by how much I manage to spend because of all the pretties. I could spend hours going through each and every drawer and container. Seed beads, Swarovski crystals, hand-carved wooden beads, handmade glass beads, freshwater pearls, leather cord, hemp string, chain, findings, and more. They do have some workspace in which they do classes, and there are various price-points. If you want to buy by the bead, you can do singles, but you can also get strings of one type, or lengths and lengths of chain. Or you can get a little baggie of jump rings or shepherds hooks. I love that when I was beginning to bead I could just buy enough for 2 or 3 projects without committing hundreds of dollars. But of course, you do get discounts for volume. As well, they have Frequent Buyer Card--once you spend $100 pre-tax you get $10 off the following purchase. Fine print: Valid on beads and findings only, wholesale items excluded, $5 minimum in-store purchase, card expires in 2 years. read more

WHOA! My first bead store experience! I came in on a mission to make myself a bracelet but quickly found myself severely distracted by all the pretty beads! I was overwhelmed. The staff was awesome. They set me in a direction, patiently helping me make up my damn mind! I was in there for over an hour! Good on the staff for that! Wow, was I ever needy! All in all, I fun and inspiring experience! Putting my beads together as we speak.... read more

So many beads... and so little money. God dammit, why are beads sooo expensive? And how come every time I walk into a bead establishment I always blow at LEAST $20 on like three things? Anyways, this place has such a great selection of beads and findings. Metal beads, glass beads, wooden beads, crystal beads, and chunks of beautiful stones. So what are ya'll waiting for? Go check it out and make some one-of-a-kind jewelry that you can brag about to your friends who still wear things from Claires. Bazinga! read more

I have relapsed back into my beading addiction, sigh, blame it on the weather. And this store is definitely an enabler. One of the best selections of semi-precious beads in town and definitely has a superior selection in leather cords, strings and such. Had been looking for a 1.5mm leather cord at nearby bead stores and finally found it here. Also has more buttons than the average bead store if you can't make it to a specialty button store. The prices may be slightly higher but the awesome advice and passion that the staff provide outweigh the savings, if you can even find the same items elsewhere. They spent the time to help me choose beads for a project in the middle of a busy weekend afternoon. This store is like crack for any beader, from the virgins to the hobbyists to the compulsives! read more

Forget this place!!!! Over priced, staff is not kind and they have no parking. This is the first bad experience I've had in Canada thus far. Yeah, I'm from the states, big deal, however when I asked these tarts for change, the employee took my money to the lady in the back. Lady in the back comes to the store floor, looks at me and whisper some trash to the employee. Employee comes back and says she could only give me change if I was buying something. Ok. What the fuck did the think I came into the store for? Change from a bead shop for parking?! I felt not welcome, the lady in the back looked at me like I didn't belong there. If you have any hint of a person of color, don't shop here. They aren't friendly. Drive out to Granville, it WAY WORTH it. AVOID!!! read more

Worst Staff. I give them 2 stars because they do have a good selection and I can usually find what I need. Its very close to where I live so I usually go here but every time I go the staff is just as rude or worse than the last time. They seem unhappy, impatient and as though by just walking in you are become a burden. I have rarely been greeted when walking in even though the store is very small and usually only has 0-2 other people inside. I went in again today and found what I needed but that was the last time, both staff on duty were rude, unhelpful and made me feel like inconvenience, not to mention speaking down to me when it came to other supplies I may need for my project-even if I did not know what I was doing I would want helpful, constructive advice. I'm done with this store. read more

The business has a good selection of beads and stones, however the staff is rude and pathetic! One of the girls has a terrible superior attitude, not at all friendly. They seem to be busy and little they care about the clients I felt uncomfortable so I walked away soon after Better to go back to the stores on Granville Island! read more

So in my imaginary world of "When Larry Met Jodie" (take on When Harry met Sally). There was this scene where Larry was learning how to make friendship bracelets and anklets and making fancy creative things with beads and clasps and leather strings. Poking through a tray of beads and picking out the ones that looked useful. "Jodie would say, "Larry what do you think we'll be doing when were 80?" To which Larry replied in an old mans voice "baby. We're gonna be sitting at the table with our scrabble and making smacking noises with our gums and our false teeth sitting next to us in their respective jars. I'll make you a fancy necklace while you sew me up a fancy bracelet in all kinds of techno colours. And we'll both remember the days when we lived in our cool Levis 501's. Smoking by the stove singing to 80's music and chatting all night long about nothing." Her answer was "now that's just a stupid dream.... I'm keeping my teeth" Kind of a weird intro into my review here but I have memories of beads and stuff here. So when I was here on my last visit. That's what I thought of. So anyways........ I bought some beads to make a nice keychain with name on it for my friends daughter. Hope she likes it. You can really just spend hours if you wanted to just looking for the right combination colour and clasps. Staff are friendly and always helpful. My bead shopping companion this day was polite enough to let me follow her path to this little gem of a store that has been in this neighborhood for so long. Inspiring the art and craft that they know so well. read more

I just had the most lovely service. I spent an hour in this store and the staff is amazing. Attention to detail does not go unnoticed. Selection is awesome. So many lovely finds. Thank you! read more

The sale was super confusing. Although very cool selection and they stock the item I was looking for.

As a child, my younger sister was obsessed with beads. All over her room were jars filled with clear ones, pink ones, opaque, glittered.. in all shapes and all colours, beads dominated her life and our home. Her chubby little arms waving excitedly, her eyes brimming with anticipation... I can't walk by this place without thinking of her and her obsession. Needless to say, I spend a lot of time here during my teenage years. Worn and tired of my sister's hobbies, I was the one sent to accompany her as she agonized over which bead was worthy of being part of her necklace and Country Beads has a very extensive collection so it took a while. A long while. read more

A bit more expensive than what I'd normally pay for seed beads and findings and such. I'd rather order online and buy twice the amount of beads for the same price. Ok selection, somewhat helpful staff. read more

Good selection, but rude staff. I wanted to browse their selection of gemstones, only to be treated like I was wasting her time. Despite me saying that I just wanted to browse, she kept trying to show me different things that I was not interested in. When I said that I didn't want what she showed me, she gave me a look like she wanted me to leave the store, so I did. I will not be going back. read more

I'm not a super crafty person nor am I an avid beader but I can't imagine how this store could be any better. I decided to make personal wine charms for the chicks in my wine club. This is the first time I'd set foot in this place. Whoa - what a selection! They had the rings that I needed for the base and sooooo many beads of every colour, shape and price range. Pick up a little ice cube tray first and then put your beads in the slot for its price range. So many people were heading up to the till not knowing the price of their beads. Do they really think the cashiers have the price of every bead memorized?! I spent less than $20 to get everything I needed to make 10 wine charms. The letter beads were the priciest at 75 cents each but I was able to find plenty of pretty coloured glass beads at 30 cents each to accent them. I will totally go back and look for other cool items to make. read more

Excellent service and encouragement sent in my direction- a person who is decidedly not crafty and can barely tie a knot in my shoelaces successfully. My mother and I went in with some jewelery that needed re-stringing and a new clasp or bead or two. This store has made a great choice in employing a young, grey-haired lady with a pretty purple ring who had replaced the clasp in my mother's necklace almost before I could turn around. Then she helped me pick an extra bead from the store's well-chosen, interesting and, even (gulp) inspiring selection. I've been here before to have re-stringing and small repairs done and the staff is so helpful. The store and their pretty beads (a tiny dinosaur charm caught my eye) create an atmosphere of creative possibility. The prices for re-stringing are very reasonable but this time mine was so simple that she said I could try doing my bracelet myself. She clearly believes in me and I feel a bit teary just thinking about it. Now I have to be sure to do her proud as I knot my elastic cord. read more

This shop caters to bead stringers and has a decent assortment of findings, crystals, pearls and semi-precious stones. It is NOT the place for bead stitchers or bead weavers! Asked if they have size 15 seed beads I was directed by the manager to a handful of baggies full of size 11 Delicas. No KO or 1G thread, only nymo. If you're in Vancouver, you have to get your supplies online unfortunately. read more

After posting my review regarding the class I took and the dissatisfaction I felt I decided to call the store and express my views. I have to say that they were fantastic when I explained what had transpired and that it is their goal that the consumer attending the class leave with a finished product. They offered to refund me for the class and their customer service was excellent. I would now recommend taking any of their classes as they clarified you should walk out with a finished product! read more

Rude and unhelpful staff. I was about to pick up a few more items on my way out that caught my eye after completing my original purchase but the staff were so awful I thought I'd rather go give Michael's my money. read more

Margret H and Zen T both had the same experience as I did- even down to the employee with the Australian accent. The staff were rude, mostly unhelpful and made it seem when I asked questions that I was an inconvenience. They answered some of my questions, but it was not as if they wanted to help me. In fact, I was an inconvenience to them because they actually had to stop chatting with one another and help a customer as there were "better things to do". The male staff member with tattoos and the Australian woman "helped" me at their respective times, both feeling reluctant to help. I should mention that on a separate occasion I popped my head in and there was another woman with a Spanish accents who was fabulous- sadly she was the only employee who was helpful. It is unfortunate because I love the beads in the store and making things there. This experience led me to write the review because it is important for future customers to know more or less what they are about to get themselves into. read more

I just paid $3.50 for 2m of thread and the sales woman didn't even say "please" when she asked for the money or "thanks" when I gave it to her. Specialty shoppe attitude.... read more

Took two pieces into this place today and was delighted how easy they were able to repair both, great service and helpful staff, very reasonable price too. read more