A Shout Out!

Every once in awhile I run across a shop that just needs to be advertised. The Aloha Bead Co. is one of them.

Located in Paia, Maui, Hawaii, it is a small space stuffed with an incredible array of luscious beadness.

I’d been there a number of years ago, long before my bead obsession had taken hold, and it was nice, but there was nothing I needed there.

Now it’s a whole different story.

This is just about a quarter of what they have…

I guess I didn’t really NEED anything. I’d already spent a small fortune on supplies at Ben Franklin and the shop in Kihei. And I enjoyed spending every nickel. AND, I’ve actually been using what I bought. But it was all pretty much just normal stuff – a few tools, basic beads, and a few cool things, but not THIS cool. This was a whole new level of coolness. Like the QUEEN of coolness.

But I resisted. Mostly.

This amazing bead did jump into my tray. (If you notice I’m missing an arm and a leg, it’s because it took that to pay for it, but what the heck. It’s only money, right?)

It’s pendant sized, so I know it will end up on a necklace, but I don’t have a clear vision for it yet. I just knew I couldn’t leave without it.

One of the things I REALLY like about this place is that in addition to the strings of beads, they also have lots of choices you can purchase “by the bead.” There are so many times I need just a few and I hate buying a whole string, but if it comes down to way too many, or go without, you know which one wins in janetworld. This was nice, and I did buy a few things, knowing I would be coming back with more time to dawdle.

What I AM mulling over are the kits for complicated beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets. OMG. They have me written all over them (the finished pieces) but they also have “you know, don’t you, that you’ll NEVER make these” as the sub-title. But the made-up pieces are budget busting (I keep telling myself) and I COULD make them… What to do, what to do? Even the kits are not cheap, which is what kept me from just getting them.

 

Now this is BEADING, beading, as opposed to the simple construction I’ve been doing. Each little bead is “sewn” on with silk thread. It feels like a real commitment, as opposed to a little project. Theoretically (if I had half an ounce of sense) I’d buy a kit for one piece, say a bracelet, and see how I do. But that is so not me. If I loved it, I wouldn’t have matching pieces to go with it. But, if I got started and wimped out, I’d be wishing I’d bought just one.

It’s been days and I’m no closer to deciding.

Maybe when I go back they won’t have complete sets of any one style in kit form so I won’t be able to get them. Or maybe I’ll decide I could live with one statement piece to make and then make something simple to coordinate. Or maybe I’ll say, “you only live once,” and buy a complete, made up set. With me, you just never know until it’s done.

Now that I’m looking at the photos again, I’m in love lust all over again. I feel another trip coming on. Wonder what I’ll do?