updates coming soon

the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury the sparkle treasury

leave a little sparkle wherever you go

indigenous art handmade with love and good intentions

leave a little sparkle wherever you go

indigenous art handmade with love and good intentions

about the artist

michelle la forme - the face behind the art

I'm Michelle.

I am an Indigenous artist with a bachelor of arts in psychology, currently residing in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.

I have loved being creative and working with my hands since a very young age - I have always loved music, painting, writing, and crafting. As a kid, my parents could find me either dressing my brother up in pretty clothing or drawing on any blank surface I could find. I was the kid at camp who made bracelets for everyone, and the friend who always made handmade birthday cards.

I love to draw and paint, to craft and recreate things that inspire me, and in the past few years, I've started beading. There are so many beautiful things you can make, and I love to connect to the world by making beautiful things.

I didn't grow up close to my family who claim Indigenous status, and took on the responsibility of teaching and immersing myself in the culture when I got to high school. I started with Native Arts classes, and branched out with my own research and event participation.

I have a beautiful daughter named Maya, and a lovely niece Ryanna. I live each day hoping that I can be an inspiration to them, and hope that I can pass on my knowledge about art and culture to them both one day. As Indigenous youth living off reservation, we need as much connection as we can get. I didn't start teaching myself about my Indigenous background and culture until I was in high school - and I don't want them to wait that long.

I started a small business, The Sparkle Treasury, during the pandemic, and have continued to grow it over the last few years. I started off by teaching myself to bead with nothing but a cheap kit from Michaels and a dream, but I quickly learned that there are so many resources and tips I can access on the internet. I started with simple wire wrapping and bead weaving, and have expanded to creating many different things, though I am always still learning.

I also consider myself somewhat of a human rights activist. I am always trying to educate myself on the struggles of others, and finding ways to share that information so we can do something about it. I got started with beading when I was learning more about my own culture and how my ancestors used art to cope and express themselves. I wanted some way to share the things that I learned, so I started drawing little booklets and sharing them with the pieces I sold. I have also created collections in the past where the proceeds were donated to different charities with a focus on poverty, Indigenous education, veterans, 2SLGBTQ+ youth and residential school survivors - and I plan to continue doing so, as my business expands.

More recently, I joined my brother in hosting a beading workshop at an event highlighting ways to improve mental health in local youth, with a focus on providing resources to Indigenous youth. Tackle Mental Health started out as a football and exercise clinic, but has quickly expanded to a program that covers all aspects of mental health, including art and creativity. I am honoured to be part of the organization, and foresee it becoming wide spread, very quickly.

With each day that passes, I learn so much about the world, culture, and art. I am eager to share the beauty of it all, and look forward to learning more and continuing to share what I have learned. I hope you will join me in my journey of exploration, and learn a little something yourself.

Miigwetch

Workshop Terms & Conditions

Due to the nature of the event, spots are limited. Payment is required within 48 hours of registration confirmation or your spot will be taken away. You will be notified of confirmation via email.

If you register for the event, please commit to being present for the entire duration of the workshop. The facilitator is not responsible for the project not being finished during the allotted time, but materials and instructions can be taken home to complete on your own time.

Registration fee covers the costs of materials and the rental of the venue. Therefore, the retainer is non-refundable. You may transfer your registration to another party or use the deposit towards a different class if you are unable to make it, with permission from the facilitator. Cancelations made within 24 hours of the event will not be rescheduled or refunded.

If you are unable to make the event for whatever reason, please contact us immediately to arrange for alternate options. No-shows will not be rescheduled or refunded.

Workshops are designed for those ages 9 and above. The type of crafts that are being taught include the use of a needle and very small materials. Please be advised that the facilitator is not responsible for injury that may happen while following the tutorial. Parents are welcome to join the class if their children are registered, but materials are for registered participants only. The class is designed in such a way that one-on-one help can and will be provided, as well as excess time to ensure that all participants are on the right track.

Crafting is a skill that takes practice and time to learn. We recognize that everyone learns at their own pace, and though we try to provide more than enough time, sometimes you may not finish. The facilitator is not responsible for the project not being finished during the allotted time, but materials and instructions can be taken home to complete on your own. There is typically extra time once the class is done to ask questions or finish up.

If you have allergies, please specify in the "Extra notes" section of registration. Water/ juice, a light lunch and snacks are provided. You are welcome to bring your own food, but please be considerate of the space and bring items that do not spill easily. Drinks are to be in a sealable container or kept away from the crafting table.

Please contact Michelle at michelle@sparklymich.com with any questions or concerns about this policy, or to request additional information.

Custom Order Policy

Custom orders are only offered for limited times during the year.

A deposit is required for all custom orders. This amount covers the cost of materials and design and is non-refundable. Deposit is due prior to production of the item(s), and the remainder and shipping cost are due upon completion of the item(s), prior to shipping. Deposit amount is equal to 50% of the quoted full price for projects under $100. Payment in full is required for projects over $100.

Turn-around time is dependent upon the project. Typically, the time stated for a custom project is 2-3 weeks for completion once a design is secured and deposit has been paid. However, more complex designs may have a longer turn-around time.

If you are ordering for a specific event or date, please order 6-8 weeks in advance of said date to ensure sufficient time for completion and shipping.

it is highly recommended to upgrade to tracked shipping when purchasing something custom-made. Once the package has been shipped, the responsibility is on the buyer to keep track of the shipment and dispute any lost packages with Canada Post. Tracked shipping is insured and ensures the most accurate shipping information and date of arrival.

A custom order is defined as anything not ready to ship. This includes recreations of past projects. This policy is applicable towards anything requested that is not listed on the site and already made and ready to ship.

Return and Refund Policy

Items purchased on this site are only eligible for refund before the item is shipped.

All purchases are shipped via Canada Post. Once shipped, the seller is no longer responsible for the item and lost packages are to be disputed with Canada Post. It is recommended to upgrade to tracked shipping to ensure the most accurate shipping information and date of arrival, but regular mail shipping is available as well.

If there are issues with your order, please contact us within 30 days to discuss options of replacement or return.

Damage caused by everyday wear and tear can be repaired, and shipping costs associated with repair are dependent upon type of damage. The repairs are free within one year of ordering, but can be done after one year for an additional cost. It is recommended to follow all care instructions to avoid damage.

Damage caused by user error can be repaired for an additional cost.

Custom order deposits are not eligible for refunds.

Workshop retainers are only eligible for refund under special circumstances. Please contact us for more information.

leave a little sparkle wherever you go

leave a little sparkle wherever you go

about the artist

michelle la forme - the face behind the art

Contact Us

Contact

Workshop Terms & Conditions

Custom Order Policy

Return and Refund Policy

leave a little sparkle wherever you go

leave a little sparkle wherever you go

about the artist

michelle la forme - the face behind the art

Contact Us

Contact

Workshop Terms & Conditions

Custom Order Policy

Return and Refund Policy

This website uses cookies.