Leanne Maru

I was born and raised in the Bay Area where my parents worked hard in the flower growing business.  We worked and played amongst the flowers, often making leis with the leftover broken flowers.  I dabbled a little bit in various arts and crafts growing up such as crocheting, simple beading, macrame, etc. I learned from books, magazines, friends and took some sewing lessons. It was nothing serious as I was focused on going into science in college since my parents and grandparents were not able to attend or complete a higher education. I started working in the medical field and continue to do so. I used to sew many of my children’s Halloween costumes and other decorative items. However, it was not until my daughter asked me to make her a necklace to match a prom dress that I started making jewelry more seriously. So, I walked into a local bead shop to buy some crystals and look for a pattern. The gal at the shop walked me through process and then talked me into taking her bead class to learn more about the “basics.” This was the beginning of my jewelry making adventure and the rest is history. I have taken many more classes, joined a few guilds, shopped at many shows, including Tucson. I have participated in a few small boutique and jewelry shows over the past few years. But work and life always seem to take over and jewelry making has taken a back burner more recently. My family and friends suggested selling on-line and trying out the Etsy site, but have never followed through as I was intimidated by the thought of having to create my own “website,” since my children laugh at my computer skills! Thanks to their help, I have been able to develop this part of my adventure and share my passion and creations with you.