A small, but tidy shop with all the beads in little glass dishes in various cabinets lining the wall. Lots of interesting pressed glass, plastic and metal shapes that I haven't seen much elsewhere. A little bit of everything (seed, delicas, swarovskis, czech, semi-precious, wood/bone, etc).
Note: The shop is on the second floor, and there's no elevator access, so if you're packing a stroller or have other mobility issues, you've got problems (I ended up leaving the bottom part of my stroller at the shop downstairs (Penelope's) where the shopkeeper is very nice and sells interesting things from Peru).
The best selection of Swarovski and Czech crystal in the area (half the store is crystal). A good selection of findings and stringing supplies. Buy in bulk for the best pricing (individual beads are available, but packs of 8, 10, 12 or more your better bet).
Close to downtown Vancouver, this is a standard bead shop.
Located in a public market, this edition of Beadworks is more of a kiosk.
Located in yet another public market-type touristy area, this is a full-sized edition of Beadworks.
Originally a lapidary supply store; beads, jewelry supplies, and their tools have staged a takeover (incomplete, however, there are still tumbling grits and whatnot if you want them). Skewed towards the bulk/production buyer, the packages are large, but well priced. They also have a good selection of semi-precious beads, fresh water pearl, Czech and Swarovski crystal, and findings.
Warning: A number of customers have reported poor/rude service.
A standard bead shop with experienced staff.
Note: They do have Delicas, but all they have displayed is a tiny colour card behind the till. Ask for what you don't see (like sterling).
A general craft store in downtown Vancouver, at least half of which is devoted to beads. One wall is obviously covered in beads, but don't forget to check inside the glass counters, both sides have stacks of bead containers. Just ask.
Warning: The place is packed with stuff, and usually has boxes on the floor that makes stroller navigation difficult.
A bead/Chinese knotting/gift store. Their bead selection is not huge, but they have a much better than average variety of semi-precious beads (both in shape and type).
Last visited when they were just setting up. The selection was not all that varied, but tended towards higher end beads (eg. Bali silver). Also a significant portion of the store was set up gallery-style for finished work.
A Buddhist/spiritual paraphernalia and jewelry store in Chinatown, this establishment also sells many semi-precious beads (in a good variety of shapes) as well as rough and polished stones and crystals. They also sell malas in various materials that the enterprising individual can render down into beads if they choose.
A jewellery supply store very close to downtown Vancouver. They have a very small section of beads (mostly precious metal spacers), but tools and findings galore. A "trade" shop, they cater to industry but will sell to anyone (buy in bulk and get bulk pricing).
A lapidary supply store with a good selection of books and magazines on all the sensible topics (geology, rocks, gems, minerals, jewelry, beading, design, metaphysics, etc). The books are both new and used. They have current magazines as well as random back issues. They have a good selection of semi-precious beads as well as precious metal spacers, caps, and a smattering of base metal beads. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Some hard to find items that they carry include "Tool Magic" and niobium findings and wire.
A stained glass studio that offers workshops and supplies has added beadmaking to their repertoire.
Beads are hot all over the world, including Taiwan. Tucked in the back corner of this store is a good selection of books about all manner of crafts including beading, Chinese knotting, and how to make really cool things with bubble tea straws.
A Japanese bookstore with a healthy craft section, especially beadwork. Beadwork is hot in Japan and not only do they regularly receive new bead books, they also get the Bead News magazine. They also carry what appear to be instructional videos for beadwork, but as I don't think the explanatory monologues in Japanese would be particularly helpful for me I have not tried them.
Books about art, artists, inspiration and design. While not many of the books are directly crafty, if you are looking for a survey of ethnic jewelry, arts and crafts designs, contemporary Japanese jewelry, fashion through the ages, collectible costume jewelry, etc., etc. for inspiration, then this is the place. Also, if you've heard of an artist that has released a book about their work, this may be the only place in town that you would be able to find it. If you think you might be coming back, then join up and become a "Friend of Oscar's" for discounts and rewards.