Village Beads - and Five Questions

On First Friday this month, Jr V and I stopped into Village Beads. I love their sign, it's just well-done lettering. Also, I've always had a weakness for bead stores (and fish markets, but that's another post). I've always been a little nervous about approaching businesses that are in converted houses - it seems like walking up the steps, across the walk and up onto the porch is such a commitment - I lamost feel guity if I don't buy something..."Why'd you walk all the way up here then!"

Depiste that - and despite the fact that I had an almost-five-year-old in tow, we popped up the steps and went in. The house that Village Beads is in is very well-kept, paired with Jacquiline's next door, thsi is a nice little row of properties. The feeling inside Vilalge Beads is not really retail at all, (and I mean that in a good way) no overwhelming displays, no thrown together "crafting space" that you might find in some other stores like this. Now this was a suprise, since the store is literally PACKED wih merchandise.

There are, of course, beads EVERYWHERE, and several of those old cabinets of flat files that used to be used to store hot-metal-type among other things. They are organized by type and filled to the rbim with beads of all descriptions. We looked through several sections of natural stone beads, in various polishes and shapes. All price ranges from less than a dollar to "sky's the lmit". The display cases hold more elaborate items that can be used as the centerpieces for necklaces, or whatever.

Jr. V was fascinated - and to allieviate the whole "touching" thing, Michele ponted him at a large barrel-like container at the front of the store filled with small beads of all descriptions. It's like a giant treasure chest. In fact the whole store is like finding a chest filled to the rbim with jewels and interesting things.


Many of my female friends are into making necklaces, glass beads and jewelry - it seems to be one of those crafts, like knitting, that is enjoying a bit of a renaissance these days. Village Beads would be a great place to get all you need to start making your own stuff, or for finding that unique piece that helps you standa apart from the rest. We enjoyed our visit, and I'm likely to do some holiday shopping there.

Five Questions: Michele Cassinelli, owner, Village Beads

1. How long has your business been in Multnomah Village?
   We are coming up on our 1st anniversary in business Nov 9th.


2. Why did you decide to locate your business to the Village?
   Buying the property prompted the business. My husband always wanted to own property in Multnomah Village and when the building came up for sale he jumped on it. The next question was what would I like to do with such fantastic retail space.


3. What would you like to see in the Village that we DON'T have?
   We could certainly use more parking, however that may be asking for the impossible.


4. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our neighborhood?
   The biggest challenge facing our neighborhood is establishing ourselves as a destination in the greater Portland area.


5. What is your favorite thing, or favorite place in Multomah?
   My favorite place is of course my own store where you can dig through a bucket of beautiful beads, take a load off and make a one of a kind creation your friends will certainly envy.

Village Beads is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10-6
(and open late on First Friday)!