Navajo

[relthe_PREV (deleted)]

I thought I would add a Navajo topic here.

I come from a family of craftsmen. My father was a silversmith. He does not make jewelry anymore, but I have some of his last pieces. I will not sell those. My grandmother weaved Rugs. She passed away years ago, and I have one of the last rugs she weaved. It is my most prized possession.

I have aunts that still silversmith or craft beaded jewelry. Every now and then I take a trip home and bring some jewelry back with me to Florida.

I have never attempted to silversmith. I am not proficient in the design process. One thing that my father has passed down to me is his artistic nature. I do draw. I wish I could say I do native art. Not yet at least. I will learn eventually and with practice, you may see some of my stuff floating around.

I guess I open this post up to network people who have Navajo family members who produce art. I am always looking for pottery and basket makers. I would also include Navajos that make Kachinas. Though they are traditionally Hopi made, there are some Navajos that make them and add cultural flare to them.

[lookadinee (deleted)]

`I know now that I've moved this far away from home (AZ/NM), I've been collecting southwestern pottery and turquoise every time I visit. I try to make it out to Earl's in Gallup and the flea markets in Gallup, Shiprock, and Farmington. Are there any suggestions in other places to visit?

[dinewalking_PREV (deleted)]

`how about whitecone, lol.

[n8vman_PREV (deleted)]

Ahhh....Earl's! I miss going there. Every time I go home I turn to my mom and say, "Lets go to Earls!" I might suggest that or Ellis Tanner Trading Post.

Dinewalking: I have some relatives in Whitcone. Haven't been there in ages.

Look: Good to see a Navajo on this side of the coast. I'm just south of you...way south.

By the way, I am the originator of this topic. I just returned with a new nickname.

[lookadinee (deleted)]

`LOL, my ma always talks about Ellis Tanner's! That's too funny!

Dinewalking, I honestly don't think I've heard of that place... When I think I know my rez I get a new lesson, haha.

n8vman, there is actually a few Dine' out this way and a friend that's in the military doing some work out that a few weeks ago. I honestly met another Navajo girl who was visiting from Las Vegas but from Winslow area this past weekend. I have crossed paths of about 6 so far since May of '06.

[sweeturquoise]

`Ya'at'eeh,

I'd like to throw in another suggestion... gotta go to Perry Null's Trading in Gallup. I have a relative who works at Ellis Tanners, so this is an inside scoop... lol, Perry Null's is more affordable for those on a budget...

I enjoy going to Ellis' like to view the murals and not to mention "Dine' speak" at noon... I also like to go downtown to Richardson's and just look at old jewelry. However, Earl's is the best... well maybe someday our paths will cross at Earls, lol

Stay native and support our traditions...

[lookadinee (deleted)]

`lol, that's great! I'll remember that when I head back that way!

[n8vman_PREV (deleted)]

Another place I found very cool was Garland's down in Sedona. It's really expensive to buy anything there but the gallery is awesome. They carry rugs, baskets, pottery, kachinas and various other art pieces.

Of course you can't forget to see Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado.

[humored0ne_PREV (deleted)]

`Yay! Beading is my favorite. I am the best at that. Basket making... not so much. You need gorilla fingers. *laughs* I would love to see that uncles silver work although he is now not on the forum.

I had a kachina made for me by a boy who I use to play with until he moved away. I still have it. I thought it was so sweet. *smiles big*

`kai`

[n8vman_PREV (deleted)]

I had a short stint at beading a long time ago. I would sit with my aunts and watch them. After a while I would try my hand at it. Unfortunately, I have a short attention span so I tend to drop a project after a while.

I also play with plastic canvas, which is probably my longest running craft. It's pretty easy, so I'm guessing that is why I've stuck with it. I've made coasters and some rug patterns.

I remember back in '97 I sculpted a face out of sandstone just for fun. I just happened to find a rock that had facial features, so I took it home and chipped away until the face was prominent. I believe my mom still has that piece.

Now basket weaving would be a cool craft to learn. I love baskets and the designs incorporated into them.

I'm just an all around artsy kind of guy. Love it, live it, learn it (if I can maintain my attention).

[humored0ne_PREV (deleted)]

`A man... beading? *giggles* i'd like to see that.

[sweeturquoise]

`men beading is not so rare, I know a guy who makes beautiful outfits for dancers... heck he pushes me out of that circle....lol

its the tradition that keeps us alive...

I have done the canvas thing as well... but do the weaving rugs more... It's very relaxing to me to weave...

just remember... to stay native and never let our traditions die...

[humored0ne_PREV (deleted)]

`i still have never heard of a man beading *laughs*

[n8vman_PREV (deleted)]

I myself know several guys that do their own beadwork for their outfits. They create some awesome stuff.

I'm the type of guy that will try anything once, regardless of gender roles. I can sew, cook, craft on my own. Thanks to my mom, who is my biggest hero and inspiration. Without her guidance, I wouldn't be where I am at today. I'm just as handy with a needle and thread or in the kitchen as I am with a pencil and paper.

I take it all in stride. I see these as foundations to build upon a better me. Learn what you can or all is lost.

[humored0ne_PREV (deleted)]

`* blank face *... my community doesn't work that way.

do you do WEAVING too!!!!!!!!!??????