I wanted to convert a vintage bag chain into a necklace, but was struggling to find proper hardware that would look good with the chain. (Ex. Size, color, plating) I had checked craft shops and stores, but couldn't find anything that was a good match. Earlier during a quick trip to Chapel Hill, I remembered this shop was in the same mall as Mulberry Silks and we decided to stop in during our next visit. It's kind of across from Mulberry Silks and is near a ladies boutique and the CBD cafe. The shop offers jewelry making tools, beads, closures, and some pre-made items as well. There is a small workspace where you can make jewelry there and I suspect that they may hold workshops or classes from time to time. (There are signs saying that the staff could also try to design/help create custom jewelry pieces for customers if they are interested.) I believe we've run into the owner both times I've gone in and she's usually working on something but will look up and greet customers. If they have questions, she is happy to help. I like that there are closures and jewelry parts available that are 18 KT plated gold, and in addition, there are some gold filled ones as well. We did ask the owner to take a look at our chain to see what size of the 18 KT plated closures would fit or suit the chain we brought best. She pointed out two sizes and felt we could go either way. We didn't have the proper tools at home to install the hardware onto the chain, so the owner was gracious to let us use the workspace and tools to attach the hardware to the chain. Prices for the hardware were reasonable. Also I appreciated that she had the workspace available for us to utilize when we needed the correct tools to add them to the chain. With regard to parking, it can be a toss up. There are a few surface lots you can park in, but one of them is shared with Harris Teeter and can get full. read more

After seeing a few other bead stores the area, Firefly is sensational. Not only is it beautifully laid out, but the selection of beads is amazing. And then there's the owner, Melanie ---- so helpful, accomplished, and personable. Melanie creates some wonderful pieces of jewelry. Anyone having ideas for creating something from beads will have a hard time deciding which ones to use; however Melanie is there to help in any way. If I could give more than five stars, I certainly would. read more

Being a professional artist and having moved to North Carolina in the last three weeks I was very pleased to come across this shop. The owner, Melanie Jackson, greeted me warmly when I entered and we quickly started talking about beads. Melanie stocks a fabulous selection of everything I could think of. Because I am still waiting for the moving company to deliver our things from Utah, I don't have my beading supplies to keep working. Not only does she have my favorite size 12 needles, she also carries a great variety of findings, crystals and gemstones, carved bone beads and other natural materials. Firefly saved the day! Thank you so very much! Sincerely, Annie of Ashbury Annie's. read more

Been meeting to get into this place for awhile now, but I always am working during their open hours. Finally made it in yesterday, to inquire about replacing the clasp on a beloved sterling silver necklace. The owner (I did not catch her name, unfortunately) repaired it for me on the spot with a clasp of my choosing. She mentioned they don't usually do on the spot repairs on Saturday as it is usually very busy, but I managed to come on a slow afternoon. The replacement was quick and cost me less than $10. I was very pleased with my experience! While I was waiting I saw some gorgeous beads on display. I plan on going back again soon to peruse those! read more

Do-it-yourself jewelry? Surely you jest! How shall the huddled masses adapt to their new found power? It shall be anarchy, say I! The formula here is this: The large, open floor of the store consists of bins of beads and stones and whatnot, all with their own prices. You collect a bag of beads, then head to the smaller portion of the store in the back where you assemble the beads into pieces of jewelry using wires and pliers and... What else is used in making jewelry? Nano-lathes? Sure thing. The whole system seems to be fairly smooth, and there's a staggering variety of jewelry that can come out of the place. I can't say for sure since I didn't wade through the sea of not-readily-apparent fees that are sure to infest such a place, but the prices seem very doable. The staff is by necessity very involved with all the customers, which seem to mostly be under 4 feet in height (children, not midgets). This is something new and different, and that's a huge virtue all its own. As if that wasn't enough, it produces fair quality jewelry as well. Woot. read more

What a beautiful selection at fair prices. The owner does repairs. They also teach classes. I was able to find just the right beads bring a old piece of jewelry back to life read more

This is an adorable bead and jewelry store in Carr Mill mall with a wide selection of beads and findings for jewelry making. My daughters and I stopped in to buy some jewelry for a birthday gift. We didn't have time to make it ourselves but one of the cool gals working there asked us to pick out the beads and she would whip up some earrings for us. She was able to make us a customized gift in minutes with the birthday recipients favorite color. We found the store pretty and inspiring with helpful staff and a beautiful array of beads and stones. We do some jewelry design at home so I am sure we'll be back for supplies. Worth a stop in and an asset to the Carr Mill mall and Carrboro. Much nicer than getting beads at Hobby Lobby plus local. read more

This place is great, wide selection, nice atmosphere (except for the like, fifteen ten-year-old girls...?), and pretty good prices. (more detail) Selection: very wide, ALMOST as wide as it gets. (I was looking for owl beads for my grandmother who is obsessed with Molly and McGee, the barn owls, but they didnt have any.) all sorts of materials, including sea glass, which i have never worked with before. Price: GOOD. VERY GOOD. but we are talking semi-precious stones, which are of course not cheap. AMAZING prices on individual beads, especially the Swarovski crystals, which are usually SO hard to find for a decent price, Service: A-Okay. not the most friendly, but i suspect little Hannah (or whatever her name was)'s birthday party had the one lady there a little tuckered out. She wasn't too weird about me asking for owl beads, either. read more

This is a great little bead store where you can create your own jewelry or buy something pre-made. Lots of gorgeous bead options. Staff was very helpful. I went in because they said they carry body jewelry and I found a nifty new piece for my nose piercing. This would be a fun place to take a child who wants to make themselves some unique jewelry. read more

This store is fun...even if you're not crafty, I don't know how you'll be able to resist sticking your hands into the bins and playing with all the beads. They've got bins all over the store, filled with beads of every shape, size, color, and material. There's also a large wall covered in strands of already strung beads - semiprecious stones, freshwater pearls, African wood and horn beads, and Czech glass beads. They also sell books and magazines about beads, as well. You can come in and work on a project in the store, or bring a group in to string beads together. read more

Firefly - From the Original Ornament Web site. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

This is a really open store with tons of jewels to create. They've been in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area for about 13 years. They have gorgeous stones and pieces for making your own necklaces, braclets and earrings, plus so much more. Stones from the Americas to Africa. Magazines loaded with tons of information and creative ideas on crafting your own gems. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. read more

Firefly - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

See all

The Original Ornament is hands-down one of my favorite little shops in the Triangle. They have a great selection of beads and fixtures from around the world and in all shapes, sizes, and materials. The staff is always very friendly and patient, which is great because unless you're an experienced beader, you're probably going to need their help. It can be a little pricey, depending on both what you're trying to make and the materials you want to use. I've made two necklaces in the store, both of which were around $30 when you include beads, fixtures, and labor from the staff. There is a small fee if you just choose the beads and then have an employee make the piece for you. The Original Ornament also hosts periodic beading workshops and has a small selection of cute beaded jewelry that you can buy if you're not feeling creative. read more

I really wanted to take classes with my yelp deal, but the fine print prevented me. I'll get back later for classes. I bought beautiful handmade jewelry instead. win, win. Great selection of beads. I can't wait to try to bead my own. read more

The BEST beading classes and best bead prices in the area. I have taken classes and shopped at Carr Mill Bead Store (Carrboro), Rare Earth Beads (Carrboro & Durham), and Beadazzled (Cary). Evan Smith (manager) at Carr Mill Bead store is hands down the best instructor. She adjusted her schedule for me, taught a fabulous class filled with great instruction and wonderful tips, and handed out detailed instructions to take home. All of the employees at the shop are very friendly and helpful. Carr Mill Bead Store prices are lower than the same items at Rare Earth Beads and Beadazzled. I rank Beadazzled #2 for instruction (#3 for price) and Rare Earth Bead # 2 for price (#3 for instruction). But Carr Mill Bead Store is #1 for both! read more

I called the store before going and the woman who spoke with me was very helpful. She answered my questions and was very patient with me. I have worked retail in the past and I know that sometimes,especially at Christmas, that you have to wait on in-store customers while on the phone. I appreciate that! When I arrived at the store a couple hours later,(unfortunately about 15 minutes before closing), she remembered our conversation and showed me where the items were located. She also helped me to find a particular earring finding. She did not try to rush me even though it was late. I did not have a chance to look closely at their beads because of the time. If customer service is important to you, you will find it here! read more

I love this place. I always get great service and beautiful jewelry. I've had jewelry made/repaired here and have been very happy with the results....Great prices too! read more

They have a great selection of beads and accessories from all over - a lot of African oriented stuff when I went in. But the one thing I found here which I didn't find at Michael's were brass eye pins - and some fancy clasps. They also have a lot of ready to wear jewelry - I bought a very nice bracelet made of very tiny beads. There is also someone who can make your stuff if you pick out what you want. She was too busy when I went, so I didn't bother. read more

No greeting, no offer of customer service, and one of the beads I purchased is improperly drilled. It was not worth the hour round trip from Cary. read more

Took my mom who is from wisconsin and has made over 200 pieces of jewelry. She loved the selection here. Some items were a little overpriced but overall it was good! read more

I found this store to have a nice selection and great customer service. They also had a large selection of finished products to get inspiration from. If I lived in the area I would definitely try some of their classes. read more

The sales girls were rude and condesending and not helpful at all. I'll shop elsewhere.

I went to the bead store under the recommendation of a local jeweler for repair of some necklaces that needed lenghtening. The sales lady was very creative and crafty and fixed them for me. She was willing to sit, listen and assist and did all the work for me at a very very good price. My hands are not able to do the small tasks but Jessica did them with great skill. I HIGHLY recommend this place and intend to come back for more restringing of my old beads that are cherished heirlooms. I have found it is difficult to find a repair place, you should advertise that you do this more - I am sure others are in need of this service too..... I left very very pleased with the service, price and location of the shop...... nothing bad, ALL GOOD..... many thanks for having such a highly skilled staff person to assist. read more