In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to make a pair of moosehide teardrop earrings. The session introduces beading techniques like edging and covers how to properly start and finish beading. Participants will also learn how to use a wire guard and how to attach findings to complete and finish their earrings.  

This is a structured, pre-registered workshop designed to guide participants step by step through the process. Instruction will be delivered through demonstrations and hands-on support, ensuring participants can follow along regardless of prior experience. All materials will be provided. 

The workshop also includes an introduction to traditionally tanned moosehide, including information about it’s qualities and preparation.  

By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a completed pair of moosehide teardrop earrings, along with foundational skills in edging, finishing, and assembling beaded earrings. 

About your instructor: Diamond Witney is a Métis-Ukrainian artisan. She resides in Edmonton/amiskwaciwâskahikan and is claimed by the Metis Nation of Alberta.

Her Métis family name is Bourke, and also includes the Paquette, Decoine and Chalifoux family lines. Her paternal family is from Ukraine, and immigrated to Canada following WW1.

She is motivated to use as many natural raw materials as possible, partly to honor the traditional elements of her work, and also to reduce the environmental impact of her crafts. Environmental stewardship and sustainability are passions of hers and practices she continues to learn about and aspire to incorporate in as many ways as possible.

She utilizes the 2 needle beading technique and hand sews her garments. For some garments she is able to utilize a sewing machine and indicates that on the finished product. A pair of beaded moccasins, from the design stage to the finished product averages anywhere from 20-30 hours, sometimes even more if the beadwork is more extensive.