Woven Leather Moccasins

I am so excited to share my newest design with all of you! Woven leather moccasins with abalone shells!

I was looking for a way to incorporate more West Coast design into my moccasins. After doing some research I discovered that my people did not wear moccasins because it is too damp on the West Coast and the hides would rot, so people mainly went bare foot. But, weaving cedar bark was common,  not just for baskets, but for hats and clothing as well, so I decided to take that idea and translate it into moccasin designs. Weaving the leather and adding abalone for a very West Coast flare.

This is batch is headed to Manitobah Mukluks.

The Shopping Channel

When Manitobah Mukluks accepted me as a Storyboot artist, I was so excited, and thought this is the most amazing opportunity. I also felt pretty certain, this was the peak of great things to happen. While what I wasn't expecting was that Manitobah would then feature my moccasins on Style Matters with Jeanne Beker on The Shopping Channel, alongside two of the MOST talented mukluk makers and beaders.

I was floored when I heard about it, and actually didn't share this information with anyone, because apart of me didn't believe it would actually happen, but it did!! 

So finding out my moccasins would be on The Shopping Channel was exciting enough, but then to tune in and see that Canadian fashion icon and host of Fashion Television (which I watched avidly growing up) Jeanne Beker was the host!!! That just blew my mind! I was in tears!

Here is Waneek saying some very lovely things about my moccasins.

Here they are! On live TV!!!

This is me watching my mocc's on TV with tears running down my face, which is why I refused to look at the camera.

Life continues to amaze and bless me with so many wonderful gifts! I am looking forward to the next big, beautiful and wonderful thing to happen :)

Saami Style Moccasin

I received a custom order last month for a Saami style moccasin. I was fairly nervous as I have never made this style and was a bit intimidated. I spent A LOT of time in my head planning it out before I actually cut the pieces.

I'm the type of person who likes to think things through for a long time and then just jumps in. No practice pieces. 

In the end, I think they turned out all right. I'm fairly happy with them.

I would love to hear what you think.

West Coast Bling

Moccasins with some West Coast Flare! Abalone gives these moccasins a taste of the West Coast.

New Style Baby Bling

These Moose hide boots with abalone will be coming to the shop soon! Some more bling for your babes feet!

And if you are looking for some bling of your own, I will be shipping these three lovely pairs of Adult Moccasins to Manitobah Mukluks today for their Storyboot Project. Keep your eyes out for them!

2015 Is Off To A Great Start!

This year is off to a busy start! Many pairs of moccasins, both adult and baby, have been made. I also learned how to bead moccasins, and both pairs of moccasins that I sent to Manitobah Mukluks sold! Each pair sold within a day apart, so now it is time to send more:)

I am so full of love and gratitude!

Buffalo Leather Moccasins

I have a new favourite pair of moccasins!

I am in love with the new buffalo hides I purchased! When the holidays ended I was ecstatic to finally have time to cut into the Peanut hide, and make a pair of moccasins.

This leather is thick and durable. It was tougher to cut and sew (I have the cuts and blisters on my hands to prove it!) but worth the extra work.

I think these make a handsome pair of moccasins. The fringe can be omitted for anyone craving a less flashy look.

I love that my work can be so portable. I sewed these at a coffee shop in town while I waited for a hair appointment. 

If you are looking for a strong, durable pair of moccasins, that are also fashionable, you can find these in my shop. I love making custom orders, so feel free to send me a message with any questions you may have. 

Happy New Year! I hope this is your best year EVER!!

My Exciting News!

Okay, so I hinted that these two lovely mocc's above were headed somewhere exciting.

Here is the news! Manitobah Mukluks has accepted my moccasins into their Storyboot Project!!!! What does that mean? It means that I sent them my two pairs of moccasins, they photographed, listed and will sell my moccasins on their website, and when they sell my moccasins, 100% of the sale comes to me! They do this as a way to give back to the community and support Native Artists! Not only that, but they adjusted the price on my moccasins by increasing the price $30 each. They told me they are on a mission to educate the public that moccasin making is an art not just a craft and therefore my moccasin prices needed to be increased to value the artistic quality of them. How incredible is this?!

I am feeling so grateful and fortunate for this opportunity!

Today, the moccasins have been listed. I took a quick screen shot of each to share with you. Here they are:

You can find them by visiting the Storyboot Project on Manitobah Mukluks website, and scroll through all the beautiful and amazing works of art for your feet.