Important Update Regarding Bead Inspirations

Bead Inspirations has been sold from the Lapp Family to Jessi A, one of our employees and her sister Gabbie A. We will still be under the same name and in the same location in Alameda, CA. The last day of current operations is July 31st, 2026 from 11am - 5pm.

We have disabled buying from the webstore and have suspended classes until we reopen, which we are hoping to be about August 12-13th. We will send out an notice when we officially reopen.

From Toni Lapp

Two years ago, my sister Vicki – the founder of Bead Inspirations -- called me with dire news about her health and asked for help managing myriad tasks. Of utmost concern was this beloved bead shop, then approaching its 20th year in operation.

I knew little of retail and even less about beads. I didn't know the difference between round-nose and needle-nose pliers and confused obsidian with onyx, but I did my best to step up at a very difficult time. I made increasingly frequent visits from my home in Colorado and got to know and love this community.

As Vicki’s final days approached, we dreaded what was to come. A LOT of people urged us to liquidate the business when she died. As simple as that would have been, it was also too much to bear having to endure another loss. I began coming to Alameda on my vacations to work in the shop and learn more about the business.

It’s been quite a ride. I now shudder at the sound of beads hitting the floor (amazing how far they can roll!). That said, I can now identify a range of gemstones -- and have a newfound appreciation for a one-step looper.

I also came to appreciate the staff for their expertise. I can’t tell you how many times a customer would come in with their grandmother’s necklace and Jesse or Jessi would drop what they were doing to replace clasps or offer restringing tips. Or bring a newbie to the backroom to show them how to finish projects with shop tools. I knew that we made the right choice to keep the store open.

I am now stepping away as caregiver of this business. My work here is almost done. I hope you’ll drop by and sign the community card, share a memory of the shop or maybe find a treasure from Vicki’s collection to make your own. Last call is 5pm today -- until the shop reopens in mid-August!