What an amazing bead an jewelry making supply store! Such a vast array of beads and friendly experienced staff to assist. Their classes are great for those new to beads all the way to advanced creators. Great community! read more

See all

Loved the selection of beads and kind staff! I was able to make matching friendship bracelets with a friend who came to visit me¨

We were so excited to find this store and I went in with a friend on my birthday and selected and purchased three bags of bulk beads and about a dozen loose beads. We enjoyed the visit and even picked out some presents to come back and get for friends and family for the holidays. When I got home, I decided I loved two of the items and wanted to exchange two of the items I didn't love for two more of the items I did. I checked the receipt and it said "exchange only no refunds" - fair enough. Worked for me as I only wanted an exchange. The very next day I cleared out a quarter of my day to drive from the Buda area up to Anderson Lane. I put the bag on the counter, picked out my exchange merchandise and went back to the counter. The lady said no, some of these are "trunk show" items and we don't take them back. All Sales Final. I was shocked and asked what a trunk show was. Apparently it's a table that looks like everything else in the store placed among everything else in the store. Yes, as she pointed out, four lines down on the one sign on the table (not near the bowls that I selected my beads from but facing away). In the same font, at the bottom of the sign. There it was. Final Sale. I never read four lines down. I was busy shopping for beads. I tend to look at the prices when I shop and not much else. The crazy part - there were no inventory stickers on the bags and I was exchanging one of the items for another item on the same table in the same kind of bag in the same basket of mixed beads. She could have exchanged that item for me and kept a customer and it would not have made a bit of difference. She was extremely rude and refused to help at all. She even said in a snide tone, "have a nice day". I had not been rude at all but to be honest, it was hard to keep my cool. I mentioned driving across town. All the items appeared on the receipt as regular sale items. There was no mention of final sale on the receipt and no mention of it at point of sale. Was it really worth it to lose us as regular customers over $8.00 of beads? I put the merchandise I was hoping to get back where I got it and went to the car more upset about the loss of half my day and the wasted gas than the fact that I would have to keep merchandise I didn't like and would not be able to get what I did like as I didn't want to give them more money. I sat in the car for a minute to collect my thoughts. I started thinking about other stores I shop at that have "final sales". Dillard is one. Of course final sale appears on their receipt with the final sale items. But they also always mention it at the register - because that's a big deal and kind of out of the ordinary. They want you to know. So I thought that might have helped us to not be in this situation in the first place. I took a deep breath and went back in and very nicely and in a low tone of voice so the other customer shopping in the store would not be able to hear, I asked her if in the future they could maybe make it a policy to mention "Final Sale" items to the customers at the point of sale, to make sure they knew, in case they too might miss the little sign. She argued in a nasty voice the "she still would not return them" which didn't make much sense. But I politely said again, "yes, but it might help you to keep the customer by not inconveniencing them and might help avoid these situations". She said in a nasty voice, "yeah, we'll do that in the future". Somehow I don't believe her, but that's her business I guess. Then I said thank you and left, never to return. In this economy, a little kindness and at the very least politeness would have gone a long way. I love to support local. But I won't be back. read more

Sea of Beads - Receipt showing return policy - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Austin, Texas

woohoo! Okay so I love this place?! I'm visiting from way out of town & I don't have a bead store near me. A lot of the prices here are incredibly reasonable and they have a huge selection of beads, findings, tools, charms, etc.! The atmosphere of the store is very mellow, charming, and welcoming. Staff are very helpful and patient too. I'd definitely urge anyone in the ATX area to stop by and choose this place instead of Michael's or Hobby Lobby! You're getting a wide variety of high quality items and supporting a local business. read more

See all

Supporting local, or close to local shops is so important. My friend & I made a day trip of running to Austin today & wanted to specifically come here. I was not disappointed. I will be making myself some really cute earrings to represent my Goddess Guan Yin using natural stones. They also have small quills for s I me of my other magical worlds, and some a good selection of natural stones. I will be back. Employees are helpful & kind. Decent prices. My only regret, I don't have one new me in San Antonio. I'll be back. read more

Sea of Beads - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Austin, Texas

So so cute. Love the workers, very friendly. They have so much variety of jewelry tools, beads, stones, crystals. Adhd heaven, crafter heaven. Crystal girlies need to check them out, I got really beautiful crystal pendents and charms here for not so expensive. read more

Sea of Beads - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

The unfortunate truth of this establishment is that their customer service, supply chain management, and culture are not up to par for our bead community. Upon reading all 1-star reviews across platforms it is apparent the owner and staff do not take accountability for their mediocrity in repairs, customer service, lack of supply chain management, and inventory management. They hide behind a diverse array of beads but don't have a the systems to track, replenish, or identify them. They have reviews about their competitive pricing which is in fact above the median prices (at least for the other Austin Bead shops I surveyed after leaving this one). Upon bringing up their unsatisfactory business practices, they self-victimize, blame the customer, and again do not take accountability for their mediocrity. I urge every customer reading this to read the 1-star reviews. The transient customer would leave a quick 5-star review only on their bead diversity. Their return customers however see this shop for what it is: mediocre and expensive. read more

In response to the owner's AD Hominem attack on me, and not addressing their flawed customer service, supply chain management, and poor culture. For the customers reading this, scroll down, I'm not the only person complaining about their customer service. I wanted 6mm Czech Glass Beads of Gold, Blue, and Pink which I bought out previously. I bought various heart pendants that your manager couldn't identify. She CLAIMED to be the owner on the phone. I have my loyalty card with hundreds of dollars worth of points. Your vain self-preservation tactics by diminishing my character as a "pig" and not addressing your unscaling business, probably due to your lack of accountability for your staff is why I'll continue to post on all platforms. You don't deserve to merit the kindness of our great bead community. Be nice! read more

I loved my first visit to this shop last week so much I stopped by again today...and plan on going back with my kid this week too! There's a vast selection of beautiful beads and unique charms. The customer service is great--friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and patient with all of my questions. Looking forward to many returns! read more

I swear I come to this store AT LEAST once a week, unless I'm going through it. It's so hard for me to find the perfect quality of materials, so when I found this place, I knew I was in trouble! There's always something new to see, and more to buy, and I love it!! They're having their trunk show atm, and you MUST go!! They have the most incredible pieces as it is, so believe me when i say that it's well worth the trip! Also! Everyone is so helpful and sweet, so I feel right at home See for yourself! read more

The glory of this store is not easily overstated. The family that runs it is really cool and thoughtful. They, and their staff, have always answered many process-based questions related to beadmaking if I was unsure about what to purchase for my vision. Exactly where you want to go for beading adventures. read more

Sea of Beads is not only my favorite small business in Austin, but it's also where I actually got started on my current career! I was going through a hard time personally when I found Sea of Beads a few blocks from where I lived then...I took a jewelry making class and the rest is history (I also met one of my best friends ever in that class). It's family run and they are all so kind, helpful, and just all around great people. I seriously miss them a lot and can't wait to see them the next time I'm in Austin! read more

Sea of Beads is my favorite place to purchase beads. I will no longer order beads from Amazon when I can support a local place with knowledgeable staff. They have a great selection of glass beads and genuine crystals/stones. Great prices and good customer service will have me making trips from Houston just to buy beads from them . read more

I've been going to Sea of Beads for years, and it really is the best, and most well rounded bead store in Austin! The people that work there have always been friendly and very helpful. The selection and prices are great, and the store itself has a great layout for browsing. I've never taken one of the classes, but it's definitely on my to do list because the pieces that they make look AWESOME! read more

I could shop here all day if I could! Perfect place for jewelry makers from beginners to professionals!

I am very happy with their products and they have a wonderful selection. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Tanya knotted a mala beads for me, she did a wonderful job. Their prices are reasonable. read more

WOW! I cannot recommend Greg and the team of ladies at Sea of Beads enough! They are the most helpful crew. Every time I go in, I leave ready to create. They have wonderful, quality beads and findings- better than anywhere else in Austin on price, quality, and customer service. You'll want to spend your money and your time here. read more

Fun fun fun place to spend too much money. Next time you think, "Oh, I could make that much cheaper!" slap yourself around for a few minutes. "But everything is so cheap!" you say, trying to convince me. Yes, everything is in little dishes that have ¢ signs, but, from what little I remember from failing high school math twice, when you add up a basket full of ¢ you get big $. Oh, who cares, it's cheaper than drugs and you end up with something much prettier than track marks. P.S., if your husband has misbehaved badly, drag him along. I've never seen someone have less fun in my life. read more

I have resolved only to carry cash when I visit this store. Having the checkbook or debit card with me is too dangerous. There are...so...many...shiney...things. They speak to me and say they want me to take them home with me. There are people there who will help you pick shineys to buy, which makes it even harder to resist the voices..... It's right next to Conan's Pizza and Terra Toys...which also are not good for my budget. read more

Sea of Beads has a great selection of beads, finding, and other assorted jewelry making supplies. I've been to bead stores all over the country and where this place really shines is the large selection of findings (metal parts). Not only is there a large variety, but a great selection of different types of metal. They also had some really interesting bulk chain that I haven't seen before. Prices are typical of a retail bead store. read more

The way I see it, you need to possess two main traits (of many) to be good at arts & crafts. Creativity and follow-through. I have neither of these (when it comes to do-it-yourself projects, that is...). Sea of Beads is a pretty phenomenal little store tucked away in a shopping center on West Anderson (near the Alamo Village). The name says it all - the place is quite literally a colorful ocean of pins and pearls. If I wasn't such an idealist and I didn't think I would buy up half the store each time I went in, I'd go once a week. Unfortunately, the gorgeous necklaces and earrings I would create inSIDE my head would never quite make it successfully to the exterior of my body. It's probably obvious by now that I don't make my own jewelry, but boy oh boy if you do - I would head here immediately. Great prices. I can see where things would add up in a hurry, but if you're careful, all the fixins for an under $10 necklace or a $3 pair of earrings are right in front of you. Thousands of beads. User-friendly, easy-to-browse layout. Go drown yourself in the Sea of Beads. read more

This place a fabulous! They have a huge selection of beads in the same sizes, lots of semi-precious beads, wire, tools, and leather cord. I usually buy most of my supplies online but, here the prices are very competitive and I can usually get what a need for a reasonable price without having to pay for shipping. The staff is super friendly and helpful and they seem extremely knowledgeable on the products. I usually end up asking for advice and they always seem to enjoy helping me. They have many unique beads I haven't seen at other places. Whenever I visit, I always find exactly what I need and more! I love this place! read more

What set this place apart for me was the staff. The people I've interacted with here are super-friendly and helpful. Otherwise it's a standard good bead shop - good selection, beautiful stuff, good prices. I like the way they've got the shop laid out - their color groupings made a lot of sense to me, aesthetically. They don't have the mind-blowingly weird and unusual stuff that you can get at Bead It... but they're a better choice for your standard beautiful bead-buying, due to the aforementioned good prices. It's a happy store, with a great parking lot due to its being in a strip mall (I am a freak for big parking lots). Excellent retail therapy for crafty people. read more

Beads bead everywhere! Unique stone beads, strings of beads, bowls of beads! My sister who makes jewelry got very excited and I wandered around not really knowing what to do with all of these cool things but wishing I did. The place is done out in a hippie style with oceans painted on parts of the walls and tie dye hung over the counters. Really nice stuff. Bead away! read more

I love slipping in here and finding skull beads! They rotate stock around the store regularly, so I have to search through all the trays everytime, but it's like a treasure hunt and I love it! Everyone here has been friendly and helpful every time I've been in! read more

I like this bead store a lot. They always have a little something different I haven't seen before and their prices are great. Two drawbacks to giving them 5 stars: 1) When I first walked in there was a young girl (college student?) working the counter who would not shut up. She was funny in a way, but talked way too loud and was a bit inappropriate. Luckily, she was going on break so I was able to browse in peace. 2) The owner/manager gave me a bit of attitude, but I blew her off b/c the beads in my hands were beautiful and I was determined to walk away with them. There was an older black woman at the register - very beautiful - who rang me up. She was super nice and redeemed the otherwise shaky customer service of the other two. I will definitely go back. read more

Sea of Beads has an amazing selection of beads (and every color Delica you could Imagine)! I love their 3 for $30 strands of semi-precious beads deal! It gets me every time! In addition to the great collection, the staff is amazing and always helpful. They know all of their regulars by name. I love supporting this family owned business! read more

I visited Sea of Beads for a simple bracelet lengthening chain. I figured I'd get the chain, then bring it home and do it myself. Courtney, the employee who helped me, was nothing less than stellar. She helped me find the perfect chain-- and then fixed my bracelet on the spot. I love this store so much! (Mainly because of awesome employees like Courtney-- who make things way easier for the customer!) read more

I was floored by this place. I don't use beads very much in my crafting, but lately I was wanting to make jewelry for myself( I'm picky bout my accessories). I was amazed by the selection in here. All kinds of beads from clay to glass to plastic and metal. All sorts of shapes like animals,eyeballs, hearts, crosses, keys.. I can't wait to actually have money to shop here, lol. read more

My second visit was much better. Two people were willing to help this time and made my experience a lot better. I will surely go back again. Great selection of beads and extremely organized. read more

This place is fantastic. My great friend planned a night with wine, pizza, good friends & jewelry making ---what a good time we had! Tanya [our volunteer who helped us for 3 hours, she actually works there too] was so fantastic. Ladies & gentleman, if you've alway wanted to make a piece or jewelry or looking for a fun activity, look no further, Sea of Beads is where it's at. Tanya was so fun & helpful- she's been making jewelry for 11 years & you can find some of her items at the chic boutique Wildflowers [she's that good]! She loves the art of making jewelry but more importantly shel loves to help you! The products were responsibly priced & adorable [so many varieties]. || TIPS || Go in with a semi idea of what you want to make. Ask for Tanya, she is so lovely, friendly, helpful & fun. read more

They have a large selection and that's the only thing nice I can say. The ladies running the store are more interested in making their own projects than running a store. Heck they won't even look at you when you enter the store. You will receive rolled eyes if you ask a question. read more

This place is wonderful. My GF and I got groupons for a wire wrapping class and had such a great time we went back! They allowed us to create our own night of pizza and wine and make jewelry at their location. One of the girls stayed to help us with what we were making. And they have EVERYTHING you need right there. We left not only with cool new jewelry to wear but great new tools and things to make MORE jewelry next time. Go see them and hang out! They are the best! And great quality and variety in their gems! read more

I didn't realize they do labor on pearl strands. Alequah stranded and knotted my grandmother's heirloom 23 - inch pearl necklace with a new sterling silver box clasp for only $40. She's also working on re - stringing two other broken bracelets for me. read more

I wish I had known about this place sooner! It is great! I just started making my own stamped metal jewelry to sell and had been having a very difficult time finding the exact items I needed online. I finally realized I could do a Google maps search for "craft stores near me", and this place came up. They have a GREAT variety of pendants, beads (duh!), charms, necklaces, stamping blanks, etc, and lots of sterling silver pieces (best quality) that are labeled as so and very reasonably priced. Also, the people who run it are SO nice and helpful (seems to be a family run deal), and also let you browse freely without hovering the whole time. I will be coming here for all my jewelry - making needs! Edit: One thing I've noticed they don't have is many blanks for stamped metal jewelry... which I use a lot of. But for everything else, they are still the best! read more

This place is in the solidly "okay" category. Not amazing, not terrible. I liked the variety of items, the unique beads, being able to find charms and beads there that I haven't seen anywhere else. It's well organized and well lit. Some areas for improvement would be the "Smile! You're On Camera" signs everywhere. I know shoplifting is an issue, I get it. And it's easy to steal from small businesses and it's probably really easy to steal beads. But I find these signs obnoxious and they are everywhere. Even on the front door. It gives the store a low-rent tourist trap feel. The gemstone beads are overpriced. I shop for supplies at at least 5 different stores in Austin and extensively online and I wouldn't go to this store to buy gemstones. Bead caps, charms, etc. you can find some deals. Gemstones I would stick to online. The staff were helpful and polite however they talk to each other. A lot. And loudly. About personal stuff. This probably wouldn't bother a lot of people but when you've been in the store for an hour or so, it starts to get old. I would say give this place a shot but also check out the other bead stores in Austin. read more

Welp, I must admit, I was a little disappointed in Sea of Beads. For one thing, the selection is pretty average, but more disappointing than that was the poor customer service I both witnessed and experienced from what appeared to be the store manager or possibly owner. I'm not sure, she was the older women with a bob haircut. She seemed annbothered by customer questions and was rude. The younger women with the long black hair on the other hand was quite sweet, which almost made up for the attitude of the other women. Regardless, life is stressful enough without having to put up with rudeness when shopping for what you love. read more

I walked in and I was looking for a very particular shape/color of bead. Unfortunately, out of the three I was searching for, I was only able to find one. The strands were $6 each which isn't too bad. The staff never asked if I needed help and never approached me. So, that can be both good and bad. Good because they let me look at my own pace and bad because I actually did need help. When I went to pay, I did ask for what I was looking for and was told that I was out of luck. Although I didn't find everything I needed, I will go back. read more

Relaxed, easy to navigate shop. Staff was really friendly and knowledgeable. If I lived closer I would definitely take some classes.

2 stars not for the store, just for the price. Everything is very expensive and it's certainly not a wholesale store. You can find a variety of beads elsewhere at a very cheaper rate. I realized that only after I had already purchased and they don't do returns. So, I get to keep the expensive beads. Haha. read more