The Start! Basketry Jewelry.

Today was a big day for me. I have been working hard on my basketry technique. I am learning everyday for sure. I have been working on my main basket and I finally decided to take a small break and make a piece of jewelry. This piece of jewelry is important to me because it is my first finished basketry project. This piece of jewelry features a basketry pendant at center with glass beads, buffalo bone beads and bone spacers. This piece and all of my future jewelry projects will have a hand designed leather strap with my makers mark and a Chumash design on it. I took my time and tried my best to create a design that spoke to me.

At the center of this Chumash basketry pendant is natural tan juncus. Next I really wanted to use the wonderful brownish/red part of the juncus to create a smokey gradient around the center. I then finished off the basketry pendant with naturally dyed black juncus which I feel allows the brownish/red juncus to pop and shine. The outer ring also features traditional Chumash rim ticking which I feel was a must to add and finish off my jewelry piece.

I am always creating and working on various projects. This week was basketry, next week most likely painting and flint knapping. I thank everyone who reads my blog and is interested in my daily process of me trying to help keep my Chumash cultural practices alive. The community of artists and cultural practitioners is growing and I am glad to be part of it. Till next time. Keep on creating!