Um if this is not on your list of places to go when you visit Chicago then, it should be! I recently went on a whim and they did not disappoint. The staff was friendly and patient with me as I picked out my jewelry. This was an unique experience I'm glad I got to have to make jewelry that felt like it was made for me (maybe because it actually was :) 5/5 stars read more

Nice place, I've never been before and was just walking around when I found it. Good selection of beads and charms and helpful staff. Will be back! read more

Have shopped here multiple times and always love what I get! It's a great experience and fun to be part of making what you get to wear. Also feels good to support a locally owned business. read more

I absolutely love coming in here and walking out with my very own piece. Now, they might not be the most friendly at first, but if you approach them, they are more than willing to help. The employees can sometimes quickly jump in and teach you something without signing up for a class (extra charge), or, they can even make the jewelry for you while showing you what they're doing. I've done both and learned a lot either way. I would highly recommend them to any novice or expert. read more

Following my rather bad experience, I thought I at least had left with a nice piece of jewelry. Unfortunately, the quality of the jewelry that they are charging for is quite poor. I don't wear my jewelry in the shower, while swimming or even exercising, and specifically with the charm necklace I made I only wear it on select occasions and carefully put it in my jewelry holder. My necklace has somehow started to tarnish and turn almost brown/grey with extremely minimal wear and careful keeping/cleaning practices. I'm astounded that I paid so much for what seems to be such cheap jewelry. read more

I enjoyed my jewelry making experience at Beadniks! My sister and I made hand stamped necklaces! We were able to pick our pendants, chain, and we were able to hand stamp our creations ourselves! The staff is very helpful in regards to jewelry suggestions and how to use the stamper. I did not feel rushed during the time I spent at Beadniks! There is something for every budget here and you are able to work with the staff to find out what works for you. We will definitely be back here to make more pieces. Great store to make a gift, add to your jewelry collection, or have a girls day out! I attached pictures of our visit below! read more

Beadniks - Our hand stamped necklaces - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My sister and I were so excited to get matching permanent bracelets. She had come into town to visit me and we had made a reservation. We were under the assumption that the reservation deposit would go towards the bracelet cost it did not. Every other place that does permanent bracelets do not have a deposit that does not go toward the cost. So we ended spending an absurd amount for bracelets each, because the prices were not explained to us period. We were not knowledgeable because the worker was so rude. She was so ignorant of questions, remarks, and overall customer experience. It's really upsetting because we were so excited to go and ready to have a good time. The employees should've been more pro active in our experience and it's sad. Do not go here. read more

What a great idea - but the execution is poor. Charm selection was horrible, could not find a single "A" charm in any of the formats. It clear they're not keeping up with the demand by replenishing charms quick enough. The charms that were there were odd and not my style. Worth a shot but we didn't end up purchasing anything sadly. Maybe if you went on a day after they got new charms in, your experience would be better. read more

I agree with some of the reviews listed here. Beadniks has a great selection of beading items, but the customer service is lack luster. I've shopped there often over the past 5 years and each time I visit, I get the same impression. Most of the sales people are not friendly nor are they helpful. I once got a friendly sales person, but she must have stopped working there because I have not seen her since that visit. I hope that the owner take some time to seriously consider the "poor customer service" reviews and work with the staff to be more inviting.....unless the owner is the one that models such behavior. Know that there are plenty other customers that have the same experience, but do not take the time to write a review. They just don't come back. read more

A staple in Chicago's Wicker Park. This store and team has been embedded in the DNA of Chicago. I've been coming for years and it always makes for a cool experience and is great for gifts.. challenge your status quo and do something fun while supporting a unique and respected store. Dont Worry, Bead Happy! read more

Very much so racism vibes. Culture vulture. Didn't even greet us when we came in. Didn't want to spend my money here. Weird vibes for PoC. Yikes. read more

This place has the rudest staff and extremely high prices!!! don't go if you don't want to feel poor and dumb cause the manager looks you up and down all because you didn't want to buy a 100 dollar bracelet read more

ZERO STARS!!!!! The workers were extremely rude, was literally greeted with "what is the deal with you guys". Extremely disappointed with my first time in chicago, staff was RUDE, and told us they weren't taking in any walk ins whenever it was walk-in ours. Don't recommend coming if you are a minority, all of the negative reviews for this business so far are POC's. read more

I only discovered this place about a week ago or so. I was looking for places to get crystals for my newfound rock collection. You'll find some of the most common crystal selections here such as quartz, calcite and amethyst and small pocket size ones. They however have a wide selection of gemstones for jewelry making - which is the forte of this establishment. It's the mecca for jewelry crafting. They offer workshops also and teach you basics. Check out their website for their class offerings and other services. Jessica, our staff, was very attentive and helpful during our Stringing 101 session. They give excellent and honest advise. I will be coming back for more "making". Great for GNO's, special gifts which you yourself make or design; or simply indulging :) read more

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I love this store! They have an amazing selection and the staff are super friendly and helpful.

Just bought a new chain I've been thinking about for a year now. They were so helpful and quick and friendly with guiding me through the purchasing process. Support your local business!! Thank you Beadniks!! read more

Ive been a customer since they open. Lauryn and the crew go the extra mile. i have made so many wonderful pieces and brought a group in to make charm necklaces. It's a small place and you need to make a reservation, so don't show up insisting to be taken without holding a space in advance and treat these lovely people kindly. We go again and again and Lauryn has made me so many wonderful pieces. She even reaches out to my husband to suggest special pieces for my birthday and other occasions... I love supporting small businesses and this is an amazing one read more

Emily literally saved my life.... My building was on fire while I was making my bracelet and so my creative process was not interrupted she ran 4 blocked and up 5 flights of stairs to save my cat. I owe her my life. read more

I want to give my honest opinion on my experience from going there. I went with a couple friends for a girls day in the city. We made an appointment for the custom charm jewelry months ago and we're very excited. When we arrived we were handed a plastic bag and instructed to place charms we liked in them and place prices on the outside. After picking charms we were told to pick a chain from the chain wall. We were then demonstrated a very quick tutorial of how to use the tools and then we took a seat and began making our pieces. For one the chain you pick drastically changes the style and aesthetic of your charms and I personally believe you should pick your necklace first as I then had to change up many of my charms. The quick demonstration was no match for how hard it is to place the charms on the necklace yourself without any assistance from the staff. as the time went on the staff then came over to tell us other parties will be arriving and we need to hurry up. I asked for assistance in finishing my necklace and was rushed to the counter where payment is kept for assistance. They placed the incorrect charms on my necklace and the spacing was off. I was so rushed I did not even realize until after I left the charms were incorrect. I paid 170 dollars for a necklace that I left feeling as though I was kicked out with no support making and will look at hating. This is a warning this is not a class but rather a very expensive DIY without any support. It felt the store did not have the support needed for the volume they were booking and cared for the bottom line which was taking your money. would not recommend read more

Worst customer service I have ever experienced. I had planned to go for a friend's birthday and called twice (because I was hung up on the first time) and the woman told me twice that they do not take reservations and they are walk in only. My group comes in on my friend's birthday and they said they cannot help me because they only take reservations. I explained that I was told I could not make a reservation and she was incredibly rude and told me she could give us charms "if I have pliers at home". I have heard terrible things before about the workers there so I should have listened. Do not give this place your business. read more

Bad Service. Over priced. Uncomfortable vibe. I came here with my son to scout as a location for my nieces birthday party. From the moment we walked in it was obvious we weren't welcome. My son is very into different kinds of rocks so I bought him some overpriced rocks and a pair of earrings for myself. He was so excited for his new rocks! They obviously couldn't wait for us to leave and were super rude during the check out process. I honestly would have left without purchasing anything if he wasn't so excited. You really get the feeling they hate kids or they simply hate their jobs. Either way, we are definitely not throwing a party here let alone stepping for here again. I'm not sure if anyone reads these reviews but I live in the neighborhood and I like to shop locally when I can and I will be taking my business elsewhere. read more

Nice store with large selection. My wife and I went for part of a date night and we had fun. That said, most of the staff were incredibly rude, arrogant, and unhelpful. When you walk in they barely acknowledge you and they offer zero guidance or explanation. The store and concept is kind of overwhelming especially if you don't know what you are doing. When I asked if they can explain things they said no and acted like I was a moron. I was tempted to leave the store but my wife and I made the best of it despite how unhelpful and rude the employees are. The experience would have been so much better and easier had they given a few minute spiel when you start. After reading so many Yelp reviews about how rude the employees are you'd think they would take notice and at least pretend to be nice and appreciative of their customers. read more

What store has a sit down, creative environment for people, families, to spend time and $$$ but not offer a restroom? Sending them across the street to come back is not an option any local retailer should endorse. I'll take my $ elsewhere where they can accommodate a family experience. read more

My permanent bracelet caught on something and broke 3 months after I got it done and they took me as a walk-in, added a couple of links, and fixed it at no cost! Great customer service. And I love my bracelet! read more

We stopped by on girls night and were WOW-ed by their awesome stone selection! Emily was super helpful towards my friend Shelby and I when building our jewelry and provided some really great suggestions when we hit a snag in the process. They also asked if we were left or right handed so that we could create our pieces customized to ourselves in the fullest. Awesomesauce . 10/10 would recommend going through Emily and building jewelry for yourself or others! We will be back!!! read more

Went in to look but interested how the jewelry beading worked. The two ladies that worked there looked like I had two heads when I asked. Thinking back now I should not have spent 300.00. I do like my necklaces but the customer service ruined my happiness vibe!! S read more

I had a great experience at the Stringing 101 class with Anika. I lucked out and was the only student so she was really patient and attentive, though I bet it's how she always is. The store is cute and has a really great selection of beads and pendants. Also, I felt like the price was good at $30 for the class and 20% off the beads I wanted. read more

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Went here a few months ago to get a necklace fixed last minute. Staff was so friendly and helpful and the price extremely reasonable. I would go back. read more

customer service is terrible. they make you feel like you are intruding when you walk in. I brought some pieces I needed help with and they made me feel like an idiot for not knowing what knots were supposed to be used, etc. every time I have been in there it's been dead-- not another customer to be found-- but they sure aren't acting like they need the business. i felt so uncomfortable and will not be going there again. read more

I gave this place an opportunity TWICE. I live in the neighborhood and was walking by so walked in to check it out. Loved the concept & the idea of being able to create my own jewelry pieces as I'm a big jewelry consumer. The older woman asked if I needed anything and I mentioned first time so browsing. But it was her demeanor and unwillingness to share details of the store etc. The vibe was just off. I was short for time so I headed out. I thought to give it one more chance & shouldn't have been a surprise but she was even more rude. I walked around the store and not once offered any assistance or if I'd like to look at something inside a case. Reading the other reviews seems like it's an issue & management really needs to reevaluate who they have there representing this store (really hoping she's not the owner, that be terrible). read more

Rude people and mediocre, overpriced selection. I brought a small wood box in and said "Hi, I want to put a handle or pull on this with beads. How would you suggest I do that?" - This should be a shopowner's dream! Instead, the two ladies working said It would be too hard and they couldn't help. I asked a few questions and was given dirty looks and treated like a nuisance. I had an identical experience the last time I went in. Local businesses, especially during COVID have to try. The people working here are awful. I live a block away and want to support this place, but won't be surprised if they go out of business. read more

Beadniks is beautiful store to browse and is sure to keep the avid beader entertained for hours. They have such a vast array of beading and jewelry supplies which is difficult to find these days in an independent brick and mortar shop. I had to take off two stars only because the prices here are so inflated that they're almost unreasonable. They even marked up items that you can find in Michaels which makes no sense. I would not be surprised to find that their markups are between 200-500%. While I am all for supporting independent businesses, the prices here are hard to swallow. read more

I needed a gift for my mom and remembered this place has jewelry for sale. I found gold-colored "leaf" earrings that were very inexpensive and asked the salesperson if they had anything to go with. She said "No, but let me see what we can do." She took another kind of leaf pendant, a garnet-colored stone (January birthstone) and slipped them onto a long chain (so my elderly mother doesn't have to deal with a clasp. It was a great idea, not matchy-matchy, and not expensive but elegant. The salesperson put it together on the spot although she was busy and I offered to come back. She knew her stock, she had a good idea and she made it happen in minutes. I was extremely pleased. There's a ton of materials to choose from in Beadzniks; maybe I should try to make something. read more

Beadniks - The gift - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very fun and exciting place! I work in jewelry design so this is always a go to spot to just play around with beads and stones to create something fun with your friends. I came here with my boyfriend and we had a nice day out together. I saw some awesome gold Koi fish pendants so i decided to make some fun earrings out of them The other time came with a group of friends and made keychains and bracelets. The ladies there are always super helpful and always suggesting great ideas. Also an extensive collection of stones and materials, so you can really let your imagination run wild there! read more

Beadniks - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friend organized an event here for 8 girls and it was such a fun and unique way to spend a weekday night! For a fee (think it was $35 plus whatever beads you choose) the staff will show you how to put together your creation, help you do it, and let you use their tools. You can bring in wine and snacks and they have a nice area in the back for groups. They have the largest selection of beads that I've ever seen & also fashionable pieces that have already been put together that you can buy. The staff was extremely helpful and made great suggestions-they were also really funny/enjoyable to be around! The only downfall is that the beads can be expensive, but this is standard with every bead place I've ever been in. read more

Beadniks - Our creations - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The 2 stars are for the selection. Beautiful shop full of lovely stuff but you'd better know exactly what you want and how it's gonna go. I'm an inexperienced jewelry maker. I would've thought someone would be please to help me but as others say, 'the vibe was off'. I made my own way around and quickly spent over $100 worth. Two of the purchases were for "gold plated chain" - about $25 worth. I made a necklace, wore it one time and it started to turn an ugly nickel color. I wore it 3 more times and it was hideous. Brought it to Beadniks today with the rest of the 5 or so feet of this useless chain and showed it to them. The manager person just pursed her lips and told me, "yup that's gold plate" I asked her why she would even offer such a product? She got all steely eyed and said I'd have to buy "gold filled" in the future. At no point was there the slightest empathy for my situation- I was a bit stunned. Not even a 10% discount on some better chain? Anything? Nope. Crickets. There are other shops that have nice stuff and that have WAY BETTER and more helpful service. Go to one of those. read more

During my brief spell living in Chicago, I visited beadniks on a whim and was shocked by the array of beautiful beads. I was with my mum and she told me to get whatever I wanted to make a necklace...so slowly, carefully, I picked out the beads to make myself a pretty basic necklace at an equally shocking $100. I didn't want to burden my mom by putting rare proxy beads in my basket, so I mainly got common cheaper beads- but let's be clear, ain't no such thing as cheap at a bead boutique. I went back a few more times, amazed by the selection but enraged by the prices. I was new to jewelry making and didn't realize this is actually just pretty normal. Fast forward, I now live in philly. The bead stores here sell slightly cheaper beads that you could largely buy at Michaels and hobby lobby. No Ethiopian ceremonial beads like beadnik's. No baskets of loose gemstone beads to pick your favorite one like beadniks. No fun novelty beads, no size 13 seed beads, no lady offering to give you a free piece of wire and show you how to wrap it like at beadniks. What's best about beadniks apart from the collection that was curated by someone with a really good eye for a good bead (no crappy filler beads here), is that if you tell the women working there your ideas, they get excited and give genuine feedback. Hindsight is 20/20. Wish I'd spent the extra cash at beadniks, as there is nothing like it here in Philly. Dashed one star because the beads really are a bit pricey...but again, so worth it. read more

They turned my Roman coin into an amazing pendant for my chain! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique piece of jewelry.

usually i am not the person to leave a review, but i went here on 12/9 and to say the least i did not have a good experience. as many other reviews say "the vibe was off". it was very off putting to see how the store was run by mainly white women, but yet many of the charms and decorations were cultural appropriation of certain religions. to be fair, my friends and i chose to go on a saturday, which is usually a busy day for many businesses, but that should not permit an employee to be rude. when we got there we stood in line for at least 30 minutes without an employee saying a single thing to us. once we were helped one of the employees told us that they weren't letting people make jewelry anymore but we could still pick out our charms and get them made or comeback another time. she pointed us to what charms were on the cheaper side, and which were more expensive. after picking out our charms we went to go cash out and pick a chain. a new lady started to help us and immediately she was not friendly. she talked to me like i was 5 years old and did not belong in their store. i understand if i wasn't understanding (because i wasn't) but i was given no explanation on what i could or could not do. she kept telling me that i couldn't make the necklace, even though i was told i could before hand. finally she told me she would make it for me, and i could come pick it up another day. after this interaction she had another employee "help me" pick a chain. this employee did not help, she told me where the chains were and left. i chose the chain i wanted, and when the employee came back she said to me "you can't use this?!?". acting if i was dumb. i then chose a chain that was $3/ft. i totaled my charms and chain together and it should've been around $45-$50. my total ended up being $67. there was a $18 service fee, i was overcharged for my chain, and i received two other random charges that i was not aware of when making this purchase. i understand having a service fee, but tell your customers what they are paying for first, before they pay. all the charms are so tacky and honestly there are so many other fun places to go in chicago that are half the price. don't waste your time here. read more

The first time I came here, I didn't buy anything because I was so overwhelmed with the selection that I just wandered around looking at everything and then left in sort of a daze. They have a LOT of stuff, some of which you can get elsewhere, many others not, in every material you can think of. Yesterday I finally returned, some months after my original visit, to make some purchases. I stuck with unique beads of types that I have not seen elsewhere, to justify the cost (things are not cheap here). When it rang up, the cost still seemed extraordinarily high, but i thought I had just miscalculated it (as sometimes happens with beads: you think it's priced by the piece but it's by the ounce, etc.) After the girl charged my card, I looked at the register receipt; it turned out that she had rung up one item as a quantity of 5 for some reason, rather than 1. Her supervisor was able to rectify it, but more care could be taken to avoid problems like that. I like the atmosphere of the store (soothing terra-cotta colored walls, celadon-colored pottery behind the desk, Asian statuary, trance-like trip-hop music playing in the background) and wouldn't mind taking a class here if it was closer to home. As it is, I'll take my unique "centerpiece" beads from Beadnik, mix in some cheaper fillers from home and create something cool for myself at a lesser cost. I couldn't shop here all the time because it's not close to me and because of the prices, but it is a good place to find something special to finish off a piece, or just to get inspiration. read more