A brief History:
Metis BEADWORK 

Christi Belcourt Circle Blue 

• The Métis are heirs to a very vibrant culture of decorative arts emphasized by the brightly colored floral motifs of their bead work.
  
• Often referred to as the “Flower Beadwork People,” the Métis developed this beautiful beadwork patterns in combination with the First Nations beadwork with the embroidered patterns introduced by French-Canadian nuns working in the Roman Catholic missions. 
  
• ​Métis beadwork, similar to the work of other Indigenous artists, emphasizes interconnectedness among its parts. Flowers depicted in a piece are almost always joined by a stem, leaves, or petals. This can also be representative of nature and the world at large.
  

​Parks Canada:
The Flower Beadwork People 

The Craft: 
SUN CATCHERS 

What You Will Need 
–The Métis Beadwork printout
–Mason Jar Rings
–Colored Markers
–Oil or Rubbing Alcohol
–Cotton Balls/ Paper Towels
–Scissors
–Glue
–String/ Embroidery Thread ​

suncatcher_printout.docx
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File Type:	docx

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Making Sun catchers 

1. Choose or design a Métis beadwork pattern and cut to size.
   
2. Using markers, colour in your chosen design.
   1. Note: to get the beadwork  pattern, first pick a lighter base colour (pinks, yellows, light blues and greens etc.) to colour in the pattern. Then, using several darker colours, fill in the design with dots of varying sizes. Outline in black.
3. ​Flip your design so that the coloured half is against the table. Then, using a cotton ball or piece of paper towel, gently rub a small amount of oil on the back of the design so the paper becomes translucent. Let dry.
4. Apply glue to the inside of your mason jar ring and then carefully apply your design. Let dry.
5. Carefully loop the string or embroidery thread around the rim of the mason jar ring. Make sure to leave enough loose thread at the top so the suncatcher can be hung in a window.
6. Use tape or glue to keep in place as needed. 
7. Make sure to hang your finished sun catcher in  a window or bright space that gets lots of light!

Making Sun Catcher Video

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