Bab's Beads....

THE SAVVY SHOPPER
Jeanne Vogt

Bab's Beads....
For all your creative needs!

Attention all you beaders and I know there are a lot of you out there. Bab's Beads just moved into her new location just three weeks ago. It is much more convenient, right on U.S.41. It is owned by Kerry and Babs Snyderman who have been in business since 1981. Kerry explained to me that they cater to the higher end beader. The people who bead to sell or for someone looking for quality pieces. They stock gemstone beads, beautiful, unusual pendants, Swarovski crystals,sterling silver and precious metals. He said they are a destination, people research the bead industry and make a point to stop here. There are not many bead stores of this caliper in the country.
Customers come from all over to explore the selection and quality.
His wife Bab's designs and makes pocketbooks. She uses 100% natural fabrics of silk, raw silk or cotton. She hand dyes them in a colorful selection. She has exquisite bags that she designs the frame of sterling silver with attention to detail, then she builds a purse around it. They are on display in framed cases but not for sale. Kerry said if she did sell one it would be around $2000. Other bags are very unusual like the World War II surplus bags that she first draws the color out of the bag then hand paints them into colorful art pieces. They are licensed to import the skins to be made into purses. Bab's uses a wide variety. She is a talented lady, she also makes unique jewelry using gemstones and precious metals. All the pieces that I saw were absolutely beautiful and one of a kind.
Beads, beads, and more beads! There is every color imaginable Even natural colored diamond beads and black diamond beads from Australia. They carry Troll beads, these are the brother to Pandora beads. You buy the bracelet and clasp then you select the beads from many! Bab's is the only store in Lee County that carry Troll Beads.
They give classes, keeping it at a class size of six so you get individual attention. There are different classes all the time. A class in wire wrapping is coming up. Call for the schedule.
They carry tons of bead books and all the bits and parts, these are called findings. Plus all the tools you will need and gift boxes for your creation!
There is a big selection of pearls of every kind, they are one of the biggest importers and sell a lot to jewelry stores.
They get shipments every day so the stock is continually changing. The only problem is there is such a large variety of beads and colors that you will have a hard time choosing!!!
Bab's Beads is located at 16205 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 4 in Ft. Myers. (Across from The Forest)
Phone: 432-1778
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Fri. 9-7 Closed on Sunday.