Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of beading do you do?

My work is bead embroidery made using a single needle backstitch technique. This means that every tiny bead is hand stitched one or two at a time, making each piece a true labour of love. In addition to embroidery, I also integrate a number of bead weaving techniques in my work, as well as handcrafting the cabochons or focal stones you see in many of my earrings.

Do you take custom orders?

Yes, I’m happy to work with you on a custom order, whether it’s reimagining a previous piece to meet your aesthetic or creating something entirely new. Please reach out to me through my contact form or by email to discuss completion timelines and receive a quote for the finished piece.

During busy times, such as in the months leading up to the Christmas season, my availability for custom orders fills up quickly. Join my VIP mailing list to get early access to custom slots during this time. A sign up form for my mailing list is located in the footer of my website.

I look forward to discussing your ideas!

How long does it take to complete your beaded pieces?

Bead embroidery is a slow, detail-oriented style of making. Most pairs of earrings take somewhere between four and twelve hours to make, depending on the size and style, while a beaded collar can easily take 60 to 100 hours to complete!

Are you an Indigenous artist? Do you make Indigenous beadwork?

No, I’m a second generation Canadian, child of immigrant families from England and Germany, and a Settler on the ancestral lands of the Chonnonton/Attawandaron, the Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. I do not and will not produce any traditional Indigenous beading patterns or recreate the work of Indigenous beadwork artists. If you are looking for Indigenous beadwork, please support Indigenous artists directly.

Where are you located?

I live and work in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Do you ship internationally?

I currently ship anywhere in Canada and the United States. If you live outside of these locations, please reach out to me to see whether I can arrange a special shipment on your behalf.

How can I keep my beadwork looking its best?

When not being worn, it’s often preferable to keep your beaded pieces stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For pieces with beaded fringe, it’s best to store these pieces flat with the fringe neatly arranged, or kept hanging.

Protect your beadwork from harsh chemicals, products that might cause a build-up on the beads’ surface (such as hairspray), or substances that might stain the beading felt or leather backing (such as makeup, dye, paint, or staining liquids like wine).

Don’t expose beaded pieces to high heat, such as allowing them to go through the dryer or keeping them in a hot car. While the beads may survive such treatment (though there is no guarantee!), the custom 3D printed centers that give my beaded pieces strength and stability may warp, twist, or melt. 

What do I do if my beaded fringe becomes kinked or twisted?

Should the beaded fringe become twisted or kinked from improper storage, don’t despair. Allow the earrings to hang and the fringe will often straighten itself naturally over time. If you want to wear the fringed piece right away, don’t tug or pull on the fringe, as this may cause the threads inside the strands to stretch. Instead, roll the fringe strands gently back and forth between your palms, and the fringe will even out.

How can I clean my beaded pieces?

With repeated wear, beaded pieces may become affected by unwanted substances such as a buildup of hairspray or makeup. While it’s best to avoid contact with these substances, should buildup occur please use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean the piece. The leather backings are able to sustain more vigorous cleaning than the beads themselves, but care and gentleness is required at all times.

Do not use chemical cleaning agents or scouring pads. Do not rub or scrub at stains. Scrubbing or use of harsh chemicals can: damage the beads’ finishes, making them lose colour or shine; may permanently damage the leather backings; and can weaken the threads holding the beadwork together.

Do not submerge your beadwork in water. Submersion can permanently damage the beaded piece.

If a soft, damp cloth is insufficient to clean away stains or waterproof makeup, you may use a little bit of gentle soap, but please avoid such treatment whenever possible.

What do I do if my beadwork gets wet?

While its best to keep your beadwork dry, a little water (such as a bit of rain on a pin worn on your coat) isn’t the end of the world. Allow your beaded piece to dry naturally in a warm location with low humidity, and use a soft cloth to gently dab away any water spots that might form on the beads’ surfaces. Do not rub or scrub.

If your beaded piece takes an accidental dunking, use a soft cloth or towel to gently absorb excess water and place the piece in a warm location with low humidity to dry naturally. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, and try to avoid deforming the shape of the beadwork during the drying process. Please be aware: submersion in water may damage the beads’ finishes or, in rare cases, cause colour to run. This damage is permanent.

What kind of beads do you use?

Bead quality has a significant impact on the look, feel, and longevity of beaded artwork. For my bead embroidery, I use primarily Miyuki and Toho brands of beads, both known for their evenly sized seed beads, rub-resistant finishes, and wide range of beautiful colours.

For my larger beads, I source a range of high-quality glass, pearl, crystal, and semi-precious gemstone beads, and only use those that are evenly shaped without chips or cracks. Low quality beads never see their way into my work!

Where do you get your cabochons?

You will commonly see two types of cabochons, or focal stones, in my work: natural gemstone and cast resin.

I often choose to use gemstones for larger beaded pieces, such as necklaces and bracelets. I source these from a variety of sources, including a local rockhound and stone seller, and a number of overseas cutters/polishers. I’m always on the lookout for beautiful, high-quality stones.

The focal stones used in my one-of-a-kind beaded fringe earrings are cast resin, and I make these myself! While I love the beauty of natural gemstone, I find the weight of stone cabochons can quickly make a pair of beaded fringe earrings uncomfortable to wear. Resin offers a lightweight alternative in a nearly endless range of colours and finishes.

I create small batches of molded resin cabochons using high-quality casting resin, which resists yellowing and cracking, and a range of interesting pigments, powders, and additives. Every pair of resin cabochons is unique, and I try to enhance the colours and patterns in these focal pieces with my bead selection and fringe style.

Why do you use a deerskin leather backing for your beadwork?

My bead embroidery pieces are backed with 100% Canadian deerskin leather. Leather is used in bead embroidery for a few reasons: to hide and protect the back of the stitches; to give structure for the edging beads; and to provide strength and longevity for the piece as a whole. Deerskin leather is a great choice for smaller beaded pieces, as it’s buttery soft, thin enough to stitch through easily, and wears well against the skin.

If you’re looking for a beaded piece backed with a vegan leather alternative, please contact me about a custom order using UltraSuede.

Where do you source your deerskin leather?

All of my leather is purchased as scrap from a local leather goods designer. What’s too small a piece of leather for a bag or pair of gloves is the perfect size for a pair of beaded earrings or a pendant! Using these offcut pieces helps ensure that I use only top quality hide in all my work while helping to reduce waste.

Can you change the earring hooks on my earrings?

Everyone has a favorite style of earring hooks. If you’d like the earring hooks on any pair of dangle earrings changed, I’d be happy to accommodate. Styles I stock include classic earwires, kidney hooks, lever-backs, and embellished lever-backs, in a variety of colors and finishes.

Need hypoallergenic earring hooks? I only use nickel-free earring hooks in all of my work — but I know that other metal sensitivities exist. If you’re not happy with the earring hook included in a listing, please reach out; I’d be happy to upgrade your earring hooks to sterling silver, niobium, 18k gold plated or gold filled findings.