Frequently Asked Questions at Bead Lounge
Store Operations Classes Consignment

About Store Operations:

When are you open?
The Bead Lounge hours are Tuesday through Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday Noon-4. We are CLOSED on Mondays. We are open late for some events including Artwalk, and closed on some holidays. Check our monthly calendars posted here for more information.

Where is Bead Lounge located?
Bead Lounge is located in downtown Longmont Colorado on the East side of Main Street near 3rd Avenue. Our address is 320 Main Street, Longmont CO 80501.

Directions to Bead Lounge through GoogleMaps can be found here.

Where is convenient parking located?
Lot parking is available behind the store off of Kimbark in addition to Main Street parking out front. This is directly across from the Longmont Library and Civic Center.

What kind of store is Bead Lounge?
We facilitate creativity here! We carry glass, stone, polymer, shell, coral and metal beads plus a variety of findings, supplies for stringing, weaving and other kinds of beading projects. In addition, the knowledgeable and talented staff is ready to point the way to the beads, supplies, and classes that can help you create whatever beaded projects you have in mind. 
You'll find magazines and books about beads, minerals and more, and classes in a variety of areas that include PMC (Precious Metal Clay), Wire Wrapping, Jewelry Making, Polymer Clay,  Fiber Arts, and more. Create something brand new, finish an old project, or repair a broken piece to re-make wearable art. The bright, roomy and relaxing atmosphere of the space itself makes it enjoyable to work on projects by yourself or with friends. We accommodate individual artists in Open Studio and you can also reserve the space for your group or party. In addition, we carry a wide selection of handcrafted work by local and nationally known artisans in our Gallery. Jewelry, accessories, ceramics, fused glass decorative items, paintings, prints, photos,  quilts & more can be found here!

Will Bead Lounge repair jewelry?
Our staff can assist with restringing beads, clasp replacement and other small repairs. However, we do not do re-sizing of rings or hot-metal joinery repairs.

How can I order items that are not available in stock?
We will always tell customers where they can get items we do not have in stock, if we know. Occasionally we will place special orders, and customers wishing to do this must speak with Patti directly.

Where do you have parties?
Small groups can be accommodated in the Bead Lounge Open Studio area. For larger gatherings we are delighted to have a large, airy room right next door as part of our space. With a skylight, lots of work tables and comfy chairs, it is a wonderful spot for birthdays, showers and get-togethers for your group

How do I book a party?
Call 303.678.9966 during business hours to reserve a time and date for your event. Please schedule your event at least 3 days in advance, and it is advisable to check farther ahead for availability of the space and staff. Saturdays and Sundays fill very quickly!

When can I book a party?
Parties can be held during business hours or parties of 6 or more can be scheduled for after hours or Mondays. Please note that evening parties must have a start time of no later than 6:30 PM. If for any reason your count drops below six, please advise us and we will be happy to reschedule for you. Parties have a maximum time of two hours during normal store operations and three hours after hours. 

How much does it cost to book a party?
We normally charge Open Studio rates per participant at your event. Standard fees are:
Single strand bracelets: $10; double strand: $15 
Watches $20
Single strand anklets: $10
Single strand necklaces (up to 22"): $15; double strand: $20
Earrings single dangle: $8- multidangle: $12; 
Charms: $4 each
Or, you can book an instructor to work with your group if you wish to pursue special beading projects, polymer clay, fiber arts, metal work, wire wrapping, crystals and  more! Dates and charges are worked out in advance with the instructor; call for more information.

How many people can we have at a party?
Six is the minimum required to reserve a space, and we have hosted parties of up to 40 people!

What are your age limits for a party?
We book parties for those aged 5 and up. Children's parties require adult supervision from the party sponsors in addition to our staff who will help with the activities.

Can we bring refreshments to the party?
Certainly! We don't sell or serve food here at Bead Lounge. However, we do have adequate tables for your serving area and a refrigerator plus a microwave.

What is Open Studio?
Our staff is here to help you create party gifts and treasures, and special theme classes are available for your group's enjoyment. We provide Open Studio during normal business hours and  fees include studio work space, a great basic bead selection, tool use, wire & findings. Use them to create bracelets or necklaces, earrings or watches right then and there! 

Our staff is available to help with the technical aspects if needed, and you can supplement the Open Studio bead choices with purchases from the store stock.  Please be advised that there is limited assistance during peak hours, dependent on staff coverage. We love to offer this drop in service and appreciate your patience.

How much does it cost?
Open studio base fees are as follows--
Single strand bracelets: $10; double strand: $15 
Watches $20
Single strand anklets: $10
Single strand necklaces (up to 22"): $15; double strand: $20
Earrings single dangle: $8- multidangle: $12; 
Charms: $4 each

What is the difference between Open Studio and Classes?
Basic stringing and re-stringing help is available from our staff in Open Studio. We'll show you how to add clasps, demonstrate crimping the ends, and assist in finding the right components.

Classes are offered by our talented group of Instructors. Each has fields of expertise in areas like Advanced Bead Stringing, Weaving, and Embroidery, Peyote Stitches, Wire Wrapping, Metal Work, Textile Arts,  Polymer Clay and more. Classes offer far more in-depth information than is be found in the Open Studio, which offers basic stringing assistance.

About Classes:

What kinds of classes does Bead Lounge offer?
Our instructors offer classes in the catagories of:
Beading, Business Of Art, Crystals, Fiber Arts, Intuitive, Metal &Wire Wrapping, and Polymer Clay.

Where are the class times posted?
We list the calendars for three months at a time on our Classes web page. It is updated frequently, and paper printouts are also available at the front counter at Bead Lounge.

How much does it cost to take a class at Bead Lounge?
Costs vary per class, and the amount listed is per each student. Each instructor sets the fees, hours, minimum and maximum number of students and supplies needed for that class. All the information about each class and a sample picture are listed on our website. The classes are linked from the calendars too--just click on the name of the class to find out more!

What do I need to do to take a class?
The hardest part can be deciding where to start! Once you do, sign up in person at the Bead Lounge, over the phone OR online using the convenient Paypal. "add to cart" buttons by each class listing on the web page. Sign ups prior to the class are strongly encouraged.

How old does a student need to be to take a class?
Students need to be old enough to have a sincere interest in the class and to hold and use tools safely. Our instructors have worked with the very young, the very old, and those who are in-between, and we will work with you to arrange a class suitable for the needs of the students involved. 

Where can I found out more about classes?
The Bead Lounge has an extensive and ever growing website that can be found here at http://www.beadlounge.com and we have all of our classes listed there, along with pictures of samples and the information about supplies, times, costs, etc. You can also call us at 303.678.9966 or visit us at 320 Main Street in Longmont Colorado during working hours and our staff will be happy to assist with any questions you might have. If its a question we hear frequently, it might just end up here on this very page!

How do I request a class at a date that is not on the calendar?
If you have a group of three or more, we can often arrange a special offering of the desired class at a time convenient to the students and instructor. This is dependent also on the availability of our classroom space, so make these arrangements in advance.

How do I request a class that is not already offered at Bead Lounge?
We are happy to act as intermediaries in scheduling classes with our existing list of instructors, and we will find those who's skill-sets match the demand for new classes. So please do tell us if there is a technique or medium you want to explore with a qualified instructor, and we'll add it to our list.

Where can I get supplies for classes?
Bead Lounge carries a wide variety of tools, supplies, and findings. You can also bring your own items, and we can recommend local or internet sources for any items that are not carried in stock. Please check the listings for each class in advance.

What do I need to bring to classes?
Each class is different. Students are asked to check the listings wherein each Instructor specifies what is required for the students use. Some of the classes supply the tools for use and some or all of the materials Others require the students to bring their own supplies such as polymer clay, etc. Bead Lounge has hand tools for student use, and also for sale. We have an oven and a kiln available on the premises for the use of classes featuring polymer clay and Precious Metal Clay.

What happens if class is canceled?
When a class does not meet the minimum number of students set by the Instructor, it will be canceled and rescheduled at the discretion of the Instructor and the Class Coordinator. Students are asked to sign up ahead of time to ensure that the class will occur on that date. If a student has paid for a class that is canceled, they may choose between a full refund, taking that class at the next scheduled date or applying the fee to another class. It is the responsibility of the Instructor and the students to check on the current status of the class with Bead Lounge 24-48 hours prior to the listed beginning of the class. 

What if I can't be there for a class that has been pre-paid?
Please let us know 24 hours in advance and we can apply your fee to the next available time that class is offered, or another class of your choice. As our instructors prepare for their students in advance, we need to let them know if you are dropping or changing times.

What do I need to do to teach a class?
Instructors who wish to present a new class at Bead Lounge are asked to first consult with the class coordinator in order to establish that the class is significantly different from other classes on our roster, and that it would be of interest to our customers. If so, then it is up to the instructor to provide a short written description of the class that includes the length of time, cost, materials provided, materials the student needs to bring, and a physical class sample that can be both mounted in our class display area and photographed for inclusion in our classes web pages. Class date requests must be submitted to the store prior to the 15th of the month for the (1-3) month following schedule. If the tenured teacher does not submit dates by the 15th the classes will be opened to other instructors. Please note that priority on the schedule will be given to the BASICS classes first. Instructors are limited to a maximum of four classes a month on the schedule.

When will the class be offered on the schedule?
The instructor will work with the class coordinator to find times that are best to offer the class on our monthly calendars. We ask that classes be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance so that we can effectively advertise them in the store, on the web, and elsewhere. We prefer to offer a maximum of three or at most four classes in a single day to aid in traffic flow management in the store. It is important to schedule your class ending time BEFORE the close of business at the store if at all possible so as to make checkout and cleanup easier. It is the instructor's responsibility to set up before and clean up the area after classes.

How much does it cost to offer classes through Bead Lounge?
Instructors set their own fees and the minimum /maximum number of students. Large classes can be accommodated in our open and well lit meeting room, and up to 20 students can be seated. 25% of the class fee is payable to Bead Lounge. Instructors are paid after the conclusion of the class.

How will I know if there are students signed up for the class?
When a class does not meet the minimum number of students set by the Instructor, the date will be canceled and rescheduled at the discretion of the Instructor and the Class Coordinator. Students are asked to sign up ahead of time to ensure that the class will occur on that date. It is the responsibility of the Instructor and the students to check on the current status of the class with Bead Lounge 24-48 hours prior to the listed beginning of the class.

Who will advertise the classes?
Our class coordinator will work with instructors to create exciting class listings and to encourage student sign ups. Our web site is at work 24 hours a day to expose the work of our artisans and share our upcoming schedules. We also list a brief description of the instructor and their contact email or URL if desired, and we will link to your existing web page. Bead Lounge maintains regular print advertising in local venues such as the LFU catalog, The Yellow Scene, newspapers, and more. Instructors are encouraged to promote their classes using their own resources including mailing lists and more. Instructors who wish to begin building an effective web-presence can speak with our web master concerning special rates for building new sites or for no-cost information on cross-linking and other promotional stratagems.

About Consignment:
click here for a printable pdf document

What exactly IS "consignment"?
"On consignment" refers to an agreement between the artist and Bead Lounge to display and offer items left for sale, collect receipts, and then pay the artist afterwards, while keeping a percentage of the total price. This differs in many ways from outright purchase at wholesale prices from merchants for resale.

How can I sell my work through Bead Lounge?
Artists are juried in on a quarterly basis. Please submit an application for review. Accepted artists will be given a 10 week trial. Display fixtures are now required to be provided by the artist and must be approved in advance by Bead Lounge. We have a limited amount of space, and take special care to create exhibits and features that will promote the artists work and the gallery itself. This may mean that some work is not suitable for our current exhibits but could be given space at another time. Acceptance is entirely up to the discretion of Bead Lounge.

When items are accepted, the consignment artist then fills out a contract and leaves a detailed listing of the items which are on consignment at Bead Lounge. The items must then be tagged by the artist with the artist's name and the retail price. All items must go through this approval and inventory process before being placed on the store sales floor. This is very important for purposes of inventory control. Any items that are placed in the store without going through this process first will be held so that the artist can mark them with a name and price.

What kinds of artwork does Bead Lounge take on consignment?
We select high quality work in many media including paintings and prints, ceramics, photographs, collage and fiber arts, silver and metal work. Bead Lounge does NOT accept finished jewelry on consignment. This is an opportunity reserved for Bead Lounge employees and instructors only.

When can I see the Consignment Coordinator?
Please call and make an appointment ahead of time. Artists will be juried in on a quarterly basis. 

When I am accepted as a Bead Lounge Consignment Artist, can I bring new items in any time?
New items still need to be reviewed and accepted  before they are placed into inventory, tagged, and placed out for sale. Accepted artists can leave items to be reviewed, but may not just place them out for sale themselves. Leaving items for review does not guarantee that they will be added to the consignment inventory. Artists need to be sure to add any accepted inventory to their consignment listing sheet.

How are prices set?
The artist sets the retail price of each item left on consignment. When sold, the artist gets 70% of the retail price, and Bead Lounge keeps 30%. This is significantly lower than some galleries that keep 40, 50, or even 60% of sales.

How are items displayed at Bead Lounge--can I just put them where I want?
We will work with the artist's display concepts when possible, but the final decisions of where and how items are displayed in the store is up to Bead Lounge. Artists must provide their own display fixtures and have them approved by Bead Lounge. Work will be integrated into store displays and every effort will be made to safeguard it and create visual impact

What happens when my work is sold?
Payment is made to artists within 15 days after the close of the month in which the sale occurs. Consignment checks are written once a month and mailed to consignment artists whose work has sold. For this reason it is important to keep a current address and contact information on file.

What happens if my work does not sell?
Artists may choose to remove work from inventory at any time. If work has not sold within a period of ten weeks it may be cycled out of inventory at the discretion of Bead Lounge, and the artist will be requested to come in to pick up their items. This is not a negative reflection on the work itself or the artist--sometimes it just takes a different season or another venue to find just the right customer for artwork.

What happens after I'm requested to remove my work?
When work is being removed from the consignment rotation, we will place it in storage and the artist is notified in writing that their items are being held in back storage. Please make arrangements to take work home within 30 days of notification. After that, artists will be contacted a second time. Articles left after 60 days and two notices will be donated to a charitable cause. Please contact us if you cannot retrieve your items within this time frame and wish to make other arrangements and we will be happy to work with you.

320 Main St. Longmont CO 80501  303.678.9966