How do I order your beadwork?

All orders are through my website only. You can visit my shop here! I love taking on custom orders on lanyards, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and ribbon skirts.

We offer custom bulk orders for organizations and events. Email us to learn more.

Do you facilitate workshops?

Yes! I have facilitated beading workshops since I was a teenager. Wow… thats over 10 years ago now! I offer public workshops occasionally. Keep up to date on our socials.

I also offer workshops for organizations, schools, and special events. I can design a workshop to your goals and timeline. Below are some of my most common workshops. Complete the Event Request Form to begin planning your event.

• Beaded Hanging Earrings

• Beaded Hoop Earrings

• Beaded Lanyards

• Ribbon Skirt Making

• Mitt Making

Am I “allowed” to wear beadwork if I am not Indigenous?

Of course! You are supporting me as an Indigenous artist and student. It is 100% recommended you buy directly from Indigenous artists or from Indigenous owned companies. I would highly recommend you research your artist, company, and products before you purchase. We love sharing our culture and art.

Read the full Lets Talk About It here

What is “cultural appropriation”?

“The adoption or co-opting, usually without acknowledgment, of cultural identity markers associated with or originating in minority communities by people or communities with a relatively privileged status.” - Dictionary.com

The use or cultural symbols or motifs (like beadwork patterns) that are traced to a specific, often marginalized, culture groups without acknowledging the lived experiences, history, and negative stereotypes associated. The use of cultural symbolism brings social, political, or financial gain to the Non-Indigenous user where stereotypes and harmful biases are placed on the Indigenous peoples.

An example of cultural appropriation would be a Non-Indigenous company creating beadwork without acknowledging the cultural significance to the colours, patterns, or the symbolism rooted in our life history, and underselling or overselling - cutting handmade Indigenous products out of the market.

If a non-Indigenous artist or company has followed proper cultural protocol to create items, they are responsible for giving honour to those who have shared that knowledge with them. However, always ask “Could be an Indigenous person here instead?”. Not all teachings are gifted to be shared by non-Indigenous peoples regardless of protocol…. Bigger conversation for another day.

Its about giving honour and recognition to the peoples that have preserved and passed this knowledge down for generations.

Read the full Lets Talk About It here

What inspires your work?

My beadwork comes from my journey as an Indigenous woman and healing from Canada’s Indian Residential Schools. I speak about my family and their influences on my style on the About page.

As an nêhiyawiskwêw, I was taught that we women were named after iskotêw, fire. I was always in love with fire, as a kid, my late Aunty Jen called me a “little pyro”. I was enamoured by the dancing colours. Fire colours are well loved in the Indigenous community and here at Honey Willow. I grew up watching nohkom sew Starblankets with fire colours. Family sliding days on the rez were not complete without a fire built by nimosom. I have two fire signs in my big three and always felt drawn to the power of a fire. As an artist I use fire colours because it makes my heart happy.

But ultimately It depends on the inspiration, ideas, and envisioning the finished pieces. I am in love with everything in creation and their stories. I think about how those stories translate into colour combinations and patterns. I tend to lean towards more fire colours, vibrant colours, and gradients.

I love doing custom work because it is a mixture of your spirit and mine. We create something that is meaningful to us. I think one of my favorite projects I’ve done is when someone gives me inspiration words and ideas.

Read Lets Talk About It: Fire Colours here