Wow!  It has been almost 10 years for Cosmopolitan Beads. In fact, it will be 10 years in November.  It has been quite a run!  You notice that I am using the past tense (?).  Yes, I am closing the store on May 31^st.  I have enjoyed every one of you dear beady folk and I count all of you as lifetime friends.  Some of you I hopefully launched into the wonderful world of all things beady, from the simple joy of stringing to the frustration of “ripping” and “do overs” of complex stitching (but in the end it was worth it, wasn’t it?). 

Many of you know Alyson, my now 15-year-old teenager! (Yikes, the word strikes terror into the hearts of moms who’ve been there, I’m sure).  She has been complaining for some time that I am NEVER home.  Retail is relentless!  Well, I have decided to “wake up and smell the teenager,” so to speak, as it will only be two more years until she is off to college and I’ll never again have this time with her.  I am so lucky that she wants me home after school!  I must heed this call. After this transition, I will have extra time to spend with Alyson (helping her with her calculus homework, I’m sure).

Most of you know that I am a partner in the glass studio just adjacent to the store (out the back door).  I am looking forward to having more studio time to make glass beads. (Ahhh! The thought of melting glass for 8 hours straight if I want to thrills me!)  We will be hosting Hidden in the Hills again at the studio in the fall, so I will be around.  We will have some new artists and some returning artists.  Come in and visit.  The studio name is The Cave Creek Bead Mission, but I will still be doing business as Cosmopolitan Beads.  

Although I will not have the time to host the Tuesday Cos We Bead group each week (I have another part time job that needs to be full time), I still want to get together with beady folks.  I’ll have to keep you posted as this evolves.  I still want to teach some classes:  Lampworking for sure and perhaps some bead crochet, metal clay, and stitching.  I will have a limited class schedule through May.  I also reserve the option of hosting visiting artist trunk shows (think Wayne Robbins and Judy Mountain, and other fun folks), so stay tuned.

Phew!  Now that the cat is out of the proverbial bag, I will be having a progressively discounted clearance sale beginning Tuesday, March 18^th until the inventory is gone.  I’ll be starting with 30% off everything that is not consigned.  Furniture and fixtures will be sold last of all in May.  Come and shop early for the best selection.  Watch the website (www.cosmopolitanbeads.com) for changes in the discounts as May 31^st approaches.  If anyone has gift cards, please use them during the sale while there is still something to buy. 

Thank you all for your kindness, friendship, and support over the past 10 years.  I love you all and may the Beady Force be with you! 

Joyful beading,

Lynda