Features
By
Anne A.
Learn how-to make a Seed Bead Memory Wire Bracelet, Pom Pom Cord Necklace and Lucite Bell Flower Earrings in #ShopShowcase with Raphael Crafts in Norwich, UK.
How did you get started?
We started as a clock stall at Candem market in the 70s, soon the stall started doing jewellery and before long we started doing more and more.
In 1986 we opened a shop in St.Benedicts street and still did the market, then in 1991 we found a shop in Lowestoft that had the space we needed to hold any stock. The beads have always been a massive part of the business, from finding beads at markets to break up to now buying a ton of beads. the bead shop opened in 2012. We are now starting to get the on line business working with our website and looking forward to expanding again.
Where are you located?
33 St.Benedicts Street Norwich Norfolk NR2 4PF Jewellery Shop
45 St.Benedicts Street Norwich Norfolk NR2 4PG Bead Shop
199 High Street Lowestoft Suffolk NR32 1HN
www.raphaelcrafts.com
Which products do you specialise in?
We love our stones and have always had a range of different ones.
The jewelley shop has silver set earrings, pendants and studs that we help to design and we are very proud of.
The bead shop has expanded their kit range and we have little angel kits that have been very well received by our customers and we hope to make more different kits soon.
The Lowestoft shop has always stocked mosaic mirrors, we have been dealing with the lady that makes them for 15 years and she always puts a very high quality into her work
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
We love doing the kits, its a product were you have more interaction with the customer and its less about business and more about the craft.
so often people will buy the beads but we never see the finished item but with the kits you can help advise on any helpful tips while they are making it.
What's on the stereo?
We found a cd label on our trips called putumayo world music, they have a vast collection of world music and it fits the shop very well. Music from the tea lands may be a short cd but a truly beautiful sound.
Where else should we visit in your area?
Norwich has many areas to see, the lanes are full of independent shops, the street we are on hosts the Norwich art center and the market in the city is only 5 minutes away.
Lowestoft has one of the best beaches in the country, it also has wonderful shops in the high street and a buzzing town center.
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
We have a instructor called Alison most weeks so please look on our website or face book page for class details.
We also do the Norwich bead fair once a year and the St.Benedicts Street street fair.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
Do you have a favorite craft, art or supply shop in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
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