Bead Shops: O and N Craft Supplies

One of the best ways to create designs that really stand out is to use materials that are unique and exciting. Today my guest is Tina, owner of O and N Craft Supplies - an amazing source of gorgeous beads and beading materials straight from Greece.

Inspirational Beading: How did you get into the business of jewelry supplies?

Tina: I’ve been making jewelry since I was a teenager and even have an Etsy jewelry shop. The world of jewelry supplies and craft supplies in general is a fascinating world for me, I can't have enough of them. When my husband and I became unemployed as a result of the economy crisis in Greece, we were trying to decide what could the next step be. We needed something we could both do. My knowledge of jewelry making and quality Greek craft products lead us to open our O and N Etsy shop and only a few days ago our own O and N site.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what’s the best thing about small supplies shops vs. the big bead retailers?

Tina: We can serve our clients on a personal basis. We can help them find what they need and answer their questions more effectively.

Moreover a small shop is more likely to build a coherent style, a certain personality where clients go to shop because they want to cover specific needs. It is like shopping in a boutique shop rather than a department store.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material, color, or bead style to keep in stock?

Tina: I love Greek ceramic beads especially the enameled, very shiny ones and our craft cords, braided silk cords and wrapped cotton cords are my favorite.

Inspirational Beading: What makes your bead selection stand out from other craft supplies shops?

Tina: Our ceramic beads are all made in Greece, as they were for thousands of years, of course adjusting to contemporary aesthetics. They have beautiful, vivid colors. They are often handformed and unglazed which gives them an earthy, handmade quality. Other times they have amazing, lustrous surfaces, more beautiful than pictures can show, as a result of multiple firings in the kiln, which makes them perfect for more luxurious, elegant projects. Another thing not to be neglected is that we can offer Greek ceramic beads in the best prices.

Inspirational Beading: Many beaders are familiar with the emotion that comes from selling a finished design. How does it feel when you sell something that will become a beautiful work of art?

Tina: I will be honest, nothing compares with the feeling when someone appreciates something you made! But often I picture our customers the moment when the first open their package, and ideas start popping in their head at the first sight of our jewelry supplies and it makes me smile.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite thing to make (or see others make) with your beads?

Tina: I like statement necklaces with multiple rows of cords of different textures and chunky ceramic beads.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any plans for new products this year?

Tina: Our next step is to add Greek leather cord which is the best quality leather cord.

You can see more unique and colorful beads and craft supplies at O an N and on Etsy. To see the latest additions and specials, follow along on Facebook.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and O and N Craft Supplies
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