Kathleen Barry started beading for the first time as a young schoolgirl. Making jewelry for friends and family became a favorite hobby. After the birth of her son in 2004, she decided to turn her jewelry-making and teaching into a full-time career. In addition to teaching at events and contributing to beading magazines, Kathleen designs custom jewelry for boutiques and formal-wear fashion designers. Kathleen's bead studio is located in Cape Town, South Africa, where she designs, teaches, consults and advises her clients.