Welcome to My World!
Beading started, for me, as a way to relax from my busy days in the corporate world. It became a good way to clear my head. Instant Gratification and "emotional bliss" in only 30 minutes!
When I completed my first bracelet, imagine my surprise, I could actually make my own jewelry! Imagine, personalized jewelry at a fraction of the cost of the boutique price! One bracelet led to many, many more.
Before I knew it I was making jewelry for all of my friends! (And selling a few designs on the side!) I couldn't wait to spread the word.
"This is EASY! You can do it yourself ."
So, after many more bracelets, necklaces and earrings, I quit my corporate job and opened a bead store in Galena, Illinois. Beading led to teaching and teaching led to writing...and that is how this website took form.
Today I live on a dairy farm, North Fork Farms, with my husband, Kevin in Iowa. My world has made a 180 degree turnaround. We enjoy our new life together. We grow some of our own food, conserve when and where possible and enjoy the simple life. I have more time to plant my garden, bead, write and enjoy the company of the many of you who have written to me through the years.
I now have five beading books on the market* (and countless emails and letters from readers who also have taken to making jewelry for friends, family and to wear themselves).
BEADED JEWELRY: The Complete Guide
Most importantly, I have found that beading is a way to connect, not only to the amazing bead community of suppliers, importers, wholesalers, store owners, lamp work artists, designers and teachers, it is a way to connect to friends.
Giving a bracelet or necklace is like giving an everlasting hug!
Spending time beading together can create great friendships and cherished memories. This website is here to help with projects, inspiration and product.
Take the challenge and learn to bead. Learn to make your own beads. Make and sell your own jewelry. Open a bead store. Or simply sit on your front porch on a summer day and bead a simple life! I believe you can do it
Pass it on.
Susan
About the Author: Susan Ray
Susan Ray has more than 30 years of experience in the fashion and craft industry as author, buyer, and merchandise manager, vice president of product and website development including Peck & Peck and Frederick Atkins of New York, Ben Franklin Retail Stores and JoAnn’s Fabrics’, Ideaforest, website developer. She has spent years traveling to the Far East to develop proprietary products for many retailers throughout the country.
The strength of Susan’s entrepreneurial spirit has attracted many companies to utilize her expertise in formulating new store concepts. She was co-founder and president of a group of award winning children’s computer exploration facilities, Cyperplay, for Kids Unlimited, which received a ComputerWorld Smithsonian Award for heroic innovation of technology.
Susan now lives with her husband, Kevin Duhme on their dairy farm, North Fork Farms, in Maquoketa, Iowa. Susan Ray is co-author of The Art and Soul of Glass Beads - Krause, 2003 and Easy Beaded Jewelry, Krause – 2004, she authored Organic Beaded Jewelry, KP Publications, 2005, and in late 2007 and early 2008: Beaded Jewelry, The Complete Guide and Easy Wire will be published respectively, KP Publicatons.
In recent years she has celebrated the marriage of her son, Eric, to his wife, Velvette, who now shares Susan’s passion for beading.
Susan’s jewelry, craft and interior designs have been featured in numerous national publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Woman’s Day magazines.
Susan’s current design work is represented by:
The Perfect Setting
Pam Sworts, proprietor
13 West Main Street
Marshalltown, Iowa 50158
641-751-4888
www.theperfectsetting.org
Or find Susan’s work and products offered by North Fork Farms on eBay:
Seller’s name: Galenabeadtrader
Susan also does trunk shows at:
Galena Beads
Jessica Italia, Jan Harris and Trish Italia, proprietors
109 North Main Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
815-777-4080
www.galenabeads.com
Workshops:
You can attend a Mont Rest "All Grown Up Ladies Pajama Party” beading workshop by Susan Ray
Held at:
Mont Rest Inn
BEST B&B Inn in Iowa!
Chris Baker, proprietor
300 Spring Street
Bellevue, Iowa 52031
563-872-4220
www.montrest.com