Exciting News!

Ojibwe Custom Beadwork has been accepted as a Vendor for
WE-Fest ~ Feeling Great in 2008
August 7th, 8th & 9th

Ojibwe Custom Beadwork joined Country Charm in September, 2007.  Country Charm is a unique collection of crafts and gifts by Minnesota Artists.  It is a co-op with separate sections of the store rented out by the co-op members.  We started out as artists or crafters traveling to various art and/or craft fairs (some of us still do) so besides the used books, 85% of the items in the store are handcrafted.  We strive to not duplicate the other member's work or items offered, so you will find a wide array of items available in the store.

Besides my work, Ojibwe Custom Beadwork (Wendy) also sells beads, needles, thread, other beading supplies and miscellaneous gift items as well as Gringa Yard Art and Growing Blue Flowers items.  Kelly's Kollectibles (Kelly) sells magnetic jewelry and native arts.  Peaceful Pine Country Crafts (Jeanie) offers nautical and other country woodcraft items.  Timeless Treasures (Pat) offers used books, floral and other gift items.  Rock Art (Marge) has various items made with rock, agates and other stones, as well as glass nail files and gift items.  Soaps, Etc. (Carole) has handcrafted soaps, lotions and candles, as well as tote bags and baby items.  We are currently looking for a new co-op member.  If you are interested, please stop in at the store.  We are located in the Washington Square Mall, 823 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN, 218-846-1640, between Travel, Travel and the Sprint Store, across the hall from Hallmark.   

My beloved maternal grandmother, Eulalia "Babe" LaFriniere,  taught me beadwork when I was very young, and I now do all types of beading using seed beads, semi-precious gemstones, Czech glass beads, sterling silver components and/or lampwork (beads made with a torch and rods of colored glass.) I travel to Pow Wow's, art festivals and other venues to sell my beadwork and other art.  I also teach classes, and hold Home Jewelry Parties.  Every time I bead something, I think of Grandma Babe.  I feel as if I am sitting with her and talking with her, every bead placed is a prayer. 

Grandma Babe wrote a book titled "Modern Indian Beadwork Necklaces" dedicated to my Grandpa, Wilfred LaFriniere, and their eleven children. I am one of the many grandchildren to whom this book was passed on by one of those eleven children. I have created a number of traditional Native American beadwork pieces using the patterns from the book on the "Sample Pieces" page. Use the Contact Me page for additional information about this book.  I also teach classes using Grandma's Book. 

Beading Classes!!

Beading Classes can now be scheduled to be held at a time and place that is most convenient for you.  Request classes using the "Contact Me" page or call 218-310-9019; or stop in at Country Charm to request a specific class.  Beads, needles and thread are available at Country Charm, 10% discount applied the day of the class if you are taking the class.