NWT Arts

I make contemporary artwork, focusing on beaded jewelry. I make all sorts of different sizes and styles of earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and anklets. I prefer to work with delica beads. I also use caribou hide in my designs and I want to start working with rabbit fur as well.

I started to learn how to make beaded jewelry when I was five years old, while watching my grandmother. My aunties also taught me how to make rosebuds necklaces when I was around that age. My mom taught me how to do uppers when I was 11 years old. I didn’t bead for a very long time after that. My mom was encouraging me to make earrings, but I didn’t think I was that good at it. When I finally decided to get into it again, I looked at the book she gave me and learned how to make earrings that way.

I get my inspiration from one of my aunties, who taught me how to pick and choose colours, and how to mix them together. Now, I decide what colours I’ll use naturally. I pick up colours and they just seem to work. People always compliment me on the combinations of my beads, and that’s something my auntie taught me. She’s one of my main sources of inspiration.

I like to make earrings in the shape of feathers, bear paws or other designs that inspire me. I get my inspiration from looking at pictures. I usually like to browse Pinterest for patterns, or people will give me their own patterns for me to work with. I also try to notice what people like. Northerners seem to like flowers and shades of purple or blue, so I try to incorporate those in my designs often.

I create artwork because it keeps my mind off of a lot of things. It helps me relax. Selling my beadwork also helps me get money to take care of my young son. What I love the most about making jewelry is seeing people’s faces when they first see it. I like that people enjoy what I make, it’s a nice compliment to receive!