Talking Shop

Into the rush of the holiday season, some sorrow must fall: I just got the news that local bead-sprite Joy Barrett is closing her Studio Bead boutique in Highlands Square at the end of the month. “I thought that the shop might be a platform for building something bigger —...

By Susan Froyd

December 18, 2008

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Into the rush of the holiday season, some sorrow must fall: I just got the news that local bead-sprite Joy Barrett is closing her Studio Bead boutique in Highlands Square at the end of the month. “I thought that the shop might be a platform for building something bigger — to invite others to creatively dream,” she wrote me. “And I think it did that for many, but not quite enough for me. I met so many people, learned so much from volunteering in our merchant community, orchestrated so many events — my fingers are weary. So I listened to my customer comments, and I will put my talents out there, update my resumé, shine my beads and get busy!” Which hints at the good news: Barrett’s imaginative jewelry and accessories, as well as some of her premier events, such as the annual Beads, Braids and Brows Frida-style art show, won’t be going away (keep checking her website, www.studiobead.com, for news and details, or log on to her Etsy site at www.studiobead.etsy.com).

In the meantime, Studio Bead, 3716 West 32nd Avenue, will offer nice closeout discounts on merchandise for the next few days, and especially tonight from 5 to 11 p.m., during the street-wide 11th Hour Highlands ShopNite, a mea culpa for all you last-minute holiday-gift lookie-loos who’ve realized you’re short a few gifts, three days before Christmas. Barrett promises 35 percent discounts during the event, and other shops in the vicinity of 32nd Avenue and Lowell Street will follow suit. For more information, visit www.highlands-square.com.
Mon., Dec. 22, 5-11 p.m., 2008

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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