Hidden Treasures at Island Cove

Island Cove Beads & Gallery, A Hidden Treasure in Indian Rocks Beach.

The city of IRB, as it’s inhabitants affectionately call it, is a small, attractive beachfront city. This barrier island is just over a half square mile and is 2.5 miles long along the Gulf of Mexico, six miles south of Clearwater Beach. At some points along Gulf Boulevard, the land becomes so narrow you can view both the Gulf and the Intracoastal Waterway. The City Commission boasts that its’ main mission is to maintain Indian Rocks Beach “small town” mixed use and low density character. You won’t find rows and rows of large hotels or cookie cutter 20 floor-high rise condominium buildings here. And despite its sleepy appearance, it’s home to some of the best known restaurants along the Gulf Coast.

You will find quaint cottages dotting the shoreline that recapture the “Spirit of Old Florida.” The Plein Aire Cottage Artists, Helen Tilston, Mary Rose Holmes and Violetta Shty, capture their beauty and charm on canvas in light, glorious colors, textures and energy similar to French Impressionists. You’ll find the Beach Art Center, open to anyone who wishes to experience, support and promote an appreciation of art. For 36 years the City has held a Fine Arts and Crafts Festival.

Yes, IRB is a special little slice of heaven; a tiny paradise found that loves to embrace artists.

Located at 1519 Gulf Boulevard Island Cove Beads & Gallery is a Hidden Treasure.

Island Cove Beads & Gallery opened it’s doors in February of 2012 growing into a beautiful retail store and art gallery featuring a generous selection of fine art, beads, including highly sought after vintage beads, hand-fired enamels, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, and now, all natural soap! Island Cove proudly boasts lines of 100% American made products from more than 45 local artists. Each unique item is handcrafted.

Stop and Smell the Roses.

No, Island Cove Beads & Gallery is not a floral shop, but it IS a place you should take time to appreciate, a place to slow down and pay attention to the beauty that surrounds you. A visit to the Cove is an experience I can only describe as sensory overload. If you’re here on vacation and seeking to find something unique to take back home; Beach-themed home decor, jewelry and upscale souvenirs, you’ll certainly find them here. Unlike other small shops where you casually browse for five minutes and see everything that is offered, if you’re planning on visiting the Cove, plan on spending hours.

There’s something magical that happens when you walk through the door. The positive energy of the love and attention to detail that went into making all the beautiful creations seems to gently come together to softly caress your senses, and that’s when it hits you; “Well now, THIS is a special little place.” And if you don’t have hours to spend taking it all in, you’ll certainly make a mental note that you plan to return. It’s just one of those simple pleasures in life that you deserve. Once you get to the know individual and unique talents of the jewelry design instructors, you begin thinking perhaps you can identify their pieces. “That intricately stitched necklace over there with the most beautiful bead color combination must be a “Sue” creation.” “Oh..I bet that gorgeous organic weave on that bracelet was done by Debbye.” “The wire wrapped earring and pendant set, the torch-fired enamel spring cuff bracelets, the stamped metal ? Definitely Colleen.”

A Place To Indulge Your Creative Side.

The Cove also offers personalized one-on-one instruction in the art of bead stringing, needle and thread beadwork, fiber arts, painting, wire wrapping, metal stamping. metal embossing and many more jewelry design courses. I’m not talking about formal, often intimidating classes, I’m talking generous individual attention where relationships develop between instructors and students. If you are looking for a memorable (and quite addictive) experience and have a strong sense of creativity, you’ll feel right at home.

Even if you’re just browsing, you’re welcome to sit at the class tables, (which by the way are in the center of the shop) completely free of charge to observe while a piece of art is born and engage in the often funny, casual conversations.

Have an unfinished beading project at home? Bring it with you. Want to start a new one but don’t know where to start? They’ve got you covered too! The Cove experts are always on hand to assist you in bead selection and free advice to complete you creation with no sitting charges! Island Cove Beads and Gallery is a family friendly store that encourages people of all ages to indulge in their creative side. The possibilities to create unique memories for groups are endless! Birthday parties, bridal parties, a special evening out with friends, you name it. The Cove staff delights in presenting custom designed events.

They Cater To Kids As Well!

Have a little princess that wants to have the ultimate birthday party that her friends will never forget? Just say the word and Island Cove Beads and Gallery can make her every dream come true.

To keep your creative juices flowing after your visit to Island Cove Beads and Gallery, they have on online store where you can order unique beads, fashion chain, leather cord, metal components and parts used to connect and finish your jewelry creation, torch fired enamel charms and pendants, brass charms waiting for your custom finish, and non-tarnishing craft wire for all of your creative jewelry projects.

So If You’re Looking for Hidden Treasure in Florida, You’ve Now Been Given A Map. Be Sure to Follow Island Cove Beads and Gallery on Facebook. You’ll be treated to daily posts of creative inspiration.

Eco-Musings is so proud to be included in the group of local artists represented at the Cove. They carry s line of our Luxury Handcrafted Coconut Milk Soap and also some exclusively created for Island Cove Beads & Gallery!