As a child, I learned beadwork techniques from my mother and grandmother. A practice once lost through residential school is now being reclaimed. My grandmother always told me if I could bead, my family would never go hungry. Using techniques learned from them, I adapt them to more contemporary designs. Using higher end products like home tanned hides, rabbit and fox furs, Swarovski crystals, 24 karat gold, sterling silver, quills, and caribou hair, all purchased from small, Indigenous run businesses and tanners, I am able to blend traditional practices with modern flair. I also do trades with other artists from local materials when possible. I try to find colour palettes that reflect the work of our elders and give them a modern twist. I one day hope to learn how to tan my own hides and harvest my own caribou hair and porcupine quills to use in my work. I use 2-needle applique techniques and various edging techniques such as picot and 1-bead stack.
