I got introduced to leather through running an art program for homeless adults in Winnipeg. It was a true love moment. I had dabbled in many mediums but leather was a fusion for me. My first pieces were made within the context of relationship with the program and its participants. Many of the attendees were First Nations decent and evoked a passion in me for their history and skill. Often the participants offered skilled suggestions as I haphazardly attempted to make moccasins. I was treated to an amazing oral history as they recounted their experiences with leather traditions in their memories. This grew an immense respect in me for artisans of the past; the incredible love, care and skill which was poured into every piece. I found myself slowing down and savoring the process. Working with leather connected me to a tradition which was thousands of years old. It lit a desire in me to honor the earth and remember where I came from.

I wanted to look at leather through a different lens and not make only 'traditional' items. I enjoyed sculpting each piece, letting the shape of the leather guide the final creation.

I lovingly fashioned my first pair of mukluks and wore them with pride. I found that I could walk nowhere in the city without being stopped and asked where I bought them. It quickly became apparent that many were interested in my work and desired to purchase for themselves. I decided to attempt to start selling my work.

My husband and I choose the name 'Spirocreations' for my creations. (He is a latin whiz) Spiro, is a Latin word (pronounced 'spearo')and means: to live, to breathe or be inspired. I felt this idea summed up my creative process, as creativity brings life and is as important to our well being as breathing. I feel that through the process of creating we are connected to something greater than ourselves and find that this process also reconnects us to the earth, its inhabitants, its past, present and future.

Before I made the step to open an Etsy shop, I met with local First Nations elders to ensure I had their blessing. As I am not First Nations decent I did not want to create items inspired by their culture without their consent. My connection with leather had grown through relationship and I wanted to honor that first. The experience was moving and life changing. I was encouraged and felt I could move forward.

I opened my Etsy store and found instant interest. It blew me away! I could barely keep up and was learning on the fly. I was doing Spiro full time!

I moved to NZ to resettle with my Kiwi husband. This was a very hard step for Spiro. I found it difficult to refocus and lost much of my former inspiration. Winnipeg was such a huge piece of my heart. We struggled to get our feet and I struggled to keep Spiro alive. Eventually out of necessity I had to take a job and put Spiro on the back burner. I learned heaps along the way and honed my skills in the background. Finally, after a few years I felt the energy to pick it back up again. I now have a beautiful little girl and a very full life. I feel inspiration growing in me again and a passion to create.

Each piece is made with love and care. I do not do production well and tend to work from start to finish on items. Due to the nature of leather I can never recreate the same piece exactly. If you buy a piece of Spiro, it's the only one that exists. Unique just like you!