How I started
Since I was a child, I've loved to create things. Whether it was drawing, painting, ceramics, friendship bracelets, or any number of crafts, I was drawn to it. When I discovered beads, I knew I was hooked for life. Stringing inexpensive plastic beads has turned into stringing and weaving glass beads, austrian crystals, and semi-precious stones. The projects in my mind are many, and there aren't enough hours in the day to do all that I would like to. link to more info

When I was in college, I found a job at a bead store near campus and found out how much I loved designing jewelry and just looking at all the different beads, and helping newbies make their jewelry. What better job for a bead lover! I got my degree in Retail Management (believe it or not) from UW-Madison, and worked for 7 years as an assistant store manager for Office Depot. I couldn't have found a better place to gain experience in the retail world, but office supplies didn't give me the creative freedom that I so desired. So after about 5 years of working full time and spending most of my free time making jewelry and earring trees and then selling them at craft shows on my weekends off, I decided to change directions. I went with my long time dream, with the encouragement of my supportive husband, Adam. So together we opened our store, with him taking care of the construction and technical aspects, and me handling the store operations. I love helping my customers with their requests and design challenges, and I have a great team of employees who are there to help you in every way they can.
Fat Cat Beads offers a wide variety of beads and supplies for the beginner to experienced beader. We also offer classes, finished jewelry, kits, and books and magazines. Look to us to special order whatever you need, as long as it is available to us through one of our normal suppliers. Everyone loves our prices, so shop with us to help us keep them low!

Stop in and visit us if you're in town! ---Robin and Adam