Caravan Beads of Chicago, Chicago

Throughout nearly two decades of collecting and reselling beads, owner Charlene Steele has gathered more than one million types of baubles including Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, and Miyuki seed beads and Delica beads. In addition to a variety of beads and jewelry components from Czech glass buttons to crystal pendants, customers can drape themselves in the shop's finished jewelry. To learn techniques for making their own treasures, patrons can attend beginner to advanced classes, in which knowledgeable instructors teach students how to wire wrap a stone or preserve a small photo or dried flower in a resin pendant. The shop hosts private parties for kids and adults alike.