Having previously made known my lack of artistic talent to the world of Yelp (Craft World will explain all), it may come as a surprise to you that, not only have I ventured into Abacus Beads, but I have also purchased a good few. Beads that is. It was a good while ago, mind you, when Abacus was located in the 'In-Shops'. Quite possibly about 8 to 10 years ago, when my school friends and I went through a jewellery making phase, and paid numerous visits to Abacus for all sorts of different beads. I remember selecting mint green beads, midnight blue beads, purple beads (all my favourite colours), and some nice gold wire in order to make the jewellery. I 'created' rings, necklaces and bracelets...none of which were that great but it kept me out of trouble and gave me something to do. Long gone are the days that Abacus at 'In-Shops' was frequented, and beads selected almost every weekend. It's now got its own little bead gallery on Castle Street, but its still the same old Abacus. When I peeped in today, I noticed the same great value beads (from 5p each), the different wire and thread used, as well as the tools required for hooking beads onto these materials. Pretty much everything you need for jewellery making / other bead needs contained in one teeny tiny shop. read more