Holiday & Heritage Month - Native American Spolight - Joni Stinson

Hey Family, It's been a while since I posted for this particular blog series but I haven't forgetten!

Some of the fellow Native American Etsy artists are either a bit shy or really really busy at the moment for a intervew but have given me the ok to feature their beautiful work. Today's artisan:
 

Joni Stinson

Nation: Creek-Cherokee
Location Nebraska
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jstinson

 

 Native American Beaded Bracelet Prairie Rose in Teal and Orange Cuff

Please accept my invitation to take a personal spirit journey through my store. Ghi-Goo-ie is my great great great great great great Grandmother's name.She was also the Grandmother of John Ross, Principle Chief of the Cherokees in the mid 1800's. Ghi-Goo-ie translates from Cherokee to "Sweet Heart".

Native American Beaded Ornament (Angels in the Night Sky)

My designs combine traditional Native American techniques with contemporary elements, colors and materials.My work is symbolic and exemplifies my passion for my Nation and my art. My work is made in accordance with THE INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS ACT OF 1990, P.L. 101-644. This Act prohibits the use of "Native American" in the sale of products unless one is a citizen of a U.S. recognized Indian Tribe

Native American Ghi-Goo-ie Lapel Pin

In addition to my work, my store periodically features works from other members of our small collective. This includes the wonderful dolls by Peggy MacKenzie, Wolf Clan Seneca and Mohawk, inlay jewelry by Ernestine Ortiz, Santo Domingo, and Ray Sabourin, wood carver. Joni Stinson, Creek-Cherokee, is a beadweaver, jewelry designer and silversmith. She teaches beading at Blue Earth Intertribal in Omaha,Ne. Joni has been invited by the United States Department of Interior to participate in their National Park Service's "Artist in Residence" program. She sells her work at Pow Wows, Craft Shows, Galleries, and on-line.


If you would like to read her blog the site is http://jstinson-trailoftreasures.blogspot.com/ 
Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) for your visit.-Joni.

Touch the Earth ..Breathe The Sky - A Treasury Beyond Words

This curated Etsy Treasury was created by Loveartworks.etsy.com in honor of the First Americans for Native American Heritage Month

The artwork speaks for itself- Enjoy and be blessed.

Ny

Holiday & Heritage Month P.1- Etsy Interview With NorthernLodge

I had the honour of catching a great interview with Etsy Artist Patti Allen from NorthernLodge for Native American Heritage Month

Aaniin niiji (hello friend) and Welcome Patti!

Bozhoo-(Hello )My name is Patti Allen-

Nation: Annishinaabee-not tribally registered, I'm located in Black Forest Colorado-but originally from Canada. My Etsy shops are : http://www.northernlodge.etsy.com/ and http://www.cabinwindows.etsy.com/

So what inspired you to start crafting, what are your favorite materials to work with?

What got me started creating?-Initially my ADHD-and Canadian winters, but later in life it also gives me a way to supplement our income. From my father,I got my love of nature, science and my spiritual reference point. From my mom-her artistic talent, sewing and knitting lessons. As a child I LOVED to draw.

 

I probably am most amazed by just the process of creating...lately I've tried to become more creatively responsible by upcycling wool fabrics, and using eco-friendly yarns.

 
 
Tell us a little bit about the Annishinaabee nation. Are there any special events/festivals with the nation that are coming up this Fall? Do you have a special family tradition(s) celebrated during this time?

I was taught from an early age to respect the earth, and all of the animals with whom we share our planet. I grew up in the North woods, where my heart will always live.

I am helping with a Native American heritage luncheon this month. My daughter belongs to a Native American dance group, and powwow dances, so we participate in that way as well. My daughter and I also help provide food, clothing and propane to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation throughout the year-partially funded with money we make here on etsy!

How did you come to find about Etsy? What made you decide to sell your wares

My neighbour has an etsy shop, and we've done craft shows together for years-so she introduced me to etsy.

I decided to sell on etsy, because I think I have a unique product, and I like interacting with people. I've met some wonderful people here.

What are your favorite piece(s) from your shop?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33756640

because it uses upcycled wool and it reflects Native history


or

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25853824


because each is unique and I learn about the child they will be for while I am making them, plus they will help keep the children connected to their mother the earth. The beadwork holds a LOT of my energy too-more so than the other things I create.

What have you found to be the most difficult or challenging about selling your wares online?

Most difficult-well I've learned so much--learning the necessary computer skills, the amount of time required to promote your shop, and the thrill of being organized enough to try to keep up with demand-while working full time as a Biologist too.

Why do you think people should learn more about Native American history and culture?

Native spiritual ways teach respect and humility. They also help keep us connected to our planet, and our ancestors. I think it is shameful that we ignore the history of indigenous peoples in the education of our students.

Finally, Why do you think poeple should buy/support handmade?

Buying handmade brings the energy of one person to another and in that way we are all connected.

Miigwech (thanks)- Oh yes, one more thing-please read the story of the Twice Loved Bears-ALL money from the sale of these special upcycled bears supports families on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation-I will list some more soon.


All my relations

Patti

Miigwech (thanks for sharing your craft your experiences and educating us. I'll get those pictures up I promise;-)

Be Well,

Ny

Welcome to Holiday and Heritage Month Blog Series

"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. - Blackfoot"

On October 30,2009 President Barack H.Ohama Proclaimed November NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. You can view the entire Proclaimation here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-native-american-heritage-month

To begin to describe the contributions that native American have done for this country alone would take forever to count and record- from Sacagawea, the  Shoshone who aided Lewis and Clark in early America to John Bennett- Herrington Lieutenant Commander, USN: 1st American Indian Astronaut

There have been many little known celebrations of Native American History going on for quite a while..but I will blog about the ones I have found in the coming weeks.

 

This GORGEOUS treasury "Native Nations" - celebrating the first poeple was created by Etsy Artist

NorthernLodge.etsy.com. I will be posting a special feature with NorthernLodge to kick off my "Holiday and Heritage Month Series for the entire month of november.

These will be a weekly series featuring awesome international Etsy artists who will share how/what holidays events celebrated in their home country and featured interviews with Native American aartists in honour of Native American Heritage Month (U.S.)

Stay tuned to read my interview with NorthernLodge tomorrow. If YOU would like to be feature for the Holiday and Heritage Month Series send me a conversation at my Etsy Shop

Thanks for visiting,

Be Well,

Ny