HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Schmap Selected My Photo!

Several weeks ago, I was contacted by Schmap, a company that makes maps of cities and features special events and locations. They wanted to permission to consider a photograph that I took at the this year's Taste of Omaha celebration in the next edition of their Omaha offering. I granted permission and was notified this week that the photo is going to be used.



Now, that might not be news worthy for many people. But those who know me know how I struggle with getting proper shots of the items I list for sell on Etsy and Art Fire. Photography just hasn't been one of my special gifts. So for a photo of mine to be selected is both an honor and a head shaking moment!



The featured photo is the one above. It shows Thelma Miske, my son's girl friend, trying to make order out of the booth after the tornado hit at this year's Taste of Omaha event. You can view other pictures of the devastation done to other vendors at two different venues on my Flickr site:
http://flickr.com/photos/jstinson/sets/72157605855143811/detail/



Now, can you believe that I, Joni Stinson, am a featured photographer? Wonders never cease. It just goes to show that one never can tell what path will open to you along your trail if you just keep plugging away!

Apache Seasons

• Sacred Sites......The Four Directions
  
  Painting by friend, Donel Keeler, Dakota Artist

As evidence that winter is upon us, my trees and grass are covered with a light dusting of snow. Now mind you, winter is not historically my favorite season. However, I may find this one a little easier to bear thanks to my friend and fellow beadweaver, Judy Citta.

• Judy and I belong to the Omaha Beady Bunch. This is an organization of men and woman who enjoy beading, meet once a month, and do a beading project. The projects are usually instructed by a member. At our November meeting, Judy not only presented the class but shared the following Apache story with us. I hope you will enjoy it.


• There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.


• The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest in the fall.


• When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.


• The first son, who went in winter, said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.


• The second son, who went in spring, said no..it was covered with green buds and full of promise.


• The third son, who went in summer, said he disagreed. It was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful. In fact, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.


• The last son, who went in the fall, disagreed with all of them. He said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.


• The Chief then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen only one season in the life of a tree.


• He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end...when all of the seasons are up.


• If you give up when it is winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, and the fulfillment of your fall.

In summary:

• Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all of the rest.


• Don't judge life by one difficult season.


• Live simply


• Love generously


• Care deeply


• Speak kindly


• Leave the rest to God


• Happiness keeps you sweet


• Trials keep you strong


• Sorrows keep you human


• Failures keep you humble


• Success keeps you glowing


• But only God keeps you going.

Maybe my winter won't be so bad this year and I have great hopes for yours as well!

Who Is Felipe Rose?

Who Is Felipe Rose? You probably know him....you just might not recognize his name.

• Felipe Rose is of Native American and Puerto Rican decent. His adoptive father, Eddie Three Eagles, is Lakota. As a result, Felipe has often used his long standing fame to help make a difference for the Lakota people living on reservations in South Dakota. He has also donated his time for many years for various programs and projects benefiting all Native people.His involvement includes helping with organizations such as the American Indian College Fund, Unity, United Nation Tribal Youth Council, and OneNation Walking Together.
• A gigantic blizzard unexpectedly hit western South Dakota on November 5, 2008. People became stranded and without heat, supplies, food or the ability to leave to get help. Roads were blockedwith twenty foot snow drifts in many areas. Over two thousand power lines were knocked down. Roads remained impassible for days before snowplows could even begin to clear them.
• Today, Felipe is trying to assist the Lakota Sioux Reservations in South Dakota with relief recovery efforts critically needed due to this recent blizzard crisis. This blizzard was the worst to hit western South Dakota in decades. The devastating storm left thousands of people withoutpower and, one month later, there are still people on the Reservations without electricity.
• Well this is what Felipe Rose is doing. Now can you tell me who he is? Don't write your answer in the comments or you will give it away to the next person. Send your comment to www.jstinson.etsy.com. Go there and then click "contact".
  

Hearing On The Barrick Gold Mine

Follow up on my What Do We Treasure Post November 30. Please read that first.

Copied From Canandian Newspaper:
Shoshone activists seek to halt Barrick Gold mining project in northern Nevada
Sandra CherebDecember 2, 2008 - 11:03 a.m.
RENO, Nev. (AP) - A lawyer for environmentalists and tribal activists told a federal judge that the government's approval of a big gold mine was flawed and would prohibit the Western Shoshone from practicing religious rites on a mountain in northern Nevada.
But attorneys for Toronto-based Barrick Gold Corp. countered that not all Western Shoshone share the views of Carrie Dann and the Western Shoshone Defense Project, and that their arguments are without merit. U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks, after a two-hour hearing on Monday, delayed ruling on a motion by tribal activists for a temporary restraining order to halt work on the 6,700-acre Cortez Hills Project that would include a 900-acre open mine pit 2,000-feet deep. Instead he urged lawyers for the Western Shoshone and Barrick to reach agreement on what work can proceed without causing extensive environmental harm until another hearing on an injunction request is held. "The pit itself is the big issue here, frankly," Hicks said.
"If you are unable to resolve a proposed stipulation in the next two or three days, I will get you a decision on the TRO within a day," he told lawyers.

WHAT DO WE TREASURE?

• Here it is the week end of Thanksgiving. This should be a time for celebrating the abundant bounties of our earth and the blessings we all enjoy. Instead, I received a troubling e-mail this morning from one of my Native friends. It motivated me to write this blog.
• On November 27, 2008, the Western Shoshone gathered in solidarity to oppose the cutting of sacred pinion trees at the spiritual Mount Tenabo in Nevada. The Barrick Gold Company is planning one of the nation’s largest open pit gold mines known as the Cortez Hills Expansion Project on the flank of the mountain. A restraining order has been filed by the tribe and supporters of environmental issues in Reno, NV against the construction of the proposed mine site.
• Unable to wait for the hearing that is scheduled for early next week and the mine's continual slaughter of the pinion forest, the Western Shoshone grandmothers and supporters traveled to the site, demanding Barrick to stop cutting the sacred pinon trees. Barrick Gold employees ignored the Shoshones' demand that they cease cutting. Those gathered witnessed piles of pinion and other trees strewn across the landscape and in the unfenced and now polluted ponds.
• "If people can eat or drink gold to sustain life, maybe we can call it a sacrifice of the life of trees, trees that gives us pine nuts and other medicinal uses," stated Carrie Dann, Western Shoshone grandmother and Executive Director of the Western Shoshone Defense Project.
• The Western Shoshone have lived in the area of Mount Tenabo since the beginning of time. Today it is the homelands to local Shoshones and continues to be the home to Shoshone creation stories, spirit life, medicinal foods and plants as well as a site for spiritual and ceremonial practices. Mount Tenabo is part of the ancestral lands that has been identified and recognized as Western Shoshone territory through the ratification of the Treaty of Ruby Valley between the Western Shoshone and the United States.
  
• "The mining company and the Bureau of Land Management are trespassing on the Western Shoshone treaty land and are destroying our mountains, trees, food, medicine and leaving dirty polluted water ponds that are wide open making it unsafe to the birds and animals. Why doesn't the mining company go dig up the Vatican or the Mormon Tabernacle instead of Western Shoshone lands? I'm sure they will find gold there, because this is what you are doing to our mountains and trees," stated Mary McCloud, another Western Shoshone grandmother.
• As the Shoshone grandmothers witnessed the devastation on their Sacred Mountain, rain began to fall. "The tears of the Mother," said oneGrandmother.
• We should be careful about what we treasure. I think that Chief Seattle said it best:
  

"The earth does not belong to man,
man belongs to the Earth.
This we know.
Man did not weave the web of life,
he is merely a strand in it.
Whatever he does to the web,
he does to himself.
All things are connected.
Whatever befalls the Earth,
befalls the children of the Earth."
..............................................................Chief Seattle, 1854

When will it stop? Broken treaties and false promises. What are our values? Is your word not your bond? Is religion and spirituality to be ignored unless it is yours? What do we treasure? Can you eat gold or heal the sick with it? When the land is destroyed, what will we eat? When the water is polluted, what will we drink? What do you treasure? Be careful when you answer this and then protect it with all of your might and give Thanks for it!

A Treasury Full of Fetishes

Fetishes are generally animals and occasionally supernatural spirits each of which helps the Native people. Native Americans believe that the characteristics that live in each of these beings is transferred to the stone or other representation of the being. The resulting fetish then helps the owner possess the traits of that particular fetish. The following is a list of traits demonstrated by specific animals.

• Badger —healers, aggressiveness, perseverance
• Bear —healer, strength, introspection
• Beaver—promotes family unity
• Buffalo—strength, endurance to rise above one’s weaknesses
• Corn Maiden: Growth, fertility, prosperity
• Coyote —ability to laugh at oneself, humor
• Deer—abundance in the natural worldEagle —spirit, a connection to the Divine
• Fox—camouflage, protection
• Frog—fertility, invokes the spirits to bring rain
• Horse—partnerships, stamina, mobility, and strength
• Mole— protector and hunter of the lower region, the underground
• Mountain Lion— leadership, resourcefulness
• Owl—wise, smart, patient
• Ram—male fertility
• Raven—healer
• Snake—a force in life, death and rebirth
• Turtle—longevity, assures rainfall
• Wolf —teacher, pathfinder on the journey of survival

The fetishes included in my treasury are for sale. For your convenience here are the links. Just click and you will be taken to the listing.

1. Horse Fetish Earrings by Moonrose
   http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_20&listing_id=15933134
2. Red Jasper and Turquoise Amulet Back by Cigar Box Beads http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8583357
3. Medicine Bag by AOS Leather
   http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_7&listing_id=17075161
   
4. Leather Fetish by Vicki Diane Designs http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=17240950
5. Tree Spirit Protector by Awesome Art http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_20&listing_id=10256908
6. Little Black Foot Fetish by Design Studion 54 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_20&listing_id=14790079
7. Zuni Bird Fetish by Coast Mountain Crafts http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=6654814
8. Pendelton Style Amulet Bag by Deb's Visions http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12091935
9. Zuni Bear Necklace by Nevada Woods. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_18&listing_id=9092540 (Please note that this item sold)
10. Inuit Style Shaman Dancer by Arts Creations http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16766816
11. The Fetish Leather Soap was replaced by Leaping Lizards from Van Fleet Street Design. You can see the piece at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11033799
12. Turtle Totem Bag by Arizona Visions http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_16&listing_id=12249832

I enjoyed making the treasury and hope you will visit all of these artist's stores!

Good Things Come In Three's

November 20, 2008 was a red letter day for me! I had the honor in appearing in three treasuries made by three wonderful Etsy sellers. The Blinded By The Bright treasury above was curated by Midnight Coiler. Lynn was kind enough to include my Native American Panoply Necklace (middle of last row) in her treasury. Midnight Coiler is Lynn Hoyt from North Carolina. Lynn’s specialties are carving gourds by hand and coiled and twined basketry. Each piece is one of a kind, and the ancient techniques employed in gathering, preparation and creation are labor and skill intensive. Lynn grows her own gourds and creates her own rustic stoneware embellishments. You can see Lynn’s wonderful work for yourself at: http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5570900

The second treasury, above, was curated by Althea P aka Janine Maves.
from Raleigh. She was kind enough to feature my Purple Power bracelet (second row, last item)in her Peel Me A Grape treasury. Janine is a member of Silk Painters International, Surface Design Association, WWAO (Worldwide Women Artists Online), and Wake Visual Arts Association. She belongs to many teams and organizations including BBEST, Freethinkers, Gallery United, Trunkt, and Interior Design Street Teams. Janine has participated in many juried shows for both crafts and art for over 20 years.

She also has a second store on Etsy called Talking Dog. Please visit both of Janine’s stores.
Talking Dog :http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5610886
Althea P : http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5065267

The third treasury was curated by Fantasy Creations. Her treasury, Crazy Beautiful Art, features my beaded barrette (second row, first item). Fantasy Creations is in Portland, Oregon. She designs and sells sewing patterns so you can buy them and make your own stuffed animals. Her listings are for sewing patterns, patterns with eyes (and sometimes plastic noses), and some kits without the stuffing. She has two Etsy stores. In her Fantasy Creations 1 store she sells handcrafted items from detailed bead embroidered pieces to handmade cards and little amulet bags. Please check out both of her stores.
Fantasy Creations: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5713908
Fantasy Creations 1: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5376366

Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) my friends for the honor of being in each of your treasuries. Good things do come in three's and you are three of the best!

National Native American Month Treasury

In honor of National Native American Month, I prepared the Treasury above for Etsy. It was a daunting task to make the decisions on what and who to feature. There were over 4,000 items either tagged or titled Native American. One is allowed only 12 selections and 4 alternates for a Treasury.

I want to thank all of my Bbest team mates and others who viewed, clicked, and commented on the Treasury. The comment section filled and the Treasury advanced to page 1 of the "hot" treasuries before expiring in the middle of last night. If you failed to see the Treasury and would like a closer look at the work of these marvelous artists, I am listing the name of their Etsy shops and you can click on each. I will begin at the top left:

Featured Artists:

• Hear Me Oh Great Spirit by Brighton Blue Glass and Art Gallery. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5793948
• Leather and Lace Gourd by Midnight Collier http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5570900
• Bismarck Dream Catcher by Omaha http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6001606
• Smudge Feathers by Runs With Buffalo http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5316126
• Painted Turtle Totem Bag by Leelinau http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=90011
• Lobellia Gourd Mask by Twisted Thicket http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5160383
• Native American Woman Tee Shirt by Dario The Apache Artist http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13573150
• Buffalo Dream ACEO by Talisman Art http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5946322
• 4 Eagles Medicine Wheel by Art Of Spirit Leather Works http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5515734
• Buffalo Children’s Society Drum by Terra Wood Studio http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=18194
• Native American Leather Wrist Cuff by Sirocco http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=60946
• Native American Medicine Man Fringed Pillow by Timberline Treasures http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5616263
• Alternates were:
• Beaded Flames Barrette by NDN Chick http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=13064
• Maiden Indian Amulet Bag by Forbes Farm Gifts http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5251518
• Hand Beaded Key Chain w/Light by Silver Lizard http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5726068
• Pendelton Style Amulet Bag by Deb’s Visions (Bead Lady 61) http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5066275

When looking for wonderful Native American themed items, don't miss any of these wonderful stores. Mvto and Wa-do to all who promoted this treasury and to all of the featured artists for helping to preserve, protect and perpetuate Native American Arts and Crafts!

Bbest Holiday Sale Treasuries

I belong to the Etsy Bbest Team. We are having a holiday sale. This team has many very talented artists and you will want to see their wares! You can read all about the sale and chances to win terrific prizes by going to http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5904785

To promote the sale, several team mates have done some excellent treasuries and I am pleased to be included. The treasury above was done by kittyd. Kittyd is from Camden, North Carolina and she does wonderful jewelry and polymer clay pieces. Kittyd included my barrette (first item on the third row) in her treasury. You can see Kittyd's work at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=23497


Talking dog (AKA Janine) is another of my Etsy Bbest friends. I thank her for her support and for including my Native American Fan Fare Earrings (Center of last row) in her wonderful treasury. Janine is a professional artist who has studied all over US, earned a B.A. in art. She has been a silk painter for over 20 years. Janine's items are made one at a time, by hand making each unique. You can oww and awe over Janine's work by clicking this link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5610886

Zuda Gay did this promotional treasury. She was kind enough to include my Midnight Motiff necklace (First item, bottom row). Zuda is an extremely talented and successful polymer clay artist from central Illinois. I know you will want to visit Zuda's store. You will find her polymer floral pendants irrestible. I have three times! You can find Zuda here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5164311

I am always so thrilled, surprised, and honored to be included in treasuries put together by my talented friends. Mvto and Wa-do, Kittyd, Janine, and Zuda! I hope you have great success during the Bbest Holiday Sale!

Future Treasures

OK, I'll admit it! I lost my head this week! It all started very innocently last Friday afternoon when I was invited to look at beads that a local lady had purchased and was now liquidating. Now, inviting me to look at beads is like inviting an alcoholic to a cocktail party! Maybe even worse as some alcoholics can "just say no"! To paraphrase Will Rogers who said "I never met a man I didn't like".....I don't think I ever met a bead I didn't like! Not only did I buy beads there, when I returned home, I discovered a package full of beads that I had ordered from a Pow Wow vendor. I dumped them all on my dining room table and am waiting for the Design Spirit to come my way! I am going to be very busy when you consider that my bead stash was already considerable. Now I'm going to stop my head from spinning, vow to buy no beads for the rest of 2008, call to my muse and get busy on those future treasures!

Mvto and Wa-do III

Etsy, the place to buy hand made items, has a feature called "Treasuries". If you have followed my blog, you have seen selected Treasuries before. This is my lastest treasury, entitled Mvto and Wa-do III. Since November is National Native American Month, I decided to honor some of my Etsy friends and their wonderful creations as a means of thanking them for their personal and professional support during the last year.

Now, one is limited to 12 spaces and 4 alternate spaces. Thus, it is impossible to thank all of my Etsy friends but I will endeavor to find other means at a later date to express my appreciation.

You are all "treasures" to me! Mvto and Wa-do Bbest friends!

My Newest Treasure: A Gifting by Avalina Tamayo

It is customary for the out-going Pow Wow Princess to have a "gifting" ceremony on the last day of her reign. The 2007-2008 Inter-tribal Pow Wow Princess for the Fort Omaha Pow Wow was Miss Avalina Tamayo. Avalina's Grandmother, Beulah Tamayo, has been my friend, colleague, and source of both support and inspiration for many years.

While doing our usual vending at the Pow Wow this year, I thought I heard my name being called to come to the arena but was sure I was mistaken. So, I continued on with selling my wares when a man came to the booth and told me that they were waiting for me in the arena. I couldn't imagine why! But I quickly found someone to help Patrick man our booth so that I could leave.

Much to my suprise, Avalina, her Grandmother, and Mother were standing there with this wonderful quilt awaiting my arrival. I was in a state of shock to be so honored!

Avalina can be seen in the photo above. She is the one with the number 5 on her regalia. Her grandmother is to the right (in dark glasses) and her mother is draping the quilt over my shoulders. Avalina was also featured on the cover of the flyer for the Pow Wow in her Pow Wow crown and full regalia. Avalina designed her regalia and her father, Steve Tamayo, made it for her.

It is pleasure to even know the Tamayo family let alone be honored by them in this way. I was shocked, humbled, and ever so happy!


Miss Avalina Tamayo, Pow Wow Princess 2007-2008 Fort Omaha Inter-tribal. Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) Avalina for this wonderful honor! I will treasure both the quilt and the memory forwever!

A Red Letter Day For The U.S of A !

It doesn't matter whether you are a Republican or a Democrat. It doesn't matter if you are red, yellow, black or white. It doesn't matter if you are male or female. It doesn't matter if you are young or old. November 4, 2008 was a history making day for all of us!

Grant Park in Chicago was an awesome sight last night when the President Elect, Barrack Obama, talked to the world. All of those people were jubilant. They were laughing, crying, and most importantly.....waving the American flag.

The photo above is of an Etsy Treasury made by Joonbeam. Joon is a fellow member of the Etsy Bbest team. She included my earrings (first item, third row) in her wonderful Red, White, and Blue Treasury.

Joon has two delightful Etsy stores, Joonbeam:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5399368 and the Flying House Wife:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5820253. Joon has recently moved with her family to Austin, Texas. Joon says, "I love rescuing things, especially if someone else deems them trashworthy. My special affinity is vintage fabrics, notions, trinkets and papers, although I will incorporate any intriguing castaway, regardless of age. I love collage and cobbling things together. I believe that the small stuff does matter. One person can make a difference. And character and environment are everything." Please visit her stores.

I hope you will find Joon, Joon's Treasury and my earrings titled The Eagle Has Landed a fitting tribute to this Red Letter Day for the U.S. of A.!

November: National Native American Month

November is National Native American Month. My son, Patrick and I were invited to exhibit at an art show held by Offut Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE on November 1. Offut sponsers Native events each November. The show was held in the entry of the Base Exchange.

I took this shot of the window as I think it would be interesting to bead a bracelet using this stylized corn design. Always thinking.......

Here I am with trays of beadwork and leaning on one of Patrick's raccoon head walking sticks.

Patrick with a display of selected Native Art. On the far right are turtle rattles, fur bags, one of his gourd shakers, alligator claw necklaces and various other native crafts. On his left is a better shot of the raccoon head stick.

This is our great friend, Judy Crouch. Judy is a talented artist that paints native themed items on feathers. While she is not native by blood, she is native in spirit. Her paintings are award winning and get the full and undivided attention of the public where ever she exhibits. We always enjoy being located next to Judy at shows!

This is a fellow Oklahoma transplant to Omaha. She is Alpha Marie Goombi. She and her husband are ministers and she is currently running for the Nebraska Learning Community Coordinating Council. This was our first encounter. However, it turns out that she is the niece of Robert Redbird. He is the famous Kiowa artist whose work we have collected for years. The work in front of Alpha is that of Robert Redbird, Jr (son). The wonderful ceramic horse piece was done by Alpha Marie. We had a great visit and shared our common interest in the works of Enoch Kelly Haney, Acee Blue Eagle and Woody Crumbo as well as that of the Redbird family.

We caught Dennis Beckman knapping! He demonstrated knapping arrowheads during the show. We had not met Dennis prior to this event. But look forward to seeing him in the future. While this was not a "selling" event, I did manage to make "arrangements" to purchase a wonderful Brazilian agate arrow head from him. Perhaps it will be incorporated into a piece of jewelry some day....or maybe I will just continue to enjoy handling and viewing it as it is. Only the Spirit knows!

A display of very old arrow heads from the Bellevue Historical Society was available.

It was a fun exhibit. It is always great to see old friends and meet new ones at these events. There is a lot of talent in the Heartlands and thank you to Offut Air Force Base for allowing us to come together each November!

TALE OF THREE TREASURIES

Who Loves Jewelry....obviously I do and I bet you do too! This wonderful jewelry Treasury was done by Chauncey last month. My apologies for the delay in posting it to this blog. I was thrilled that Chaucey elected to include my carneliean bracelet (bottom row, middle item) in her collection.


Chauncey’s real name is Eileen and she hails from Philly. While Chauncey is a talented multi-media artist, she says that glass is her " #1 passion".

That really surprised me as I thought her #1 passion was chocolate making glass #2. We often chat in the Etsy forum and if Chauncey is in the room, chocolate will be mentioned pretty quickly! Chauncey’s glass pendants are spectacular! She does a lot of themed and personalized pendants. You may find a perfect one for yourself or a gift. Just check out Chauncey’s store at http://www.chauncey.etsy.com/. You will be pleased that you did.

This beautiful Treasury was done by Birose. I was thrilled that she included my Native American Picasso (second row, last item) necklace in her "Red and Turquoise" themed treasury. Don't you agree that these two colors have a natural affinity for one another?

Birose’s name is actually Rose. Birose comes from Big Island Rose Designs.
Rose was born in South Dakota, lived a long time in California and now resides in Hawaii…Big Island!

She creates wonderful pieces from buttons ,fabric and her trusty sewing machine. She uses Yo-yo’s and buttons in ways you can’t imagination. You will just have to see for yourself at http://www.birose.etsy.com/ !

This "Power of the Word" Treasury was done by Judy of JNOriginals. I am honored that she included my beaded pen, Old Glory (last item in the second row) in her tribute. Judy believes in the power of the word as is evident in her Forum postings and her blog.

If jnoriginals rings a bell, it is because I have written about her in previous blogs.
While we have yet to meet in person, Judy is almost a neighbor as she lives in Iowa! Judy does nifty needlework. She does wonderful felted wool items and a large variety of versatile needlework creations. Judy is one of those people who is a life long learner. She is always daring to try something new! Judy is a treasure trove of great ideas. You will want to see her work at http://www.jnoriginals.etsy.com/.

Mvto and Wa-do to Chauncey, Birose, and JNOriginals for honoring me in your wonderful Treasuries!

Beads On One String

Last Thursday afternoon, my son, Patrick, and I attended this performace Celebrating Cuture and Tradition Through Music and Story. We were motivated to attend not only due to our interest but also because Sheila Rocha, Native storyteller (pictured on your right above) and our friend was one of the featured artists. We know Sheila as a producer of Native theater performances and our encounters over many years at various Pow Wows.
Dennis Warner, Folk musician from Minnesota, has performed in venues from grade schools to the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. He set the stage for the performance with his song and book, Beads On One String. If you usually purchase books for your children or grandchildren during the holiday season, let me highly recommend this one!
Beads on One String illustrates that while we are different, we are all connected by a common thread like beads on one string.

The sheet music for Dennis' song is on the book inside cover and a CD of the song comes with the book.

Dennis set the stage for this performance with his wonderful music, wit, and good humor.

Rita Pakowitz, Jewish Storyteller, tantalized us with her story about the Rainbow People and how you can become one by doing simple good deeds. She convinced us that if you do deeds of kindness, you may be the one who saves the world from being destroyed by a chocolate pudding filled astroid!

Idu Maduli, Black Story Actor, told the story of four black women in Omaha who grew up in the projects and went on to accomplish wonderful cultural and environmental feats.

Our friend, Sheila Rocha, Native Storyteller, related a fascinating story about her multi-cultural upbringing.

The concept of beads on one string is so strong that the Girl Scouts now have a Beads On One String merit badge and a project for elementary schools has been developed. You can bring this special project to your school. If interested, learn more at http://www.warnersongs.com/. We enjoyed the performance immensely and were reminded that we really are all beads on one string!

Olivia's First Class Cake

She squeezes sea shells done by the cake base.

I Think I've Got It
I Know I've Got It!
Wa-La, I'm Finished With My FIRST CLASS CAKE!

Wishing You Rainbows!

My grandchildren, like many, are blessed with so many things. Lots of clothes, books, iPods, knick knacks,games and doo-dads! When it came time for Olivia's tenth birthday, I decided to give her a gift that would last a life time. She loves sweets and has always loved to play in the kitchen. So, I enrolled both of us in an adult cake decorating class knowing that she could handle it. Not only is she learning new skills but we have quality one on one time together.
I pick her up at school each Monday afternoon, we go some place for dinner and then make it to our 6:30 class. We have completed the first portion of the program and have two more lessons to go.

The instructor over-planned our last session and we had to return to my house for Olivia to complete her FIRST CLASS CAKE. We didn't want her family to see a work in progress but rather a finished accomplishment.

Now, Olivia is on the road to many fun times armed with a new creative skill and I will treasure the memories of our time together forever. Like Olivia's First Class Cake, we both wish you "Rainbows"!

Buyers Be Aware!

Buyers be aware that you are one of the greatest treasures of all! I so appreciate all of you who have purchased my work! In the interest of privacy, none will be identified but you know who you are.

All of the items that I had previously featured on my blog page have been sold! My Etsy customers, Pow Wow followers, and those who have purchased from me in other venues, MVTO and WA-DO!!! That is thank you in Creek and Cherokee and can't be said enough times to show my excitement when you support my work.

I have added new items to the front page of the blog. I hope you enjoy viewing them and may be stimulated to make them your own! BUYERS BE AWARE that you validate my work, give me the great pleasure of pleasing you, and the stimulation I need to keep beading. You are among my truest treasures!

Two New Treasury Features

First, let me say Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) to all of those who have included my items in your Treasuries during the summer. I truly appreciate it although I am woefully behind in adding them all to this blog! This morning, I determined that as well intentioned as I may be, back tracking to add them is just not going to happen soon. So, I am moving forward and will, in time, reflect back.



This morning I was honored to be included in the Treasury shown above which was curated by Mystic Silk. Mystic Silk is very special to me because when I was very new to selling on Etsy, Klaire, the owner of Mystic Silk, was the first person to put one of my items in a Treasury. I will never forget that!


Klaire included my Purple Haze bracelet in her current treasury. It is pictured in the center shot of the second row.


Klaire lives in Warren, Ohio. She describes her store as offering unique items of silk art. Her art is not only beautiful, it is usually functional as well. She makes gorgeous silk paintings, scarves and pillows. Her art work can not be duplicated not even by Klaire! So, each of her items is truly ONE of A KIND. To see the beauty of Klaire's work for yourself, visit her store at http://www.mysticsilks.etsy.com/. Mvto and Wa-do Klaire!




This wonderful treasury of turquoise was done by one of my Bbest friends on Etsy. Judy of Jnoriginals and I both belong to the Bbest street team and frequently have the opportunity to chat on line. She doesn't live too far away from me. Her store is in Urbandale, IA (a suburb of Des Moines).


She was kind enough to feature my "Turquoise On Ice" bracelet. It can be viewed on the third row, right in the photo above.


Judy is a thread artist…she sews, knits, and crochets. She makes wonderful felted wool bags, crocheted scarves, coffee cup jackets, coasters, napkin rings and more. You will want to visit Judy’s store at: http://www.jnoriginals.etsy.com/.

Again, Mvto and Wa-do to Klaire and Judy for featuring my items in their wonderful treasuries.

The 204th Annual Omaha Tribal Pow Wow

The 204th Annual Omaha Tribal Pow Wow was held on the Omaha Reservation in Macy, Nebraska on July 29, 30, August 1 and 2, 2008. Here it is, one month later and I'm just now getting around to including the event in my blog! Patrick and I participated in the event as vendors. It was our first time at this Pow Wow. It was an experience we will never forget!

This is reputed to be the oldest of all Pow Wows. It had special significance for me as my uncle, George Walker, was Superintendent of Schools on this reservation for many years. My three cousins grew up at Macy. Being there reminded me of all of my "Uncle Bud's" many kindnesses to me when I was growing up. I wish he were still with us so I could tell him first hand about this experience.

This Pow Wow is all about the dancing! Over 400 talented dancers performed during the Pow Wow and competed for the very lucrative prize money. Fortunately, our booth was near the arena so I got to peek in from time time. Unfortunately, I didn't get any good photographs due to the lights and the motion.

Meet Jaylene. When we setting up, this young lady came over and introduced herself. She is 12 and attends school on the Omaha Reservation. She appointed herself as my assistant. During the event, she dropped by often to straighten anything that appeared out of place on our table, ran errands, and kept us current as to what was going on. She is very bright, inquisitive, polite, and was a big help!

Meet Feather. Feather is Jaylene's baby sister. When Jaylene was not helping me, she was babysitting her little sister. Feather was so tickled that I couldn't get a good shot of her as would not stay still.

This is a young Omaha girl whose family purchased one of my barrettes to add to her new regalia. She is pleased to model it for you!

This is a Jingle dress. Jingles are round metal discs that are shaped into cones. These are attached to the regalia of little girls and women. There are special dances for Jingle Dancers at all Pow Wows. When they move, the motion causes the jingles to jingle. It is truly amazing to see an arena full of Jingle Dancers.

This young lady came to see the Pow Wow and purchased a pair of my Fan Fare earrings as a momento of her Pow Wow experience. She consented to modeling them for me.

This event began on Thursday evening. On Friday, it began at noon and the dancing continued until 3:00 a.m. Saturday! We didn't begin to put away our wares until 2:00. Patrick and I were staying at the Winnevegas Inn, 15 miles away, and didn't get to our room until 3:00. That is a record breaking day of vending for us....15 hours straight! On Saturday, the Pow Wow started again at noon and we left around 1:00 a.m. and felt like it was a short day....LOL! After all, it was only 13 hours! Sunday we left around 9:00 p.m. and returned to Omaha exhausted!

Maybe we will recover in time for the 205th Annual Omaha Pow Wow!

Lincoln Indian Club's 32 Annual Pow Wow 2008

Tom Frenchman II: Dancer and Artist

New Lime Green Jingle Dress

On August 1, 2, 3, 4, 2008, Patrick (son) and I vended at the 32nd Annual Lincoln Indian Club's Pow Wow in Lincoln, NE. Despite the 100 degree weather, we had a marvelous time! Our "Pow Wow Trail" is always exciting as we not only get to share, and hopefully sell, our wares, we get to see old friends and make new ones! This year was no exception.

FEATHER CEREMONY

The little girl in these pictures is wearing her brand new lime green regalia. She worked hard all year to earn a feather and be honored in this year's Feather Ceremony. Members of the family sew new regalia. In this case, they made an appliqued "jingle" dress. She still needed an additional piece and what an honor it was for me, that she and her mother selected one of my barrettes to hold her feather once awarded. Her Uncle John came to the booth after the selection was made to purchase the barrette as his gift to honor her achievement.

My Barrette Selected For Her Regalia

She is one of several young girls that purchased my beaded items to wear during their Feather Ceremonies. The Feather Ceremony is held for young girls and following their ceremony they have earned the right to enter the "circle" for the rest of their lives.

As a beadweaver, this is such a priviledge.

As a daydreamer, who knows, maybe my work will be worn by their children and/or grandchildren long after I have departed this plane. There is no reward greater than for a fellow Native to feel that I have woven just the right piece to add to their regalia!

That Fringe Will Swish and Sway When I Jingle Dance

After today, I will always be welcomed into the "circle"


OLD FRIENDS

This is Mike Scheiblhofer. We have watched him dance at Pow Wows for many years. His wonderful regalia always catches your eye. All of that excellent bead embroidery in his regalia was designed and beaded by him! You may say, "he doesn't look Indian and his name sure doesn't sound Indian", and you would be partially correct.

Mike was adopted by the Omaha Tribe when he was 12 years old. His love for the Omaha culture and tribe is probably greater than many of those with true blood lines. Mike is an excellent dancer and a fine young man.

Howard Miscee, Omaha Tribe Dancer

NEW FRIENDS

Our new friend, Howard Miscee, is a frequent dancer on the Pow Wow circuit but prior to this Pow Wow we had not had the pleasure of spending time with him. Since Howard lives in Omaha, there is no reason that we shouldn't be seeing more of one another as we certainly enjoyed our time together at this event.

Another new friend is pictured at the top of this blog. He is Tom E. Frenchman II. He travels the country, dancing at Pow Wows and resides in Lincoln, NE when he is not on the Pow Wow trail. He is an artist and an expert in clover. Yes, that is what I said, clover. You can see Tom's work at http://www.cloverexpressions.com/.

Next Pow Wow: Macy, Nebraska August 14,15,16,17, 2008