Ashley Flynn
Ashley Flynn
Miꞌkmaq
My name is Ashley Flynn, creator of Beading Barefoot. With a deep respect for nature, my goal is to use local inputs where possible and to waste nothing in my crafts. I began making jewelry when sitting with my leftover hide pieces, trying to decide how best to honour the animal that already gave me moccasins and mittens and lacing. Today, all leather jewelry and sewn quilts or other items continue to make use of scraps from larger projects.
My beading is rooted in traditional techniques, while my work with leather also includes modern flair and techniques such as die cutting and laser work. These cutting techniques help me to reduce waste and make impressively intricate designs that reflect the natural beauty of the leather.
My goal is to continue crafting, while expanding into larger multimedia décor pieces that incorporate and honour a wider range of traditional materials and techniques while combining them with modern cutting technology.
I am a member of the Miꞌkmaq First Nations Assembly of Newfoundland, a non-status organization fighting for the rights of all Mi’kmaq people in Newfoundland. I come from mixed origins, and I currently live and work in Ottawa, Ontario, the territory of the Algonquin peoples.
Beading Barefoot currently sells online through the Barefoot Workshop, an artist workshop.