What You'll Get
Candy necklaces and ring pops look great, but many prefer the nuanced mouthfeel and clean finish of precious beads and stones. Show off sophisticated taste with the help of today's Groupon for Ayla's Originals in Evanston. Choose one of the following options:
- For $30, you get a 2.5-hour basic bead-stringing and wire-wrapping class (a $70 value).
- For $10, you get $20 worth of beading and supplies.
The basic stringing and wire-wrapping classes are normally scheduled individually, but Ayla's has combined the two for Groupon customers. Classes are now offered daily, so call ahead to pre-register.
Ayla's Originals is owned and operated by the highly decorated Ayla Phillips, whose work has been showcased in the Chicago Field Museum, Four Seasons Hotel, on stage at Northlight Theatre in Skokie, and in a bounty of other boutiques. The Groupon-exclusive class, lead by Ayla, guides no more than six students as they form elegant and creative-clasped bracelets or necklaces during the basic stringing portion. When the wrapping begins, wire-wranglers construct a set of customized earrings to take home, put on, and finally claim the crown in Pretty, Pretty Princess.
From front to back, Ayna's Originals' walls are lined with strand after strand of colorful and creative inspiration for any project. Those who opt for in-store shopping will have their pick of Ayla's eclectic selection of gemstones (starting around $10 per strand), shells (starting at $8–$10 per strand), African Christmas beads ($7 per strand), and more. Other essentials such as sturdy chains (starting at $3 per foot) and jewelry items are also easily found throughout the cozy confines.
Prices for beads vary. Registration required. No-shows forfeit Groupon voucher.
The Fine Print
Promotional value expires Sep 1, 2011. Amount paid never expires. Limit 1 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Valid for option purchased only. Class option requires 24-hour cancellation policy or Groupon is forfeited. Registration required. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.
About Ayla's Originals
After the art of beading wrapped up Ayla Phillips Pizzo in its colorful embrace, she followed her passion to open Ayla's Originals, eventually creating her own line of jewelry, Ayla's Own, which has been featured in the Field Museum. On the walls of Ayla's shop, strings of Czech glass beads, gemstones, shells, and African beads boast enough colors to represent a rainbow or pay homage to a crayon collection. Filling the shop's floor space, cases brim with marcasite silver, oblong chunks of turquoise, and polished emeralds and sapphires. Bauble-stringing beginners can participate in regular classes taught by talented and worldly jewelry smiths that concentrate on various curricula, from creating dewdrop bracelets to wire wrapping the hands of a diamond-store security guard.