Karen & Friends image

Karen & Friends

Gift shop Craft store Art school Bead store

👍👍 Went here for a 1pm class just for fun and it was. The owner helped us put bead colors and styles together and was very helpful. Would recommend this for anyone thst enjoys crafting. People often mention store, jewelry, beads, Iris, owner, great, shop, pieces, time, helpful,


Address

724 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901, United States

Website

karenandfriendsbeads.com

Contact

+1 321-956-1191

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (196 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 4 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 6 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: store (25) jewelry (17) beads (16) Iris (11) owner (10) great (9) shop (9) pieces (9) time (8) helpful (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sue B. 7 months ago on Google
    Went here for a 1pm class just for fun and it was. The owner helped us put bead colors and styles together and was very helpful. Would recommend this for anyone thst enjoys crafting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Teresa T. 7 months ago on Google
    If you're looking for AMAZING service for any of your beading needs, Karen and Friends is the place to go in the Space Coast. I'm getting married in March and my something old and something blue was a necklace my great grandmother made me many many years ago. I wanted it made into anklets for my wedding. Not only was the turn around much faster than the estimate given to me, but they made me feel like we were lifelong friends.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Pink p. 1 year ago on Google
    First time there and I found the lady up front to be rude. I asked a simple question how did you make this and she acted like I was about to steal trade secrets. So I said the reason I ask is that I was wondering if you do custom earrings. Then she replies with no offense I don't have time for that. I wanted to come back and be a regular because the store is awesome but I don't want to be afraid to ask questions or feel the negative energy in a place where creativity is the whole point of the store.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea B. 6 months ago on Google
    Karen and Friends bead store is a wonderful place to shop in the Historical downtown Melbourne area. The store offers classes on making jewelry pieces, thousands of beads to choose from, and beautiful jewelry pieces to buy. I was excited to learn that they will also fix or “restring” broken beaded jewelry pieces. I brought two broken jewelry pieces to the store, a pink pearl necklace that broke when I was a teenager (over 30 years ago) and a broken beaded bracelet. The owner fixed both pieces for me in the time it took for my husband I to go to lunch. She was fantastic!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alyssa G. 5 months ago on Google
    I cannot praise this store enough. It honestly has the cheapest semi precious stones in the area and they are just as high quality as the stones you will see everywhere else. The owner makes her own metal from the premade jewelry to the wire wrapping materials and as someone who has metal sensitivities that is a huge relief to know I won’t me buying materials my family and I can’t enjoy. Jewelry making is a hobby but I always learn something new about my craft when I speak with the owner and staff. Speaking of the owner and staff, they are the kindest most down-to-earth people I have ever met. They make the entire store feel like I’ve come home, and honestly critique my understanding of my craft to help me become better at it. I seriously couldn’t say enough about this place. Even if you’re not a jewelry maker, please come by and see them. Because I have made friends for life here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M O. 5 months ago on Google
    Found this shop while wondering around downtown with my husband. Went in to check out all the pretty beads, because beaded jewelry is a hobby of mine. Was cheerfully greeted as we entered by Iris as she was working with another patron on a project. Great place to try out beading with guidance and tools for you to use. Many unique pieces as well. I went in thinking I would just find some pretty beads to add to my collection, there were many to choose from, but what I found was an Earth Angel full of LOVE and guidance. Thank you Iris, the Love you shared with us was truly amazing. We will rise together, with bells on! Thank you for being on this human journey with me! Blessings to you!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K w. 1 year ago on Google
    What a wonderful shop! We felt welcomed from the moment we stopped in. So much to see! Amazing personal items. Hand made or collected with thoughtful meaning. The owner chatted with us and really truly loves design..you can tell. This is a must stop here in this town! Thank you for sharing with us. We will be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina M. 1 year ago on Google
    Was visiting Melbourne and decided to stop in! Such an amazing place and so much to look at! I found some really great pieces for my kiddos and myself! The owner was extremely friendly and we chatted for awhile! I would highly suggest to stop in!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pamela R. 1 year ago on Google
    I went into the store today for the first time and Iris was so helpful and was able to answer all my questions. I can get into trouble in this store they have everything and so much more. I highly recommend stopping in even if you dont need anything as I promise you will find something you cannot live without. I look forward to my next visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susie Van M. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic!!! Would give 1000 stars if I could. The bead selection is magnificent. The entire store has been curated by talented Iris. There are classes for beginners to seasoned jewelry makers. The store is filled with friendliness and fun. This is definitely the place to go for beads and gorgeous jewelry on display to buy. Definitely put Karen and Friends on your MUST EXPLORE LIST.

  • 5/5 Tracey D. 2 years ago on Google
    Karen was extremely helpful and her store is amazing. She is willing to do whatever it takes to get you what your “vision” might be. Patient, Friendly, Courteous and extremely outgoing!! It was a joy visiting her store and I look forward to my next visit. Thanks Karen and her team for making my shopping experience so great!!

  • 5/5 Katherine M. 1 year ago on Google
    Mindy and others at the store repaired a whole pile of my broken jewelry and adjusted scores of ill-fitting earrings in a jiffy at really reasonable cost. Plus they have so many lovely ready-made pieces for purchase. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Kavita P. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the store that is full of fun and exciting stuff, a trove of treasures for sure. Iris was very helpful and kind in suggesting classes to me and accommodated my schedule. I loved her energy and look forward to learning and hopefully picking up a new hobby

  • 5/5 LaToi F. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is an absolute gold mine for any and all crafters and creators! Iris is an AAA grade rare gem that exudes the sweetest energy! I’m so appreciative of her willingness to share her knowledge, expertise, tips and jewelry hacks with the upmost patience and understanding! This entire experience was so worth the almost two hour drive! Her prices, range of selection and quality is unmatched! You can find solace in the fact that her stones are ethically sourced ☺️.

  • 5/5 car 5 months ago on Google
    This store has so many beads it's heaven for a crafter like myself! They have lots of options and reasonable prices. There are little areas where small, local businesses can put their stuff and it's a nice added touch. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and will certainly be going again.

  • 5/5 Julie R. 2 years ago on Google
    OMG I LOVE THIS STORE & IRIS! So knowledgeable. So lovely. Gemstone & metal & crafting expert. The selection is out of this world. Support this store/experience….the world needs more Iris’.

  • 5/5 Punky J. 2 years ago on Google
    Was an enlightening experience! Iris gave us knowledge on the beads, where they are from, if shortage and why shortage. History on the beads we were interested in. She helped both in physical and spiritual and mental care, for I had been having stress filled days. My friend, Linda and myself had so much fun and will be the place for me to shop and experience this shop again and again. You are so very ALIVE, Iris and a blessing! 🙏

  • 5/5 Tayla Y. 11 months ago on Google
    The women at the shop are charismatic, helpful, and very fun! They do fantastic work as well. Not just beads- gemstones, metallurgy, and more! Definitely will come back next time I’m in town

  • 5/5 Liz 11 months ago on Google
    I went here today with some friends for the first time and it was fantastic!!! The jewelry looks amazing and the whole store was very creative. A worker helped us know where everything was and was very kind!

  • 5/5 Taylor M. 2 years ago on Google
    On our trip to Melbourne Beach we stumbled across Karen’s shop & just fell in love. She has an incredible variety and selection of jewelry, accessories, and decor in her place that is at a great price. Not to mention the owner is absolutely wonderful, she was so fun to talk to and just made our day with her personality and welcoming us into the store. This place is just a gem of find in downtown Melbourne! You must stop in to pick up something for yourself!

  • 5/5 Maria Rizza A. 11 months ago on Google
    I had a great time browsing around Karen & Friends while staying away from the hot sun! I appreciated the friendly and warm environment of the store. I ended up getting some earrings, beads, and even a cute knit/crochet finger puppet. I will definitely be coming back here soon to get more beads for kandi bracelets!!

  • 5/5 Elise B. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great store! The owner is so lovely and the products are great! Highly recommend for anyone who like jewelry making or jewelry in general!

  • 5/5 Julie A. 1 year ago on Google
    The best bead store you’ll find. It’s so welcoming and the vibes are immaculate. They have everything you need! I feel like a kid again in the best way ❤️ super positive energy and staff is so friendly and kind 10/10

  • 5/5 Brooklynn P. 1 year ago on Google
    100/10 best bead store I’ve ever been to. There’s so much variety and the atmosphere is so positive. I will be coming back for all my jewelry making needs.

  • 5/5 mushroomcat 2 years ago on Google
    i visit her VERY often!! it is amazing! even if you arent a maker, just going to see them all is such a fun experience! i love going for inspiration since it is such a fun place. they also recently really expanded on their crystal selection! tumbles to beads to full on necklaces. it really a treat to go since the workers are so nice and the lovely beads are well priced

  • 5/5 Karolina D. 1 year ago on Google
    I went in today for the first time EVER, glad I did. The store has everything you need for jewelry making, from a variety of beads, to findings to wires. Selection is HUGE!!! Iris was a delight, patient, knowledgeable, helpful, and very kind. I plan on going back again REAL soon. Thank you so very much Iris!

  • 5/5 Christina M. 1 year ago on Google
    I absolutely fell in love with this store. I instantly felt welcomed and was lead the way to my new obsession with seed beads. I spent 2 wonderful hours there and gained so much knowledge about life and beads in general. I will most definitely come back every paycheck!!

  • 5/5 Angela 3. 3 years ago on Google
    This shop has a great variety of beads, the best around. That's definitely not all. There are many outstanding pieces of art and all sorts of wonderful items to enjoy and gift. Check out this great shop for beads and much more. The owner is friendly and helpful. I look forward to going back and buying an acrylic pour that I can't stop thinking about... Let's see if it is still there 🤩

  • 5/5 Philip R. 1 year ago on Google
    This place very quickly became one of my favorite stores downtown. The ladies were so welcoming and so passionate about their work, which I love to see being an artist myself. They showed me around, and appealed to my preferences just by noticing things about me. They sat me down and showed me how to make them also! I didn't realize that I needed that experience until it happened. I definitely have to bring my sister and friends here... Even my sons. They would love it.They even offer classes on how to create and design the things you want. I love it here.


Call +1 321-956-1191 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ In-store pick-up
    • ✓️ In-store shopping
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Small business

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