STORE AROUND THE CORNER: Knot Awl Beads

Knot Awl Beads isn’t your typical bead shop.

Not only does the store on Lakewood Ranch Main Street offer a variety of high-quality beads and jewelry making tools, but it also offers jewelry making classes, pre-made jewelry, and an option to have your jewelry designed and made for you.

“I tell customers all the time to bring in that dress or that shirt you want to coordinate with,” owner Fran Jensen said, noting some people want to pick out their beads but don’t want to create jewelry themselves. “We will design the jewelry for you.”

The full-service bead shop offers an assortment of beads, including Swarovski crystals, semi-precious gemstones, pearls, natural elements, sterling silver and more, as well as findings, beading wire, leather , silversmithing tools and beaded jewelry.

The shop even holds a variety of jewelry-making classes, including beading classes, wire-wrapping classes and classes for children, among others.

“It’s very exciting,” Jensen said. “We’re adding more and more (classes) all the time.”

Knot Awl Beads originally opened in the Lakewood Walk Shopping Plaza in the summer of 2008 but moved to Lakewood Ranch Main Street Aug. 2. Jensen said she’s been pleased with the change, which has also allowed the store to be open seven days a week.

For a complete class schedule or for more information about Knot Awl Beads and its offerings, visit its website at www.knotawlbeads.com.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

BASICS
Knot Awl Beads
Location: 8111 Lakewood Main Street, Suite J106
Phone: 907-8335
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m., Sunday
Line of business: Bead shop and jewerly-making school
Employees: Four
Year established: June 17, 2008; Opened at new location Aug. 2.
What makes the business unique: “If someone does not have a desire to create their own jewelry, we will design it for (them),” said owner Fran Jensen.