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.
