Learn Native American crafts

I am studying the ancient art of tanning rawhide, and for those of you with more squeamish dispositions I shall leave the details of this ancient art to your imaginations… Suffice it to say that within a few more weeks I shall have either mastered this ancient skill or been done in by it, but I do not think it will be the latter…! Seriously though, I just know that I am going to be producing the very highest quality deer, elk and buffalo furs the world has seen in over two hundred years… Not only that but the techniques I will be using are so environmentally friendly and sound that my furs and leathers will actually be edible, although I would not recommend such a thing… He He He!!!

is this white leather and sinew Dreamcatcher and Medicine Wheel Amulet, which I made as a gift for my teacher and mentor, Patricia Mills of the Eagles Nest Trading Post in Stafford, Virginia. It is based upon a museum quality piece originally made and worn over 100 years ago by an Indian of that era, but I feel that mine is by far the better of the two and I made this one to last just as long.

It is not as nice as it shall become through more work and knowledge, but it is beautiful none the less. I made a medicine bag for my first piece, out of black leather and leather strips… It shows promise and I did not stitch it or do any finishing work on it so I can go back and rework it once I have improved my craft. My second creation is a watch band for my pocket watch and I am so very happy with how that has turned out… I have included a picture of both for the sake of posterity.

and she does everything in the authentic way taught to her by her mother and grandmother. Her arts and crafts are available for those that would like to see or buy them at http://www.shopeaglesnest.com/. The eagles Nest Trading Post is located in Stafford, Virginia and you may contact the store by calling (540) 288-2112. I am also the new webmaster for the website…