Meet Heather Stewart (CREE) of SweetGrass Beads

Meet Heather Stewart! We came across Heather’s work on Instagram a few years ago and were blown away with her modern pop culture beadwork designs. Her use of color and simplifying designs so that they’re easily recognized is next level. Over the past few years her account has blown up. We are excited to collaborate with her on a few limited designs.

The first collaboration is a collection inspired by a mask she made for us. We sent Heather a template of a mask to bead and we were able to replicate it into an amazing production run of premium adjustable masks. (Seen below) To go along with the masks we have a super cool women’s crop hoodie and a unisex long sleeve tee. These tops are screen printed on both arms and have a large front print with the artwork. We also are releasing a tee with the design on the front. All pieces are limited. Preorder April 1st 11AM CT

1.Who is sweetgrass beads?
Sweetgrass beads is cree artist Heather Stewart, who specializes in beadwork. Originally from the remote northern reserve Kashechewan, Ontario.

2.What inspired you to begin beading? And how long have you been doing it?
Growing up on the reserve a lot of women in my family made beadwork so it's just in my blood to follow their lead and keep with the traditions. I started beading really young, around 3 years old, my mother would set up a little beading station beside her when she was working and off I went. I've been beading now for over 30 years.

3. How did you find that you had the amount of patience necessary for beadwork?
I just love creating and I have so many ideas, it feels good being able to express myself through beadwork and bring out issues that are important to me. It's actually hard for me to stop sometimes, I could bead for 12 hours and only stop because my hands are sore.

4. Who or what have been your most important creative influences?
So I get really inspired when something starts blowing up within the native community, I love showing my native pride and making people laugh with some funny pieces now and then.

5. How has your business grown in the past year?
I'm blown away where my business is right now. Everyday I feel so grateful for all the love and kind words I've received from so many people. One of my favorite things to hear is when I've inspired someone to start beading because beading is healing in so many ways. 🖤