Beading is more than just a craft. It is an art.

At least that is what Dan and Kate Mahoney, owners of the Island Creations bead and jewelry store, say. The store (also part of their home) at 339 Front Street is filled with glass beads, stones, necklaces and other projects impossible to miss.

Kate got into beading 22 years ago after Dan’s sister showed her how to make a pair of earrings. From there, she says, things have been a blast.

“Eight years ago we converted the apartment above our garage in Mattapoisett into our first store,” Kate says. “Then we moved to Fairhaven for about three years. And then we saw this house, and I knew it was just perfect.” She says the home used to be an antique store, so a large wing of the building easily holds their business.

“My favorite part of this,” Dan says, “is that she took her pay in beads while working at a bead store in New Hampshire for ten years. When we opened here, we didn’t need any beads!”

The bead industry, according to the Mahoney’s, isn’t bad. Kate says they may not make a lot of money, but they’re happy.

“You have to love what you do,” she says. “And I do. I love to be creative. I do stained glass, I knit, crochet, fused glass. I just love the creative side.”

Don’t know anything about beading or jewelry making? Have no fear. Island Creations hosts a number of classes ranging from the fundamental stringing and wire work to advance methods like round chainmail or netted herringbone. Classes range from $25 to $35 and last around two or three hours.

But it doesn’t stop there. Island Creations specializes in fixing jewelry or making pieces for customers. Two large tables in another room allow the Mahoney’s or customers to create necklaces and bracelets.

“People bring in photos of things they’ve seen in magazines all the time,” Dan says. “And we tell people we can make it. Or at least try. And if there’s something we don’t know how to do, we can steer customers to someone that does know. You can come in here without any idea of what to do. We’ll help you.”

With the increasing popularity of beadwork appearing in chain craft stores like Michael’s, Island Creations stands out. Dan says they are the last store on the South Coast to focus solely on beadwork. Distributors send traveling representatives to the Mahoney’s, who also hand pick each bead or stone.

The products are handmade and often more expensive than mass-produced works. But there is a lot of time and energy put into the necklaces and brooches and other pieces, and the Mahoney’s know the materials in and out.

“$15 will buy you basic earrings or stringing,” Dan said. “It can go up to $300. It just depends on the cost of materials and labor.”

“Everything here is homemade,” Kate adds. “Needle and thread, one bead at a time. It’s very labor intensive. But people appreciate these things. Or they’ll learn how to make them!”

And she doesn’t see herself stopping anytime soon.

“It’s nice, because I do this in the comfort of my home,” she says. “It’s a very comfortable atmosphere here. I want that. I’ll be in my rocking chair when I’m 100 and still beading. As long as I can see and my hands work, I’ll be there!”

Visit the store online at http://www.islandcreations-online.com/index.html for store hours.