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The Bead Lounge
By Patricia Bradford Rambo II and Jennie Palluzzi
The art of making jewelry from beads is ancient. Beading is actually a part of our culture and goes back through centuries. The Egyptians found precious stones strung together to symbolize royalty. The Africans found the art to be a right of passage for their tribes. Even young and old today enjoy finding that seashell that has a small hole worn down by the sea. A perfect spot to insert a string, wire, or piece of leather to keep or give to a loved one as a keepsake. The truth is that stringing natural beads, shells, crystals or even bones and sharks teeth is the oldest form of jewelry that exists even today. And rightly so, as there is no better handmade gift to genuinely touch the heart. Something from the earth that is given to the one you want to remember you forever is hard to sum up.
Four years ago, Andrea Jones had a vision, she knew what she wanted as an artist. She wanted to help others create a unique and timeless piece of art that they could keep to remind them of a special moment or to give to someone special. At the time, Jones didn't know how to bead, wrap wire, or add a clasp to a necklace. Then she visited a friend's bead shop. "What I thought was so cool was that you could go in there and design pieces for friends and family, or for yourself that were unique, and the gifts were thought out, and above all, special, from the heart." The store made Jones feel her creative juices flowing, and finally felt that she had found a trait she could share with others, even those who never considered themselves to be artistic so to speak, but at the same time wanted to create something special by using their hands and their feelings.
After the visit, Jones' mind started reeling, recognizing what she could offer to others by tapping into her own artistic talents. She realized that she could see herself having a bead shop of her own, but not just any bead shop, one that would be unique to the novice and the surrounding artistic community that exists in the west valley, a unique haven for many different people in the area, even including children wanting to express themselves. "There's nothing like it out here," she says. She immediately embarked upon the daunting task of opening a one of a kind "Bead Lounge," and has never looked back.
Jones wanted her store to truly be unique by having not only great customer service, but space for customers to work, and classes to teach novices how to make jewelry. And she succeeded. Upon entering the Bead Lounge, one will find an enormous gallery of unusual beads in a chic environment. Beads range from Swarovski Crystals to natural turquoise stones to a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to meet any imagination. Andrea Jones gives you the outlet to find new and unusual items to create and understand how precious a piece of time, a moment to remember, a heart felt gesture will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
The Bead Lounge remains a legacy to the style and sentiment that Andrea Jones once began as a mere vision. Take a moment and stop by, the store and staff will not disappoint. The Bead Lounge is located in Woodland Hills, and covers 1200 square feet, with a relaxing feel. Hanging behind the display windows in the front of the store with a frosted floral design are heart cardboard cutouts. The floor is distressed concrete creating an artsy ambiance, and the colorful beads are showcased in dozens of mini white ceramic bowls and metal muffin tins.
The ornate wooden tables that hold beads are understated and the visual centerpiece of the store is a wooden archway that designates the backroom. The piece, Jones's favorite part of the store, frames the back table where customers can sit, at no charge, and work on their projects. "There's no fee to hang out and bead if you are experienced in your craft, otherwise there is a nominal fee to have one of the knowledgeable staff members assist you. I have customers that come once a week, and sit and make jewelry," says Jones. Customers can bring in their own materials to work with, or can pay to have Jones' staff make a piece they've designed.
Every staff member knows how to wire wrap, knot, and make rings. Jones holds classes and even private jewelry making parties for customers who would like to learn how to make their own pieces. And after a class, customers can come back and ask Jones to remind them of any process. "I'll go over with you a thousand times, because I'm not going to charge you again. I want you to come back, I want you to be comfortable, I want you to have a good time," said Jones.
The Bead Lounge is located in Woodland Hills at 4873 Topanga Canyon Blvd. (818) 704-5656 ~ Look for the opening of a second store in Westlake Village in May.