Sad news for local artisans and hobbyists: Beyond Beads is closing its doors next week, after 21 years at 1251 Howard St.

The shop's owner, who asked not to be named, said the closure isn't his choice. Rents have been tripling in the area, and he's certain his landlord is looking for a tenant who can afford to pay much more than he has over the past two decades.

This time last year, The Packaging Store, which shares a building with Beyond Beads, shuttered after nearly 40 years in business. The location is now home to a Crossfit gym, LaLanne Fitness.

Signs posted in Beyond Beads' front windows promote a moving sale, but the owner said he isn't planning to continue the business elsewhere. He will likely "do something else," he said, but whatever that something ends up being, it won't be located in San Francisco.

"The neighborhood is changing; the city is changing," he said, noting the struggles he's endured with increased homelessness and theft, and the city's lack of support for small business entrepreneurs.

While shopping this morning, Sharon Ravarra, a regular Beyond Beads customer, told us she's saddened by the closure. The hobbyist jewelry maker lives in Oakland and works part-time in the Fillmore, and she stops by regularly to find specialty items she hasn't been able to find at the major bead shows.

"It's just sad what's happening," she said of the housing shortage in San Francisco and its impact on housing prices, culture and the artist community. She briefly demonstrated how to create pairs of earrings from scratch and refurbish vintage pieces for less than $3 with the supplies Beyond Beads has to offer.

Beyond Beads remains open from 10am-5pm weekdays and 11am-5pm on Saturday. The owner says the doors will likely close for good next Tuesday or Wednesday.