Southpass Beads

Specialties

Southpass Beads specializes in Japanese & Czech seed beads, jewelry findings, tools, Czech pressed glass beads and fire polished crystals, gemstones, lampwork beads, ceramic beads, hemp and other cords, yarn, knitting, crochet, embroidery and counted cross stitch supplies, as well as our own handmade jewelry. We also carry a gorgeous selection of handmade artist beads, books, patterns, and project bags.

History

Established in 2002.

LouAnn’s interest in beading began in 2002, when unable to find the earrings she wanted, she crafted her own. From there, she began traveling to different fairs and festivals selling bead jewelry and supplies, giving birth to Southpass Beads. In 2010, she took the next step and opened the brick-​and-​mortar store, based out of the lower level of her Cobden home. Since beginning the craft in 2002, interest in beading has skyrocketed. While she’s one of those people who enjoys selling her own creations, LouAnn much prefers Southpass Beads to be known as a bead supplier, helping enable others to get in on the hobby. To that end, she gladly speaks with anyone who stops in giving them simple demonstrations, and hosts classes for all ages and group sizes.

Meet the Business Owner

LouAnn E.

Business Owner

LouAnn is the owner of Southpass Beads in Cobden. She developed an interest in jewelry making in 2002 while also working full time at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the School of Art and Design. She has since retired from SIUC after 30 years of service and devotes all her time to running Southpass Beads. She keeps active making new jewelry, teaching classes at the shop and running her online Etsy shop. She is a member of the Union County Women in Business, Cobden Business Association and SRAJD (Self Representing Artist in Jewelry Design).