Christmas Gifts

I wasn't able to make all the gifts I had envisioned. I wanted to make a shawl for my Gma, a shawl for Jay's Aunt, some earrings for my Aunts... All I ended up getting around to was a medallion for Jay's Gma. I also made some earrings for his Aunts to give as gifts, so that's something right? Oh yeah and I gave away about 4 pairs that I had already made. And a beaded hat too. I didn't take pictures of completed products for all of them, but I'm happy to say I at least got some kind of pics. Feel free to comment!

This is the Menominee Nation thunderbird on this medallion. Justin's Gma Syl was one of the members of DRUMS, which restored the federal recognition to the people. She is a very honorable woman. This is the second medallion I have ever made.

The purple mirrors were bought by one of Jay's cousins to give to his sister as a Xmas gift. he was so excited. And she was so thankful when he gifted them to her.

I made these mirror earrings for Jay's aunt. She wanted them in her daughter's high school colors- black gray and white. She really liked the finished product.

I gifted these green earrings to Justin's brother's girlfriend. She was very grateful to receive them and I'm sure they look wonderful on her!

After I finished the edging on these, I realized that the color combination was one that I really liked. I almost kept them for myself, but changed my mind and gifted them to my friend.

Justin's uncle's girlfriend wanted some earrings for late xmas gifts. I made these last night, I chose to make dangly ones because they are much quicker than the applique stitch. The order was for any colors and any type- so I thought why not? She just wanted to make sure that they would look great with long hair. I think these will flash nicely!

ONTO THE NEW YEAR!!!

Projects: Then and Now

Here are some old projects that I wanted to be sure to post before 2012...

I created this regalia in the Summer of 2009. The green and blue outfit on the left was the first fancy shawl I ever made, and the purple one on the right was the second. I made the barrettes, leggings, shawls, dresses, moccasins, and yokes. It was quite the experience!

These are the very first leggings I am ever making. I haven't been able to work on them quite as often as I should, but they're for myself so there's no pressure. It's a trillium flower.

Here's when my nephew first started standing on his own. This was his first outfit. He's moved on to grass dancing now. We all pitched in some creativity for his regalia. My mom made the ribbon shirt; I made the breastplate, cuffs, aprons, side drops, and leggings; my stepdad made the moccasins. He is one loved little Stockbridge-Munsee baby boy!

This is the VERY FIRST earrings I ever made. They were a gift for my mother. It was probably 2010, so not too long ago. I have a lot to learn but I am very grateful that I have so many people in my family to 'test' my skills on!

Beading

Well , I was at another event through Wisconsin Women of Color Network. This time it was a holiday sale that was also a scholarship fundraiser. They held a luncheon and a silent auction. It was a nice event, and I spoke with many strong women of color. It was inspirational once again, so overall I am glad I made it out. I only sold a small leather pouch I made, so Justin's sister is only getting $10 for her holiday travel up to this point. Maybe I can sell some earrings in the office I work in, or through the group I volunteer with- Come February, I will know for sure if we'll have a vendor spot at the MATC powwow. Until then, I'l just keep beading- I'll have to have plenty of inventory if we do get a spot! I'll keep posting pictures, in case anyone reads this blog!

Some earrings I made, my first dangly ones- thanks to Kristin's youtube video! Here's a link to her blog: http://sallysbeadwork.blogspot.com/

A picture of some mirror earrings I made, my sister scooped them up quickly.

My nephew's mirrors for his grass dance outfit. He's three now!

Art Sale Follow Up

Well after this Saturday, I've decided to keep going to art exhibitions to display my stuff. As long as I can get my name out there, I enjoy it. I ordered cards from VistaPrint and I was really happy that people grabbed them to use for later.

The following are pictures of finished creations. Let me know if you have questions or comments~

Here's the almost complete collecton- minus the ones that I was able to sell.

Someone at the sale commented that these long ones looked like corn- I thought it was a great observation! Cute... ;)

These earrings I refer to as the 'white diamonds' - makes them sound elegant!

I love the look of these beads, they have that color changing pearlized look. Pretty.

Some inspired by Brewers colors kind of? I just love the edging- easy and a nice finished look to them.

These earrings were created for and donated to American Indian students at UW-Madison for the American Indian Welcome Reception 2011-2012. I have no idea who won them, or if they liked them.

These are the only earrings that sold that I have a picture of. I think they are so cute- I was about to keep them myself if they didn't sell! Looks like I'll be making more...

Keep On Keeping On

Three almost complete sets and one earring later- It's Tuesday September 6 and I'm about to bust out the beads to keep on keeping on. I am having a lot of fun, and I was given the suggestion to try different shapes. I'll see what I can pull off- Here's the latest:

I made this earring on the way to Maryland this past Friday. I love the red and blue together- really pops!

I've already posted the bottom two in this picture, but the middle ones were only half way at that point. I made the pink ones during my day off Thursday.

I'll keep updating and posting as the creations keep coming.

Earrings Mode

I recently was given the opportunity to take part in an Art Show/Sale where I plan to have my beadwork. I am cranking out earrings and possibly keychains or attaching applique to some wristlets or purses. We'll see! Here's the flyer:

And here are pictures of earrings I have made or am in the process of making:

I'll keep posting as I get more beadwork completed. Wish me luck!

Barrette Done for set, much more to do!

This is the headband from an earlier post...

And here is the barrette I just completed to go with the headband.

There are also earrings completed, which I don't have a picture of quite yet. I also have to start the choker, drop, and hairties. I'll sell it as soon as I can finish it. I'm thinking for around $150, but may need to change price based on interests. Anyway, just wanted to share.