Living in central rural Maine, I don’t have many options for buying my jewelry supplies. I often have to buy my beads online, but there are a few brick and mortar stores I frequent. I live in a tiny town of under 2,500 people (and sometimes I think that includes the cows…), with just two small convenience stores, so I have to travel “to town” to do any actual shopping, and sometimes I have to travel a little further to have more options. Below are four bead/jewelry supply shops in central Maine.
Store: A.C. Moore Location: 14 Crossing Way, Augusta, ME 04330 Phone: (207) 629-5050
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
A.C. Moore is large chain craft supply store. They stock a wide variety of craft supplies for just about anything you can imagine. The A.C. Moore in Augusta has a very large jewelry supply section, consisting of 3 very large aisles, 3 end cap displays, and 4 mid aisle displays. They carry brand name supplies like Blue Moon Beads, Beadalon, Nicole Crafts, and Jolee’s Jewels. Most of the beads at A.C. Moore are glass or crystal, but there is a small selection of wood, metal, and semi-precious gemstones available. A.C. Moore has an entire aisle devoted to tools and stringing materials. A.C. Moore has weekly sales, which greatly reduces the cost of jewelry supplies and tools. Prices range from $0.99 to $19.99, with beads typically under $10.00, and tools between $10 and $20. They also have a wonderful selection of jewelry making books and magazines, which range in price from $4.99 to $29.99. The great thing about A.C. Moore is that not only do they have wonderful sales; they also have a coupon each week, which is typically 40% off, which can be used on any regular priced item-including books and magazines! A.C. Moore also has a classroom, with jewelry classes typically offered once or twice a month. They also hold classes in many other craft areas.
Store: Michaels Location: 13 Marketplace Dr Augusta, ME 04330-4637 Phone: (207) 623-3832
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Michaels is another large chain craft store, and also has a large selection of craft supplies. In the last year or so, Michaels has completely redone their beading and jewelry supply section. The sell brands like Blue Moon Beads, Jolee’s Jewels, Beadalon, and Bead Gallery. Michaels has an amazing selection of semi-precious gemstones, in all shapes and sizes. They also carry findings, tons of different chains, tools, storage, glass beads, crystals, and stringing materials. Prices range from $1.99-$24.99. Most beads/chains/findings are under $10.00, while tools are in the higher price range. Michaels sells some of the more popular magazines and books, which range in price from $4.99-$29.99. Like A.C. Moore, Michaels also has weekly or bi-weekly sales, along with coupons (which must be found on the website). As far as I know, coupons here cannot be used on books or magazines. Michaels also has a classroom for classes on various crafts.
Store: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Location: 180 JFK Plaza Waterville, Maine 04901 Phone: 207-872-7544
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Jo-Ann’s is yet another chain craft store, known mostly for its fabrics. But they also have a small jewelry supply section, which expands every few months. The biggest brands they sell are Blue Moon Beads, Jolee’s Jewels, Beadalon, and Darice. In the last year or so, they expanded their bead selection to include strands of glass, shell, metal, and semi-precious gemstone beads. They also have a good selection of storage for bead supplies, tools, stringing material, and findings. Jo-Ann’s also has a small section for jewelry making books and magazines. Prices at Jo-Ann’s are a little more expensive than A.C. Moore & Michaels, ranging in price from $1.99-$29.99. Findings and beads are usually under $10.00, with the strands of beads being around $7.99. Tools, stringing materials, and books/magazines range in price from $4.99-$29.99. Jo-Ann’s also has coupons and bi-weekly/monthly sales, with jewelry supplies often being 30% off during their sales. I’m pretty sure that coupons can be used on magazines/books at Jo-Ann’s, but that policy could change anytime.
Store: Beads On The Kennebec Location:333 Water Street, Augusta, Maine 04330
Phone: 207-622-1666 Hours of Operation: Tue-Fri: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sat: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Beads On The Kennebec is the only store in the central Maine area that is strictly for jewelry supplies and beads. I’m sad to say that I have yet to be able to step foot in the store. Every time I go, it seems to be closed, either due to inventory or the fact that I forget they’re closed Mondays & Sundays! According to their website (http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com), they sell a wide variety of beads. These include, bone, clay, glass, gemstones, crystals, lampwork, wooden, freshwater pearls, leaves & flowers, vintage buttons, and charms. They also carry delicas, seed beads, stringing materials, and tools.
Beads on the Kennebec has weekly classes, teaching a variety of beading, stringing, and wire work skills. They even offer courses in knitting, crochet, and cross stitch. Each month, they also offer a “Beaders Night Out”, where you can bring your project and work with other beaders at your own pace. It is held after hours, but you can also purchase any last minute items you may need to finish that project. This beading night is free, but you must sign up in advance, since spots fill up fast. Prices for classes currently range in price from $25-$65, and their website states that if you register for three or more classes at the same time, you save 20% off the list price of your classes. The current list of classes offered can be found here.
Beads on the Kennebec also offers another service that I think is great-beading parties for moms, brides, bridesmaids, etc! The owners and teachers will help you create jewelry for your wedding that will match your gown, and will be extra special because you made it yourself! They say that it’s a great bridesmaid gift, so that each bridesmaid can make jewelry that matches your wedding, but also suits their own personal taste.
As I said before, I haven’t yet been able to check this bead store out, but I can’t wait to. Once I do, I will update this article with price ranges for Beads on the Kennebec.
Sources:
http://www.acmoore.com
http://www.michaels.com
http://www.joanns.com
http://www.beadsonthekennebec.com
