THE BEAD BAR

Make your own treasures

“Create it. Love it. Wear it.” For Sonia Davis, Bead Bar owner and jewelry instructor, these three simple directions are also a guarantee for what will happen during a bead-making session at her shop and studio. No matter your age or skill level, Sonia believes once you begin crafting your beaded creation, all the distractions of daily life disappear – allowing your artistic expression to emerge one bead at a time.

A visit to the Bead Bar is also like taking a trip around the world. Handmade glass beads from Czechoslovakia come in vivid colors like cobalt blue, chartreuse, and coral. Strands of African bone beads from Ghana feature batik designs of swirls and stripes. A tray of gemstones provides a menu with their meaning too. Tiger eye supplies protection, while the rosy quartz promotes harmony and love.

The big, hollowed-out barrel filled with beads in every hue, shape, and size is where you’ll find the Bead Bar’s youngest clientele. Charms are a big draw too. Kids like to hunt for their initials and lucky symbols, like clovers and rainbows. Toddlers start with oversized beads with large holes to help little fingers thread them together.

What to create during your Bead Bar playdate? Friendship bracelets are popular. Maybe a necklace strung with beads in shades of your favorite color. Add in charms shaped like footballs, baseballs, and basketballs to support your team. Upon completion, a bag won’t be necessary because as promised, you’ll love wearing the piece you made once it’s done!

Address 1824 Spring Street, Suite 105, Houston, TX 77007, +1 (713) 814-5140, www.thejewelryinstructor.com, info@thejewelryinstructor.com // Getting there Bus 44 to Houston Avenue & Spring Street // Hours Tue – Sat 11am – 5pm, bead-making sessions may be booked online // Ages 3+

TIP: Sixteen bead artists from South Africa and local volunteers created a tapestry of beads which hangs over the entrance of Art League Houston.