About Katie & Designs by Katie

Taanishi (Hello), I'm Katie — and this is my store.

Welcome to Designs by Katie. I'm so glad you're here.

I’m Katie Tolley, a Métis maker based in Saskatchewan, Canada. I’m also a PhD student, so Designs by Katie isn’t my full-time job. It’s something I create with care in the pockets of time between research, writing, and everyday life. 

This shop began almost by accident. I wanted a sewing machine so I could make toys for my cats, and I was lucky that my mom had one she wasn’t using. I bought some fabric, made the cat toys, and then started making a few other small things. Around that time, I also had a bit of a scrunchie obsession, probably from years of dance classes and always wanting something cute to wear in my hair. When I found a beautiful beaded floral fabric, I made scrunchies for myself and gifted some to friends and family. People started asking where they were from, so I began selling a few. One thing led to another, and Designs by Katie became an Etsy shop.

Over time, I’ve picked up new crafts, including fingerweaving and beading. These days, I focus mostly on crafting kits because I know how hard it can be to find the time, energy, and supplies to start a new project. As a student, I understand what it’s like to want to make something beautiful but not have hours to search for every material separately. Sometimes, it’s just nice to have everything thoughtfully put together for you.

That idea became especially important to me when I bought my first beginner beading kit. It was a great starting point, but it only came with beads and felt. I didn’t have the rest of the materials I needed to turn it into something wearable, so it sat on my desk for months. I wanted to create kits that included everything you need to make a finished, wearable piece of art, not just start one.

Every kit in this shop is thoughtfully assembled by hand. I carefully select the beads, materials, and patterns that go into each one. Nothing is mass-produced or thrown together. When you open a Designs by Katie kit, you’re holding something made with care, tested by me personally, and designed to set you up for success.

Métis culture is rich, resilient, and deeply creative. By weaving that heritage into my designs and sharing it through craft, I hope to spark curiosity, connection, and pride. Every kit is an invitation to slow down, create something beautiful, and maybe learn a little about the traditions behind the art.

Maarsii (Thank you) for supporting a small, Métis-owned business. It means more than I can say.

Take care,
Katie Tolley
Maker & Owner, Designs by Katie