Off the Beading Path

I walked into the store with my family I greeted the owner because she didn’t and was ignored, thinking she was busy I looked for her to see if she was busy… She was not. STRIKE ONE!
We continued to browse the store and as was showing my cousin a rock when it accidentally fell. Accidents happen but the owner yelled out she «loud sounds make her nervous» well that’s what happens when you put rocks in a glass bowl. DUH! We apologized for dropping the stone and verified that nothing was broken. The owner than continued to whine on and on about how there was no corporate for her to pay for her broken items. More whines followed but all I could here was wahhhh wahhhh wahh. I had decided she didn’t deserve my money STRIKE TWO!
Unfortunately my cousin decided to buy one of the stones but then our whiny villain continued to complain about karma getting us. Righttttttt! We exited the store leaving my cousin behind to pay. Our villain Whiny McWhinerson then continued to complain about us to my cousin. STRIKE THREE!
But alas your heroes prevailed and only spent 4 $ in the villains lair of bad customer service and awful attitude. I hope for her sake she gets plastic bowls and joint to smoke for her bad nerves.

Great store. Small but quaint and a good selection. The prices are comparable (unless the online store is having a sale, then of course it’s gonna be cheaper), but an actual store allows you to actually see and feel the beads in person before you buy. Friendly owner that was very helpful to me and even ordered more supplies for me that she didn’t have in stock, for my next visit. This was my second visit to this store and will definitely be going back.
Also wanted to note, it was my second visit to a bead store that day… Potomac Beads was my first, and a huge disappointment.

I was unable to get very far into the store without having to leave due to the awful customer service. My sister in law accidently dropped a rock bead about a quarter of an inch back into the bowl of beads and the owner came over to verify the bead was not damaged and to tell us not to touch anything. I can’t beleive a store that is supposed to be for fun acts like they’re a super expensive antique shop or dome thing. Awful experience :(

Great shop! I lived in OCQ when the store opened. Denise does a really nice job of finding unique beads and keeping supplies in stock. I always find something new that I haven’t seen elsewhere. I have taken two of the classes offered and they were also great. Denise is very helpful and friendly and it is always worth the drive.

I have to admit, I don’t nearly get as much time to make beaded goodies as I do with anything else, so while I was meandering around Occoquan and stumbled upon this little treasure, I had to go in.
The beads here are… different. I’m not saying better or worse than Michael’s, but they will definitely make for different types of jewellery, which means I had to pick up a few accent pieces, of course. A beautiful clay-​fired (?) cherry blossom pendant and a rose quartz ankh. I’m still wondering what to do with them, to be honest.
The 4 star got bumped up to a five because of the great customer service. The guy greeted me off the bat and was always around to provide assistance without being too overbearing. I bought stuff worth only $ 6 and they usually don’t accept credit card under $ 10, but he went through with it for me anyway! How nice of him!

I love this store! And despite what Lizz stated in her review, I am very much under 40 and love this store as do my friends. LOL (I am not exactly sure what makes a bead shop not «boring» and more exciting other than adding a bar. *Shrugs*) The owner is very knowledgeable and answers all of my questions. When I get stuck on a project, she’s always very helpful to point me in the right direction. Thanks to her wire wrapping class, I am now selling projects for a very good return on investment. I’ve also taken her leather-​wrap bracelet class with two other ladies (yes, they WERE over 40), which was great. The selection of natural stone beads is really nice, and it’s nice to see the stones in person before buying. Also, I’ve also overheard both the owner and an employee recommend other bead shops in the DC metro area, which is pretty awesome! The only drawback is the lack of parking, but that’s Occoquan’s issue, not the bead shop’s; it does mean that I have to plan when I shop in order to find parking. But knowing that I am supporting a local mom/​pop shop makes the parking inconvenience worth it.

I love going here. A very expensive habit for me since I tend to grab many strands of beads every time I visit. Love Denise and her hubby. They always chat with me when I’m in the store. I’ve taken one chainmaille class which was great. I hope to attend other classes in the future.

I found this store about four years ago. Back then I found that the lady/​owner lacked of customer service skills. It still the same.
Recently, I had to visit the store because I was looking for wire guards which I buy usually thru an internet supplier.
The good: I was happy to see that the store carries them. She also has the best crimping beads I ever used. I have an online shop and I sell my necklaces so sometimes I run out of supplies and it is great to be able to have a store near me where I can get the wire guards instead of waiting 5 days to be shipped.
The bad: This store is small and boring. I think the owner targets 40 and over (which might not sound fair because I am 40 but I like youthful and fun beads). There is not a variety of beads to choose from and she is not up to date what is going on the bead industry. I understand she is trying to have a «classy» store and is very proud to mention that she does not carry plastic beads or things that could be found at Michaels but she doesn’t carry either acrylic chunky beads or fun pendants, which I think is pretty boring. She also charges a lot for a single clasp which makes me go bakc to order from FMG. When I questioned the lady about buying packages of clasps or by the dozen, she seem annoyed.
Overall the store is ok for people who are looking for a quick find and don’t have time to order online and wait.

I have found an expensive new hobby and it’s all Denise’s fault. I’ve lived in Occoquan for almost a year now and I had never ventured into the bead store until last month. It was just something I never explored — I was always into knitting, but I had never gotten into beading. (I was probably trying to save my pocketbook.) Heck, I didn’t even know HOW to bead. Lucky me, this store offers classes, reasonably priced, and a large variety of them, too! Basic beading, sure, as well as pearl knotting, and even chain maille. Denise is patient and helpful, and gives good advice, if you ask.
The store is brightly lit, has a decent variety of beads, and she seems to have more in every time I go in. Classes are held in the back of the store and if there’s no class going on, you can feel free to pull up a chair and work on your projects in-​store.
So why only four stars? I’m thinking of those folks who aren’t fortunate to be within walking distance — parking is a bit of a hassle. The shop is on a one-​way street and has no assigned parking for its patrons — you have to take your chances with the rest of the folks coming to shop in Occoquan, and there’s just not very much room for that. Still, a small price to pay for such a charming little beading shop. After all, you could always come by early and beat the rush!

The lady was so rude and condescending yesterday. I would not recommend this place based purely on that fact. But, the selection was also small and out of date I thought.

Great local bead shop. Friendly staff and huge selection of bead strands and unique stones. Very helpful and they have tons of beading classes from beginers to advanced, I spend my paychecks here!