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Kaylene Mabbitt

Culture
Dene
Home Community
Deline
Current Community
Fort Smith
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Artist Story

Everr Nezo Kreations is proudly operated by Kaylene Mabbitt (formerly Kaylene Kenny), a Dene halfbreed beading artist originally from Délı̨nę, Northwest Territories. She is the granddaughter of Joe and Margaret Kenny of Délı̨nę, and the daughter of Jane Kenny and Edward Reeves. The name Everr Nezo translates to “Everr Good” — a fitting reflection of the intention and heart behind her work.

Although now based in Fort Smith, Kaylene is a proud Sahtúot’įnę woman whose roots are deeply tied to the land and community of Délı̨nę. Raised primarily by her Ama (grandmother) Margaret Kenny, she holds vivid, meaningful memories of watching her work moosehide and bead with care. While Kaylene is self-taught, the foundation of her artistry was shaped by those quiet moments spent observing her elders.

Her journey into beadwork began in earnest in 2020, during the early stages of her sober path. As she began collecting beads and supplies, a deeper connection formed — not just to the art, but to her culture, her healing, and her grandmother’s memory. Beading became her medicine, bringing peace, purpose, and a profound sense of closeness to her Ama. Each piece she creates carries that spirit and strength.

Kaylene’s main focus is bold, statement earrings, but she also crafts a range of items including slippers, gloves, necklaces, pins, and more. Her work blends traditional and contemporary elements, often using ethically sourced materials such as traditionally tanned moosehide, caribou hair tufting, porcupine quills, and vibrant beads inspired by nature. Her art is as unique as her spirit — an expressive reflection of her personality, which she describes as quirky, bashful, and full of heart.

Through Everr Nezo Kreations, Kaylene shares not just jewelry, but stories, healing, and a legacy of love.

Earrings in the photo were made by @savagerose.

Artist Bio

As a young kid, when I first learned to bead and sew with my family in Délı̨nę, I didn’t have the patience for it. I can always recall my late grandmother working on moose hides and sewing many items for our family. We all called her Ama (mother in our Dene language), and although she was not able to guide me, she is a big inspiration to my work.

In 2020, I was newly sober during a worldwide pandemic, I needed to do something to keep me occupied at home; I remembered a few things from watching people around me bead and sew while I was growing up, and just went from there. I received a lot of help and support from a beading friend that I met online. Whenever I doubted myself, I would send her pictures and ask for advice. She encouraged me, and pushed me to keep going, which really helped build my confidence.

My creative process begins by picking out colors before I start any work. I envision how I want my piece to look and am guided with how it feels as I go along. I draw out my designs, and then add more details, colors, and different shapes. I usually end up making bigger pieces than what I intended to as they evolve. My designs typically change while I’m creating, which is part of my bold unique creative process. The different shapes and vibrant colors are some of the distinctive traits of my work. That’s the beauty of making my own art. When I see that people love what I do, it encourages me to continue making one-of-a-kind designs. People often tell me that they have never seen anything like mine and that’s what keeps me going.

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