the heights life: Nova Beads

Monday, March 22, 2010

Nova Beads

Last week, during the week of perfect, San Diego-like weather, I spent a lot of time pushing my Wee One around in his stroller. He really enjoys being out and about in the neighborhood, and it gives me a chance to check out some places I haven't been in awhile or places I've never been.

On a stroll down White Oak, we decided to pop in and visit Cathy at Nova Beads. The funny thing about Nova Beads for me is that her little shop has called the Heights home for a decade, but it was only about a year ago that I knew it was there. The reason this is funny is because my wedding photographer used to be in the space right next door. How did I visit his studio a dozen times and never see this cute bead shop right next door? That's the thing about the Heights: there is so much to search out that sometimes I miss the obvious.

If you've never been in to Nova Beads, here is some of what you're missing:

All kinds of beads- every color, so many styles. For the most part, they come in a string. Even if you're not crafty, you can usually find a great style of bead you like and string 'em together for an inexpensive alternative to store-bought jewelry.

Many of the strings are in the $3-6 range. Two of them together to make a whole necklace is a bargain. I have a friend who used to buy fun beads in glass, wood, ceramic, whatever, and string them on a heavy duty elastic. It was cheap, easy and she could slip them on and off without having to mess with a clasp. You can't use super heavy beads for this for obvious reasons. Also when you put this minimal effort and cost in, you can take them apart and remake them as often as you want.

Cathy also has a lot of decorative beads sold individually. For the less crafty, you can also get a custom piece done. Cathy makes everything from necklaces to rings to brooches. You can give her a color scheme, pick a main bead for her to design around, or pick all your beads and have her execute your vision.

Individual beads in every color and many styles

Great glass beads from $2 each

Cathy can make your jewelry for you, but she can also teach you how to make your own. There are classes on a regular basis. Classes range from a Beading 101 to more advanced, like a class last month where attendees learned to make wire wrap rings like these for sale in the shop:

Nova Beads has a lot of pre-made jewelry for sale, as well as all the assembly supplies you need like wire, cutters, clasps and more. It's a one-stop shop for creating something unique for yourself. There are also great gift items, for beaders or not. Stop in and say "Hi" to Cathy, another person making the Heights a special place to live, play and shop!