Meet The Maker: Mahto Creations

Describe what type of products you create at Mahto Creations.

At Mahto Creations, we create hand-beaded earrings, necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and other unique beadwork. Each piece is handmade with care, and we take pride in creating one-of-a-kind designs that you won’t find anywhere else.

Tell us how you got started with your handcrafted business. What inspired you?

I originally started by selling beading supplies such as cabochons, rhinestone banding, and other unique materials that beaders could use in their own creations. I also wanted to provide more options for customers who live in remote areas and may not have access to these types of supplies locally.

Over time, I realized I wanted to take that creativity a step further and begin creating my own beadwork. That eventually led Mahto Creations from being primarily a supplier to becoming a creator of our own line of handmade pieces.

Where does the name Mahto Creations come from?

In the Lakota language, Mahto means “bear.” I took inspiration from my family name, Bear Ribs, and combined that with “Creations” to create the name Mahto Creations. I wanted my business name to reflect my family, our heritage, and the traditions that are important to me.

Could you tell us about how your background influences what you create today?

I am an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and I grew up watching my mother bead. I was always fascinated by the time, patience, and creativity she put into her work. As I got older, I wanted to carry that tradition forward in my own way.

Beading has become a way for me to stay connected to my family and heritage while creating something that is uniquely my own. I have also had the opportunity to teach my children how to bead, which is especially meaningful to me because it allows the tradition to continue into the next generation.

How has your business evolved over the years?

We’ve grown from being a supplier of beading materials to creating our own line of handmade beadwork. Making that transition has allowed me to be more creative and develop pieces that are truly our own.

That is so fun that you previously were a beading supplier and then moved into creating! I’m curious, what is your favorite type of bead to work with currently?

I work with size 11 Czech seed beads on a daily basis, and they are definitely my go-to beads. More recently, I have started experimenting with chunky beads for keychains, which has been a fun change.

I would also like to challenge myself by working with size 15 Delica beads for some of my pieces. They are smaller and more uniform, so getting the beads to sit correctly and achieve the finished look I want will definitely be a challenge. But I enjoy learning new techniques and pushing myself to improve, so I’m looking forward to giving them a try.

What was one of the most difficult pieces you’ve created?

One of the most challenging pieces I’ve created was a beaded medallion. I knew it would take a significant amount of time and patience, so I wanted to make sure I could dedicate the time it deserved. It was definitely a challenge, but it was also rewarding to see the finished piece come together.

Where does your inspiration come from for new pieces?

We love creating one-of-a-kind pieces, and we’re very proud that no two pieces are exactly the same. We’re always looking for ways to come up with designs that are unique and different from what we’ve created before. Sometimes that can be challenging, but it’s also one of the things that makes creating so much fun.

What is something someone might find surprising about working with beadwork?

I think people might be surprised by how much thought goes into choosing colors. Finding colors that complement each other, whether they’re warm tones, cool tones, or a combination of several different colors, can really change the look and feel of a piece. Sometimes you have to think outside the box and experiment with colors you might not normally put together.

What has been the most challenging part of this handcrafted business?

One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with creating enough pieces for each vendor event. Every item is handmade, and the more intricate the details are, the more time it takes to complete. Balancing the time it takes to create each piece with preparing for events can definitely be challenging.

What has been the most rewarding part?

The most rewarding part is seeing our customers happy with the pieces they purchase. We especially love seeing returning customers and hearing their feedback. Knowing that someone connects with a piece enough to come back and shop with us again means a lot. We also appreciate the suggestions and ideas our customers share because they help inspire us.

What is one type of craft you haven’t dabbled in yet that you’d be interested to try?

I think I would really like to try quilting, especially making Star Quilts. I have family members who quilt, and I have always admired the beautiful work they create. I think part of what holds me back is that I second-guess myself because I see how talented they are.

But I would love to give it a try someday. I think learning a new craft would be both challenging and rewarding, and it would be another way to connect with a tradition that is meaningful to my family.

What advice would you have given yourself five years ago?

I would have told myself not to be afraid to make the transition from being a supplier to becoming a creator. Taking that step opened the door to so much more creativity and allowed me to build something that is truly my own.

Where can people find your work or connect with you?

You can find Mahto Creations on Facebook and Instagram. I also share information about upcoming vendor events on our social media, so that’s the best way to keep up with where we’ll be next and see our newest pieces.

Mahto Creations
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Instagram: @mahto.creations

By Ashley Morken, Owner, Unglued. Photos provided by Ashley Morken.