Adding a final touch that reflects the individual’s personal flair

A glitter catches my eye as I walk down the main road of Sinchon, one of Seoul’s college districts. The flash comes from jewelry on display at yet another accessories shop, I presume.
But this is not entirely true.
The shop, Beadsborn, located among the many stores of its type in this area, is not just another store selling affordable articles for those who want to bedizen their appearance.
For one thing, none of the accessories on display ― necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, key chains, hair ornaments, cell phone decorations ― are for sale.
“Beadsborn’s unique appeal is that it provides people with the actual material, tools and instructions to make their own accessories with their personal touch,” says the store’s manager, Choi In-sook.
The shop, which opened on Sept. 6, offers private instructions from Monday through Saturday on beginner, intermediate and advanced levels for all types of bead crafts, including bead crochet, using wooden bead spinners.
The beginner and intermediate levels, which work primarily with crystal and glass beads, cost 100,000 won ($86) in addition to the cost of material. The course duration is determined by the number of items produced ― 25 for beginner and intermediate levels. The advanced level works with pearls; eight items may be produced for 150,000 won, in addition to the cost of material. The shop also provides tools, as well as pearls and semi-precious stones.
“Bead craft is in the early stages in Seoul and we’re the pioneers. Hopefully this will grow to be as big in Korea as it is in Japan today,” Ms. Choi says.

Beadsborn
Hours: 10 am to 11 pm
Location: Leave exit 3 at Sinchon station on subway line No. 2, walk towards Yonsei University, across the street from Dunkin Donuts.
Tel: (02) 363-2478

by Stella Lee