Designed and created by Indigenous artist Naomi Smith
Description for our class:
From time immemorial Feathers have had an esteemed place in Indigenous life. Feathers are used in a variety of ways and are widely used as a decorative embellishment on many objects. Feathers are also one of the most satisfying elements to recreate in beads, if you know how. This project carefully guides you through the steps required to create a beautiful feather hair barrette. Using simple stitches, time honoured techniques and different types of beads it’s possible to create the perfect feather you’ll be proud to wear.
The Recorded Class
About the Artist and Educator:
Naomi is an Indigenous Artisan and Educator from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation in Neyaashiinimiing. For over 25 years Naomi has focused on sharing teachings about the Indigenous people of the Woodlands and Northeastern region from a historical and contemporary perspective often through the story of beads. Her work embraces ancestral designs in the form of bags, adornment and traditional accessories. Naomi’s work has been exhibited across Canada and internationally. She has exhibited at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) (Smithsonian) in Washington DC and New York, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives, Art Gallery of Guelph and participated in events throughout the year prior to the pandemic.
Naomi’s artwork is in permanent collections at the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, MA, The Art Gallery of Guelph, Schneider Haus, and private collections throughout the world.
While many of her lectures and presentations are art themed, she also talks about the historic challenges facing indigenous peoples and how this narrative has affected her life journey. Naomi provides insight into her Indigenous world which is a unique blend of traditional teachings and colonial experiences.
Artist’s Statement:
“Honouring our traditions is my voice within and beyond my Culture and Community. Traditionally there is no word for “art” in Native languages yet artistry and visual expression are critical in defining who we are as First Nations people. It is this path I wish to exemplify through my teachings and my work.”
“I was taught that we are all flowers in the Great Spirits garden. We share a common root, and the root is Mother Earth. The garden is beautiful because it has different colours in it, and those colours represent different traditions and cultural backgrounds.”
Be well & take care.
More About Us
All of our classes for Michaels with links to patterns and recorded class on this blog are here.
If you would like to try more advanced projects, we have a Facebook group you can join where we post all our project PDFS.
The best way to learn about all our workshops and step by steps is by joining our Facebook Group.
