McBead Creations, a “Gem” of a store!

The idea for a wire Bonsai pendant (similar to this one shown as item #30 at Step-By-Step Wire Jewelry Magazine’s website) led me on a quest to find jump rings that would allow me to complete the chain maille chain I decided to make for it.  I’d already started the chain and was about 1/2 finished when I realized I’d need to purchase more jump rings or make my own.  A stop at one store and I had a package of 500 jump rings that were slightly bigger than those I’d already been working with.  Hoping that I’d have better luck at the next store, I headed to what I can only describe as a “Gem” for bead enthusiasts and anyone else who loves being creative with beads, findings, wire and more!   Nestled among residential homes in a nice little strip mall in the Craig Henry Area, just off Greenbank Road in my favorite city – Ottawa, Canada, is a fabulous bead store called McBead Creations and here is where I found not only the right size jump rings to complete my project, but so many other wonderful things that the hour visit I enjoyed there, just wasn’t long enough and I intend to go back again very soon!

A fabulous bead store find is MY kind of chocolate!

If you are a beader, wire worker, chain maille artist, jewelry designer or just someone who loves to browse through lots and lots of wonderfully creative finds, or perhaps purchase gorgeous hand crafted jewelry for yourself or others,  you must visit this  shop!  From the moment you step inside the door you realize you’ve found an absolute goldmine of every imaginable bead, bobble, crystal, wire, finding,  pendant  – (oh the list is endless) -  that you could ever possibly hope to find all in one spot.  That isn’t were this treasure store ends however.  The staff is exceptional!  Like long, lost friends they greet you warmly and do everything possible to ensure your shopping experience with them is one you’ll enjoy.

I do a lot of shopping in a lot of stores and I’ve been a business owner and entrepreneur for a long time.  Having been in the retail sector I’ve come to appreciate those times when I find a truly unique shopping experience.    McBead Creations is that experience.  From quality selection to outstanding customer service, this store is exceptional in all areas.  Add to that the fact that their prices are extremely reasonable, and you have a store that once you find it – you’ll be dedicated to it for life!  As a matter of fact, they like to reward you every time you shop with them by providing you with a “Frequent Buyer” card which allows you to stretch your dollars even further.  Once you’ve purchased a certain amount from their store, you are able to redeem your card for additional merchandise – similar to the way some coffee shops have frequent  buyer promos – the difference though is that at McBead Creations, your dollar goes much further and your purchases are far more satisfying.

Barbara McConnell, co-owner along with   Miriam McConnell (mother and daughter)  and Barb (staff member) ensure that customers entering the store for the first time feel welcome.  Barb (staff member) quickly showed me around and provided me with a little basket and clip board.  The clip board is for those many treasures you can purchase one at a time  – you simply mark down the item and cost and add them to your basket which is easily carried with you as you shop.  Once I was familiar with where everything was, she left me to browse through every little corner of the store.  A little while later Barb the owner checked in to see how I was making out and by the time I was ready to leave the store, I had enjoyed some very nice conversations with both ladies and at no time did I feel as though I wasn’t free to take my time.  There were a few things I’ve had on my shopping list for some time now but until today, I wasn’t able to locate them anywhere!  I found everything I was after and so much more in this little “gem” of a store including some “frames” so that I can make several more Bonsai pendants!

Like any retail store, McBead Creations offers its customers sales, the difference however, is that when McBead Creations has a sale – it really is a sale!  With prices already some of the best I have seen anywhere, they are currently offering a “buy one get one half price” on a nice selection of gem strands with a wide variety of other items on sale for 25% and 30% off the tagged price.

I could have spent far more time in this store than I did (which was actually close to an hour if not more) and it is definitely my store of choice for many of my wire, beading, jewelry making or chain maille supplies from now on.  Anyone who visits here will find that this store doesn’t expect your visit to be short,  – there’s always so much to browse through and the ambiance is so inviting, you’ll feel right at home in no time.  Once the expansion takes place, they’ll have even more room for Classes and Birthday party gatherings they offer their clients, and even more great products to choose from!

If you are located in the Craig Henry Area (and even if you aren’t) you must make a trip to McBead Creations!  They are located at 3 Chartwell Avenue, Unit #6 in Ottawa (just plug in the Street Address, City & Country into the “Location” bar in the Map in the side bar  ==>  over that a way, to view the map to this location and sorry the map isn’t as definitive as I’d like – we’ll get a snazzier one once I’ve moved to my permanent domain digs ) and the visit is definitely a “must do”.

In business for almost 5 years, beginning with  a 500 square foot space,  they now occupy  about 1200 sq feet and they have recently taken possession of an additional 1200 sq feet of space which they are preparing to expand to.   They have also begun production of a product catalog and they will be branching out to mail-order as well as on-line sales so even if you aren’t located in the Ottawa area, soon, you’ll be able to enjoy all the terrific finds this store carries and experience the owners’ and staff’s excellent service for yourself.

So, what are you waiting for!  They’re open from Monday-Thurs 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit them at www.mcbeadcreations.com, you’ll have trouble stopping yourself from telling them, “I’m so glad I found you!”

Akaiya