About us

The Brand

EmJayKay Beading is a quality, contemporary, handmade Beaded Jewellery and Artwork Store. The Japanese Delica bead is the medium of choice as we combine versatility and creativity to make one-of-a-kind treasures.

The Artist

Marlene Kwandibens is an Ojibway from Whitesand First Nation on the northern shores of Lake Nipigon, currently living in Sault Ste. Marie. Her love for her craft led to create Em-Kay-Kay Beading Plus, which name is a homage to letters written in Ojibway text, special to her grandmother and mother.

Marlene is a self-taught bead artist in the Delica Bead medium with 16 years of experience. She is a meticulous bead worker whose pieces of beaded jewellery have garnered recognition from her peers and customers across Canada. Her attention to detail and aim for near perfection is evident in her beadworks and her sewn crafts.

Marlene has also used fabric in creating art pieces and creating ceremonial skirts. Previously presented an art piece for the ‘Celebrating the Creators’ installation, Thunder Bay Art Gallery (2010), as well as a piece for the ‘From the North’ Installation, Ontario Craft Council, Toronto (2015), using fabric and beads to convey a cultural lense of her life experiences and understanding.

Marlene is passionate about sharing her beading experiences in the hopes of helping other individuals. In line with her matriarchal teachings, she has passed on her knowledge with classes and one-on-one sessions with all walks of women. Marlene encourages the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ adage in all of her craft endeavours, finding antique beads and other treasures in yard sales and thrift shops across the country.