Remember my last post? Y'know, where I showed you some of my autumn and winter stock?
Well, you have a chance to see the items in-person, and possibly buy them without having to worry about shipping costs! That entire stock is going with me to a show on December 10th. I will have to do a bit of traveling to get there, but I am excited that I don't mind the travel time at all.
It will be in downtown Portland, OR at Portland State University's Native American Center. If you are interested (and have a facebook) you can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/events/227508577323006/
Don't have facebook? Don't worry! Email me (picpic.tewlikitpe(AT)gmail.com) and I can send you the flier.
I hope to see you and your family (two leggeds, four leggeds, winged and/or finned) there. AND offer you this coupon:
There are many things to be thankful for. I am alive, I have a roof over my head, I have food to eat, I have potable water to drink, I can create, I do create, and I am surrounded by people who love me. Yes that "family" aspect is very, very important to me.
So important, in fact that my favorite pattern is my "family" motif.
I absolutely adore fall colors. Sadly, there have been horribly of those vibrant colors here lately. The fall came late to us, you see. The leaves had barely begun to turn when the late-fall/early-winter chill winds came and whipped them off the trees. So, I decided to do some baskets in fall colors to keep the season around for a little longer. If I still have them, they can be purchased from my etsy shop. Links are in the captions. :)
I love the colors here. So pretty! Now that fall has transitioned into early winter, I am working on a few new winter items. My favorite new pattern is the self-taught snowman! Check out these two items in my etsy shop.
So, there you have it. Post-Thanksgiving, I have been so very busy creating. And, sadly at this very moment, being sick. I did a show on the 18th, and did pretty well. Since then, it has been insane. Very insane.
I leave you with well-wishes and hopes that the sickie-bug will skip over you. If not, I hope it goes away quickly. I will get back to you soon, hopefully, with new adventures to share. :)
I decided, getting ready for the upcoming Powwow (the day before Halloween, of course!), that I should probably explain it to those of you who don't know. I am presuming most of you do know about powwows, but, just in case, I am gonna tell you anyway.
At the most basic level it is a gathering of Native Americans (and non-Natives) in festivities that include drumming, singing, dancing, vendors, contests, raffles, and food... But it really is so much more than that. I guess you can kind of relate it to a giant family reunion. Every time I go to this particular powwow I get to see my cousins, my uncle, and some of the "family" that the warm community of team members and vendors has created. There are a number of vendors that I quite enjoy visiting with. I also have run the powwow at WU for the four years, and thus am very attached to the people running the powwow.
There are a few important people to note at the powwow, besides the people putting it on. They are really important, but generally easy to spot and you know their role already.
First is the Emcee. This person gives the announcements, explains what is going on, and often tells stories that enhance the attendee's experience. This person also tends to joking with those present to keep them engaged in what is going on. Not only does the Emcee tell you what is going on, they let you know when things are not allowed. Not even people putting on a powwow are allowed to photograph or record some of the special songs and dances, so please listen for when you should refrain from such things. They will also invite you to join in, so please do.
Second is the Arena Director. This person makes sure that everything on the dance floor goes according to plan, according to tradition, and makes it all run smoothly. He (or she) works in tandem with the Emcee. When the Arena Director tells you to do something, you really should listen.
Third is a group: The drummers and singers. They provide the beat that drives the entire event. One thing about Native drum-beats: they are supposed to mimic the heartbeat. I am totally serious. If you listen, you will notice your heart beats in time with the drum, your movements fall into step, and you miss the music when it stops. Listen to this song and you'll see. It is even greater at the event when the music echoes across the venue and wraps itself around you. It is quite the experience.
Four: The Dancers. This is one category I tend to fall in. These are the people wearing the fancy outfits. We call them our "Regalia," and it is like dress-up clothes for dancing. There are various categories of dancing, for both men and women. There are also "intertribal" dances, which is where you get to join in! Good thing is, no one cares if you don't know the steps, just follow along and enjoy the experience.
Five: Vendors! I tend to fall into this category. These people make amazing things! Even better than just being able to look, you can buy. Not only that, but they are willing to trade, and sometimes willing to work with you on a price. We really aren't a bad lot. I have found a lot of friends in the vendor circles, including my "Tribe in a box" family on Etsy. They have been inspirational. These people commiserate with you when there is bad, when you are sick, or when you are sad. They help bring a smile to your face as they tell you about births, weddings, sales, and good days. They always wish you the best, pray for you (if you want it/need it), and are there for you. I have found this at almost every powwow I have been to (and on my Etsy community). Here is a pic of Mother-In-Law at the booth. Her stuff is all the pretty beadwork; the baskets are mine.
A vendor at powwow who has graciously allowed me to use her photograph.
Six: YOU! Yes, you are one of the most important people at the powwow. It is difficult to share belief systems and cultures when there aren't people to share them with. People in my family are always looking to expand our circles, make new friends, and create lasting friendships.
Seven: Staff and volutneers. Yes, they are as much a part of it as anyone else. These people tend to be behind the scenes, and don't stick out as much as the other six categories. Still, without them, there would be no Powwow. They plan the location, work with the various other groups, set the place up, and clean the entire location after the event. Please take the time to thank powwow staff and volunteers when you see them. They put a lot of hard work into it.
Like the synopsis? Well, here is a powerpoint that goes a little more in-depth, and even gives a little bit of a lesson on powwow etiquette. I have used it to explain powwows to a variety of people from differing backgrounds and walks of life. It even works for people new to English (I have given this at a Japanese exchange school and they seem to understand pretty darn well.) There is a longer version that goes into the different types of dancing (feel free to email me to request a copy).
I would love to meet you at the event. Please check out this flier. I hope you can attend.
NOTE: All external sources are credited where credit is due. Thanks to Youtube and various photographers online for the video and some of the images. The powerpoint is my creation, and is linked to an upload on my other blog.
Just about two weeks ago, I went to an event at the Oregon Zoo for a dinner event. The dinner event honored Native American students who won the scholarships offered by ONAC, the Oregon Native American Chamber. At this event, I had the excitement of seeing a number of people I know and haven’t had the chance to see lately. I also had the honor of seeing three of my teachers!
From Left to Right, Pat Courtney Gold (basket weaver), Lillian Pitt (multimedia artist), and Ed Edmo (storyteller).
Each of these people has touched my life and taught me a skills I use on my path through life.
I learned a number of the crafts I do at the Oregon College of Art and Craft, which holds the Journeys in Creativity program.
Pat Cortney Gold taught me the basketry around which I base my small hobby-business (currently found on etsy). She has been featured on Craft in America, has art in a variety of stores all over the US and abroad, and has pretty much revitalized the art of basket-weaving in her tribe. She teaches basketry classes, some of which I want to take in the near future.
It was Lillian Pitt who taught me etching and how to make ceramic masks based on Native American lore. She has been featured on Oregon Art Beat, has had her art in the Hallie Ford Art Museum (at my college Alma Mater), and also has wares for sale across the nation.
Ed Edmo re-sparked my interest in the old stories. Most of the stories I know have come from his vast store of knowledge. I love sitting and listening to him. He helps people become storytellers, and encourages them.
All three of these Native American artists encourage the younger generation to learn their crafts. Not only that, they encourage their students to share, and teach, the skills.
I owe so much to these lovely people. I look forward to seeing them again soon.
~Pícpic Tewlikítpe
Post-Script– sorry for the poor image quality, I am still learning how to work this camera.
After the long silence, it is time for another post. I have been job-hunting and not keeping up for you, dear reader. I am sorry to have left you behind. I have been thinking of another great friend of mine on Etsy, and think I will share some of her "stuff" with you. Her name on Etsy is "Soulful Stuff" and she is a member of my group-family there. She has also been a good friend off the sale site. You should click on her shop name and go see her Etsy profile. She crafts all sorts of things, from quilting to photography, from jewelry to other handicrafts. A woman of many talents! An boy is she full of soul.
Anywho, here are some really awesome items I found in her shop. (If the listing is no longer available, it sold. But you should cruise around her shop and see if there is something else you like, too. :D )
"Proud to be Cherokee bracelet"
Here is a beautiful bracelet honoring the Cherokee people. It has a lovely array of colors and bead types. Here is an excerpt from the listing (which you can see the full listing and buy the item here).
Hand-carved syllabary letters spell out "Tsa-la-gi" in Cherokee language. The reverse side of the focal bead features a pyrographed eagle feather. Eagles fly higher than any other bird, and symbolize our connection with Creator. The 7.5" bracelet features Cherokee corn beads which were said to have grown along the Trail of Tears as a result of the many tears shed along the way. Glass seed beads are added in traditional colors.
I thought it was a very heartfelt description and loved reading about the corn beads. Such pretty colors!
Item number two, handpicked from among the hundreds of items that Karynlee has for sale, is a photograph that I have come to love. As a basket-weaver myself (though in a different style and with modern materials), it resonated with me. There is a strength to weaving, a spirituality to the creative process. I would love, someday, to be able to create beautiful baskets with the more traditional materials.
"Emma's Hands--Weaving the Wisdom"
This particular image is named "Emma's Hands--Weaving the Wisdom." Whomever this Emma is, I would like to meet her as well. The listing actually holds two images of Emma weaving the basket, and you get to pick which image you would like. The listing for it is here. It is available in three sizes, matted, and ready for you to frame. For more information, please see the listing!
So many pretty things, what could be next? Why, of course it would be a quilt. I specifically named that she did quilting, didn't I? Yes, yes I did.
"Anasazi Quilt"
This is a quilt that spoke volumes to me when I was cruising through her shop. It speaks to the past as well as to the present and future. It gives a glimpse of a way of life and leads the mind to wonder. The quilt was inspired by glyphs carved long, long ago. The listing (found here) gives a history lesson on the title of the piece, and the way the artist went about creating it. Oh, did I mention that it was hand-quilted? A lot of talent there.
This quilt really does have a sense of spirit and soul about it. I would encourage you to look at the listing itself and learn about the quilt, where it came from, and what is in store for the lucky buyer of the item.
So there you have it, a wonderful woman with a shop full of soul-infused wonders. You really should go check out her shop. Right now. Seriously, I mean it. Something may speak to you. You might find the item you were looking for. Or, as in my case, you may find a wonderful friend.
Welcome back!
It's that time again, the time where I feature an artist and great friend of mine. This particular person has been a strong leader in an Etsy team I am a part of: Walking the Red Road. He is always offering prayers, kind thoughts, and a strong conviction in his sense of self. I am always honored to walk the red road with him. Not to mention, he has a sense of humor, and that is always admirable.
So, I took a peek through his shop again an looked for items to feature.
One of the things I found was this. It is a unique way to carry your water around with you, and a beautiful piece to boot. I kind of want it, myself. You can buy this gorgeous gourd water bottle here.
That wasn't enough to look at? Well, he is a man of many talents. He not only works with gourds, but is an accomplished painter. Here is another pretty from his shop. It is entitled Pta Lowansa Buffalo Singer. Like it? Buy it here!
Now, this man is a multi-threat! Not only does he do gourd work and painting, he also strings jewelry and offers botanicals and smudging supplies. Here is a tea that looks delish. Organically grown Spearmint! Want it? Get it in this listing.
Now, the "but it here" links are only valid until the item is sold. If you don't see it anymore, it sold. But don't be sad, you can check out his shop to see if there is something similar. Or see if he happens to have more. :D
Again, this man is a wonderful leader, and kind person. He walks forward with strength and encourages people even if he is not feeling 100% his best (but don't tell him I said that! He might get the impression I am fond of him. Hahaa. Kidding). You can listen to his wisdom on his blog, too. I hope you get a chance to meet him somewhere in your path through life. If you do, it will be greatly enriched by his presence. I am honored to call him one of my many Uncles in spirit, deed, and life.
So buy his stuff.
(Sorry, I can't be serious all the time... I fell into silliness once again!)
I hope to see you back here again. I am working on a few new items and hope to be able to get my shop shiny and updated! And still working on that trade... I started the baskets way back when, and in the chaos of moving and finding work and finding a new place they have gone poof. Perhaps I should just start over again... I am thinking so.
Prayers, Good Thoughts, and Best Wishes to you,
~Winter Wolf/Picpic Tewlikitpe
This particular path in my life has come to an end, and I stand at a the poetical, theoretical, hypothetical crossroads of life. My internship (which is one reason I have been neglecting you, dear readers) is coming to an end. Between travelling to do interviews, frantically writing and editing chapters, commuting, looking for an apartment, and now looking for work, on top of doing my job, I have fallen woefully behind. My poor furbabies (kitties, Princess and Domino) are feeling left out and meow at me a lot when I get home, now. We are still staying with family, and might for a bit longer as I try to find a new job... which may not be a lot of fun. I will miss the place I am at now, which I elaborate on in my personal blog.
Perhaps this change of pace will allow me more time for my crafting. I owe a friend some baskets as part of a trade (and am thinking of tossing in a little something extra for the couple months' wait. I feel like a horrible, horrible person!), and should stock up before the Christmas season. I saw a bunch of Halloween stuff about, which means Christmas merchandise is not too far behind. One of these days I will have baskets for all seasons and will just shuffle them about in my shop as season dictates.
I will hopefully get back to blogging as well, and then you, dear reader, will not feel so neglected. Which makes me wonder. Does anybody read this? I know that a few do when I link them to people on social networks, but does anyone just stumble across here and like it? Read it frequently despite infrequent updates? I may never know... but it would be nice to know that somebody is listening. Or even really cares that I am still blogging.
So, it may seem like I have died or fallen off the face of the planet. I am here to assure you that this is not the case. I have merely fallen prey to many-things-changing-at-once syndrome. It should clear up in a few months. I hope.
So, to catalog the changes that have gone on lately:
Got a job. That is a 1-hour commute up, 8 hours of work plus a 1-hour lunch, and 1.5 hours back… five days a week
Hubby got an apprenticeship in the same town I work in. Sadly, this starts at 7:15, so he drops me off at 6:45 every morning. Which means leaving at 5:45, which means up at 5. I am not good at this yet, so yes, I am whining. I am generally at work 9.25 working hours plus 1 hour lunch, plus 1 hour up to work, plus 1.5 hour commute back…
This means I have been dead tired.
Got contact lenses for the first time in four years. Getting new glasses soon as I actually order them. Contacts are sticky right now due to not being used to these things. Blegh.
Moving slowly. Due to hubby’s said apprenticeship and my job, we can no longer stay where we are. No place lined up yet, but folks on both sides willing to keep a hold of our stuff till we get a place and can move in. Put in our 30-day notice, so we gotta be out by the end of the month.
Supposed to finish two baskets for a trade. Woefully behind. Also trying to get them to do what I want (flat bottoms on both sides doesn’t seem to be happening. Seems to be a sign of the style. One side will bulge on the bottom, inside or outside.)
Planning a beach trip with friends. This is a tough process trying to sort this all out and accommodate as many people as we can.
Husband eats like a cow. All the time and in high quantities. However, unlike the bovine he remains really skinny… darn hiiigh metabolism!
We are trying to find a place with washer and dryer, if we are lucky. We are still loooooking. But this commute will kill us if we have to suffer through it longer than a month.
Sadly, moving means that I won’t get to go to my favourite vendors at the Salem Saturday market (where I went today and got a great deal on foods!)
One of my favourite vendors? Pitchfork & Crow, of course. Their tagline is “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Vegetables.” the place is farmed by wonderful people. According to their business card it is Jeff Bramlett and Carri Heisler. Hey, you can even email them with questions, comments, etc. They are really nice people. Every week they post online what they are bringing to that week’s market. The food is delicious and all certified Organic. They have a Community Supported Agriculture program, where they bring your basket to a convenient location every week (for 27 weeks!) and you just go pick it up. There is a membership fee, of course. But for $600 total, that is a lot of really fresh veggies. Their prices at the Saturday market are really reasonable, too.
I wish they delivered to Portland. I would totally jump on that bandwagon! *sigh* I guess I will have to find one in Portland. Perhaps I could ask them for recommendations.
There is another vendor, but I don’t remember their business name. I just remember I love their produce and buy every time. I spied some great-looking zucchini and just had to go for it!
Another vendor had local, ripe strawberries this past Saturday! They were sooo sweet and delish.
So I will miss this Saturday market. I have been going for about four or five years now, off and on. It has been so nearby and convenient, too! I spied a few things today that, if I decided to splurge, I would totally buy. Le sigh.
In conclusion. No, I am not dead. Yes, I am exceedingly busy and feel deadish. I have a lot going on. I will miss my local vendors and community in Salem.
Strength, Hope, Peace, Healing, Prayers, Good Thoughts, and Best Wishes to all of you!
Now, you have likely recently read, if you follow this blog, about the wonderful bunch of "Campfire Cousins" I have found at the virtual campfire of the Native Forum on Etsy. Through this I have made many cherished friends, and I am always excited to expand the closeness to others in the forum.
Speaking of other great artists in the forum, I have found some absolutely gorgeous items in the shop of White Buffalo Designs. I really must have at least one once I get the money. He has a number of beautiful ammonites, supplies, bags of various types, and inlaid pieces.
Here is a peek of his stuff.
Ammonites. The listing only is for one, but you get to pick the left one or the right one. Really, they are both gorgeous. Ammonites cut in half and set in silver so it can be a pendant.
This is one particular piece I am interested in. Once I get the funding, this is gonna be mine. Really, I adore ammonites in general. These warm browns and wines really pique my interest. I really hope you don't but it before I get to here in his shop. You should read his description in the listing:
These are prehistoric fossils similar to a snail , that have been
cut in half ,polished and set in a silver band for a pendant.
These are rather large , being 40x32mm.
The reverse on these is opalised but does not show any
irridessence.
The draw with cut ammonites is the interesting interior.
Some are solid , while others will show cavities with crystal
formations in them. Everytime you cut one you get a different
surprise.
I have some whole ammonites listed that have lots of color
flash showing on the polished surface.
Isn't that writing beautiful? I need to learn how to do write-ups like this.
Now for something different, for you men out there:
Men's "Turquoise Heshi Choker with Red Pipestone"
Isn't that handsome? You can buy it here. I think I will definitely show this one off because I love the color combinations. The black intrusions in the turquoise remind me of a beautiful lakeside. Actually, it kind of reminds me of one of the places I love to go camping on the rez. I am really attached to that place, so this piece spoke to me, just like the other piece I featured. I love featuring things that reach out to me, and White Buffalo Designs definitely makes such items.
He is definitely inspirational in work, and words on the forum. I love hearing from this talented artist. I hope you take the time to browse his shop. Maybe a piece will speak to you saying "bring me home."
Yeah, it has been about a month since I have actually posted anything.
I have been getting used to this new job. I still do poorly with little sleep and I feel dead when I get back home. It is a 1/1.5 hour commute, depending on traffic. I have had an uncle in the ICU, a close friend of mine's dog almost died, a friend almost died, my sister went into emergency surgery because of her gall bladder.... and that is only part of it!
So with all of this insanity, I have not been attentive to you, dear reader. Or my artwork. :(
(Note: I am still getting over this two-week-plus long cold, so this may have coherency issues. ALSO: I welcome comments!)
My mother gave me this book years ago. I was just starting to be interested in my culture, which I did not get into until I was in High School. At the time, I didn't have the patience to sit down and read this book. I was too interested in my fantasy novels and art books.
Now that I am a tad older, though definitely not more grown up, I decided to read this book that had been gathering dust on my bookshelf. I started it once, but failed to read past the very beginning of the introduction. I realize now that I was missing out on a great read.
A picture of one of the covers of the book. This isn't the cover I have, but it is still a lovely picture used. Image thanks to http://www.goodreads.com (click image to link)
I will start with the description on the back of the book (Copyright its respective owners), then go into my thoughts and notes about it.
In this extraordinary book a young Indian woman records the ancient ways of the women of her tribe, the Blood People of the Blackfoot nation. Beverly Hungry Wolf recounts personal history, tribal history, legends,, and myths in a hauntingly beautiful tribute to her people. She also describes special domestic skills, such as beading, tanning, quilling, and the drying and preparation of foods.
The Ways of My Grandmothers, which includes many rare photographs, makes a major contribution to our knowledge of American Indian ways. Written with love and respect by a daughter of the tribe, it is a classic that will speak to women everywhere.
It was definitely a wonderful read. It has a slower pace than many young US citizens are used to, but follows the natural pace of a good Tribal storyteller.
I also adore how the author takes the time to include so many other voices, particularly of the Elders whose voices will soon be lost. This book, I realized upon completion, was written 30 years ago, so many of these elders may no longer be around. As I grow older, I am saddened by the fact that a lot of this knowledge is being lost as the Native people try and integrate with the current lifestyle. Not only that, but we are forgetting how to use the plants that are around us (even though many of them are going or gone now) and falling to ills that previously we could cure. We are losing the ability to do things for ourselves, relying on commercialism (like tanning hides and making craft).
Hungry Wolf spends a lot of time explaining how the society worked, then, and how it has changed. Ideas of what was proper for men and women were different then today, but perhaps the prior way of doing things was better. People knew what their places were and, despite the rigidity of the system, learned valuable knowledge and skills that otherwise they may not have pursued.
I liked the discussion on marriage, childbirth, preparation of food, and craft. It was eye-opening. I don't think I'd like the idea of an arranged marriage, and am interested in the seemingly patriarchal manner of doing things. However, it is curious that their own legends say that woman has the last word in things, so I guess if a woman doesn't approve that is it? I am not quite sure... I know that in my husband's tribe the women were in charge of trade, marriage, and had a hand in overall dealings. It is interesting to see different ways of doing things. I would love to learn how to cook on an open fire like they did before. Some of the recipes included in the book are must-tries! I want to see the difference in taste between the frybread I am used to and the fried-yeast bread recipe that was included. A lot of the food sounds really good. I also want to learn how to do different crafts from before, from bowl-making to tanning and everything in between.
The book has a repetitive quality that to some can be annoying. It is normal to me, since Native storytellers tend to do that. It is part of the cyclical nature of their timeline and stories, everything comes full-circle. I think it reinforces the importance of the idea.
This book also makes me wish I could have learned more from my Grandmothers. I am just now, at the age of 22, getting to know my tribal Grandmothers, getting to know my history and heritage. I mourn the fact that this knowledge and these wisdoms are being lost.
I do have one critique of the book, and that is the ending. I felt like after the soulful opening, an equally heartfelt closing would be coming. After discussing how different crafts were made, the book just ends. I mean it, you turn the page to the index. It felt incomplete. I wanted more and there was just something missing for me. A poor conclusion to such a riveting book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Native American culture, and how it has changed. I would really recommend this book to anyone. It is eye-opening and educational. You just have to be able to sit through it.
I am a proud member of the Renaissance of Native American culture. I am learning the traditional crafts, medicines and prayers and working to teach others about the culture as it was, how it has changed, and how it is today.
Prayers, Good Thoughts, and Best Wishes,
~Nikki
P.S. This post can also be found, exactly identical, on my everyday-life blog.
I have felt both very productive and very unproductive lately. I have been sick, so I haven't been able to get a lot done, but what little I have done has made me incredibly happy.
Working between coughs has been slow. I have been washing my hands like mad and trying not to breathe on anything I am working on. I am tempted to spray everything with lysol, but I don't think that will make for good-smelling merchandise.
What have I gotten done?
Well, in the past few days I have increased my inventory by two chokers, for one. One is another leaf-pendant choker like the one posted on my etsy site (which is going to a friend in Japan and is no longer for sale, the one I just made is to replace the other). The other is a single-strand choker with a child in mind. A little girl, to be specific. It has pink Jasper I got on a strand of mixed Jasper beads, one lavender quartz bead in the middle, and white leather for the tie. It is very light-colored and fits the stereotype of "girl" very well. It will work for smaller necks, too, not just aimed at a little girl. It is very cute and effeminate. :D
I have also woven, strung, and finished three basket necklaces. I have made a new blue one with lapis lazuli stones, a red one with red coral and hematite, and a bright, mulit-colored one (also with red coral). I have yet to take their pictures, as I am still trying to get my picture-taking skills up. It is kind of difficult when you have a broken camera and no good setup for taking pictures. *sigh* I will have to get on that!
I have added one pair of earrings to match my new blue basket-necklace, but for some reason they aren't as exciting as the basket necklaces and the chokers are to me. I am thinking of making a matching bracelet, too, and marketing them as a set. Who knows?
Finally, I have started working on making an inventory of my work. It includes various "sheets" of a spreadsheet cataloging all the necklaces, chokers, baskets, other jewelry, and other stuff I made. I have recorded the materials, how much those materials cost, and what I anticipate selling them at with room for what they sold for and profit. I am thinking of adding "time spent" as a category on the baskets. In general you don't charge for how long you took to make something, I have been told. I have to disagree. When supplies are about $3.00 and you spent four hours weaving, carving, or creating something? I don't think that thing should sell for $10, sorry. I want to be paid in part for my time in making the item if it is anything that is over 30 minutes to make it. Stringing a choker, okay, not hard. Weaving a basket? Beading an item? Kinda harder and much more time consuming. Buuuuut.... that is my opinion.
Powers that be willing, I will sell well at powwow on March 12th. It may be wishful thinking.... I am hoping at least to break even, if I don't sell well. I guess if I lose out, it will end up okay. I am sentimental about that powwow and won't freak out if I don't sell. I love the atmosphere!
On a random note? Those hairflowers I referenced in the post about my dad's chainmail work are selling like mad. perhaps I am better at selling his merchandise than my own.... but he is only selling them for $5 each! It is a steal!!!! I am gonna be setting up a small corner of my booth for my dad's stuff so he gets more publicity. Hopefully his shiny items won't outshine the other items my mother-in-law and I have worked so hard to make....
Well, that is it for now. My inventory is still pretty low, so I better get on that. Especially now that I will have a full-time job coming up soon and won't have as much time! And I better print more business cards. Sounds like a good idea to me.
My father has done all sorts of arts and craft over his lifetime. In the past few years it has ranged from beadwork to sewing, from making fringe to making jewelry. Lately, though, he has picked up a much-beloved hobby again and has started making chainmail.
Yep, chainmail. It is very time-consuming and takes a lot of attention to detail. Definitely something I could never do.... I barely have the patience to make my own arts and craft. But I digress. This post is dedicated to my father and his budding business, Chain Your Attitude.
His business is based out of home and is something he does on the side. Not quite to where he can retire from his job to do this kind of stuff. Maybe it will end up being that way! His prices are really reasonable, considering the amount of time and effort that goes into each piece. Not to mention cost of supplies. Those colored links cost more than plain and those swarovski crystals are very pricey! But they make lovely gifts for anyone!
((I gave a necklace to each of my bridesmaids in thanks for their participation and help, dad made them and they were wonderful!))
See? This is an example with back and blue links and black and blue crystals. Model is my sister. I think he is making these with smaller links nowadays, but this was the first go at it. This piece (due to cost of supplies and time) is ONLY $60!!! Seriously.
Here is a piece done with twisted wire and chainmail links:
Model is another of my sisters. I really like how swishy this one is. This was his first attempt at making these, so he hasn't put any up for sale yet, but he is definitely working on them!
Have school spirit? How about a favourite team? Any sport, really... my dad has started to make these "Chain Your Attitude" spirit-bracelets! They are made with rubber "O" rings and metal links. He has three different styles (you should check his website for full details!) and can make them in practically any color and color combination. Also: since they are made mostly of rubber, you can use them as hairties/ponytail decorations too! My mamma tried it and it works! (sorry for the pic, the flash made it glare really bad, but here is an example of the simple, one-stranded ones, as well as his current color selection. Don't worry! I think he can expand upon request.)
Not into jewelry? That's okay! He does other things, too. Here is a chain-mail hackey sack he made! It is really nifty, and for the amount of metal, it is a nice price! It is about the same size as a regular hackey sack ball, and quite durable. Inner fabric available in a variety of colors.
Finally, my favourite item thus far: Hairflowers. Really, these flowers can be used for bracelets, necklaces, etc.. but my favourite thing to do with them is put them in my hair. Kind of steam-punkish and definitely shiny! (Remember, folks, I have ADOS -- Attention Defeceit-Oooh, Shiny! -- and I have it bad). He doesn't know if he likes them much. I definitely do! These are just two examples. My four personal favourite colors are Red/Gold and Blue/Silver, so I got one of each. He can do these in a variety of colors, too... so don't hesitate to ask!
He is really a great artist! If you have any questions for him, please check out his pages. Most of his items are sold on his etsy site. He posts a few images of items he has done on his DevaintArt, but he hasn't updated that in ages (then again, neither have I, so I guess I can't complain much). I highly suggest you check out those pages. You can also follow him of facebook. He has posted a lot more of his pieces there!! CHECK IT OUT!
Seriously, though, I am not sure how he has time for a full-time job, six kids (including myself), wife, pets, AND all this chainmail. You should support this wonderful guy.
I have finally gotten my spot in the Willamette University powwow on March 12, 2011. I have worked this powwow for a number of years and am excited to continue on the other side of the equation: being a vendor instead of just vendor relations. That will be different. I won't be running around so much during the powwow and will only have to keep track of my stuff instead of a ton of things. I have my booth with my mother-in-law, who also does a bunch of really pretty things. I will have to post pictures of her work. Really, the whole family does all sorts of crafts. There are many wonderful items.
The events page at Willamette is here: http://www.willamette.edu/dept/oma/events/powwow/index.html.
I will warn you, though... the page needs updated, since it is gonna happen in 2011. I also don't think Men's Fast and Fancy is gonna be the contest this year. When I find out, I will be sure to post it, so perhaps you can come dance, too. I have decided to add a new incentive for people to come check it out, too. If you come and mention this blog post, I will give you a free pair of earrings. I mean it! Or, perhaps, a small basket. Either way I decide, you will get a prize! I will even give you a special thing: a printable coupon so I know you did it.
Print it out NOW so that you don't forget to later.
Pin it to your calendar next to the date 3/12/11 and come to Willamette U and find me. :D Here is a map, I will be in building 48, set up in my booth selling things. You really should stop on by.
I will be waiting for you. How many will find me?
p.s. I will be setting my etsy (picpictewlikitpe.etsy.com) on "vacation" that weekend, which means that you won't be able to buy anything and the item you want may be gone after Powwow. I would recommend getting the item you've been eyeballing before it is sold!
It took me a long time and I had to start over because of page glitches a few times, but after about 5 days I have finally completed my treasury on etsy! Yep, taking time between chores and engagements I have been adding to this treasury. Please! Click the link below and check it out! These are all amazing artists.
Making this treasury was hard and only features some of the 32 other members of the team that I wanted to feature. I will likely make a second one featuring the other members not found in the first one.
The new year has come and I have been unable to work much on my artwork, much less make more things to sell. I have been working on getting a job and dealing with the drama that seems to have popped up around me. Generally drama makes it that I cannot do any of my artwork because it would stain my artwork with the negative thoughts and feelings as the work passes through my hands.
I do anticipate doing some more work once I can secure some kind of job, but until then I am definitely on Hiatus. The only thing I know pretty much for certain that I will be attending a powwow in Salem, Oregon in March to sell my wares, so please look for me then and there if you can. I also will be continuing to sell my items online at http://picpictewlikitpe.etsy.com.
Looking forward to feature more artists and my own work soon!
~Picpic Tewlikitpe
A picture of one of the covers of the book. This isn't the cover I have, but it is still a lovely picture used. Image thanks to http://www.goodreads.com (click to link)
