Northern Crafty

So, having lived in the North on and off for the last 5 years, I have learned lots of new things. The most awesome is my leatherwork (if I do say so myself!) I have learned to make a variety of articles using different materials indigenous to the area. I first learned how to make adult slippers of moose hide with beaver pelt trim, then learned how to make mini slippers for mini people! The leatherwork is not bad-the beading....takes a looonnngg time! Each bead is stitched down individually-crazy eh?!






I have had a lot of fun playing with different beading patterns (ie. the curling stone and broom for my sister, scotch thistle for my Mom!) I have made tiny, baby slippers for my kids, and big, man slippers for my man! I have made "canvas topped", and have experimented with different furs too! These canvas topped slippers have silver fox trim-fancy eh!?

I also learned how to make mitts (I made this pair for myself) and gloves (those are for Tim, and I am NEVER making another pair-turing the fingers the right-side out was almost impossible!)

Lately, I have been using deer hide. My Mom got me some tanned hides from a man she knows who hunts. He got the hides tanned, but then didn't know what to do with them. I am happily turning them into slippers and mitts, and will readily accept any other unwanted animal skins out there!! I know a woman in town who has a husband who traps, I traded her one of the hides for some fur and sinew-bartering is great!

I don't do a lot of beading over the summer, but during the winter darkness it keeps me occupied...and my family in cozy footwear!