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Jewelry junkies thread a path to an eclectic treasure trove of beads

By Melissa Hirschl

Many Kyrene Corridor muses know they can “max out” their jewelry creativity at  “Another Bead Please”, a funky, charming and eclectic bead store located at Warner and McClintock roads in Tempe.

A virtual Disneyland for jewelry junkies, the store overflows with a kaleidoscope of beads, crystals and semi-precious stones from places as diverse as Tibet, Austria, India, Indonesia, China and Africa.

Devoted followers know the colorful history: the store volleyed addresses between its current space and one in Ahwatukee within a span of eight years.

After three and a half years in each location, the store finally found its way back home to McClintock Fountains shopping center, where it has been thriving for the past year and a half, continually garnering loyal customers.

Owned by Julie LaChance and Greg Kraemer, the bead emporium grew out of a shared passion the pair had for the jewelry business.

Their diverse yet complementary skills (his in architecture, engineering and fine arts; hers in sculpture, painting and jewelry) sparked the perfect combination to lay the groundwork for their present store.

The two started doing art shows and art fairs in the early ‘90s; after that, says Kraemer, their success was just a natural progression of steps.

LaChance was successful in designing her beaded jewelry, and Kraemer built the booths and displays. Before long, they were selling to customers all over the country as well as the upscale Cache of New York and Nordstroms.

“We were so successful,” says Kraemer, “that we soon created a kiosk at Paradise Valley Mall.

“There were so many orders, plus many of our friends wanted to design jewelry as well and needed beads. That’s when we realized we needed a new venture to help them, as well as us.

The kiosk in Paradise Valley Mall eventually led to the pair’s first store front in this shopping center. Since then, said Kraemer, “It’s just been a magical experience, as well as a challenge.”

The two were always self-motivated, a necessary component, they say, for any entrepreneurial adventure.

In addition to beadwork, LaChance taught herself to do silversmithing and created belt buckles, sterling earrings and other artistic labors of love.

“I always knew I wanted to be an artist,” says LaChance, “even as a small child.”

Julie and Kraemer met somewhere in the middle of their career development, according to Kraemer, “and that’s why we’ve made such a great team from the beginning.

“She had her vision of the perfect bead business. I was on the team with her, designing the displays and cases, and building pieces for the store. I think that’s why we balanced out so well.”

The two owners and their customers say they’re excited about some changes that are just around the bend.

The store, into which the owners put their heart and soul, is in the middle of a renovation.

“We want this to be the coolest place around,” says LaChance, “in addition to being fun and stimulating.”

It’s hard to imagine their new vision being anything but.

Plans include customer-friendly workstations galore for hands-on learning which, as always, will be free.

The huge, colorful “party palace” in the back (for “birthday-party princesses” and guests) is getting an up-do as well, with new paint and furniture. In addition, the room serves as a jewelry classroom. More on that later, say the owners.

As if the store’s beadwork didn’t fill the pair’s thirst for creative challenges, Kraemer handcrafted practically everything in it. A wizard with a hammer and nails, he custom built everything, from the velvet-covered chairs and tables to wooden displays by himself.

The result is a whimsical, tastefully decorated store that begs exploration. Everything has Kraemer’s signature touch--even the front counter he created from a mosaic of Saltillo tile stones and stained glass, a truly stunning and eye-catching combination. 

In addition to building the furniture, Kraemer painted the walls with murals and faux finishes, built stone columns and created the luxurious velvet chairs for party guests.

He also created the new circular tables scattered around the store, which customers can use as private work-stations.

“Julie, who makes all the jewelry sold in the shop, is particularly happy about the renovation,” adds Kraemer, “because she is going to have her very own exclusive design gallery in the front of the shop.

The jewelry will go under LaChance’s professional name, Julianna Jirarde, and she’ll be doing one-on-one consultations with her clientele, Kraemer said. She will also be busy creating wedding and specialty jewelry for customers, he said.

It’s not only the store re-modeling that’s got the two owners so delirious with anticipation; they’ll also be adding new classes and introducing some new methods of design.

“We’re getting a new line of Japanese beads in February called Delica’s, which are particularly colorful,” says LaChance.

The store alsoplans to have a premier bead artist come into the store in March to teach classes in precious metal clay, a format using sterling silver in a clay form.

“It’s a truly unique art form, and I’m sure our customers will love this class, as they do all our others.”

Jewelry classes at the store are geared for the entire community. In addition to an extensive variety of adult classes and children’s birthday parties, staff do “after hours” parties” in which groups rent the store, bring in their own beverages and receive instruction.

These events can be sorority parties, work parties, showers, etc. It may be one of the store’s best kept secrets, but the owners are anxious to spread the word.

“We could not be more grateful to our customers who have followed during the moving over the years,” says Kraemer.

“We’ve been very blessed; our friends and customers have consistently stuck with us and we’ve made a lot of great friends over the years. That’s the greatest part of being in this business.”

The store carries a full line of beads, charms, supplies, tools and books. The next class (Peyote Stitch Cuff Bracelet) is from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3. Cost is $30 without materials.

Another Bead Please is at 1840 E. Warner Road, Suite 115, Tempe. Phone: (480) 787-88585.

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