Star's Beads is a great place to go for your bead-related crafting needs, their stock is impressive! Came here with my family since we were visiting other stores in the areas and my mother needed a particular item. While she was unsuccessful in that regard, the sheer variety of beads and related craft items is outstanding, and highly likely to give you exactly what you need (and most importantly, allow you to see and feel the product before you buy a bunch of it). The owner and employee we interacted with were nice, though seemed to take some umbrage at our mention of how challenging it was to find the place. I think it's cool that this area has a multitude of businesses fit into a relatively small amount of real estate, though that does present a challenge to those unfamiliar with the area and the stores they are looking for. Honestly, the signage was good, so there's not much more they can do to make locating them easier, it's just going to be a challenge for first-time customers. Pricing of individual items makes them doable for individual projects or gifts, though not for a business looking to source its crafting components. Getting samples from here to try them out then buying in bulk somewhere might be the most economically-efficient approach. Overall, I was very impressed with this location, and it appeared they were teaching a class in the back of the store as well, so if you're looking to brush up on your crafting abilities, this would be a great place to do it! Overall: 4.0 stars --- Pros: - Nice staff. - Great selection of crafting products. - Classes are available for those needing a refresher or instruction in crafting techniques. Cons: - Prices are decent for those pursuing unique projects, though would not be for people making crafts for sale. - Location is a bit of a challenge to find. My recommendation: look at every sign in the windows from the street, and if you pay close attention you will see Star's Beads, then walk around the building and there is a door in the back up some stairs (this is the actual entrance). read more

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8/10/19 Something special is going on here. For the past two days, Star Beads selling natural stones have been sold by by a man in a fedora hat. These nature stone are beautiful, but can get expensive. Sunday will be the last day of this natural stones sale. Still, if you're into making jewelry and selling it, you got to spend money to make money. The last time I was here, I didn't have as much fun. Maybe because the desire to make jewelry wasn't as appealing to me as it is now. Learning tricks of the trade will be fun. I met Ms. Kay and she is a character if I ever met one. Her personality is wonderful and when it comes to wearing jewelry, she says "go bigger." The fedora man had a good personality to, but I don't remember his name, but the man does have style. I will definitely be back to buy some tools I will need to improve my jewelry making skills. I would like to thank Ms. Kay and my wife for opening my eyes on a wonderful hobby. read more

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The place to go for all beading supplies and instructional assistance. They also have classes you can take. I've taken a metal working course and it was super fun. read more

I've visited the store several weeks ago and found it via Yelp. The store is a little difficult to find as it's located amongst a group of stores in a building and as you drive the signage is small difficult to see. There is plenty of parking and once you enter the store it has a very warm welcoming atmosphere. There's a fantastic selection of beads, threads glue's and accessories from all over the world and different price points. There was even a selection of warm pastries on a huge beading table where members come in for classroom type instruction. We met the owner who is a fantastic lady and who's been beading since childhood over 30 years of experience she is young vibrant extremely tech savvy and knows every element of beading and all knowledge associated with beating stone cold a true subject matter expert. We will definitely make a return visit very soon read more

Star's Beads - Beads - Arts & Crafts Near Me

Star's Beads is THE place to go if you want gorgeous beads, findings, and other materials for beading. I took my first beading class here years ago (thread knotting) and loved it. I've gone on to make and sell gorgeous pieces. The staff has always been helpful and courteous to me. And the stock is ever changing. I love Star's! read more

What a cool find! I was visiting from out of town and found this shop on Yelp. The outside looked kind of small...but WHAT A TREASURE BOX INSIDE! The shop was packed with goodies. I could have spent an hour looking at everything. Two staff members were enthusiastically helping people pick out materials and make jewelry, but also answered my questions. I found the prices to be reasonable compared to other places I buy craft materials, too. One suggestion is to maybe make the baskets and tiny bags for holding your purchases (aka your sparkly hoard) a bit more obvious...they're immediately to the right as you come in. I was a bit confused...but then again ...I'm always a bit confused. There's an off-street lot for parking, though, which I definitely appreciate. Looking forward to returning! read more

I purchased a Groupon for my two girls to take the one hour tutorial. Scheduling was a bit tough, but the two ladies who helped us tonight were amazing!! They took the time to walk my 8 year olds through the process and listened/helped whenever asked. Strongly recommend star beads if you have budding jewelry makers. Thanks read more

I have a beaded bracelet that broke in LA. I was heartbroken. I found Star's Beads on yelp and called. They said they could probably repair it. I took it in today and they can repair it, the charge is more than reasonable and I found another bracelet there that I love. SOOO excited to get my bracelet back! read more

I've never had any problem with service at Star's, but I'm not one who needs a lot of service and I've always gone on busy Saturdays where you can't expect much service anyway. The store is small and the beads are not generally much to get excited about. Totally adequate and pretty and all that, but nothing you can't find elsewhere (though I am kicking myself for not picking up another Egyptian hammered gold pendant several years ago--haven't seen such a thing anywhere else). Star's real focus is on clasps (which can be seen and purchased on the website) and for clasps, pendants, and such it is a really nice visit. They're not cheap, but a sterling silver toggle clasp with nice workmanship details is never going to be cheap. She has pieces that are plain silver and gold, but also many lovely pieces inset with marcasite and semi-precious gems. They are splurge items that really up the impact of a piece. I bought a peridot and marcasite sterling pendant to make a birthday necklace for myself several years ago and wear it at least weekly, and two really gorgeous toggle clasps (one marcasite and another with a sculpted rose). I have never made use of it as I have way too many supplies of my own, but there is a table set up in the store with tools and space to work. I am almost positive there is an hourly rental fee or something to use the tools, but for someone who just wants to make one project or try it out I assume it's a better bargain than having to buy a whole set of your own tools. I believe you can also get a little instructional help from staff as well and they might do bachelorette or birthday party groups. Since this place is in the suburbs and not on the metro I don't get there very often, but a trip to Nielsen's Frozen Custard across the street helps ease the pain of the long and tedious drive. read more

I am a new jewelry maker/beader (beach chic bohemian style) and love this shop. They sell high quality loose and stranded beads. I have also gone to beadazzled and found them to be mUCh more expensive and not as high quality. Very helpful staff. Great consignment shop right next door! read more

I attended one of the beginner classes after discovering them on Groupon and cannot say enough! I had never visited the store before, and the staff were very friendly and willing to address questions. Parking: available behind the store (where they are located). It can be very difficult to find, but look for the Great Harvest Company and they are across the street from them. Price: I don't have a background in jewelry making, but think their prices are decent. Staff: Again, I am a beginner and the staff were willing to work with each member of our class and address all of our questions. They assisted us when we had challenges with certain pieces, and showed us different techniques. It seems like it would be a great place to have a "Ladies Day Out" , church or girl scout group. :) read more

Buyer Beware: Brick & Peyote Stitched Earrings and Pendant - Jewelry Making For a beginner class- the initial investment was too costly. Please be prepared to pay additional monies for class supplies outside reservation. Contacted the Manager (terrible listener-continuous interruptions). The supply list provided; "Over Whelming" and appeared to be more for an advanced class. read more

Each year for my daughter's birthday, we like to try something different. We have made our own non-fancy jewelry, but always wanted to take a class. I found a Groupon for Star's Beads, which is why I chose it. There was only one customer in the shop. The husband was alone, but he acknowledged us as he continued to help the other customer. We weren't bothered by the wait since we were perusing the shop and trying to get a feel for what we were interested in making. I told him we had paid Groupon in advance and were there to take a class. He asked if I had an appointment and we did not. He called his wife and she came over to teach us an impromptu class. I was unaware that I had to sign up in advance, but they obliged us since they were not busy. It was my first time using Groupon, so the wife had to show me how to bring up the redemption code she needed to be paid. We decided to use the free jewelry for our first training. The wife was talkative and joked throughout the process. She did make cracks about my inexperience and delays, but I'm not an overly sensitive person and I do enjoy sarcastic humor. It was a fun experience and we liked the fact that she felt comfortable enough to joke around. It was probably fun for her too since she had only two people in her class and the shop was not busy. Both the husband and wife were friendly. He was running out to get food and asked if we wanted anything. We declined because we were going to dinner afterwards. We purchased necessary jewelry-making tools and said we would return. We just haven't found the time, but someday we may return. read more

I love Stars! I've been to many bead stores and find them to have a very good selection compared to others in the region. The workers have always been very kind and helpful to me and even though I get in just before they close, they never rush me out the door. Of course I hurry myself along because I think it's rude to linger when they all want to go home. read more

I've been going to Star's for years. The staff is friendly without being pushy. If you have a question, they will work with you. But if you just want to browse or be left alone, that's OK too. When I arrived close to closing time recently, they patiently waited for me to finish selecting my purchases, and didn't try to rush me out. There is a core stock of beads, clasps, and supplies that you can rely on when you need it. But they are always bringing in new stock to freshen up their inventory. There is a special table set up to showcase the beautiful and special new pieces. I think a previous reviewer confuses the core stock with the rotating new stock. I like knowing that I can find what I want there. I often take advantage of the table set up in the middle of the shop to play with bead strands I've picked up to help me spark my imagination. Star's is not the only jewelry supply store I visit -- I go to Michael's, AC Moore, and eBay regularly. But that is for lesser-quality goods. Star's carries higher quality materials. I've done Beadazzled. I'm not impressed. Large, but not inviting, with harsh lighting and an overabundance of trade beads. I've done the bead shows -- they can be cheaper, but they're exhausting and hard on your feet. And never happening when you need that one piece. I've taken one class at Star's. It was very good, well taught, and relaxing. And there's a discount on purchases the day of the class. If you get a Star's reward card (free), you get a certain amount taken off your bill when you reach a set amount. Sorry, I don't recall the details -- every little bit helps! ' I can't recommend this gem of a store too highly. read more

I have never had any problem with service at Stars Beads. The staff is friendly and if there are only a few customers, they will even help you with suggestions on bead and color combinations. They have a variety of classes, from Chain Maille, to Soldering with Nick Barnes, to Kimihimo, and everything in between, some with nationally known instructors. You can see examples of all the class projects up on the wall. Please be aware that they do have a cancellation policy for the classes, so be sure you understand that if you sign up for a class. They have limited loaner tools for classes or if you want to try a project in the store, and i do not think they charge you to use them, though they may request a deposit if you take them next door for a class - not sure about that... For such a small place, they have a lot to offer for jewelry making, including: a variety of clasps; beads and cabochons - glass, semi-precious, pearls, shell, silver, gold fill, etc.; tools - for everything from wire working to beading to chain maille; and classes - basic jewelry construction, chain maille, cold connections, metal smithing, PMC, wire wrapping to and everything in between. Granted, they are a small store, so there is not the selection of beads you can get at a warehouse sized bead show, but there are always surprises if you look for them, and you can be sure that the stones are genuine as labeled. Here's a hint: Check the table in the front just past the register, there are usually new goodies there from Star's most recent travels. All in all it is a nice, friendly store, and both staff and customers alike are welcoming. read more

I was surprised to read the negative review regarding Star's Beads. The writer felt that Star's Beads was a place where only white people received good treatment. The owner is Chinese American, and one of the employees is half Thai. This is the first time, I have ever read anything negative about the bead store. Most people are very happy with the service, the prices, and the camaraderie. read more

I went to this store a few times and never bought anything because I was appalled by the rudeness of the staff. Pretty beads, but the unfriendly workers ruin the fun. read more

Love this place. LOVE IT. Ok if you come on Saturday - yes they are busy. And it is a small shop so getting personalized service on a Saturday at prime time (like between 11 and 4) is going to be rough. That said, if you exercise a little patience and I'm talking about waiting 5-15 mins not an hour, even at prime time on a Saturday you can get personalized service. If you bring something you need help with, they will help you. You can even sit down in their shop and design your piece right then and there with their help. They've done a lot lately to diversify and increase their bead selection. That said, if you shop there on a weekly basis, no there is not a lot of change from week to week. But they go to the gem shows, they bring back a lot of stuff and I've been able to find things there I couldn't find anywhere else. They recently opened up the back of the shop and moved the classes next door. So they were able to greatly expand their inventory and the focus is no longer on clasps. Their prices are reasonable and the quality is WAY better than Fire Mountain or Artbeads. I can't even believe someone recommended FMG over Stars. That blows my mind. Stars doesn't have the best prices in the world but if you don't want to go to the shows then you have to expect a small shop is going to be doing some markup. Over the years I've shopped there a lot and sometimes I buy a lot and sometimes I buy a little. But they are great people and its a great bead shop. It caters to JUST jewelry making and if you are a jewelry designer you can find whatever you need in there. read more

i've been twice, and didn't experience any rude staff. they were actually very nice and friendly. i don't know if it had anything to do with it being a busy day in the store, but i didn't have any problems. the place is pretty small, but i find anything i need there. definitely a much more varied choice in beads and hardware, compared to michael's or a.c. moore. there are hardly any stores around here that cater to JUST jewelry making, so this place is a pretty good, considering. read more

Two of my favorite necklaces were broken and I went to star beads to see if they can be fixed, not only did they immediately help me, and make the fixes to my necklace, the woman was so kind and only charged me for the clasp. She spent about 15 minutes and very detailed work, and only charged me for the materials. I was so happy with it but I forced her to take some money for her time as well. read more

Went here to get beads to make my girl friend a necklace. The NEW owners John and Kay are some of the best, friendliest, and customer oriented people I have come across in the business field. Their beads were VERY affordable and since silver and gold are down right now they even gave me a awesome deal on my clasp for it. I would recommend this bead shop over any other and would go back the next time I am in the area. read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE!! I make jewelry as a hobby and I go in every so often, maybe like once a month. I definitely love giving them my business because they are such sweet people, every person that works there I have gotten to know :) I feel like a part of the family when I walk in the store. I would definitely suggest it over beadazzled because it is cheaper & I've found their beads to be better quality anyways, and I would rather support a local, family business. Even if I don't find what I'm looking for (which is very rare- they have a great selection), I love just talking to Kay or whoever is working that day. read more

I just went to this store for the first time and it is the best bead store ever! I met Kay the owner and she was super helpful and nice! Unbeknownst to me, I went there near closing (4pm on Sunday) and she did not try to rush me out and instead stayed for another 50 minutes in which not only did I find solid sterling silver clasps and a variety of leather cords but I got cool lucite beads and hand made glass bead pendants and hand dyed silk cords as part of my findings. I will definitely be back later in the week as they constantly rotate stock, a lot of which are handmade by local artists and they also sell essential oils and soaps and offer jewelry making classes. I highly recommend this place! read more

Also to the person who thinks there is some kind of rental fee to use the tools Star provides, I was never charged a fee to "rent" the tools, I just sat down and started using them. Going to a store like bedazzled in Tyson's , just try to get the one on one help I received when I needed someone to show me how to do a wire loop. I am so impresses with Star Beads I travel from Front Royal, which is exactly 60 miles(120 miles round trip away, do you think I would travel that far for crappy service or poor selection I think not! read more

I have read the reviews and feel that Star's Beads is getting terrible reviews. I frequently visit the store and find the beads there very nice. I have taken several classes with them and find that they are professional and very personable and have taken great interest in how I felt about the classes. I have also had many questiones answered and addressed and in fact was guided in the right direction as well as given instruction on how to fix the problelm. I don't always buy my beads from Star, however the store and the staff have given me ideas and suggestions on how to keep my interests in beading up to date on the styles of fashion that are going on at the time. As far as being expensive, they are a business and I believe that Bedazzle that is in Tysons Corner Mall is more expensive than Star's prices and I would rather buy from Star than from Bedazzle. Not to mention the lack of interest and rudeness the staff there produces. So if you have not been to Star's I would suggest you take look at what they have to offer. Yes the store is small but to me well worth the drive and experience you will receive. read more

I think Stars is a great little shop in Vienna. I have found most of their staff to be helpful (although I was there once when an employee had their dog there which flipped me out) and kind. I agree with the lack of turn over by way of the beads, but the good part of that is if you need more, you can generally get more, without having to flit through a gem show. They're under new ownership now, so things are changing and changing for good. read more

Charming shop with excellent service! I just started beading this winter and had my first chance to visit Star' s Beads today. I was a little wary given the other reviews here and thought it was important to share my experience. The staff greeted us warmly, they were helpful and clearly knowledgeable. The store is small but offers a lot- from seed beads to unique handmade glass beads and even vintage findings. In addition they offer dozens of classes and workshops. I actually signed up for a class tomorrow, I liked that there were sample class created pieces displayed and the ability to check out tools to use during classes. A bonus- there is a children's table at the front of the store where my five year old son happily played in plain view while I browsed. I thought the staff was exceptionally patient with other patrons as well by providing helpful ideas, referrals, and even researching a particular type of stone for one patron. It really was a lovely experience and I am excited to take my class tomorrow! read more

This is my go-to bead shop in the area. They do try to cover many aspects of jewelry-making, from seed beads for bead stitchers through Czech glass to large semi-precious stones. Even moving toward carrying some metalworking items as well. As such, you won't find the most comprehensive selection in each type of item, but it is very good. Good selection of chains. Most of the staff is wonderful, but I agree that you can occasionally get a neglectful one, or an overbusy day. I do think that so many serious beaders use the store that they don't always presume you need/want help unless you ask. read more

I have been making and selling jewelry over 9 years now, and Stars is the number one store to shop at! The price and the quality is better than any other store I have ever visited. I also love how friendly and knowledgable the staff is! If you have a question, they will help you right then and there! They know a lot about the stones they sell as well. Did I mention they are family owned and operated? I love that. They also have a frequent buyer card, once it gets up to $300 you get $30 of free merchandise! It's a great deal! read more

I was thrilled to find a place to take some jewelry making classes that were affordable for me on a budget. I must have a little bit of creative time to keep sane living in NOVA. I paid for a class, not being told ANYTHING about NOT being credited or refunded, IF I got sick and was unable to make the class. I did call early on the day of the class (no answer- the phone system doesn't seem to be able to take any messages) I had to call back several times, and after being put on hold, (for what seemed like an eternity to me), I breathlessly explained that I was sick, (violent vomiting and high fever). It is only courteous to NOT go out in public and spread sickness, especially now that it is flu season. The woman I spoke with (did not identify herself) was rushed, harried, harsh and rude and stated that no refund would be issued or a credit offered for the next time the class was taught because I did not follow the policy of giving 3 days notice. I explained that I was sick. Her response was callous, cold and felt like a kick in the solar plexus. She said the best she could do was send me handouts, if any were distributed. I had no energy or interest in continuing the conversation. I was wretching. Later, I received a long, winded voice mail from someone who did not identify herself, but stated she was calling from Star's Beads. She went into a lot of explanation and justifcation the policy and notification and payments. She said that the instructor had to be paid, no matter if I was sick or not. She stated that she was operating at a deficit to even offer classes. I really didn't need to know that back story. I felt disregarded as a customer. I am a new customer (or was) Later I composed an email via their website explaining my experience and requesting a credit to take the course at a later date which I thought was reasonable or a refund. I received again a response that clearly indicated Star's Beads could care less about me as a human being, let a lone a new customer. I'm disappointed in the lack of courtesy and customer service. I felt like I was treated in an uncaring, callous way and not valued at all as a customer. I was never explained any policy when I paid for the class. I will not purchase from Star's Beads. Please note: I paid for 3 classes (I am cancelling all others), and at my first visit purchased over $100. of beads and supplies. Based on my experience as a conscientious consumer, I do not recommend Star's Beads. read more

I always enjoy going to stars Beads.. I am just a beginner & I find the service extremely helpful. The staff very service oriented.. I like that the staff follows you through all the details of a project & the supplies you will need. I find the selection of beads, etc. very exciting.. I've been to several other bead shops & this is by far my favorite.. They have helped me to continue to be very excited about beading & the endless projects to try..they keep ,my creative juices flowing... A loyal fan & new beader, Johanna read more

I've gone a couple of times but I'm not too impressed. The bead selection does not change frequently and it's a little pricey for less than high quality beads. I didn't have a bad experience with the staff, I think it depends on who's helping. I would recommend instead the jewelry/bead shows that come to fairfax/DC once in awhile or online at firemoutaingems or artbeads. read more

Not impressed. There is no turnover in beads; ie it's hard to find anything new in there.

I love going to Star's for their fantastic high quality classes. I travel from Rockville because the classes are interesting and varied and inexpensive compared to others. And, because I always come out with a finished item. Also, the store, while on the small side, has so many different nooks full of beads and discount baskets. For me, it is like a treat to myself to take my time to go through each of the sections and find some unusual surprises. The staff has always been friendly and Kay is especially helpful in assisting customers in finding just the right stuff. read more

OK, I totally get what other reviewers say about Star's. There's one gal in particular that I can hardly stand the sound of her annoying voice. BUT especially now that Beadazzled is gone from Tysons this is the only game in town if you are in the Arlington/McLean area. It is too hard to park at Dupont. If you take your time looking you can find less expensive versions of what you need. They put all the expensive stuff out front. I found a less pricey alternative at the back of the store by the window under the table in a plastic bowl. Get the rewards card. It usually takes years to hit the threshold for the reward, but they stay in business and $30 is $30. Patience, Grasshopper. read more

Have been shopping here for a couple of years and I love it. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They are always willing to help me find something to complement my primary choice of bead. Its a small store with a good selection and I think the inventory turns over pretty quickly. The classes they offer are very helpful. read more

I went to Star's Beads and am new to beading. The staff was very helpful. I sat at their table and they helped me find all of the supplies I needed. When it wasn't busy, Katie sat right there with me to teach and help. When things got busy she would still continue to check in on me. There was no fee to use the tools while I worked. They have a nice selection of beads. I will be returning. read more

Nobody's reviewed Star's lately, so I'll add my 2 cents. Star's is my go-to bead store when I've run out of a finding or need something for a deadline. The store is small enough I can find what I need quickly. ( Tyson's and the mall for Bedazzled is too much of a hassle.) There's a solid selection across all bead types here. I go to Star's to browse and get ideas, and sometimes discover current trend materials. They're carrying strings of semi-precious stones in unusual shapes right now, for example. I've gotten plenty of 1-on-1 help from the staff over the years to pick out the right clasp or expand my techniques. The other day I was in there when it wasn't crowded. I overheard Kathy patiently help a beginner practice opening and closing a jump ring. Minutes later when an experienced beader came in asking advice, Kathy gave her a helpful and professional opinion. If you're a total beginner, Star's is a great place to get started. If you're an old hand, go on by for a dose of inspiration. read more

I've been to this store more times than I can count and have NEVER encountered rudeness from any of the staff, no matter how busy the shop is. When it's very busy they might not have a lot of time to chat but they are always helpful and usually have what I am looking for--given that it's a pretty tiny shop--but she has a good selection of things that changes pretty often and an excellent selection of clasps and basics. For a larger general selection you may need to go to a bigger store, but I have found over the years that each bead store carries different things--you cannot get it all from one place, no matter how big. read more