The name Thistledome Beads says it all (this’ll do me!)  Thistledome Beads is a cozy and inviting bead shop that opened in November, 2005 in the historic Hillyard area of Spokane, Washington. 

 

Tamara McFarlane and her sister Julie McFarlane began beading as a hobby some years ago.  Julie was looking for a new creative outlet when she noticed the beautiful beadwork that was being exhibited at the Western Idaho Fair.  She began to teach herself and then took some classes to learn new techniques. 

One summer her sister, Tamara was visiting Julie in Boise, Idaho.  Julie had signed up for a beading class and took Tamara along rather than miss the class.  Tamara enjoyed the class and created a beautiful necklace. This was the beginning of Thistledome beads. 

 

The sisters love beading and decided to open a small booth to sell finished jewelry and beads.  They began in Spokane by setting up on a street corner in Hillyard.  While Tamara enjoyed being outdoors, the wind and weather proved to be a problem.  The booth was then moved to a public market in Hillyard for a few months with the invaluable assistance of Tamara’s husband Alan.  It wasn’t long before the space proved to be too small for all the treasures in the booth.  Fortunately, a building in Hillyard was available.  This new location is easier to find and offers a comfortable spot in which to enjoy beading. 

 

Soon Alan’s daughter, Janet, in South Wales became interested. Alan, being from Wales, was excited to help open a branch of Thistledome in his home country. Janet is now giving jewelry and beading parties there and is an invaluable buyer for the company.

 

Please stop by to chat with Alan and Tam, have a cup of coffee, and hear stories about Wales and the U.K.  Then, you can bring out your creative side by learning to craft beautiful jewelry and beaded decorative items. Classes are free and are offered on a drop-in basis or by apppointment.  Many have already taken up the offer and have surprised themselves by making wonderful pieces on their first try. There is always room for you!

 

You will find all your beading needs here and at an affordable price. Compare our prices to the other bead locations in town and  you will be amazed at the difference in price. Choose from stone, metal, bone, horn and glass beads and all the findings necessary to complete your project.  If Thistledome Beads doesn’t have what you are looking for, they will be happy to try to find it at an affordable price.  You will also find vintage jewelry, hats, and buttons. We have an amazing array of found articles that will add your own personal touch to your designs. What we don't have room for in our store, we will gladly order for you so that you can have it with two to four days.

 

Thistledome Beads is located at 5209 N. Market St. in Historic Hillyard. The phone number is (509) 879-5577.  Please visit the web site at www.thistledome.net, or e-mail at Thistledome_beads@msn.com. Questions and comments are always welcome.