Our approach to teaching beadwork is organic; each class is different depending upon the abilities and needs of the students and the energetics of the group. Smith teaches in the same manner in which she learned: In the sacred way. Beadwork grew out of the sacred tradition of porcupine quillwork, a Holy Art, brought by” Double Woman.” The material art form can not be separated from its spiritual nature without a loss of integrity, value, meaning and power.

Those who wish to learn authentically, at the same time gaining a deeper cultural understanding will appreciate this class. The goal will be the creation of an object of everyday use that is uniquely & traditionally ornamented. Starting with a piece of brain tanned deer skin, each student will make either a Medicine Bag, Strike-a-light Bag, or pair of moccasins, depending upon individual ability, time, and dedication.

The materials provided are the highest quality and authenticity: Including brain tanned deerskin, earth pigments, and glass seed and pony beads in historically accurate colors. Your project will be Museum Quality.