Ann Arbor's Findings is a Bead Store for the Artful

A version of this article was previously published on my Examiner page.

Findings is located at 3925 Jackson Road in Ann Arbor. Gerry Dimond has owned and operated this popular bead store for 15 years, and she knows the business thoroughly. She buys her beads at trade shows and only works with vendors she knows and trusts.

Gerry's original idea for naming the store was A Gathering Place for Artists and Seekers. Friends convinced her that didn't sound like a store. Now there is a unique and fun place "for artists and seekers" to peruse and collect the special findings they will use in their beaded artwork.

Gerry's colorful store is filled with inspiration, beads, charms, pendants, wires and cording, tools, and of course, findings-the working hardware for the finished jewelry.

The beads are displayed by color and size, and Gerry carries 600 colors. There are beads made of glass, agate, onyx, bone, coral, shell, crystal, silver, stone, Oje de Venado (a polished seed), pewter, jasper, and dinosaur bone. There are stones drilled to become beads. There are millefiori beads and others that look like dice. Prices range from a few cents to $76 per bead. Some are on a string or in plastic containers, and some are singles.

The beader can find all the hardware, backings, tools, and books for their projects. There are completed projects to get the creative energies flowing. In one corner there are baskets labeled "orphan beads." These are the collections with too few beads to keep in stock. There are great bargains for smaller projects.

Findings offers classes on this enduring medium. Gerry teaches the beginning class on the linked wire bracelet. This class gives the bead artist a thorough introduction to the basic link techniques. Gerry calls this the "instant gratification" project because the results are quickly evident. There are several teachers who offer courses in the store. Customers are channeled into a project that meets their skill level and will produce a piece they can be proud to wear or give as a gift.

Click here for complete class information. These classes are currently scheduled:
Oct 24 Holiday Ornament
Oct 25 Knotted Necklace
Oct 28 Straight Shot
Nov 1 Linked Wire Bracelet
Nov 7 Hexadrop Earrings

Classes fill up, so plan ahead. The class description will let you know if materials are included in the cost. If you see a class you want to take, but it is not currently offered, use the handy "please offer this class again" form on the page.

Later this month, Findings will be hosting a display of the work of Robin Atkins, noted bead artist, author, and teacher. Robin writes a popular blog entitled Beadlust that will keep any artist enthused about their work.