I began my beading passion (obsession) in 1990 and have been collecting and selling jewelry since then. I sold items while in school and at college to obtain a little extra spending money (which was used to keep me well caffeinated).

I have lived in the Pacific Northwest all my life and enjoy this part of the world very much for it's climate and resulting landscape. In addition to my business we also have a home based landscape design business (Blue Wheelbarrow Landscapes) through which we transform previously neglected garden areas into entirely new living spaces for homeowners to enjoy and experience in a whole new way.

Sustainability
I purchase from other USA based businesses as locally as I can (many within my home state) and source most of my gemstones in person from people I have developed a business relationship with. Much of my work involves other Etsy artisans to directly support small business owners.

Also high on our list of life priorities is living a sustainable lifestyle. In addition to basics like composting, recycling, working from home and carpooling, I also drive a vehicle that is 100% powered by locally obtained and recycled waste oil (a type of biodiesel). Our home is subscribed
to hydroelectric power through a special program offered in our area. One day we hope to run our home on solar power.

We make purchases based toward being able to live within our means and from our property. This year sees us starting our orchard, continuing our vegetable and fruit garden and having our first baby. Someday soon we also hope to have chickens as my family grew up with city chickens, they are delightfully entertaining in addition to laying fresh truly free range organic eggs daily.

We also have 2 wonderfully insane cats who keep our sleeping schedules on track, or off track if you will.

Thank you for browsing my shop and thank you for buying handmade!

Designs, text, photographs ©2012 LiciaBeads All rights reserved.