Because it doesn’t get any more original than doing it yourself. Anyone can string a few beads together, and if you doubt your skills, this little South Tampa shop offers classes, private parties (create comfortably among friends), or, hell, you tell the cool staff what you want, and one of them will string it for you. And of course, there’re tons of pre-made baubles as well (great for last-minute gifts). But trust us — once you get a gander at Beadlejules’ sea of shiny beads just waiting to be strung, you’ll likely find that inspiration isn’t far behind. 3201 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-839-5655, www.beadlejules.com.
This article appears in Sep 14-20, 2005.