Treasures, Treasuries, and Thoughts

I swore I would never do a blog! So much for swearing. I didn't think that I would have much to say or share. I was wrong! I have been so blessed with a wonderful family, loyal friends, sharing colleagues, and the support from so many that I will never run out of topics to write about.

I have opened an on-line store at a place called Etsy (rhymes with Betsy). The items on the left are available for purchase there. These will change from week to week to show you my latest creations. The link to the store is in the upper left corner of this page.

I also have items for sale listed on Art Fire. The link to my Art Fire Studio is http://www.jstinson.artfire.com/

I hope you will visit this blog, my Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstinson/2500402289/) and my Etsy and/or Art Fire stores often. (http://www.jstinson.etsy.com/ http://www.jstinson.artfire.com


So come along on my Trail of Treasures! It will be a Spirit Journey for me and I invite you to join me on the trip.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

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