Blog...What?

Well it seems that I am not a very good blogger. In the age of social media you would think that we all would have adapted more quick to the ever changing society we live in. I tried...I have yet to say that I have failed. I am going to do better. So, with that here is the first post of the 2012 year!

Here are a few photos of work I've created in 2011 and some that are a work in progress. Enjoy!

-Amanda

Iroquois Raised Beadwork

Raised beadwork is a tradition among the Haudenosaunee (members of the Iroquois or Six Nations Confederacy composed of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora).

From the Sixteenth Century to roughly 1860 the style of beadwork was very traditional. I was taught in the traditional way. The style is created by overlapping AB finished/clear crystal or opaque white beads to make an appeared 3D work in beads. Different colors were rarely seen in the beadwork until much later. See my images above and below for how I've adapted the style.

The image on the left is more of the traditional style, while the right image would be considered incomplete. The petals and leaves would be done in the raised style as well. Many traditionalists would argue that the image on the left is not traditional because it incorporates various colors. This would lead us to believe that, although 'incomplete' the image on the right would be more traditional.

We all know that as time goes on, families combine and new encounters arise our life incorporates it all. This can only mean that tradition too is ever changing.

Slowing Down for New Ideas

In my normal everyday life I assist managing a Wedding Photography company. Right now is the busiest time of year. We just survived 10-10-10. Everything went well and now it's going to slowly die down. I love the chaos and busy part of my job. Everyday is something knew and believe me I have heard and seen it all. It's rare when a bride or groom will do or say something that widens my eyes. After all it is Vegas and anything could happen.

October is coming to and end and this means many things; colder weather, fewer tourists, time to relax (whatever that is) and the best part of all...I get to create again. As much as I love the busy times of years it takes away from making things.

We have moved twice in the last year. It seems that every time we move my work studio never quite gets back into place. As I look around me this room is a mess. I can never seem to work when nothing is in it's proper place. Regardless here I am back in the saddle again. My work room is coming along and I finally have a clean desk to write and create.

I purchased some Swarovski Crystal Elements today. I have always been a traditionalist in my beading techniques, but thought I would try something different. My experiment will be to combine traditional quill earrings with the new-age cluster style I see so frequently. I have experimented with new techniques in raised bead work and it seemed to end on my favor. Cross your fingers and let's see if this new idea comes through.

On a brighter note...My parents 3 year and working present is complete. Photos of this and the new techniques coming soon. Stay tuned for some beading magic.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me,
Amanda

New Years Resolution: FINISH

This is new to me and already I'm falling behind. I have been working obsessive hours at my 'real' job, so not much has been done here or in my workspace at home.

Every year I start shopping for Christmas early. I buy and make things I see along the way, for people who might appreciate their significance. Every year I'm way ahead of schedule, then the dreaded day comes and no one has their presents.

My family stopped celebrating Christmas on December 25. Eventually is became a New Year's time for celebration with family, presents, good food and a couple drinks that turn into my father thinking he can have a stiff drink when he doesn't drink to begin with.

This year was just the same. All presents were gathered and finally December 31 two boxes went out to family. Still I have an unfinished project for my parents. It becomes difficult when you no longer live close. That's why I start my projects so early. Still every year it ends the same. I'm late. Maybe it is Shellnut time or Indian time. Either way it's the way of my world.

I started this project for my parents before last Christmas. I was so sure that I would finish it then, but no luck. Good thing Christmas comes again the following year. We are in the present following year and the project is still incomplete. I find so many other interesting things to work on. They never go empty handed though. I just wanted to give them something handmade with love. It's the thought that counts right?

I complete so many projects, but its bound to happen that a couple projects get pushed to the back of the line. I work two jobs seven days a week. That's too much work for anyone at my age. I was at the craft store last night talking with a very nice lady about nylon thread. She is retired and works for fun. I told her I couldn't wait to be retired, so I can make things everyday as my 'for fun' job. In any case, it is very refreshing when you finish a project you've put so much time into.

This leads me to my New Year's Resolution...
I have two resolutions I would like to work on this year.
Everyone says their going to eat better, lose weight and start working out. What's the point in that if you still feel bad about yourself? You will never truly be as good for yourself; you are your own worse critic. How can you feel good about yourself if you're too busy to think about yourself?

I want to work on feeling better about myself. If that means taking the steps, parking further away in the parking lot or eating more greens then so be it. I will not give up sugar in my coffee, Dr. Pepper, or the random chocolate craving once a month. I will try to get more rest and maybe one day realize that I work too much.

It's time to take some time for me. It's time to revisit things I thought I was good at and make myself better in them. Whether it be in my beadwork or my photography. I want to finish things. I want to have a day off and create without over thinking or rushing. I want to know that I can finish a project because work is not my life. I work to survive. I do not survive to work.

This year is a new start. Whether I believe that or not I'm still unsure. In any case, I'm moving forward and I will FINISH!

First Post

I'm just starting to use this and still not quite sure how it all works, so please bare with me. I've seen many artist archive their process through blogs and I have finally joined the trail.

My brother used to bead when we were younger, so I never thought I too could do it. He moved on with other things and I was always fascinated, but never did anything about it. It wasn't until attending University that I found my niche.

I was apart of a group of students called Native American Student Association(NASA). We have incentive programs to help us adjust to the college lifestyle. I rarely attended until later Junior year. The group along with the Center for Native American Studies, on campus, would hold bead classes. I started attending the classes and never stopped learning, even after I graduated.

NASA would bring in elders to teach us different styles from different regions, as well as techniques. I had no idea how to flat bead and was slightly embarrassed to ask or let others know I didn't. Being stubborn I taught myself and through the classes and peer teachings my bead work improved. To give back my gift, I now teach classes locally.

Many of the styles I use in my bead work were taught to me by my elders. Currently I'm working on a whole new beaded collection. I'm taking the traditional techniques and adding a twist. I'll add photos as I go.

I hope you enjoy walking with me on this journey.