Detroit, Michigan - Circa 1998 to Portland, Oregon - Circa 2007
Back in 2007, the ever lovely Miss Kelly decided to open a bead store in the St. John's neighbourhood of Portland, Oregon. Y'know, because she had one in Detroit (where she and her partner Ed are from) and Kelly is pretty much the baddest bead witch known to humanity. Portland had a need, Kelly had the beads. ALL THE BEADS. Imagine selling beads since 1998! That's a long fucking time. So you gotta give it to her, your money that is. The beads are amazing and Kelly has the good stuff, so it's a pretty good trade if you ask me.
As mentioned, Kelly is your resident bead witch and she does it all, because, masochism. Or because she secretly really loves beads. Actually she really loves money AND beads (who doesn't?). Kelly also really enjoys a good, not too sweet cider, so you should bring her one. Unless it's REALLY early in the day, then she has a very strong preference to quad shot almond milk mochas - hold the whipped cream. Don't ask questions, just hand over the coffee and back away slowly. Me? I'm all about a hemp milk matcha or spicy chai, thanks.
I met Kelly and Ed back in 2008 in that cute little St. Johns location. I went in one day and just never left (sorry guys). Anyways enough about me. A couple of years later they moved into the 'real' North Portland, a bit closer to home, on Lombard. Right across from a Taco Bell and in the midst of what really could be a very entertaining, yet slightly disturbing YouTube channel called 'People of Lombard'. A few years ago when I was in Alaska they moved across the street (the other way) into a much lovelier and far larger location that once held the famous New Orleans Candle Company.
**Tanya and Jonathan - You are very missed, five years later people still come in wanting candles!**
Five years now in their current location you'll find a little bit of everything. Kelly continues to load up this wonderful store to the gills with beads from around the world and even from local artisans. All whilst educating the masses and luring poor unsuspecting (really they're suspecting) customers (*cough* Reesa *cough*) in with the promise of pretty shiny sparkly things. Then there is Ed, who spends his time building cool shit for the store and for fun in his mad scientist basement 'lab' all while doing the bidding of one very fuzzy black and white cat named Priss who sits on his shoulder looking 'innocent'. You'll also find the ever lovely Pam who's been with Belladonna Beads from the beginning in her very own nook under the stairs slaving away a few days a week as all minions should. However, I, the internet minion shall forever remain a mystery, with the exception for my love of green.
Alcohol! Yeah, that's right, now I have your attention. Sometimes we share. On Fridays in particular, during beading happy hour, where you can come in between 5-8 pm for 10% off and some libations with your free evening entertainment. You'll have to come in to sort out what and who the entertainment is for yourself.
Trust me, it's worth it.
If at this point you don't want to come in just to gaze while drooling over the most amazing bead and supply selection you will ever see, EVER... Well then I can't help you. No one can.
On that note, I think I have successfully filled up the space I was attempting to, just to see what it'll look like with an actual about section. I trust you have learned something or at the very least are mildly amused. If not, sorry not sorry.
Perhaps some cute beads will catch your attention instead, be it in the store, or now, online!
~ S
As mentioned, Kelly is your resident bead witch and she does it all, because, masochism. Or because she secretly really loves beads. Actually she really loves money AND beads (who doesn't?). Kelly also really enjoys a good, not too sweet cider, so you should bring her one. Unless it's REALLY early in the day, then she has a very strong preference to quad shot almond milk mochas - hold the whipped cream. Don't ask questions, just hand over the coffee and back away slowly. Me? I'm all about a hemp milk matcha or spicy chai, thanks.
I met Kelly and Ed back in 2008 in that cute little St. Johns location. I went in one day and just never left (sorry guys). Anyways enough about me. A couple of years later they moved into the 'real' North Portland, a bit closer to home, on Lombard. Right across from a Taco Bell and in the midst of what really could be a very entertaining, yet slightly disturbing YouTube channel called 'People of Lombard'. A few years ago when I was in Alaska they moved across the street (the other way) into a much lovelier and far larger location that once held the famous New Orleans Candle Company.
**Tanya and Jonathan - You are very missed, five years later people still come in wanting candles!**
Five years now in their current location you'll find a little bit of everything. Kelly continues to load up this wonderful store to the gills with beads from around the world and even from local artisans. All whilst educating the masses and luring poor unsuspecting (really they're suspecting) customers (*cough* Reesa *cough*) in with the promise of pretty shiny sparkly things. Then there is Ed, who spends his time building cool shit for the store and for fun in his mad scientist basement 'lab' all while doing the bidding of one very fuzzy black and white cat named Priss who sits on his shoulder looking 'innocent'. You'll also find the ever lovely Pam who's been with Belladonna Beads from the beginning in her very own nook under the stairs slaving away a few days a week as all minions should. However, I, the internet minion shall forever remain a mystery, with the exception for my love of green.
Alcohol! Yeah, that's right, now I have your attention. Sometimes we share. On Fridays in particular, during beading happy hour, where you can come in between 5-8 pm for 10% off and some libations with your free evening entertainment. You'll have to come in to sort out what and who the entertainment is for yourself.
Trust me, it's worth it.
If at this point you don't want to come in just to gaze while drooling over the most amazing bead and supply selection you will ever see, EVER... Well then I can't help you. No one can.
On that note, I think I have successfully filled up the space I was attempting to, just to see what it'll look like with an actual about section. I trust you have learned something or at the very least are mildly amused. If not, sorry not sorry.
Perhaps some cute beads will catch your attention instead, be it in the store, or now, online!
~ S