Kathleen McHale-Rudie

Lady In Red Fused Glass and Sterling Bracelet
Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
New Jersey

Describe your artistic style.
Avant Garde art to wear.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
My little boy. He has Cerebral Palsy and inspires us every day.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Glass, Art Clay®, gemstones, sterling, wire, seed beads, felt, found objects, you name it!

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Lady In Red Fused Glass and Sterling Bracelet

What inspired this design?
I ended up with a happy accident when I fused this glass in my kiln. I wasn't sure what to make with it for some time but the way it was shaped I thought it would be a perfect bracelet focal. I then hand forged the links and added some great red lamp worked beads that I had purchased from you a long time ago. Voila!

How did it come together?
Everything has some sort of a plan from the beginning but it always morphs into its own style with a little help from me.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started for fun in 1992.

Who introduced you to beading?
I worked at Saks 5th Ave. in the jewelry dept. It was just natural; then I noticed the clients liked my pieces better!

Do you have an artistic background?
I have always worked with jewelry since 1982. I was an art major in school.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Magazine ad in 1992.

What other hobbies do you have?
Family, Friends, I also enjoy teaching jewelry making in adult ed.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
When I teach I love when everyone goes home with their own special treasure.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I also do limited Art Gallery showings.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I do donate to some PTA/Camp fundraisers.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Enjoy yourself and have fun, there are no mistakes just happy accidents!