Hobbies
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2011
by Patricia Barbee
http://www.patriciabarbee.com
I can not honestly say I have a hobby.
What I do for that may be considered a hobby is Native/First Person beading.
I can't count the times, I've beaded earrings. Bracelets would come a close second.
I've beaded rings to match and the buyer or giftee would have a three piece set.
I've re-beaded gowns for people where the cleaners have really"done a job" on the dress.
I love the work of the Choctaw. It is gorgeous until one learns that the pattern is not a diamond shape, but a tribute to the rattlesnake.
To bead, one needs to keep the count in their head for a "perfect" pattern. "Fire water" and beading do not mix. Wait until the beader raises her head to talk. Most are happy to chat.
For a decent pair of earrings of size it takes me about two hours for the first one and an hour for the second. The first is all ready there for me to eye and with the needle pick up the next bead.
Just for a point of reference, we buy our beads now. A pound of beads that we use these days have fifteen thousand beads in it. So if you are near a beader, do NOT disturb. Remember we use needles!
At art exhibitions, of my work, I've been offered two dollars for a pair of earrings! The so-called buyer had watched me finishing the earrings and knew it takes about three hours per pair for the size I was making.
Native Persons are still not valued for their art, time, and materials.
I really don't care if they wear imported junk and their ears turn green!
I'm not an "Indian Giver" and this "Indian" will not be cheated.
Patricia Barbee
Patricia Barbee
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Interesting article Patricia, thanks for sharing.
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