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Winnipeg rhinestone artist’s work makes it to the big stage

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Winnipeg rhinestone artist’s work makes it to the big stage
A Winnipeg nurse is tapping into her creative side, bedazzling items with rhinestones in her spare time. As Teagan Rasche reports, the results of her pastime are being sported by celebrities when they come to the city – Sep 12, 2025

A normal Winnipeg Jets jersey gets transformed into a sparkling piece of wearable art on Ainsley Dubowec’s kitchen table.

“You look at it and it looks daunting but it’s therapeutic for me. I just throw on a show or music or podcast and just zone out,” Dubowec said.

Dubowec is a psychiatric nurse during the day and, in her spare time, the artist behind the bedazzled jerseys.

Nikki Glaser wearing one of Ainsley Dubowec’s rhinestone-covered Jets jerseys in Winnipeg in April. Nikki Glaser/Instagram

“The front logo of the Jets jersey takes about 12 hours,” Dubowec said.

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The Winnipegger has always had a love for hockey, music and art. One of her first creations two years ago was a pivotal moment that led her to where she is now.

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“I made Shania Twain a pair of sunglasses that she wore on stage,” Dubowec said.

Since then, her rhinestone work has grown into a business called Ains Bling, where she bedazzles various items and takes custom orders. Dubowec said she hopes her business keeps growing into a sparkling future.

This year, she really saw her work shine.

“The first Jets jersey I made was for Nikki Glaser, the comedian, when she came to perform here earlier this year. The Jets posted that, and True North reached out, and I got to make a jersey for Tate McRae and some sunglasses for Katy Perry,” Dubowec said. “It’s so cool. I’m just in my house making them, and then they’re on the stage.”

 

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