Someone asked how was I doing and what have I been up to lately? As always, doing my thing. My thing this summer has been beadwork. I got to make it up north to purchase some beads from Grant in Tuscarora Nation. I’m back at work but only to the capacity that will allow at the moment. I still enjoy it so there is that!

This year is definitely different with the pandemic still in full motion. It’s been an adjustment for sure. There have been shows that were canceled and postponed but with all due respect, I do not mind one bit for the safety of others and myself is more important than anything. It’s painstakingly sad to attend 3 funerals for community members who died from COVID-19 and also our great nephew over this pandemic.

I was sad we would not have classes, shows or able to vacation like we normally would. But all the considerations and restrictions make it more than one wishes to bare. I can wait, I’m pretty mellow. Aaron would laugh if I said patient.

It takes patience to do bead work, it’s an art that is constantly under construction but it progresses before your eyes like a painting unveils. I do tend to make a few blanks ahead of time as I can work in small batches. Sometimes without a pattern and just with an idea. I’m kinda reckless like that. I like a color or a theme, so sketches don’t always go with beads, I just do it off the top of my head.

At any rate, I’m on strawberries at the moment. And I loved my pins I made earlier this spring, so strawberries it is! Necklaces. I always wanted a beaded necklace for myself and finally did one. But again, blanks at the ready, I’ve made 4 so far. And I love them! They are like wee canvases of art around your neck.

Hope to return to baskets soon, have some things in prep and ideas brewing but nothing in progress yet. I’ll be back. Enjoy!