Beads n’ Stitches
539 Bedford Ave., Bellmore
516-783-1124
www.beadsnstitches.com

Seed beads, Swarovski crystals and lots of other jewelry-making supplies are tucked into this store, which also offers several on-site classes for newbies and advanced beaders. We asked crafty members of The Review Crew to stop in.

Allison Shafran, 29, Hewlett

As a huge fan of interesting and unique jewelry, I found Beads n’ Stitches to be an awesome place. I felt like a kid in a candy store while digging through containers of various glass and crystal beads. It was a little overwhelming at first but with a little help from the staff it was less intimidating and lots of fun! They sell ready-made jewelry, but creating your own is much more personal. Why go to the mall and buy a “cookie-cutter” necklace when you can spend about the same amount of money and just a little more time creating your own?

Grade: A+

Nadine Mesias, 24, Massapequa

Crimping pliers? Beading wire? Crimp tubes? Little did I know these are some of the tools necessary to create a necklace. As complicated as it may seem, it’s not. After perusing the vast selection and picking my beads, the staff was really helpful in giving me all the needed tools. I even got a quick run-through on how to begin wiring my necklace. For novices (like me), there’s a lot to learn, but don’t get overwhelmed. Beads n' Stitches offers a variety of workshops (for a fee). They can walk you through it, one bead at a time.         

Grade: A

Gabrielle Bebbino, 21, Lindenhurst

"The largest selection of beads on Long Island" sure is a hefty claim to make, but Beads n' Stitches lives up to it. The selection is almost overwhelming, it surpasses anything Michaels or Joanne Fabrics has to offer. Beads come in so many styles, colors and textures, it's hard to resist the urge to buy everything. The beads are inexpensive, making it easy to create something unique on a budget. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable it's easy to see why people partake in their almost-daily beading classes.

Grade: A

Frances Seda, 27, Brentwood

Don’t let the size of this store deceive you, its selection would make any jewelry maker feel like they are in heaven. I was particularly hooked on the pre-strung beads. If you're "craft challenged," don’t worry, the staff will take time to help you put something together. One staffer, Camille, sat and helped me make a necklace I absolutely love that ended up being more affordable than anything I'd buy in a store.

Grade: A

Dawn Cohen, 21, Deer Park

This place was like Romper Room for the crafty people of Long Island. My senses were overloaded in this sparkly world where beads were a-plenty. I took a class in basic jewelry making and left with a grasp of all the essentials. The products and the classes are reasonably priced, which is excellent for those unsure of their beading-future. The atmosphere and staff is warm and welcoming, but I recommend taking a class as no instruction is given on the floor. Anyone looking to broaden their "Martha" horizons should give this place a try.

Grade: A-