Ocean Beads

Ocean Beads is located in The Art Village just off Hwy. 64 in Manteo.  It's perfect for bead lovers, bead novices and those simply curious about the art of beading. The structure – a gingerbread-style house – is home to trays of cool, string-able beads made out of a wide variety of materials. Feast your eyes on vintage beads from Western Germany and glass, crystal, semi-precious stone, wood and shell beads. These include beads said to have metaphysical qualities such as carnelian, amazonite, tiger’s eye, agate and calcite. Enjoy the beauty of Peruvian opals and amethyst beads.

So what do you do with all these beads? Well the folks at Ocean Beads give free jewelry-making and wire wrapping classes. All you have to do is purchase your supplies, which they have onsite, and you are good to go. This includes strings of velvet, silk, satin, wire, clasps and other goodies. Kids will enjoy making anklets and bracelets. Get your creative juices flowing whether stringing a necklace or making a pair of earrings. Ask about their Peyote Stitch classes. These will teach you an intricate and amazing art well worth the modest class fee. Examples of such beadwork are for sale in their sister shop in the same complex, The Art Village.