Came to Eclicta this weekend with a friend who is very into crystals and beads and makes jewelry. Do not be fooled by the nondescript front of this building they have wall-to-wall inventory and staff is very friendly. From loose cabachon to tanazanite and everything in between, plus ready-made jewelry and estate sale pieces--it's all here. If you're into beads, crystals and handmade jewelry and in the city of Milwaukee you need to visit this store. For those of you who do make and sell jewelry, you can get a discount if you register your EIN with them. My friend got $500 worth of product for $250 with her EIN. Happy shopping! read more

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If you're into jewelry making, there's no better place in Milwaukee to get your supplies. It's a much larger store than it might appear from outside, plus they have crafting space as well. Offerings range from very reasonably priced seed beads to higher end stuff like Swarovski crystals and sterling silver. Pretty much everything in between is well represented - semi precious beads, strands, accent and focal beads and plenty of tools. I find the staff here is really helpful too - I was looking for a specific chain style and while they didn't stock it, they were able to guide me to plenty of alternates. read more

I will never shop at this location or recommend to friends in the near future. I came in to just look around and employee became rather unpleasant. But as another customer came walking around with a tray full of items customer service was offered. I noticed a few items that I might conspired for future purchase but was told that I wasn't able to photograph items in the store once an employee noticed that I had my phone out. Apparently there's a sign in store that I'm not aware of and did not see any sign saying that photography is prohibited. That's probably why there's no photos listed on this yelp page at all. read more

This is some bead store. Emphasis on the "some". Spread out over at least three small shops Eclectica has every type of bead, stone, or crystal beads you could ever want. Seriously, they even carry pearls and Swarovski crystal beads. And they're all beautiful. Most of the bead stores I've ever visited will have a small area in the back of the store where they'll offer bead classes. It can be a distracting experience trying to concentrate in such an open environment. Eclectica seems to have a better model, although I didn't have time to check it out in detail, with a separate (yet connected) store for bead parties or for classes. I had limited time to explore, there was a lot I missed, but I decided if I couldn't find what I needed here, it probably didn't exist anywhere. It's truly an extraordinary, albeit not inexpensive, place. I had to gulp a couple of times as I checked out some imported beads, but sometimes, sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet to get that one perfect item. When next in the area, I'll set aside more time to explore Eclectica and find a way to give form to the creativity that stores like one this elicit in me. read more

Ecclectica may be the best stocked bead store in the Midwest. They have a lot of inventory and are great about getting all the new and trendy merchandise. Heck, they help set most of the trends. But you have to be ready for attitude when you shop there. They greet you with a friendly hello and say thank you when you leave but I always feel like they think I will steal when I am shopping. It's an odd experience. I wonder if I left a cash deposit and submitted to a search before leaving if the attitude would stop. I won't stop shopping there when I'm in Milwaukee because it's a great store, but I come prepared for the attitude. I just think maybe they have had a LOT of shoplifters in the past?? read more

Irina at Eclectica is amazing!!! Not only is she knowledgeable and patient, she is one of the sweetest people out there! If you're into making jewelry, this place will be your one and only stop for supplies!!! If you've not been there, you much stop in!!! read more

I wanted to schedule a jewelry making party for my birthday. It took me 3 weeks to get in touch with the person who books the parties. (The first week she was on vacation.) I was in the store one Saturday and wanted to pay the fee for the party. The employee was dumbfounded and clueless about even taking the money, saying I had to talk to the person who books the parties. (What! You won't even take my money when I'm offering it?) When I finally got a hold of the right person I told her that I wanted my guests to be able to choose their own kits. (Not an unreasonable request.) She said, "I'm sorry. We don't do it that way." I was dumbfounded. She didn't offer any other explanation or attempt to accommodate me, just...'we don't do it that way'. Very poor customer service. They must not want to make any money. read more

I think Eclectica is the best bead shop in the nation as it has the most talented artist/owner! She chooses interesting & beguiling beads. I still remember this shop 25 years after my last visit. read more

Eclectica is my favorite destination for purchasing jewelry supplies. They have THE best selection of gemstones and pearls in the area! I love the variety of findings as well. I have never seen so many cabs in so many sizes and shapes. They are the only place I shop because I know they will have what I need. The staff is great! Friendly and helpful and the classes are wonderful. It's always exciting to see each individual's take on the same project. There are so many ideas out there. I highly recommend Eclectica to every jewelry artist out there. read more

Very sad to hear you discriminate against disabled children simply being happy and singing to themselves by asking them to leave the store and then when being told the child is autistic, not bothering or touching anything and simply self stimming you say "well she doesn't look THAT disabled." Shame on you. You need to educate your staff immediately on disabilities and as a parent of a child with autism you definitely won't be getting any more of my business. read more

I've taken classes and shopped here for many years. The staff and Irina are awesome! Irina is an exceptional instructor. Her staff is most helpful. read more

Short version - if you have to pee you are out of luck, no matter if you plan to spend hundreds of dollars. I've been going to Eclectica for years, made many purchases, spend lots of $$$, taken a class, brought friends on "field trips," defended them from accusations of having snotty, arrogant and aloof sales people, but today really did me in. I live 1 1/2 hours away so don't get there often - when i do it's usually because i need things for new projects and I really look forward to browsing and making some choices. But today - had a somewhat limited amount of a time and and upset stomach, so to speak. My tray was half full when I realized that I badly needed the rest room. Asked at the desk if I could leave my stuff and use their rest room, and was told that the only "public" restroom was outside, down the side walk, into the mall and upstairs. Now I know for a fact that there IS a rest room in Eclectica itself because I have used it during class times. When I commented on that, the sales person just looked away, no explanation, no "i'm Sorry." I would've liked to have just left my stuff and walked out, but I really really wanted to buy things to start those projects, so I rushed through then used the outside facilities. I think this is a very disrespectful and degrading way to treat customers and I will drive in the opposite direction to Prairie Flower Beads in Portage where the people aren't quite so puffed up about themselves from now on. read more

Eclectica is my go-to place when looking for unique items. They have a huge variety of beads, gorgeous stones and an eye-popping array of findings. They host trunk shows featuring hard-to-locate items, offer practical and inspiring classes and more. It's everything you need all under one roof. I get inspired just walking around. The store is like a 3-D Pinterest page. I have taken several classes at Eclectica. They have a nice variety of offerings every month, and the teachers are knowledgeable and encouraging. I always leave feeling like I received more than my money's worth. read more

Ive been going to eclectica for years.....it is the best bead store I've ever been in. Not only do they have a huge supply of every type of bead, even the newest ones, but they also carry every color. They also have a huge collection of metal findings..,something you never find in other stores.....and books. The staff also is enormously helpful. There is nothing I can't find in this store. I never buy online.....even though I live about 75 miles from it, I try to get there at least once a month. read more

This is a nice bead store - - lots of beads, fun to browse, and a very helpful, knowledgeable staff. All kinds of wire, tools, findings, etc. Lots of nifty kits at relatively good prices. And LOTS of beads. However, if you're looking for unique or artistic handmade beads, there aren't too many of them here. Mostly conventional items. Still, a very nice store. read more

Great selection and smiling faces when you walk in but then be prepared to deal with attitudes from the entire four person staff for this small location. You would think they would want to engage you and help you become a crafter in order to drive more business. Great selection when you need something that day but better prices and less attitude through Etsy.com read more

Eclectica is my "go-to" bead store when I need just the right thing for a great piece or want to get some inspiration. There is nothing else like it in Milwaukee or the surrounding areas. I tend to order from other websites because the prices are better, but sometimes you just need to see (or touch!) the beads. However, I have to add that I have continuously been disappointed by the staff. There are some ladies who are GREAT to work with, but there are others that I see and want to walk right back out the door. They have displayed snobby behavior or lack of knowledge. Others just aren't friendly. It can be very disappointing especially when you are spending so much time and money there. I would like to emphasize this is a great, well-rounded store, but would just like to see the staff amp it up a little! read more

My visits always begin with a friendly greeting from the staff the minute I walk in. It is hard to leave because there is so much that captures my interest! The staff is very knowledgable in general and many are authorities on specific methods. A great place to browse, find what you need, get help and get educated. read more

Eclectica is an awesome shop for anyone who loves to make jewelry. The staff are warm and welcoming. They are extremely helpful and have wonderful suggestions. The variety of classes offered for the novice and experienced beader are fantastic! read more

Wow! Seriously, wow! Eclectica is amazing! I only had a few hours to myself and made the one hour drive to Brookfield. I was going to check out two bead stores, but never left Eclectica once I got there. The store is larger than average and stuffed to the gills with amazing bead finds. I mostly focus on semi-precious bead strands and they didn't disappoint. I found what I thought to be the "wall of bead strands" and spent lots of time touching every strand. Imagine my surprise when that wall was only an appetizer for another 'wall of beads' that spanned the entire length of the store! The mother ship has called me home!! It was really overwhelming. The other 'room' of this store had tons of focal beads, crystals, findings, glass beads, and tons of fancy artist beads. About 25% of the store's merchandise is locked up. I'm not a fan of that practice, but understand why it is sometimes necessary. I usually don't bother with the locked up merchandise, but I made an exception here. There were a few pendants that just HAD to come home with me. I was interested in some Vintaj findings as well, but didn't bother because I can get them elsewhere and don't have to deal with the locked cabinets. This store also had loads of magazines (back issues too!) and books. While I don't always buy them at the bead stores, I do sometimes jot down the titles and try to find them cheaper. (It's hard to pay full price for books when practically everything is 30%+ off at Amazon!!). I could really go on forever about this store. It really is that good. My only complaint would be the high prices on some of the semi-precious bead strands. Since I shop so often at different bead stores, I know what certain strands should cost. Eclectica was definitely a little over priced in that respect, but many times you get what you pay for and quality really does cost more. Needless to say, Eclectica got a little over $200 from me on my first visit. I'm dying to go back. Since I filled out two 'reward cards', I've got $20 to spend next time!! I highly recommend this store, but make sure you leave yourself about two hours to get it all in. You won't be sorry!! read more