Beautiful Beads found in Ottawa

I thought it might be a good idea to list some of my favourite bead sites and stores.

My favourite store locally is McBead Creations in Craig Henry. It is a family-run business and my daughter and I have taken a few classes there. Miriam and her staff are always helpful with our questions. And the store is big and fun to browse.


Dragon's Lair Beads is in Stittsville on Iber Road. Another family-run business. I have taken a couple of classes here and this is my place to go for specific items but also has many beautiful beads.

I learned how to make glass beads using glass rods and a torch from Grace at The Glass Shoppe Studio. Grace also sells finished lampworked beads made by local artists - there's some really beautiful designs and Grace's floral beads are amazing. I haven't torched in over a year, I think I am in need of a refresher. Making glass beads is not really difficult but it takes PATIENCE which is likely why I have difficulty. :(

How a lampworked bead is made

Next to Grace's shoppe is Canada Beading Supply which has a lot of crystal and gemstone beads.


I've bought some bead kits from Beadaddict when they were at the Ottawa Glass Bead Artists show in November. I like kits because you have all the components together to try new techniques and someone else has figured out the colours for you. They have some nice and unique designs


Bead FX  is an online Canadian supplier and its located in Toronto. Lots of beads to choose from and all types of Swarovski crystals. I order from here when I need a large number of beads or something I haven't found nearby. I love their Inspirations section.

The Ring Lord is another online Canadian supplier in Saskatoon. They have jump rings, scale and wire for making chain maille. Geared for making chain maille armour but the same rings can be used for jewelry.

I haven't ordered from U.S. beading sites since I like to buy Canadian. But I like the Fusion Beads site for the designs on its Inspiration pages. They also have good in-depth instructions on Beading Techniques. I like the Colour Ideas pages since I am trying to expand my design colours, something unique they have are Swarovski bead mixes.

So many beautiful beads!