"Norwalk's favorite bead store" offers a wide selection of semi-precious stones and beads along with the materials necessary to complete a do-it-yourself project. Beadworks also offers classes for aspiring jewelry-makers, including a class for children. Not interested in jewelry design? Bring in your broken pieces for repair. If you are not interested in visiting the store, but would prefer to order online, check out www.beadworks.com.
Based in Cheshire, G. Schoepfer manufactures glass and plastic eyes. Clients can choose from acrylic, blown glass, antique, paperweight and miniature eye options. It creates eyes for dolls, decoys, teddy bears, toys, novelties, figurines, special effects, hobbyists and more.
Wesleyan Potters is a non-profit cooperative guild that promotes the learning and development of skills in crafts. Studio classes are conducted year-round, with lectures, exhibits, demonstrations and films scheduled as special events with visiting craftsmen. Wesleyan Potters also has a gallery and gift shop.
The Claypen is "a paint your own pottery studio" located in the West Hartford Center. You pick out a piece of pottery, choose your colors, design your piece with the provided stencils, sponges and stamps, and then begin painting. Once finished, your piece will take four to six days to be glazed and fired, and at the end you have a unique piece of artwork that you yourself created. You can also order custom pieces designed and painted for you for weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. The studio is a wonderful place for birthday parties, scout troop outings and girl's nights out and a great place for designing unique and special gifts.
