The beadwork featured is made by Dawn. Each piece is individually created and put together with lots of thought and discretion. No two pieces are ever exactly alike and while some flow easily and just happen, others will take lots of measuring, visualizing, experimenting, and contemplation. All beadwork is done with "real" South Dakota deer and antelope hides. We use the natural tanning process called brain tanned, which was used by the American Indian for years. The hides are tanned with animal brains which leaves them a beautiful white color and some of them are smoked to get the golden brown color. We believe that a lot of work and care is put into a beaded piece and to use commercial tanned leather would be a compromise that we are just not willing to make.

Small & Medium Bags or Pouches: Various sizes and styles. All done with white or smoked brain tanned deer hide and have cards attached.

Medicine Bags: Small bags approximately 2.5 inches wide by 4 to 5 inches Long. Your choice between the white or smoked brain tanned deer hide. Each bag comes with a card attached which explains the meaning of the medicine bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flute Bags: Approximately 6 inches wide and the length is usually 4 to 6 inches longer than the flute it covers. I have been using a nice trade wool for the main bag, the beadwork is done on brain tanned white or smoked deer hide and sewn to the wool cover. The closure at the top of the bag is a pull string style using the deer hide. Fringes are usually around the closure, but more can be added to suit your taste.

Bracelets: Simple designs done in the lazy stitch or on the beading loom. Backed with brain tanned deer hide. Can be tied around wrist or also can be made with an easy bead slide closure.

 

Pens: Done with the peyote stitch on brain tanned white or smoked leather. No two designs are alike in color or pattern. I use a Papermate Flex Grip pen or SAGA and the ink cartridge can be easily changed by removing the tip cover and inserting a new one.

Key Chains: Started in the center with a short wood dowel, surrounded by white or smoked brain tanned hide. Design done in a peyote stitch using various colors and styles. With fringe these usually measure 4 to 7 inches in length.

Cigarette Lighters: Done with a variety of designs and colors with the popular Peyote stitch. Stitch is done right on the lighter, so it is easy to push in the new lighter and slide the old one out the other side.

Knife sheaths: These are done in a variety of sizes and shapes. All will have a rawhide base covered with white or smoked brain tanned deer hide on the inside and outside of the sheath. Beadwork is normally done on one side of the sheath only, but can be done on both if desired.