Embracing Beauty and Wanderlust in Every Creation

At Beetle Bee Designs, we create beautiful, handcrafted jewelry that resonates with your free-spirited and adventurous soul. We believe that the natural beauty of life is unmatched and that our experiences and surroundings continually inspire us to be our higher selves.

Founded in 2021, our brand is named after "Beetle Bee," our vivacious, free-spirited daughter who loves to explore and has an utmost love for every little creature she encounters. She embodies the essence of wonder and curiosity that we strive to capture in every piece we create.

We understand that you, like us, are tired of throwaway culture and fast fashion. You value personal connections and cherish the beauty of long-lasting, meaningful pieces. That’s why we design jewelry that invites you to pause, embrace the moment, and appreciate your surroundings and the people in your life. Each piece tells a story of individuality and alluring adventure, crafted to evoke feelings of felicity and connection.

Our designs are for those eclectic spirits who embrace the beauty of life and the marvelous journey it brings. Inspired by the vivid colors of nature and the diverse experiences of our family, each creation is a testament to the spontaneous yet contained creativity that defines our approach.

We are dedicated to providing original, eye-catching pieces that are handcrafted with care and intention by our family. Our materials are sourced from local PNW suppliers, small businesses in the USA, and are ethically and naturally sourced whenever possible. As part of the slow-made, sustainable fashion movement, we do not outsource, drop ship, or mass-produce our jewelry.

Our journey includes not only joy but also challenges, including health crises and job insecurity. These experiences fuel our commitment to giving back to our community, with 10% of our sales donated to local food banks and food-related charities.

Join us in celebrating the beauty of life through handcrafted, nature-inspired jewelry. Discover pieces that capture your adventurous spirit and the essence of wanderlust. Want to connect? Come say hello on Instagram @beetlebeeDESMOINES and become part of our story.

Embracing Nature's Wonders

Leeann "Lia"

I'm a hopeless romantic, a lover of nature's wonders, and a wanderer at 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 began when I filled my cart with vibrant gemstone chips, inherited a treasure trove of vintage Czech glass beads, and started experimenting with a spool of gleaming wire. This simple hobby became 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 resonate deeply with my continual 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 fascinated 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.

Innovative Beadwork: Blending Tradition with Personal Expression

Miss Dina

In every bead I thread, I weave a story of resilience, tradition, and boundless creativity. My journey began with a deep-rooted connection to traditional Native beadwork practices, inspired by my mother’s partial Cherokee heritage. While my mother honored timeless patterns, she encouraged me to explore my own designs, blending classic brick stitch techniques with innovative stitches I’ve developed myself.

For over four decades, I’ve been immersed in the world of beadwork, learning and growing alongside my mother’s teachings. This art form has been more than just a craft; it has been a sanctuary during life’s darkest moments, offering solace and a therapeutic escape from personal struggles and tragic events.

My creations are a vibrant tapestry of Czech glass seed beads and intricate patterns that reflect my free-spirited nature and artistic vision. Each piece stands as a testament to the blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of human connection and personal expression. Through my work, I honor both my heritage and my journey, creating jewelry that speaks to the strength found in embracing both.

Embracing the Beauty of the Pacific Northwest

Jeff

As a lifelong Washington native, my deep connection to nature has always inspired my creativity. From a young age, I discovered that crafting was my true passion, and this love for creating has only grown stronger over the years.

My designs reflect my love for the outdoors, with patterns inspired by flora and foliage that capture the wild beauty of the natural world. This bond with nature drives me to create pieces that embody both the spirit of adventure and the rustic charm of our surroundings.

Resourcefulness is at the heart of my work. When I found a vintage Kenmore sewing machine left outside, I eagerly restored it, which sparked a deeper commitment to my craft. Inspired by my granddaughter's arrival, I focused on creating unique, heartfelt pieces that are not available in stores. The pandemic further fueled my creativity, leading me to explore innovative solutions.

Outside of crafting, I find joy in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals for my family. Both crafting and cooking are expressions of my creativity and my desire to bring joy to those I love.

Our Mission

Inspired by the spirit of adventure and life's journey, our enduring jewelry and accessories are crafted for multi-faceted souls. We strive to empower you to embrace your wanderlust, build meaningful connections, and savor every moment, all while honoring the precious planet we explore.

Our Sustainable Dreams

  • Materials

    At Beetle Bee Designs, we embrace sustainability with every step of our journey. We prioritize sourcing materials from local Pacific Northwest small businesses and USA-based suppliers to support our community and reduce our environmental footprint. Our commitment extends to our packaging, with 99% of it being recyclable or reusable, and many of our bubble mailers are compostable. We also craft our business cards and package inserts in-house, infusing each piece with love and intention.

  • Ethical Gemstones

    At Beetle Bee Designs, our love for gemstones is matched only by our dedication to people and the planet. We are committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, partnering with USA-based suppliers who share these values. Our suppliers uphold responsible manufacturing processes and ensure fair compensation and working conditions for their employees. Together, we strive to create beautiful jewelry while respecting the world around us.

  • Slow Made, With Love

    As a family of artisans, we take pride in creating every piece ourselves. We don’t outsource or resell overseas wholesale merchandise. Instead, we support our local economy by using materials sourced from our communities and the USA. Each slow-made creation we share with you is a testament to our passion and dedication to the craft, infused with love and care from our family to yours.