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!