Fueled By The Wonders Of life
We are a humble family with a spark to share our passion and art with the world. We believe that the natural beauty of life cannot be outmatched and that we are constantly being pushed to be our higher selves. This is why we draw heavily on life experiences and on our natural surroundings for inspiration in everything we create. Our work embodies the many vivid colors of life, nature and emotion.
In 2021 we founded Beetle Bee Designs, the name being inspired by "beetle bee" our youngest member, a vivacious, free-spirited little girl who loves to explore and has the utmost love for every little creature she encounters.
Being fed up with throwaway culture, consumerism and the decline of personal connection has sparked a fire in our family. We desire to share long lasting pieces intended to give feelings of felicity, individuality and alluring adventure time and time again. We want you to remember to appreciate your surroundings and connections to the people and places around you.
Our approach to design is spontaneously ambitious yet contained. Each of us has a distinct style yet all of our designs are heavily influenced by our surroundings, life events and relationships. Our designs are for those eclectic spirits that embrace the beauty of life and the marvelous journey that comes with it.
We are dedicated to providing original, eye catching pieces that have been handcrafted by our family. Care and loving intention is embedded in every piece we create and package. Our materials come from local PNW suppliers, USA and small businesses whenever possible. Our gemstones are all natural and ethically sourced whenever possible. We are part of the slow made, sustainable fashion movement. We do not outsource, drop ship or mass produce!
Our inspiration from life goes into more than our artistic work. Our personal experiences contain not only happiness, but also hardship. Health crisis as well as job insecurity has played a monumental role in our enigmatic yet beautiful life shift. This is why we are committed to giving 10% of our sales to local food banks and food related charities.
Scroll down to check out our family team and learn more about what drives each of us - Want to connect? Come say hello on Instagram! - @beetlebeeDESMOINES
An Eclectic Soul
Lia
I'm a hopeless romantic, a lover of nature's wonders, a wanderer by heart. My soul is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of the Pacific Northwest, where I grew up amidst a vibrant blend of cultures. My family's heritage, a kaleidoscope of traditions and artistry, further ignited my passion for eclectic designs.
About a decade ago, my creative journey unfolded when I filled my cart full of virbant gemstone chips, inherited a treasure trove of vintage Czech glass beads, and started playing with a spool of gleaming wire. With these simple ingredients, I embarked on a path of self-expression. Little did I know this side hobby would become a phenomenal outlet for stress during my darkest hours amidst a personal health crisis.
Today, I find myself captivated by the raw beauty of copper, bronze and brass. Their earthy tones and rustic charm resonating deeply with my continually draw toward nature. I love pairing these metals with semi-precious gemstones and crystals, their vibrant hues adding a touch of celestial magic to my creations.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, gemstones hold a deeper significance for me. I am captivated by the stories embedded within these stones, their energies resonating with my creative spirit.
The beauty that God has preserved within these gems, waiting to be unearthed, is truly awe-inspiring. Each gemstone holds a unique story, a tale of time and transformation. I am honored to be a conduit for these stories, crafting jewelry that allows others to connect with the earth's hidden treasures.
When I'm not immersed in my jewelry-making haven, you can find me embarking on adventures with my soulmate, our beloved German Shepherd, and our precious "baby bee." We cherish exploring hidden meadows, discovering the magic that lies just beyond the beaten path. Family gatherings and my dad's culinary delights are also a source of immense joy and inspiration.
My jewelry is an extension of my multifaceted soul, a reflection of my love for nature, my passion for eclectic designs, and my deep connection to the Pacific Northwest. Each piece is a story waiting to be told, a wearable work of art that whispers of wanderlust, romance, and the beauty of the world around us.
Untraditional Native Beadwork
Miss D.
My heart finds solace and inspiration in the delicate threads of human connection. As a former high school math para-educator, I am drawn to the subtle nuances of everyday interactions, the shared laughter, and the unspoken bonds that weave us together. Childhood memories, nurtured by my mother, a Cherokee descendant, ignited a passion for bead weaving that has become my lifelong companion.
Over four decades of attending events and shows with my mother has immersed me in countless designs. I cherish the heartfelt hours spent learning from my mother, refining my skills, and absorbing the rich traditions of this captivating art form. My mother who choose to do what would be considered more traditional style beadwork had always encouraged me to find my own style and create my own designs.
Bead weaving is more than just a craft; it's a bridge to the past, a way to honor the cherished memories of my mother which I hold dear, and a way to share them with the world. It has also been a source of immense comfort during times of personal struggle, providing a therapeutic outlet for my emotions and a sanctuary of solace amidst life's challenges.
I am captivated by the tiny Czech glass seed beads, their vibrant hues and endless possibilities igniting a constant flow of creative ideas. The brick stitch method, a technique close to my heart, allows me to create intricate patterns and textures that reflect my unique vision.
My style embraces a sense of free-spirited creativity, defying conventional beading patterns and weaving personal stories into each piece. Each creation is a testament to my artistic expression, a wearable work of art that whispers tales of connection, passion, and the beauty that surrounds us.
I invite you to embark on a journey through my collection, discovering the stories woven into each piece. Let my jewelry be a reminder of the power of human connection, the beauty of shared memories, and the boundless creativity that resides within us all.
Capturing The Beautiful PNW
Grandpa Jeff
As a Washington native deeply rooted in nature, I've always been drawn to the beauty of the world around me. From a young age, my hands have been my tools of expression, crafting and creating with a passion that has only grown stronger over time.
My love for the outdoors is reflected in my designs, where flora and foliage intertwine to create intricate patterns that echo the natural world. This connection to nature has been a lifelong inspiration, guiding me to create pieces that capture the essence of the wild, rustic beauty that surrounds us.
Being a resourceful and creative soul, I am always finding innovative ways to create things we need or repurpose old items. When a vintage Kenmore sewing machine was left outside as a freebie, I wasted no time in fixing this machine. In order to test the machine I had to learn a few basics, and the rest is history.
Once my granddaughter was born I knew I wanted to provide her with sincere pieces that couldn’t be found in a store. I worked tirelessly to perfect my sewing craft, continuously improvising and improving on designs. When CV19 came and common household items were unavailable in the style or quality we desired I branched out even further.
When I'm not immersed in my craft, you'll find me in the kitchen, whipping up delicious meals for my loved ones. Food and creativity are two sides of the same coin for me, both expressions of my passion and desire to bring joy to others.