Manitoba Métis Artisan

Borealis Beading is owned and operated by Melanie Gamache, a Manitoba Métis beadwork artisan who started beading in 2015. Melanie has always been a creative individual, but her talent for beadwork has developed along with her passion for sharing the Métis culture and history relating to beadwork. Borealis Beading has grown from creating her very own beadwork pieces to organizing workshops, hosting Métis cultural learning experiences and carrying basic beading supplies required to start you on your beading journey.

Borealis Beading provides you with a hands-on creative learning experience where participants learn the art and skill of 2-Needle Beading, Finger Weaving, or Quilting, along with the cultural and historical significance to the Métis people, “The Flower Beadwork People”. Métis cultural learning experiences are delivered in a style reflective of the traditional beading circle format where friends and family would meet to share stories and talk about their day while passing on the traditional art of beadwork.

Virtual Experiences Now Available!

Each gathering provides a different Métis cultural learning experience

Participants will receive their supplies before the class and a Zoom invitation is sent by email the day prior to the arranged meeting date. On the scheduled date and time participants will join Melanie online to work on their project with her assistance and participate in the group cultural experience. Borealis Beading hopes that you leave having a renewed appreciation for beadwork and the Métis culture.

Introduction to 2-needle Beading (Beginner)

CA$95.00

Welcome to your introduction to learning 2-needle beading. A technique traditionally used by the Métis and other Indigenous groups. Your adventure begins by learning how to bead on fabric using a basic flower pattern, representing the Métis, also known as "The Flower Beadwork People".

Four Hour Virtual Zoom Class

Prerequisite: Interest in beading and learning more about the Métis people.

Supplies included: 2 beading needles, beading thread, beading pattern, ties, beads (3 colours), ready to bead fabric pattern

Format: Workshops are delivered in a style reflective of the traditional beading circle format where friends and family would meet to share stories and talk about their day while passing on the traditional art of beadwork. Participants will receive their supplies before the class and a Zoom invitation. On the class date and time all participants will join Melanie online to work on their project with her assistance and participate in the group cultural experience.

Traditional Métis Tobacco / Fire Bag (Intermediate)

CA$95.00

Welcome to the next workshop on your beading journey. This project is based on the Red River Métis tobacco/fire bags. These handmade bags were traditionally used to carry tobacco, or the tools used to start a fire (steel, punk and flints).

Four Hour Virtual Zoom Class

Prerequisite: Introduction to 2-needle Beading

Supplies included: 2 beading needles, beading thread, beading pattern, ties, beads (4 colours), ready to bead fabric pattern and liner

Format: Workshops are delivered in a style reflective of the traditional beading circle format where friends and family would meet to share stories and talk about their day while passing on the traditional art of beadwork. Participants will receive their supplies before the class and a Zoom invitation. On the class date and time all participants will join Melanie online to work on their project with her assistance and participate in the group cultural experience.

Traditional Leather Medicine Bag (Intermediate)

CA$95.00

Now that you have a better understanding of 2-needle beading we can try working with leather. Beading on leather is new challenge and very different from beading on fabric. The Medicine bag holds your sacred object(s) and can allow you to wear them around your neck. They are used by people who feel connected to their sacred items and/or medicines and want to keep them close to their heart.

Four Hour Virtual Zoom Class

Prerequisite: Traditional Métis Tobacco / Fire Bag

Supplies included: 2 beading needles, beading thread, beading pattern, beads (3 colors), leather ties, ready to bead leather pattern, glover needle, sinew

Format: Workshops are delivered in a style reflective of the traditional beading circle format where friends and family would meet to share stories and talk about their day while passing on the traditional art of beadwork. Participants will receive their supplies before the class and a Zoom invitation. On the class date and time all participants will join Melanie online to work on their project with her assistance and participate in the group cultural experience.