Genuine birch bark sustainably harvested from wind downed trees on my property in Northern Alberta makes up the centrepiece of this stunning hand beaded medallion necklace.

The medallion is 4 inches across on which I have beaded the outlines of a deer hoof print in black seed beads.  I have edged it in tiny AAA quality Tigers Eye gemstone beads and backed it with real tanned deer hide.  The chain is a simple beaded spiral stitch in brown and amber size 11/0 glass seed beads.  It is 20 inches long and accented with 4 beautiful striped agate stone tube beads in creams and browns.  Finally, the clasp is a simple lobster claw clasp in antique brass to match the colours of the pendant.  It also has a 2 inch extender chain in case you want to wear it a little lower.

This entire project took me 10.5 hours, not including the time to soak the birchbark to soften it in order to work with it.  This is a very time consuming piece that has many steps to it’s creation, but I had to make it a reality as I had seen the finished piece in a dream.  I am so happy with how it turned out, and I hope whoever purchases it wears it with the pride in themselves that this brings to mind.  It is very earthy yet formal enough to wear in ceremony.  In Native American mythology, deer symbolize gentleness, intuition, and a deep connection to nature, often serving as spiritual guides.