Traditional beadwork is widely practiced in Grand Portage, Minnesota where for generations it has enlivened the lives of Ojibwe people. Growing up in a family of beadworkers, Marcie learned by watching her mother, and today is a traditional artist specializing in Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) beadwork. She also operates her own gallery and exhibits her work throughout the country. 

This beautiful buckskin shoulder bag is made with deerskin, wool fabric, and cotton fabric. Students will learn traditional Anishinaabe-style bead embroidery to create designs on wool fabric and beaded edgings on deerskin. This class will also cover leather hand-sewing. Marcie will send students most of the materials needed for creating the bag.

Required Tools

• Matches
• Scissors
• Common pins
• Pliers
• Pen or pencil
• Paper
• Good lighting

Optional Tools

•  Reading glasses or magnifier