Theresa is a Cree/ Scottish bead artist from Treaty Six, Samson Nation in Maskwachis Alberta. Her indigenous run business Tlee Beads creates Cree style, flat beaded items with natural materials. Blending traditional materials with contemporary techniques allows Theresa to pay homage to her cultural heritage, whilst giving her work a distinctive edge. She likes working with high quality items like gold plated beads and gem stones.

Using natural materials like porcupine quills, deer antler, various animal claws, home tanned deer hide, birch bark, dyed horse hair, fish leather and many other items. Each unique piece is made from materials sourced all over Turtle Island.

She learned to bead from her late Aunty Mary and late Aunty Jean. Her family is blessed with alot of talented artists within her family. She takes pride in honoring her family in her beadwork. Her Aunties imparted valuable skills like up-cycling items for beadwork, using sequins and pearls from an old kokum sweater and using felt from thrifted cowboy hats.

Indigenous art is for everyone to wear with pride. Know the artists name and territory or nation the art comes from, as we are all individual nations.

Kinanâskomitin for wearing Tlee Beads art with pride!

Colby is a co-owner and artisan at Tlee Beads, Inspired by the beauty of natural materials, he enjoys transforming antler into wearable art while supporting and collaborating with his wife, Theresa,  in pursuing her creative passion. When he’s not creating in the workshop, Colby enjoys watching sports, spending time on the golf course, and hitting the open road on his motorcycle.