Quick Facts
Beader/Owner: Ruby Asiniikwe Lelonek
Ojibwe Name & Meaning: Asiniikwe, Little Stone Woman
Age: 29
Beading for: About 16 years
From: Waaswaaganing, Lac du Flambeau, WI
Currently Living: Appleton, WI
Mixed With: Ojibwe, Oneida & Finnish & probably a bunch of other stuff I have no idea about lol
Who da heck is Ruby..
Going to be honest with you, I absolutely would jump into an active volcano instead of talk about myself. lol But it is important for you to know a little bit about the person who beads on the daily and creates these creations for you! <3
I started to bead when I was young because I didn't have the funds to buy gorgeous beadwork so my Mumma taught me and my Sister gave me all her supplies and I just took of from there, I couldn't put down those beads even if I tried. Since I am a little entrepreneur, I started selling as soon as I could because unfortunately ya girl needed gas money lol I started off as Dream Beadwork, then Crazy Lady Beadwork (this was my fav lol) & then as we all know and love Swan Berry Designs. Swan Berry Designs was born from my Swan Berry Logo. It was my first, official design and I was so proud of myself and how far I have came with my beadwork and rolled with that name. PLUS strawberries are something special, they are the heart berries (Ojibwe name is ode'imin) and they have beautiful stories in different cultures but for me I love that they symbolize love, warmth and healing. But I'm pretty much a chill lady, I am a Mumma to a cute lil lady named Layla, I have a cute husband man named Jake lol, I love cookout food, if there is cheeseburgers and potato salad, I'm there. lol I have been fancy shawl dancing since I was a wee one, I love roller coasters (my fav is the Valravn at Cedar Point), I love binge watching shows, right now I just finished Ginny & Georgia. But overall, I am pretty basic and if you see me in the wild, I am very shy at first (working on it) lol but please don't be afraid to say hi!! My heart melts meeting a beautiful soul that purchased my beadwork! Thank you for reading, now have a jolly day, volcano here I come lol
Why I bead..
I absolutely love it, beading Indigenous jewelry for you story is truly my medicine. It helps me during the tough times and the good times. My beadwork not only reflects me, it reflects my Ojibwe culture, my people, my loved ones and the ones that I have lost. My goal is to create beadwork that makes you feel powerful, that lets people know we are still here, or just to simply look pretty with your outfits! <3 My heart melts when you wear any of my creations, you are wearing a story but you are also adding to it, so Miigwetch, Thank You, I am forever grateful for you!
Meet My Team, My Family
Every now and then I will be posting creations made from my Mumma.
Patricia Philemon
Mumma/Creative Artist
Part-Time Swan Berry Beader: Patricia Chi Animiikii, Noodin Philemon
Ojibwe Name & Meaning: Chi Animiikii (Thuderbird Woman) Noodin (Strong & Calm Wind)
Age: 56
Beading & Sewing for: More than 20 years
From: Waaswaaganing, Lac du Flambeau, WI
Mixed With: Ojibwe & Oneida
Why I bead..
I was inspired and taught at a young age by my wonderful teachers, my Grandmas, Aunties, Cousins and friends. I bead and sew because I love the way it allows you to express yourself creatively. Beading and sewing taught me how to become more calm and enjoy myself more. Carrying on the tradition and culture warms my heart and I teach my loved ones that are inspired to learn. When I wear Indigenous jewelry, it gives me so much strength and to see others express their style through my jewelry makes me so happy!!