We blame it all on Emily Rose! And every September when we celebrate another year in the bead store business, we thank her. In 2004, when she was 12 years old, Emily Rose started making jewelry and selling it at local craft fairs. The materials she used were genuine semi-precious stones and crystals, which were hung on a simple cord and sold as a necklace or bracelet for $4.00. Emily Rose did her homework—researching the healing and protective properties of each stone and typing up cards on the computer so that she could give one out with each purchase. Her jewelry was so popular that after a couple of craft fairs, she put $3,000 in the bank. It was her idea to open a bead store, and Colorful Creations Bead Company, Inc. was born. Emily Rose has been involved with creating the business from the beginning; working with realtors, bankers, lawyers, choosing the location and the inventory. A great education for a young lady! She is one of our instructors (specializing in chain maille), runs the cash register, repairs all broken jewelry for customers and is the hostess for Birthday Parties and Girls Night Out parties.

Ryan, our store manager, is the brains (and brawn!) behind the operation. He started with us when he was 15 years old. Our “computer whiz” keeps us running, and is also an instructor, specializing in wire and metal work.

Colorful Creations Bead Company is involved in many local, national and international charities. We are a Collection Center for the Open Pantry and Toys for Tots year-round, and have special Charity Days where we raise money in many interesting ways! Check out our website to see what is coming up. With our staff of 11 instructors, we teach over 100 classes and workshops, and are adding more all the time. We have classes in traditional bead stringing, seed bead projects, PMC, Copper and Bronze Clay, Dichroic and Art Glass, Polymer Clay, Resin and Wire Working. Internationally known artists, instructors and authors frequent our Studio for special workshops throughout the year. Offering the largest selection of beads, charms, Swarovski Crystal, tools, books and materials in Western Massachusetts, the bead shop is located in the Heritage Village Shoppes in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. We are known as “The Friendly Place To Bead” with our bright, spacious Studio open to folks of all ages and abilities interested in creating jewelry—we’ll have a cup of tea ready for you, and will be happy to help design and finish up the jewelry!

When she was 6 years old, Emily Rose announced to her parents that someday she would have a business called “Colorful Creations”. Her dream has come true—and has made a big difference in the lives of a whole lot of people!