Beads Forever

I wish I could give this place zero stars. My friend and I came in here today pretty excited about getting some beads for a project. We were the only customers in the store, and were not acknowledged at all by the salesperson. My friend asked to see something behind the counter and the salesperson seemed put off when she decided not to purchase that particular item. The beads were very pricey for such poor quality. Furthermore, their selection was clearly no better than what you could get at the bead section of walmart, and obviously poorly made (for example, metal findings were bent in odd shapes or clasps not even closing all the way). At the counter the salesman was extremely rude. He seemed agitated when we asked if they accepted cards (no, but whatever we had cash), and rolled his eyes at us impatiently when I was counting out change. As we were leaving my friend realized that she had been overcharged and was owed two more beads. When she approached the salesman, he grunted, grabbed the two additional beads, thrust them in her hand and then roughly brushed by her as he passed by.
I was appalled by such blatantly rude service. I regret not asking that guy what his deal was. I will not be going back and I strongly recommend shopping elsewhere!

Wonderful selection of beads and findings. Friendly staff. I made a number of earrings with the selection I made. Will go back!

I understand you have a lot of shoplifting with small merchandise like beads. But there are many potential creative solutions to secure your merchandise while also maintaining accessibility to your customers. Shopping for beads requires being able to look closely, feel and examine beads. It is difficult to do this in a store where half the merchandise is several feet behind a counter. On top of that barrier, I was actually astonished by the level of rudeness from the staff here. It takes some extra effort to be that nasty to your customers.

Wished I was writing a better review for a very well located store.
The staff were okay, but not overly friendly. I got the feeling they experience a lot of shoplifting so even before they could ask, I offered to leave my oversized tote at the front of the store.
The bead selection is limited and not at all competitively priced. Except for the fun location on Hawthorne no real reason to visit this shop.

This is a cute little bead shop for the average crafter, not a great selection though of swarovski crystal beads, found the selection to be small and overpriced $ 1-​$ 2 a bead, sorry but I’m use to General Bead in SF!
Looks like a good selection of wood and pearl beads though

They have a fine selection of beads, findings, and chain. But, their assertion that they are the «friendliest bead store in town» is absurd!!!
I have never ever had anyone be actually ‘friendly’ there AT ALL!
It is also ridiculously expensive for what it is — more than most bead stores in Portland. I guess it is because they are on Hawthorne? I don’t know but either way I would suggest checking out other places.

Ok, so this was my first experience beading and it was a lot better than I had expected. I’m not really into hippy or new age-​y stuff so I was concerned that I wouldn’t find any beads to my liking. I had wanted to make a chunky necklace for the office, to dress up plain outfits. Even when I got there I became a little discouraged because it’s difficult to envision the beads as an ensemble and how they will look together when strung. Going around to all the bins took a while but eventually it all started to come together.
Beading is really simple and quite fun. And moreover, it’s relaxing. My necklace (everything included) cost $ 24.10 and looks better than ANYTHING I might find at the mall stores for that same price, and PLUS I have the amazing satisfaction that I made it myself. It is a one-​of-​a-​kind creation. In addition, I got several compliments on it the night I wore it out, which felt sooo good.

Beads Forever is (you guessed it) a bead store located in the heart of Hawthorne. With plenty of materials to satisfy even finicky beaders, this is a good resource for crafters and beaders.
Not only do they sell seed beads and every other bead you can imagine in nearly every color, they also sell cord, tools, and other supplies to complete your project when you get the crafty urge to bead your heart out. Forever.