Beaded Beauties

Thursday April 4, 2013

We had a wonderful speaker at our stitchery guild meeting today. 

Naomi Smith,

 a First Nations artisan from the Chippewas of Nawash Reserve in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario

 presented 

"Beauty and the Bead: a Celebration of Northeastern and Woodlands Native Beadwork"

There was a slide show of photos with beautiful examples of Native beadwork. Naomi explained  how traditional beads and materials were used by the First Nations people and how the designs evolved with the introduction of glass beads from Europe.

Naomi is one of the nicest people you will meet and so passionate about Native beadwork.

There was a stunning table display of 19th century, historical examples....

This box had the words 'box' beaded on it. :)

Was the owner's name  "Box" ?

 An example of Native and Western culture combined.

Oh if these beads could only talk... 

what an interesting story they would have.

I just love the patterns and colours... 

very inspirational 

ok, I just plain love beads.

What a lovely bird :)

Naomi's talk was fascinating and there were plenty of interesting questions.

I thoroughly enjoyed it...

oh and we got to fondle some beads too...

oh the colours...

droool.

I think my favourite display was the delicious strawberries

Strawberries hold a special place in Naomi's heart. 

They are one of the first spring foods.

She taught a class on how to make one in the afternoon, but alas, I couldn't stay for that.

You can read more about Naomi and see a stunning artist portrait of her :
 www.gerrybiron.com

Found a lovely blog about Historic Iroquois and Wabanaki Beadwork. Fascinating read with lots of great photos.  iroquoisbeadwork.blogspot.ca -part-1   and  part 2  .

I did manage to finish something...

A knitted ruffle scarf.

Nope. No beads, lol.

Sorry Tweety - it's not for you.

Finally!

... a sign of spring outside...

it wandered inside

for me

... from my son.

Life is good.