Weird Happenings at the Native Marketplace - Dec 2014

As I said yesterday, I have been doing a few shows. We did a Native American Marketplace yesterday, 10am to 3pm. As promised, here are three odd occurrences from yesterday's event.

1. Man who overheard me talking about the event, then came and found me.
     There is a back story to this. I work about an hour from home via public transit. While on the train in the mornings/evenings, I work on baskets. Keeps me mostly out of trouble. I was headed home Friday night (the night before the show) and a lady from out of state asked me what I was working on. She asked if I had a shop in town. I told her that I do not, but that I would be at a Native Marketplace at such and such a place. I said if she wanted to come, she could google the location and find it on a map. She said she would be there.
     Well, here I was sitting at the booth and this guy comes up. He peeks over the table (not unusual for me. I work on baskets and people enjoy observing the process) and watches me work for a bit. I stood up to to to the bathroom and was asked, "do you make these?" When I said I did, he asked "were you working on them on the train yesterday?" I told him yes, I was. "Oh. I was standing nearby when you were telling that lady about it, and decided to come and find you. [...] and I thought I would buy some baskets." ... and he did.
     What was odd about it was that not only did he hear about it when I was talking to someone out, but he googled it to find the place, walked around to find me, and purchased items. It made me wonder how many other people pay attention to what I say on the train... It was flattering, however, that he did take all that effort to see a finished basket, and find some gifts for family members. I hope the recipients love them!

2. Woman who was honored to meet me.
     I sell baskets intermittently and always hear how they will be gifts for others. I am my own worst critic, and am always surprised to see how much people love my work. I was away from the table when the woman walked up. I came back to her holding a penguin basket and asking if she could purchase it. She asked if I made them, and I confirmed that I did. She then said, "I am so honored to meet you." ... Huh? She had been gifted some baskets that looked like mine. I said I had sold a good number, so it was possible. Could she describe them to me? One was a black and white one, the other black and white and blue. Blue? I have done two like that. She pulled up a photo with them in the background and, sure enough, those were my baskets. They had been gifted to her two years prior and she really enjoyed them. I was so glad they had gone to a good home.
      I am still fairly new to the basket world. I was floored by the idea someone was honored to meet me. I could see meeting my teacher, a world-renowned artist, and being honored. But me? It still feels a little weird...

3. My mother-in-law was thanked for having me.
     I am not joking. An artist friend of mine, who is a darling and sweet man that I have purchased a good amount of jewelry from, was set up at the table next to mine. I was happy to buy a few new pairs (after one earring fell somewhere, which made me very sad). The day went by pretty well, and both tables where very busy. Afterward, he was done packing up and was headed out the door. He stopped, and looked at my mother-in-law. He said, "Excuse me. Thank you for having such a great daughter." My mother-in-law looked as confused as I felt, and stated she had only been around me since I was 15. He gave his thanks and headed out. We were both kind of confused, and both kind of flattered. It was odd. Heartwarming, but odd.

Do you have some odd but touching stories? Please share!
~Pícpic Tewlikítpe

Off Hiatus

Since I was honored last summer with a place at Vista House in Oregon, I have been on a hiatus. I moved, twice, and then had several family concerns. After this landslide of things, I pretty much closed up shop. I am sincerely sorry for not being around as much.

It has been about a year, and I am starting to get the hang of doing more than just one or two of these things again. This month, I have done two shows. I had a blast at each. I think I am officially off Haitus, and will probably be opening my Etsy shop again soon. Dependent on how difficult my homework is (oh, I went back to school, too), I should be able to create & post more often. Be on the lookout for more artist features!

If you have been following me on social media (links here and here), you would find that I have been creating more, and created a few new designs. Remember the snow-people? Well, I have decided this year to make penguins. Please meet Perry and Gunter. My coworkers, friends, and family enjoy naming them. :)

Here is Perry, my second-ever penguin

Please say "Hello" to Gunter, my fourth iteration of the penguin design.

I have decided on the next few shows, and will be traveling to areas in the Pacific Northwest. The next one will be New Year's Eve, heading to Portland for the annual NYE Sobriety Powwow. This is a clean & sober event that goes almost until the ball drops! It will be great.


Next post: odd happenings from the show!

Vista House?!

Hello,

I know it has been a long time. I got a job, was looking for an apartment, and my computer went kaput All in all, it has been busy. However, I am hoping to post more often. My hubby has a laptop I can borrow most of the time, and I now live about 20-25 minutes closer to work. :)

Now, for the big news. I was accepted to sell my art in the gift shop at Vista House! I am focusing on patterned baskets and basket jewelry! My wares haven't made it yet due to some technical difficulties with my tags, but they will be soon!

What is it? A rest stop along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It was "dedicated in 1918 as a comfort station, a scenic observatory, and a Memorial to Oregon Pioneers" (Source: Friends of Visa House Membership Invitation pamphlet). They promote wares from local artists, and like to focus on the historical, local flora and fauna, and Native American handicrafts.

Where is it? Vista House is in Oregon, along the Columbia River. It is on the old Historic Columbia River Hwy. I have included a map below for your convenience. :)


View Larger Map

Updates 4/15/12

Well, hello. As suggested by my previous post (which was oh so long ago!), I have been very busy with my new job. Unfortunately, this means I have been neglecting you, my dear reader.

I am currently in the midst of teaching a 3-part basketry class with the Evergreen School District. My first official basketry class! It has thus far been an exciting and valuable learning experience. It has also given me some food for thought and ideas about how I should structure my classes in the future.

For example, I now intend to bring basket starts along with me for any short (1-hour) class. If there are subsequent short classes, I may consider starting them on the bottoms the next time. This would be after they get a hang of the basic motions. I also want to come up with some sort of useful handout. Unfortunately, since this is a very hands-on type activity, that may not work very well.

I am also back to work trying to get my website up and running. If I do, my blog will likely move over there so I have everything in one place (less easy to forget!). I will keep you posted.  For now, feel free to pop in every once in a while for updates.

I hope you all are taking care, and staying inspired.

New Status Attained!

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

An Evening with Inspiration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(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

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.