Bead Road Trip !

Beading is growing and growing in popularity and bead shops are springing up all around Northern Ireland.
My chum Lynne, who makes lovely beaded jewellery, and I planned a road trip to visit 3 bead shops and also stop for a little light lunch, of course !

Keeping in mind my New Year's Resolution not to buy beads, I didn't ! but I did make a few other purchases - display stands, skull charms, beautiful buttons and some earring wires and toggles - it's good to support local businesses - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it !!

First stop was Beads 4 Craft in Warrenpoint - a real assortment of beads, ribbons, packaging

organza bags,

display stands and finished pieces of jewellery - lots of inspiration here.

Check out their website for more details including their weekly special offer  http://www.beads4crafts.co.uk/default.asp

From Warrenpoint we headed over to The Bead Shop, Bessbrook - (using the GPS on my smartphone - very clever).
A fab spacious shop with lovely beads

buttons

bags and more.

There is also a great space for workshops.
http://www.facebook.com/bessbrook

Next on our itinerary was lunch, in the Downshire Arms Hotel in Banbridge- http://www.downshirearmshotel.com/ - a busy spot and a delish lunch.  Will definitely visit there again.

Last stop was The Bead Strand, Banbridge - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bead-Strand/110813365646002

The Bead Strand also make beautiful wedding bouquets - very unusual.

A fab day out - can't wait to do it again !