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A few years ago I became “obsessed” with a new hobby. That hobby is making jewelry as gifts. I was really getting into beading when the little shop that started my obsession announced its closure. Thankfully the owner gave me some tips on where to make purchases online. But to me, online purchasing is not as fun as visiting an actual location. Lucky for me, an established Hastings business filled the empty void in the local beading world.

Julie’s Xpressions has been in Hastings since 1984. Once known as Julie’s Workbasket, Julie’s started out as a yarn and needlework store and later added gifts. Scrapbooking items were also added. The yarn part of the store was phased out at one time, but now it’s back with the Plum Nelly sharing in the location.

Lucky for me, just over a year ago Julie’s added beading components and that craft takes over a LARGE part of the store. Whether you are a serious beader or enjoy it as a hobby, you will find something fun to work with at this store. They also offer classes throughout the month on various beading techniques–from the basics to the more advanced. Some of the classes I’ve partaken in this past year are the tattoo necklace, anemone stitch, and making cube beads.  Talk about an addicting hobby! And if you can’t make it in for a scheduled class but are interested in the technique, the employees at Julie’s are willing to help you get started. You can come on in, find a seat at a work table, and bead away. Since I have two curious little ones at home, I prefer to drag my beading supplies to the store where I can work without the fear of flying beads.

And you need to stop by on Wednesdays just to find out what the Secret Sale is for the day. You never know, until you get there, what you will find on sale. Julie, herself, gave me the insight on the Secret Sale today as I am writing this. I am pondering a trip to Hastings just to take advantage of it. See what I mean by an obsession?

So if you are an established beader, looking to learn this new hobby, or someone interested in needlework, check out Julie’s Xpressions at 731 W 2nd St in downtown Hastings. You just might find your latest obsession, too!

About the author: Jill Kimle

Jill is a farm wife from the Kenesaw area with two BUSY children under the age of 5. She will admit to being in her upper 30's, and if you ask her specific age, she won't shy away from telling it. ("My kids will look at me in ten years and think I'm pretty old!")