My journey began in 1994 with stringing beads and other simple methods of jewelry making. I took classes on bead weaving in 2002, but wasn't quite satisfied with what I was creating and wanted something with a bit more art to it.

Around 2007 a friend of mine (with a metal allergy) requested a necklace without a clasp. An entirely new world opened up to me as I searched through craft stores for threads, hemps, embroidery floss, yarns, ribbons, and cords to try to figure out how to make something attractive out of them. I had discovered fibers, textures, and colors. I had found a way to make my wild pendants into art by adding more of a mixed media appearance. That's where my focus has been since. Most people use the term "Theatrical" to describe what I make. I take that as a huge compliment - I hope I never take jewelry making seriously.

My daughters and I began a jewelry making business in the summer of 2008. They were 4 and 7 at the time. I wanted to teach them about purchasing supplies, creating wearable objects, figuring out how to price their items, setting up booths at festivals, talking to customers about their products, receiving feedback, resolving disputes (customer service), taking payments, making correct change, and reinvesting in new supplies to begin the cycle all over again. I named the business after them since it was created for them. I could rarely keep shoes on them at that age.

Our business name is Barefoot Hippies and we're located in beautiful Yachats Oregon.