Why We Exist

My beading journey began when I was finishing my last year of college, while carrying my first born son. I enjoyed beaded earrings, but needed some smaller pairs for when I was working on the field as a photographer. Through one of my best friends' guidance, I began creating beaded earrings. I was hooked, pun intended. 
I knew from the beginning that I wanted to use high quality materials, and sought out for the perfect store that carried the supplies I needed. This proved to be difficult. Shipping from multiple places for specific materials began adding up. 
This is how Cvltvre Bead was born.
I created a store that I needed. 

What I was not prepared for, is how many other beaders wanted a store like this too. I continued to source, and during my finds, the most precious material we sell was right in my grandmother's home: Scrap Moose Hide. Alice (my grandmother) is an expert in creating home tanned moose hide, and garments that have clothed her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. Our first Scrap Moose Hide drop sold out instantly. Suddenly, Moose hide was accessible to those who sought after it. 
Beautiful messages and emails came in, how the smell of the home tanned hide reminded them of home, their late uncle who wore a hide jacket, their grandma, and their childhood. I relate to this too.

This wasn't just about material anymore, it was about culture. It was about interconnectedness. It was about community. 
Our motto: Culture Through Craft, is not just about creating. It is the epitome of Indigenous craft. Every stitch, every design, and colour choice had meaning. The depth of culture weaved into our traditional wear is so prominent, that we can find clues of our sacred teachings through them. 
The word "craft" means: an occupation, trade, or activity requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill.
When I look at Indigenous made art, this is all I see. Craftsmanship. Heirloom pieces. Pieces with immense artistic skill. Eye-pleasing colour choices. It is undeniable that we gain Culture through our Craft. 
This all brought me down to the discovery that my late grandmother Gracie Herodier Orr owned her own bead store during the 70's, and it was located in Chisasibi, Quebec. I was unaware of this, and in my own unique way, I connected to her culturally through crafting...that being Cvltvre Bead.

We want to be your one-stop shop for high quality supplies, traditional materials, and resources. We strive to be a store that you begin your beading journey with, and then grow along with you. You can count on us to relieve your stress of sourcing the highest quality materials. 
We believe that everyone who is looking to reconnect, gain a new craft, or simply pick up a new hobby, shouldn't be too daunting for them. 

I realize the value of timeless pieces and we hope our selection can help you achieve your goals in beading. Although we are Indigenous owned, we welcome people from all walks of life. Beading is a universal art. 
As we grow, we hope to be a store you love, and a brand you can trust.

Mîkwec,
Thank you,

Catherine O. 
Cvltvre Bead