Store brings glam to Middlebury Bead and yarn studio revives the fun of jewelry-making

Author: Sarah Shaikh

Have you ever been in the Fitness Center reading the latest In Style and seen that perfect pair of earrings? The dangly ones with the beads that would look just perfect to wear to class or to dress up your Friday night outfit for the party at that cute guy's suite? Well, sadly, the Barney's down Rt. 7 closed before it ever opened and you probably really don't want to pay $50 in shipping to get them to the mailroom by Friday at 3:59 pm. Though it might not be the fashion capital of the East Coast, Middlebury might just be home to the perfect place for you to find - or better yet make - those perfect earrings.

Vermont Beads and Fibers, located in Star Mill overlooking Otter Creek, was opened in 2004 by Bethany Barry and is just the place to make everything from jewelry to your own socks. Barry has been working with beads for the last 30 years. She started making her own beads and jewelry in the '70s, when she sold it at rock shows and in her first shop, which she co-established with friends. Barry continued to make beads and jewelry, selling her creations at craft shows and wholesale and retail markets before moving with her husband from New Jersey to Vermont. Once she arrived, Barry began teaching classes and selling beads out of her home and then a year ago decided to open a store in Middlebury that would sell both beads and yarn. It was then that Vermont Beads and Fibers first opened in Star Mill, next to what was then Ben and Jerry's.

To enter the store you pass through a little wooden overhang that is perfect preparation for the magical store that awaits. The store is divided into two main sections - the top section is filled with yarn and other fibers, and the bottom section, also the most popular, is the bead section and includes the "Make-it -and-take-it table." Barry associates the popularity of the bead section with its convenience. "The make-it-and-take-it table is great because it's easy to come in for a short period of time and make something both quickly and easily," she said. The store has over 280,000 beads including ones that are glass, silver, semiprecious stones, Peruvian ceramic, Austrian, Czech and even Indian beads. Barry noted, "All the shapes, sizes and colors are extraordinary."

The philosophy of the store is not to buy already-made jewelry, but instead to create your own. Though Barry and her associates are present to help customers with the finishing touches of wire cutting and assembling, all the individual creations are made by the customers themselves. "It is really nice to share the bead world with others who are not familiar with it. It is amazing and fun to watch people come in and leave wearing something they have made or with a present made for a friend, Barry said. I opened this store because I wanted to share with people my passion and help them make something for themselves."

If you do want further instruction, however, the store does offer various classes ranging from beginning knitting, crocheting and jewelry making to garland and bag making. All of the classes are only for adults (unless specified otherwise) and range from $30 to $40. All the teachers work in the store, but on occasion visiting jewelers also teach classes. Most of the store's business comes from tourists who are visiting the area, however, the town residents and Middlebury College students do provide some revenue. The store is a welcome addition to Middlebury in that it provides an adventure for tourists, but is also a perfect place for students to creatively express themselves. "It's really fun to have the students come in, they are always interested and interesting to talk to," added Barry.

Students have also had great experiences at the bead store. Alyson Bourne '07 said, "It's a great place to go to have fun. I think the best thing about the store is that you can make a great pair of earrings, necklace or other jewelry for any outfit whether is a special occasion or just something for everyday. The selection is great!"