The Bead Shack

"Truly incredible variety of beads at excellent prices. Laura is amazing, she helped me find the exact Delicas I needed by number for a butterfly pattern, from the racks and racks of gorgeous seed beads of all colors and types. My teens love going with me to find cute lamp work and carved beads and pendants to make jewelry. And, she has drawers and drawers of findings. If you want to try out beading, or just get a cool pendant for a souvenir, definitely check this shop out!"

"The selection of seed beads is extensive!! Those are my main focus. However she has a wonderful selection of all kinds of beads, stones, leathers, threads, and even carved beads. Laura is one of the coolest and positive people you will ever meet! She's just as amazing as her store!!!"

"Lady that runs the shop is extremely sexist. I went into buy some beads; she was on the phone. I had to use the restroom so I went to the back and started to open a door to see if there was a restroom I could use, didn't even open the door an inch and she yelled at me to get out. I said sorry and explained I was looking for a bathroom, but she just continued to aggressively yell at me to get out. I went back and apologized again and she said, I'm a man and I'm supposed to protect her and I violated her space. Jee, I just wanted to buy some beads. And even after I went outside and she's telling me I'm a man and not protecting her she started to push me. Something is wrong with this lady…. After reading response her response: “the shop is not a public toilet” – Jee I’d hope not, but maybe you would have one or know where I could use one. If that back door is a boundary then maybe there should be a sign. Yes, I did apologize several times but, as you say you were too “hyper vigilant” to hear me. I am considerate, and having to pee really bad it made sense to me to see if there was a bathroom there in the back. Your weren’t just demanding respect and protecting your boundaries your were judging me and assuming that I had some bad intention for simply needing to use the restroom in a shop that I have spent several hundred dollars in, on several occasions. I would have asked but being that you were busy on the phone I was considerate not to bother you. I don’t come into town often but when I do I have visited your shop before and spent several hundred dollars each time. My impression of you before was that you were extremely nice and helpful. You explained to me where beads were made, where the sizes were, and give me something to hold all of my beads as I shopped. I guess I did notice your sensitivity to other men in the shop but disregarded it as it didn’t pertain to me at the time. I understand the drugged-out people that you must deal with too often here in Anchorage, and I get that it causes you have a heightened sense of vigilance towards protecting your space, and I’m sorry if you felt that I violated that space. But, if that door does not lead to a PUBLIC restroom, then maybe a sign would be warranted. Simply a sign that says “Private” would be perfect. Although Privates from the military may think they can go in (I joke). Hope you have a wonderful day."

"My soul was definitely lead to this shop. The lady at the counter was just so kind and caring. She was wise about feelings and energy and knew exactly what I needed. The shop was filled with endless possibilities of creation and beauty. Pretty crystals and countless selections of beads. Definitely a place of peace and positive energy. Thank you so much ma’am for your time and knowledge. I hope you don’t mind me stopping by again. By the way, the picture doesn’t do justice of how truly beautiful this piece is."

"Good vibes! Love this place! The bead shack has everything I need! And if she's doesn't have what you need, she works with you to get what you want! I made kits and made sample earrings for Craft groups coming up!"