Barren Ground Elegance

7.5 x 4.3 x 0.5 cm

smoked-tanned hide, barren-land caribou antlers, charlotte cut 24kt gold plated beads, Czech beads, Swarovski crystal beads, gun-metal steel earring hooks, and suede material for backing of earrings

Nancy's most requested earring design using antler in each flower petal. The technique is stitch-by-stitch, attaching beads one at a time to outline the delicate line of the design, which is the traditional beading technique of the Northern Dene. Applying crystal beads to the edging of the earring adds to the elegance of this unique earring.

Nancy is a retired educator with a passion for creating beautiful jewellery that builds on the natural products of the land, blending traditional and modern materials and learning new techniques of piecing them together.

Nature has always been a part of Nancy's creative process. Guided by teachings of the past and using her own artistic creativity, she incorporates natural products such as quills, birch bark, and moose hair tufting into her jewellery. Her mother was an inspiration to her, and Nancy learned by observing the precise handiwork of sewing traditional wear that her mother created, the beautiful designs adorned with embroidery, beads, and quills. She knows the importance of doing your best work. 

Nancy is actively involved in the band council of her community. For her, beading is joyful, as beading is therapeutic and a way of healing from the stresses of life. She loves to pass on her artistic knowledge, skills, and techniques and is always ready to learn more. 

Nancy has completed an adult education certification program from Aurora College in the Northwest Territories, as well as the Indian Teacher Education Program from University of Saskatchewan, receiving a Teaching Certificate and Bachelor of Education degree. She is featured in the NWT Arts Council artists list.