It took me a while to get around to visiting Kiwa, the bead and DIY jewelry chain. It seemed like an overwhelming place for someone (ahem, me) who doesn’t wear much jewelry, let alone make it. My mother LOVES bling and makes her own bracelets, so I’m not sure how I missed out on that gene. It must skip a generation.
Kiwa, as it turns out, is great. (And so is this buck, the shop mascot.)
One of my favorite things about craft shops in Japan is that they not only stock supplies, but also kits and displays with lots of ideas for things to make yourself. Kiwa is no exception. Some locations even have workshops and cafes in case your crafting fingers can’t wait until they get home.
There was really something for everyone, even a jewelry dunce like me. Loose beads, kits, hardware, hair accessories, fancy gems and plastic headbands galore. Photos aren’t generally encouraged in craft shops, but…
… sneaky sneaky cell phone camera …
Personally, I was a fan of the blingy DIY iphone cases:
Maybe I am my mother’s daughter.
La Forêt Bldg 3F, 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tel. 03-3475-0411
東京都渋谷区神宮前1-11-6
Saké Puppets 
I adore Kiwa! I bought so much when I was there. Now I buy on their internet shop. Bead shops in Australia have such small ranges of beads in comparison. I’m going to go nuts there when I visit in a few months. Have you seen Bead Friend magazine? I get all my ideas from it.
Hi Lisa! No, I haven’t seen it — thanks for the tip!
Hey, when you get back to the states, maybe we should open a Japanese type craft shop. I’m available, we could get a small business grant. There are some out there just for women. Between you, your mom, and me we would be ordering wares everyday, because we crafted up everything we had on hand.
I like bling, just don’t wear it.
Happy crafting to you my niece.