Leather - My New Frontier

In line with my last post on beginnings, I continue to push against new Frontiers.   As part of my Mirrix Loom Journey I am experimenting with leather.  I do feel excited and yes, even a little naughty!  Why? Because I am venturing out of my old paradigm of bead stitching.  Leather is something I just know nothing about, and so I have crossed into a new world.  I was not raised to be adventurous…but rather to stay safe and comfortable.  So, every time I take steps into the unknown, I feel this way.

In addition to Elena and Claudia, who lead the Mirrix loom company and chose me to participate in their Social Market project,  I have to thank my Native American customers who do traditional beadwork using a loom, and those that make garments for dancing and ceremony.  Many will come into my bead shop asking for leather, and I would turn them away, because I didn't sell it, and I knew nothing about it.  But, as I seek ways to finish my loom work into jewelry, the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow is about to converge on Albuquerque.  Native People from around the Americas are arriving and I am blessed that many find their way to my shop.  And so, I was driven out in search of leather.  

I am fortunate to live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where google maps pointed me to a leather supply shop just minutes from my home and my shop.  I stepped inside the store, and immediately, I wanted to wrap myself in soft tanned hides and inhale the comforting aroma.  After questioning or perhaps "badgering" the sales assistant and about an hour of roaming up and down the aisles, I left with 2 complete cowhides the color of deerskin, some lace and cord, and the tools to cut,  punch, and create eyelets.  (Soon I will be selling cowhide strips and squares in my shop).  

I perused cyberspace to get some ideas for the finishing, and I just jumped in.  Here's my first attempt.

My first piece of jewelry from the loom

The bead work is my own pattern and woven on the Mirrix loom using S-Lon bead cord to warp and  11/0 Delica cylinder beads.  The bead on the "tie" was a gift from my mom.  I used Nymo thread and glovers #6 needles to sew the loom work to the leather - don't even attempt with a beading needle.   I like it. But, I know, this is just the beginning! It is a nice way to close, because it is adjustable, I can manage the tie with one hand and slip the bead up to tighten.  But it does loosen over the course of the day.  So I will be continuing my experiments with leather and with finishing loom work.

BEAD AND WIRE HAPPY HOUR #4

Tomorrow, Friday, April 25th from 4:30-6:30, we will host our next Happy Hour event.  A free bead pattern for the bracelet pictured here will be available.  There will be coffee and cookies (including gluten free), and a relaxed fun atmosphere for beading and socializing.  We will have our resident wire expert, Sylvia Abeyta for assistance, if you'd like to twist instead.  Come join us.  You can check out our newest products, including luminescent 18 mm resin flat backs in lots of colors.  Perfect for bead embroidery. They look great with our new Shibori silk ribbon.  Click here for a link to the free pattern supply list.  

ON THE WAY 

Crystal Flatbacks 

More Rose Montees (including 3 mm and 4 mm)

Plastic Banded Crystals - Neon Colors 

Hope to See You Soon!!!!

The Pow - Wow and the Tribe of Wannaknow

The work of Naomi Bebo worn by her 2 year old daughter

 Last year at Poppyfield Bead Company,  in the weeks before the Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow, I could feel the energy building.  I had Native American customers from all across the country showing up in a state of "seed bead emergency" to finish up or repair their garments or their children's.  I don't know how people from as far afield as New York, Idaho and Oklahoma found me.  But they did and I was excited that I was pulled into this great event in my role as bead supplier.  This year I was hoping to get the word out about the shop in the weeks prior to the event.  But, God laughed at my plans.  With the shop closed for restoration after our car crash, I was relegated to absolute outsider, with nothing to offer.  

This year, I noticed that I could not feel that same energy.  I knew that it was happening, right here in Albuquerque. But without my shop in action, I saw that my thread of connection to The People, was absent. My mom and I ventured out to the Pit, as respectful and ignorant spectators.  It is a role I am learning to accept, even as it can feel wholly uncomfortable. 

Astonishing Regalia

As we approached the Pit, the traffic increased, and parking lots packed with cars had their "LOT FULL" signs standing.  Crowds of people on foot,  were waiting for the light at corners, or crossing.  Some were dressed in full regalia.  As I stood beside them, I instantly felt excited and connected.  Their intricate seed bead covered garments, medallions, and hair decorations spoke to me.  

Women of Service representing the

 US military stand for the Buckskin Dance

I was happy, even as we had to wait in line for entrance (as the Pit was full to capacity).  Families sat on the grass playing with children. Young and elders milled about in absolutely astonishing regalia. The long line we were on was comprised of patient, calm people.  We entered into a very crowded arena, just in time to stand for the Buckskin Dance of Elders; a dance by women over 55 years old to honor mothers and grandmothers.  Perfect and meaningful for my mother and me.   We only had a short time to spend.  We strolled through the market and saw absolutely fabulous beadwork.  But I must say, the most stunning was the beadwork worn by the dancers.  I felt a tremendous sense of reward that I am in some way connected to such amazing art and rich culture.  I have a renewed sense of purpose in Poppyfield Bead Company.  

Farmington Lad

Selling seed beads in New Mexico these past 2 years I've had an opportunity and need to interact with Native bead artists.  At the same time, I know that I know relatively nothing about these people surrounding me.   My ignorance is right up in my face and I feel an imperative to educate myself.  I have started this exciting and humbling journey through books, Native narratives, museums, and Native radio shows.  I will keep striving to seek, listen, and learn.   I am not a Wannabe (I have my own culture - and we actually have tribes too.)  I am a Wannaknow.  That is my second tribe.  

Restoration Update

We are still boarded up.  The first of our 4 deliveries has arrived: the security gates. We are still awaiting windows, window frames, and carpet.  Although Wendy, June, and I are finding much to keep us busy, none of it impacts the re-open date.  I just don't know...it's all out of my hands.  So I am practicing the spiritual gift of "letting go".  But, being human and of a type not prone to letting go, this practice has its limits.  So, June and Wendy keep me sane. I will keep you posted as new information becomes available.  Again, if you are in dire straights due to business or ceremonial need for beads, please get in touch with me.  Thanks for hanging in with us...