Picpic Tewlikitpe - Created and Found

New Status Attained!

2012-01-29T14:57:00.000-08:00

So, I realize it has been a while since I posted. I try to keep up, but it would appear I am failing so far. Perhaps I need to make up a blogging schedule... and try to keep to it.

My current obsession has been cleaning. Unfortunately, I let my space get to a certain level of uncleanliness, then it bugs the heck outta me until I turn around and furiously clean. Well, I have been doing more furious cleaning than letting it get to a cleanliness-challenged state lately. I realize this is a good thing. I also realize that I should not let myself get so frustrated with it in the first place, and perhaps just try to keep it clean instead. We shall see.

Oh, right, this blog post is supposed to reflect my newly acquired status! I am now no longer amongst the unemployed! I have been given a job! I have to say, it was an interesting process.

It started back in early November, when I applied for the job. Well, they had actually decided on their candidates when I had submitted my resume and cover letter. Recently, however, a person in the Receptionist/Office Assistant position has been promoted to a different position within the organization, so they needed to fill the spot. They pulled my resume and cover letter! (Oh, I didn't know that detail until after my first interview)... so I was asked to an interview. I attended, dressed in nice slacks, a white button-up shirt, and black jacket. It went well, in my opinion. After that, I anxiously waited. They said they would be calling people starting the next day... And they did. I was thrilled to be offered a second interview.

I wore a nice gray skirt and a fave top of mine to the second interview. I intended to be there early, but due to my car breaking down, I was afraid I would be late! What did I do? I called as soon as it happened (one hour before my interview) and told them I might be late. Thank goodness I wasn't! I was dropped of with three minutes until my interview.

I must say, being interviewed by four people, one of which being your potential boss, can be a bit intimidating. I tried to be less nervous by joking a bit. Hopefully that was a good thing, right? Well, they asked me a bunch of tough questions, including what my weakness/challenge/need-to-work-on might be. I answered honestly: being 23 years old, recently out of college, and with only two internships under my belt, I am still learning professionalism in the workplace. I understand healthy boundaries and professionalism, but am still learning how best to put them in practice. Much to my frustration, when I asked what they were looking for "understanding of professionalism and boundaries" was near the top of the list, after dependability and the ability to do the job. Needless to say, I left the interview feeling less than confident.

My family (birth and chosen) inspired me to continue smiling, despite being scared. If I didn't get the job, it was a great opportunity and I learned something out of it. They were all very confident I would get the job, so much more than I was.

Shortly thereafter, I received a phone call requesting my references, which I happily gave. I tentatively took it as a good sign I was still in the runnings. I was then asked to fill out an application. I wondered if this was a good sign, or if they just needed it to put on record whether or not I did get the job. I waited... and waited...

I was very excited to get the call. I was offered the job! I just needed to fill out some background check information and complete a UA (Urine Analysis, the standard drug testing procedure). I wasn't entirely sure when I would start, but I am so very excited to have the job! I will now, once again, be a part of the working class. I will have an income again!

I did wonder, though, since I admitted to a MAJOR weakness... did they just appreciate my honesty and willingness to learn/work on it? Or did they decide that I was worth the effort to try despite my shortcomings? I guess I also wonder if I was their first pick, or someone else was offered the job and turned it down... like they were given another offer already or something. But, whatever the reason, I am pleasantly hired.

And I really enjoy the job. I have completed my first week and am loving it. The people I work with are all very nice, and understanding when I make a mistake (which, first week, there were understandably a few). The clients have all been very friendly and patient with me (another plus). I am looking forward to continuing to work with these wonderful people.

Where does that put my artwork? Well, it does put it a little bit more behind. I admit to being sleepy this weekend and didn't really do too much. (Okay, I did do some housework yesterday, but that was just the bathrooms and some dishes. In a big house, not all that much.) I hadn't been doing much during the week, either, after learning so much new and running about. I do have time, however, when I am riding public transit. I will be working on basketry then, and twiddling my fingers all the way to work and back. I anticipate some neat new stuff. :)

Movie Review: Imprint

2012-01-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of google.com

In my last blog post, I casually tossed out the name of the film Imprint. I realize now that some of you, my faithful readers, may have never heard of or seen the movie. I have thus decided to educate you.

The film was released in 2007, and was the 32nd Annual American Indian Film Festival Winner in the Best Film category. It tackles the difficult issues of minorities in the current white American society and spirituality in the modern world, but doesn't focus on it. It instead focuses on the occult, ghostly images that the main character encounters. What is this film, then? A review by "Variety" on the cover calls it "an old-fashioned ghost story with a Native American twist." And it is, a ghost story. A compelling story with excellent cinematography. And they actually speak in a real Native American language!

I will admit to not liking thriller, ghost, or horror films, as my friends can attest to, but I enjoyed this one. It takes place where many Native American films do: the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It follows the journey of Shayla Stonefeather, played by Tonantzin Carmelo. After a trying court case, Shayla returns home to Pine Ridge to find apparitions and hauntings, which she believes to be connected to her missing brother. After that? Well, you will just have to see. I really don't want to spoil it for you. I want you to take the adventure for yourself.

Better yet? Watch the trailer.

Interested yet? I sure hope so. And I hope you enjoy the film when you watch it.

Movie Review: Older Than America

2012-01-05T21:53:00.000-08:00

The new year has been very busy for me thus far. Actually, since my last post I have been going going going. I was a vendor at the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest's New Year's Eve Sobriety Powwow. I didn't really make much money, and I am cool with it. I really enjoyed seeing people and meeting with friends that I haven't seen in a long time. However, that is not what I wanted to chat about.

For Christmas my mother-in-law gifted the family a film called Older Than America, a movie featuring Native-American actors and about the Native people. We had never seen it before, but there are a good number of great actors.

Image courtesy of Google.com

The lineup includes Tantoo Cardinal, Adam Beach, and Wes Studi, all well-respected Native American actors. Tantoo Cardinal has been in Dances with Wolves, Smoke Signals (playing Arlene), and a great deal of other films. For her full filmography and bio, click on her name. It will direct you to the IMDB page for her. You may recognize Adam Beach from Smoke Signals (playing Victor), Wind Talkers, and the recent Cowboys & Aliens. Dances with Wolves also featured actor Wes Studi. He also starred as Sphinx in Mystery Men, and can be found in a variety of films as both a comedic character and a serious one.

The film was well-done, with a compelling story, wonderful cinematography, and relate-able characters. Older Than America also discusses some very sensitive, difficult subjects that, quite honestly, some people wouldn't touch with a ten-meter pole. Yes, I said ten meters. There are people who wish to deny the existence of some of these issues.

Issue One: "Indian Boarding Schools." These schools were where woefully misguided people believed that it was better to "Kill the savage, save the man" in order to civilize and save children. These children were taken from their homes, their clothing burned, forbidden to use their Native tongue, and suffered physical, emotional, spiritual, sexual, and inter-generational trauma. The film takes into account both oral and written histories of the events that occurred in the schools.The inter-generational trauma still exists in the minds and beliefs of Native Americans youth today. The elders remember it. These schools were mandatory for Native American children as recently as 1975. Yes, that is the late 20th century!

Issue Two: Medical diagnosis within the ideals and confines of the Native American spirituality. Commonly, when discussing a variety religions, including many recognized "world religions," it is difficult to say whether visions and visitations are symptoms of a psychological disorder or not. I won't give anything in the film away, but it does question the balance between reality, mental illness, and spiritual encounters.

It has a similar feel to Imprint (never heard of it? Click the link). It isn't a depressing film. For a story going into a painful and difficult history, it is actually quite uplifting. Like I said, it is a strong, compelling story. I would highly advise giving it a watch.

Remember, the title is Older Than America.

Happy watching. :)

Come see me on the 10th!

2011-12-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

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:

Post-Thanksgiving Daze

2011-12-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

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.

"Family" in orange and brown on etsy

"Family" in red and brown on etsy

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.

This little guy is on a necklace on etsy.

In purple, and on etsy.

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. :)

~N

About Powwows

2011-10-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

An Evening with Inspiration

2011-10-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Feature! Soulful Stuff

2011-09-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

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.

Till next time.
~Winter Wolf

Feature! Kicking Bear

2011-08-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

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

The end of this road I walk today 8.24.11

2011-08-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

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.

By the way, yes, I am alive. K'thanks.

Many Changes Lately

2011-06-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

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!

Feature! White Buffalo Designs

2011-05-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

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."

Feature! 1Eggman from the Native Forum

2011-05-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hello! Feature time!

You should see 1eggman's shop! He sells lovely things on etsy. Mostly hand-carved and hand-painted eggs, like Emu eggs.

Look at this pretty!

It is an emu egg! Here is the listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45358640/hand-carved-emu-egg-rose-new-technique

Here is another one I like. I am tempted to see if I can get one for my mommy..

I love the simple beauty of the clean lines in this piece. It is very nice. You can find it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45548579/a-mothers-first-love-hand-carved-goose

Oh hey! He sent me a tasty recipe, too! You can find it on my other blog, in this post.

In which I might still be alive

2011-04-25T19:28:00.001-07:00

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. :(

How have you all been?

Book Review: The Ways of My Grandmothers

2011-03-03T21:05:00.001-08:00

(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 to link)

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.

Working on Building Inventory

2011-02-22T22:21:00.000-08:00

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.

Chain Your Attitude (photo-heavy post)

2011-02-19T02:29:00.000-08:00

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.

~Picpic Tewlikitpe

Come Find Me! Powwow - March 12, 2011

2011-02-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

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!

Created a Treasury on Etsy!

2011-01-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

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.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d337c68d6658eef3d9bcf98/gifts-from-the-first-nationsndn-etsy

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.

Have a great day!
~Picpic Tewlikitpe

General updates - January 15, 2011

2011-01-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

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

Black Friday Sale!!!

2010-11-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

So, as most of you know, I have an etsy account (picpictewlikitpe.etsy.com) and they just instituted the possibility of COUPONS! This will be a limited-time thing and just in time for Black Friday.

In honor of Black Friday (and in a desperate effort to boost sales) I have created a coupon that will give 10% off your ENTIRE ORDER (minus shipping and handling) for the duration of the Black Friday Sale...

I am debating one day only or two days right now.

THE COUPON WILL NOT BE USABLE UNTIL THURSDAY AT 11PM, OR BLACK FRIDAY (for those who don't get to see this), NO MATTER HOW OFTEN YOU TRY!

They have this nifty "choose when to make active" thingy.

Here is the code, being posted only on Facebook, twitter, and DeviantArt for the early-birds, it will be posted on my etsy during Black Friday for everyone else. (Okay, I buckled down and posted it on my blog, too.)

The code is: B1KFR1D4Y

Enjoy the 10% off!

Please don't feel so neglected!

2010-11-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Again it has been a long time since my last post... I have been extremely busy launching myself off into the post-Graduation world. Still looking for a job, working my current job (ends in December!!!), and trying to work on my artwork.

In recent art-news, I have worked hard on creating a team on etsy for all First Nations people, (it can be found at http://www.etsy.com/teams/5948/first-nationsndn, but you have to be a member to see it).

I have also bee working on artwork for an art show happening in just two days! Busy, busy, busy. Really, how do you adult people do all this? And some with children in the mix?

NOW for some features!

Here are some really pretty earrings. This artist makes a lot of wonderful things out of wood (this particular listing can be found at Cripplecreekwoodwork's Etsy.com shop ). I would really recommend you go check this person out! There is not only jewelry on this site, but also a good amount of furniture and other fine crafts.

I really love the beautiful colors on this piece. I like the contrast of bright blue with dark purple heartwood. I hope you like them, too.

Looking for something colorful and bright? These beautiful floral pictures, listed here, on BackyardNaturePhotos' etsy site are divine. Looking for images of critters? Guess what? BackyardNaturePhotos has those too!

I picked this particular set because it put me in the mindset of warm days in the woods, something I would love to do now that chilly winds and drab, rainy November is upon me.

Looking for something fun and funky to decorate your place? In the midst of all the holidays that seem to congregate in the fall and winter months, these adorable, Victorian-inspired Owl Ornamens, found on this listing in lepetitreve's site are perfect. Each one is unique and you can get not only this set of four that I linked to, but a set of 12 of these cute little critters.

Why did I choose to feature these? Well, they definitely caught my eye when looking for Christmas stuff on Etsy. I love when people get creative like that!

I will be posting my own work soon, so don't go too far... or if you do, please come back soon!

~Picpic Tewlikitpe

End of Hiatus

2010-10-25T23:48:00.000-07:00

I am greatly sorry for such a long hiatus. I have a billion (very true) excuses, but the fact remains that I have neglected you, dear reader. It has long since gone from pretty spring, through a very busy summer, and into the shivering dismal temperature and brilliant colours of fall. During spring and early summer I feverishly worked on my thesis (Passed with a "B"!) and then de-fragmenting after working in overdrive for so long. And my personal blog consumed me recently, posting recipes and random thoughts (~~which have nothing to do with art and thus are not posted here~~)....

Anywho, I have picked back up my art and basketry and am in process of twining another basket. I will be selling at an art show in Portland, OR in November. That is all for this brief update!

My Etsy

My DeviantArt

My Twitter

Back in the Swing of Things! Or, Today is a Japan day.

2010-05-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

Now that my thesis and college days are through I am back in the swing of things. I am back to working full-time, not having homework to stress over, working on my art, and cruising Etsy.com for awesome things! Here are my most recent finds:

This adorable sleep mask was found at a lovely little shop, currently featured on Etsy. The artist makes demure lingerie, the kind of thing that is comfortable and is nice to wear. I read that she likes to use natural fabrics like silk and linen, which is an extra plus! The artist is based out of Japan, so international rates may apply.

You can find this artist at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Naomilingerie

This is one of many finds on etsy. A friend of mine is going to Japan soon for a teaching job. She is going to be an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in a Japanese school on the smallest of the four islands. I am looking at fun stuff related to Japan.

Speaking of which, here is my next find: Sushi candles.

Aren't they great? They are made of beeswax and look totally adorable. Yep, one of those things that I think are fantastic. I know I wouldn't have thought of making sushi out of beesewax. This artist has all sorts of other things up her (?) sleeve.

Another fun thing? You can actually burn these! They will only last about 1-2 hours, but still! It struck me as oddly humorous, though, to burn sushi. I guess people burn candles in all sorts of shapes, so it really shouldn't be weird. You know?

This fun artist can be found at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftycollegegirls

That is it for now. I am really excited to be back at my blog here! Soon I shall make and post new items.

A gray and cloudy Spring day

2010-03-03T17:17:00.000-08:00

So I must think of brightly colored things. I like brightly colored things in general, unless they are violent green, burn your eyes out blue, safety cone orange, or such colours. I also like warm colours. So, to fight of the annoyances of gray cloudy days, I decided to blog about pretties.

Here is a wonderful example of bright, fun, warm colours.

I also love how the blue works really well with the red, and the white tips of the ends of the fins. I am a fan of the Beta Fish, also known alternately as Japanese Fighting Fish and Chinese Fighting Fish. I actually used to own a few that were really fun colored.

I am not sure if I would actually wear this mask... I would probably mount it on the wall so it can be seen. I wouldn't have many occassions to wear something this fun, colorful, or flashy. That thought actually kind of makes me sad. I wish I had occasion to wear such a lovely thing.. and genuine leather, too!

You should take a look at her shop and her masks. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40582298 is the listing for this particular mask.

Another fun-colored thing to look at is basketry. Not my own, here, but a very talented lady who makes pine-needle baskets. Something I lack the patience for!

It doesn't show how warm the colors are in this photo, but it shows the pretty bottom to this basket, which must have taken so many hours that I wouldn't be able to sit still long enough to do it.

The stitchwork is lovely, creating beautiful patterns while carefully coiling the piece. This basket makes me feel all warm inside just looking at it!

This piece can be found and purchased online at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25312550

For Something a little different, here is an obsidian knife. It is the red in the obsidian that I am liking here. Something about it and the red bead with it just make me smile. May also involve the sunshine filtering into the background of the image.

This appears to be an obsidian with almost pink in it, but I think it is just the lighting on the red. A lovely knife that would look great in any household. The hilt is antler, I believe, and is also pretty, but I wanted a closeup of the blade.

This item is for sale, too! Because lots of the things I feature on this blog are. This one is, guess what, also listed on etsy.com.

Here is the listing for this particular item: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40892137

Happy spring, and may the rest of your day and your week be less cloudy than mine. Hopefully the weather will clear up enough to go flower-gazing at all the blossoming trees around here.

Picpic Tewlikitpe

Spring Is Here! :: Today is Purple

2010-03-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

Hey!
It has been spring-y and sunny lately (though today there was a downpour) and it made me think of all the pretty things that I could be wearing in warm weather were I to try to dress up. These are the items I thought of.

Yes, this is my own necklace/choker. It is a really nice piece with a really lovely purple to it that makes me think of all the gorgeous flowers in bloom right now. There are purple hyacinths blooming and those are my absolute favourite flowers! Though not quite the same color as the beads, here is a picture of my favourite flower: the hyacinth in a lovely purple.

I hope you will agree that those are an inspiring flower. If not, that is okay. As a friend once told me, "Opinions are like noses, everyone has one and they are all different.

So after I looked at the pretty choker with purple that I am posting, I decided to take a look around at other pretty jewelry and items on etsy. There are an abundant amount of purple things, but I tend to like featuring artists that I find particularly interesting in my blog. Here are a few things that I liked and hope you will enjoy. It is an arrangement of things that, while not all jewelry, fit the color scheme of the day and the festive spring mood that I am in (despite the downpour I was in earlier).

The first is a floral-based design on a hairclip. I have stolen the following quote from the person's etsy listing for the piece and am including it here because she can describe better than I the design, background and care of such a lovely item.

"This one is a personal favorite of mine! I have one of my own and it's one of my favorite things to wear. It's a super adorable blend of colors - pale violet petals with barely blue tips, sea foam green leaves and an iridescent crystal center, all mounted on a black french clip.

Every single petal is made of habotai silk - hand dyed, hand folded and hand mounted by me with love, care and skill.
The bloom is just over 1.5" wide and the French clip is about 1.5" long.

---Kanzashi Background & Care---
Kanzashi are hair ornaments worn in traditional Japanese hair styles, most often seen adorning geisha or maiko. Flower kanzashi are called 'hana kanzashi' and the traditional technique used to make this type is called 'tsumami'.
All of my kanzashi are made using as many traditional Japanese techniques and materials as is possible. The few modern materials I use are only done so to make the assembly stronger for more liberal wear.
Even though these Kanzashi are tougher than they look and hold up very well, they are still a bit delicate by nature and shouldn't be worn out in the rain or high humidity."

You can find this description, more information, and this item online at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40565629. It is a really lovely piece and I kind of wish, had I money, I could buy it.

As I was stumbling and bumbling across the site, I noticed a really neat feather ear-cuff that I kind of really want but wonder when I would ever wear... It is a gorgeous purple and very vibrant. Looks like a lot of fun!

I don't think the purple cushion is included in the purchase, but if funds turn up this feather ear cuff may end up being mine. The shop has a lot of other really shiny, pretty things in a variety of beautiful colours. I picked this one because it looks amazing and I want it and the color happens to be the color of the day of this blog entry.

It can be found online at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40446713 and if you buy it before me I will just have to request my own version of it.

So looking at feathers and purple, I stumbled across this really funky and fun hair clip that I also want.

And what is not to want? Brightly colored, shiny, and definitely different, this piece is amazing! It says in the listing it is custom order and you have to specify if you want to wear it on the left or the right because I guess it only goes one way. Or at least by design.

Another person who makes a number of pretty and fun things to wear using feathers. It is a really pretty piece, and the others are too. This artist has everything from headbands to earrings to hairclips and more!

So you can go buy this one, or another one, at the etsy shop. This exact piece can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41853952.

So this has been another long, vaguely rambling post in which Picpic Tewlikitpe talks about various beautiful, amazing, astonishing things and hopes that you read about it.

Happy Spring!
~Picpic Tewlikitpe

Check this out!

2010-02-21T17:16:00.001-08:00

So, one of the artists I adore on Etsy is having a giveaway for one of their projects!

http://nighbluey.blogspot.com/2010/02/plaid-giveaway.html

It would be a great addition to any household and is a wonderful unique piece of work! If you wanna jump on it, this ends the 28th of February!

~Picpic Tewlikitpe

I hate Dress Shopping

2010-02-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

I am 5'3" and I am a size 22. Most of this is from medication that causes weight gain, three years of bad and greasy foods at the cafeteria, and sitting on my butt all day for the past four years (college, you know). However, because I am getting married this summer and for general health I am trying to change my lifestyle and loose weight. But the fact of the matter is that most dresses that I think are cute are definitely not in my size and I dislike most of the ones that come in my size. Tragedy. Thus I hate dress shopping.

And because I hate dress shopping I have taken time from my normally scheduled basketry and studies to make one. It costs less, which is always nice, and it will be made to my liking and size without the embarrassment of the "big girl" issue.

It was supposed to look like this:

But I wanted to make it without the pink tippets or the rows of tedious buttons. Tippets are the funky sleeve things she has on them, and I have no patience for that kind of thing. Seriously, it would take a while. Those take more precision. Aaaand the buttons are very tedious work to sew on as well as to button up when I wear the dress.

I asked my mother, who has made one before, how I shuld go about doing it. She said "make it in panels," so I thought, okay... make the skirt in panels and make the top with panels, too, so that it looks cool.

I realized about halfway through that it was not what my mother meant at all. She meant make the entire front one or two panels, and each side is a panel and the back is one or two panels. Oops. well, you have to learn sometime and you have to get things wrong to figure out how to do it right.

So, long story short it is NOT this dress, which I think is gorgeous, but it is The Disaster.

I made the brilliant decision to make the dress with no pattern, no pins, and no measurements. And with a fabric that shows every darn wrinkle... So The Disaster was born. It took me hours and I did the skirt and top separately. So far so good. Then I tried to stitch them together and add sleeves. Sleeve attachment is kind of really hard...

So THIS is The Disaster.

Note that all wrinkles are visible and every mis-stitch is in your face. It was not very exciting I am also making a frustrated face because I KNOW it looks like the kind of thing you give a kid for dressup when you know they are not leaving the house.

Or perhaps it is the dress you let them play with and tell them that it sucks. Any way you put it, even ironed out it was bad...

So, after failing, I had my moment of despair where nothings feels right and I thought I couldn't do it and I was frustrated beyound all belief. And went to bed.

The next day I felt a little better. But at the same time not because I had made myself sick with upset-ness. It was the morning of the dance and I had nothing to wear. So after taking a deep breath, making a smoothie, and looking online, I decided to try again.

I purchased some red suede at a cheap price, as well as some pins and a measuring tape (which helped IMMENSELY, and I cannot figure out why I was so foolish to try it without either). I ate a small breakfast and got to work.

It took me five hours of constant effort to get this done, but when I was done I was very pleased.

This picture was taken, of course, after the dance when I had taken off all of my jewelry and the jingly belt I was wearing. The belt helped, really. It made it look better at my waist. Okay, at least I think so. The trim on the sleeves are a little off and they were weird. Yes, they are bell sleeves, but I like bell sleeves better than close sleeves. As for the off-ness: I notice, but everyone else said that you cannot notice.... I really really do notice. And the hem at the bottom is crooked, but with a long dress like this it is harder to tell that the length near the floor is uneven.

The dress was a hit at the dance. Everyone was really happy with it and were all "You MADE this?!" and Japanese students kept saying "sugoi," which means "cool," or "amazing" in Japanese. I was amused. I don't think it is praiseworthy, myself. It looks like a shift with bell sleeves, but looks a lot closer to what it was intended to look like! And (from when I started measuring to when the dress was finished) it only took me five hours. All in one continuous block.

Now that I have ventured somewhat into clothing, my friends want me to help make them costumes for an anime convention coming up. I hope I will be able to have fun and not die of everything... Yes. I hope those clothes will turn out better. I am no great seamstress

However, I think that I will not make clothing as a career path. I will stick to my jewelry and being a basket case.

~Picpic Tewlikitpe

Yay features

2010-02-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

So, I like to check out the cool things on Etsy. It is a great distraction from Thesis, school, homework, job, and doing my artwork. The artwork I do takes forever, so one of these days will seriously be about the process of making what i do. A.K.A. basketry.

So this is a nice piece. It takes Victorian Lace and makes it something new and beautiful. If I could pull something like this off I would totally buy this. I think it is really really pretty! :)

Check this artist out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/hankietankie.

Here is an innovative person who makes fun wallets in bright colors! I think it is amazing to be able to do so with fabrics that would otherwise drive people insane.

This is one of the most tame of the patterns. They are beautiful, in all of their innovative glory. It can hold a ton of credit cards, a checkbook, and money. All in one place! :)

Check this person out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/KrazyFashion

Here is some beautiful Wedding Jewelry. I was cruising for ideas for my upcoming wedding and saw this beautiful necklace.

Something just feels classy. I like it. I don't know how to better explain it, it is just gorgeous!! The pearl works well with the crystals.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/liliswan

So there you have it, my latest scopes on etsy.com.

~Picpic Tewlikitpe

Features

2010-02-13T23:45:00.000-08:00

So I am going to post more features before posting more of my own work.

This person makes amazing-looking soap that tempts me very much! Though they look edible and might very well be, as with pretty much all soaps I do not recommend you eat them!

These Mini Dessert Assortment Soaps, which look like delectable desserts, are made of goats milk soap and rumored to smell like they look. I would suggest keeping them away from children or scatter-brains like I am, or they will be eaten.

You can visit her at http://www.etsy.com/shop/soapopotamus.

Another artist to take note of makes some really neat antler carving. I am particularly fond of the carved rose in the image.

In the image to the right is the carved rose I was talking about. It is carved from genuine deer antler. By hand. I think it is absolutely beautiful! The other cool thing is that a deer was not hunted to make this item, but the antlers of the animal were taken after they were naturally shed. Which makes this immediately better in my book. Check this artist out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AntlerQLWear

Looking for a nice gift for someone who likes unique things? How about someone who likes small, adorable things? This next vendor is good at making adorable little miniatures! So jump right into the world of minis!

So I chose to show the sushi because my friends and I like to go out on "sushi nights" relatively frequently. And my fiance is obsessed with sushi. So this miniature is sure to please them, at least! Definitely a unique thing, yes? The artist even has an entire list of what to do with these miniatures.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Snickerbug

So concludes this feature. Yup, the three are people on http://www.etsy.com, maybe next time I will feature DeviantArt friends or other fun things I have found.

~Picpic Tewlikitpe

First Feature!

2010-02-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

These are amazing artists on Etsy, whom I have enjoyed their work and now want to share it!

The first is a ceramicist who focuses on masks. He found me and faved my mask on http://picpictewlikitpe.etsy.com and so I have decided to feature my favourite pieces of his. He can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaveBowen

I particularly enjoy the offset of warm/cool colors. I also enjoy how, while not symmetrical, it is balanced. I also think this mask is amking a fun, funky face that I can't help but smile at when I see it.

This artist, who is also found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/jstinson, makes all sorts of beautiful beaded Native jewelry. Her designs are lovely and I like the color choices that she uses. She is an amazing artist and here are a few of her pieces that I enjoyed.

These earrings are adorable! They come in different colors, too, if pink is not your fancy.

For my third feature, I picked an artist that has made a Native prayer fan that I adore. You can find her at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaMySoul.

This fan makes me smile. It has a lovely copper-colored face so at peace that I feel peaceful just looking at it. The beadwork compliments rather than detracting from the copper piece and all beads and metal work well with the wooden base.

I hope you take the time to visit these artists and look at the rest of their work!
Have a wonderful Friday and a great Weekend!

~Picpic Tewlikitpe

Welcome!

2010-02-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

Hello,
I am Picpic Tewlikitpe. I am a Niimiipuu artist that specializes in Native Basketry, Jewelry and Fine Crafts. I love to weave and am inspired by the Old Ones who have come before. I particularly use Wasco and Niimiipuu designs, though altered a bit. My favourite pattern to weave is the "family" pattern with adult and child figures on it. My baskets are mostly made of yarn and hemp. Jewelry is strung on jewelry wire and any large beads are stone beads. I dislike most large glass beads...

The purpose of this blog is to write about my art, my projects, my ideas as well as other artist I find interesting. Most of these will be found on http://etsy.com and http://deviantart.com, as well as a few other sources.

To start this blog I am going to post images that are already on my site http://picpictewlikitpe.etsy.com, as well as http://picpic-tewlikitpe.deviantart.com.

This is an example of my work:

Lapis Basket Necklace: Lapis Lazuli on the beaded 'chain,' blue basket of blue homespun yarn on hemp warps.

Choker: White bone, amber horn, green marble, red coral on jewelry wire with leather ties.

Basket: "Sisters" from the basket collection. Tan and black yarn on hemp.

That is a taste of what I have made so far. You can view more at:
http://picpic-tewlikitpe.deviantart.com

You can view and buy your own pieces (including requesting custom pieces) at:
http://picpictewlikitpe.etsy.com

~Picpic Tewlikitpe