Why is your website blank? I do my sales in drops on a predetermined time or day and I remove all listings once I sell out. Because I make unique pieces, I do not keep stock on hand.
How do sale days work? I typically sell my earrings and other beaded pieces in collections, releasing a new collection once or twice per month, depending on how much I have beaded. I do it this way because it allows me to be creative with my work, and also create unique and meaningful pieces for each customer. There is also a finite amount of beading I am able to do as one person. I announce these releases in plenty of time on my instagram (@waawaate.beads). I am grateful at the popularity of Indigenous art and beadwork at the moment – but it does mean that these days can get quite hectic, and many products are in demand. I recommend setting an alarm and getting on the website as close to the release time as you can if there is something you really want.
Do you have gift cards? I do not sell gift cards. Because of the way that my sales work, with a limited amount of stock, only a few times a month, and all items sell first come, first served, if you do buy a gift card, there is a chance that you won’t be able to use it.
Mailing Options: I have flat rate shipping available for post within Canada. Unfortunately I am unable to offer this rate for mail to the USA. If you choose flat rate shipping I am unable to provide a tracking number and it is a much riskier option. If you choose “small packet air” as your shipping option, I am unable to provide a tracking number. I am unable to offer refunds on items that Canada Post does not deliver. Once it is in their hands, it is out of mine.
Can you wear/buy Indigenous art if you are NOT Indigenous? Of course! I can’t speak for all beaders, but it seems that the general consensus (and one I also believe) is that it is always welcome, and if you are looking to buy beaded art and other Indigenous art, we are always happy for the support. However, you should always choose to buy from an Indigenous artist. There are many knock-offs and cultural appropriators out there and this is wrong. Especially when you can support Indigenous economy. I personally feel a sense of pride the more places I see my work in.
How do I price my earrings?: Pricing varies a lot per pair and is based on, but not limited to: hours spent designing, hours spent beading, sourcing materials, cost of materials, administrative hours (ie/ maintaining website, packaging, business cards, packaging items, shipping items, etc). I am a one individual show and a lot of work rests on my shoulders. I also refuse to engage in a culture that doesn’t value artists and I believe that artists should be appropriately compensated for their work and their time. Art is a beautiful and valuable service to the community and artists deserve to be paid more than minimum wage.
I have a cat in my house. The house is smoke free.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS, RETURNS OR EXCHANGES.