Here's a mini "Eagle Staff" I make and use for teaching. This one has a medicine wheel, using the 4 colours along the shaft to hold the feathers. In a school setting I've also used the feather placement to incorporate the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Our grade two's practised cursive writing on a paper feather to impart the messages of the 7 teachings: Respect, Truth, Bravery, Kindness, Humility, Love and Wisdom. Using a simple stick of their choosing they decorated it when the writing process was complete. Each day brought a new teaching which we would engage at every opportunity. It is a simple and memorable activity that can be done at any time of year. Many wanted to make more staffs to give family members. :)

Ho'ia:n [ho yawn]/Happy New Year! Shown here is a tunic and skirt I'll wear to Tshya'tekohselha [jaw day go sale ha]/Midwinter ceremonies this wknd. The tunic has special signifigance as it is made from calico received in Wisconsin when we celebrated the Treaty of Canandiagua [1794]. For many generations now, Hotenoshone [ho day no shown eh]/Longhouse people have received calico, originally one 'bolt' per family as part of the treaty in payment for the land shared with the Europeans. We must continue to acknowledge this practise for our future generations. Nowadays, we receive approx. 1-2 yards; enough to make a dress ... so I made the tunic and a large lined bag. The skirt shown is one given by Khe'k^:ha[kay go ha]/my older sister: Yew^nano'tu [yea wah na node]/She likes to read. The design shows the celestial tree with rows of corn edging the front. These designs are ancient quill and bead symbols that have been passed down. Cuffs and collar are also edged in white beads; a usual custom.

Yosak^hslahehle [yo-sa-gu-slaw-hay-lay]/Sage may be burned at the end of the day to give thanks for what has been given. I usually make these small wreaths at harvest time to give during the holidays. This one also has a sprig of cedar with the ribbons in the 4 colours that represent the 4 directions, 4 seasons, 4 elements
usually seen on the medicine wheel: white-N-winter-light ... yellow-E-spring-air ... red-S-summer-earth ... black-W-fall-water. Sage is one of the 4 main medicines, beginning with the first in the eastern door and moving around clockwise: tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, cedar. When all four are used in thanksgiving prayer, they form a powerful link with the Creator.

She:koli Swa'kweku/Greetings Everyone: These are a few of the lanterns I was gifted with after a beautiful wedding [yaw^ko Jaz ;D]. They're the paper Chinese lantern in a faint mauve colour. To give a 'tree ornament' look I attached a ribbon around the center then hung a tassle matching the garland. There are larger ones hanging in the kitchen and front studio. It's a neat change of holiday decor, assisted by high ceilings ;) . CBC had a piece on the day after I hung the lanterns talking to a certain mall official about the lack of traditional symbols missing from the holiday decorating at their mall ... just thought it was interesting. My neighbour loved the lanterns too and her young daughter also, so we sorted them and shared.

Carol, Irene and Sylvia each won a Christmas Tree card respectively, and thank you all for such wonderful comments and compliments. I really enjoyed sharing and visiting with everyone at the "Crop for Cancer" event. Visitors came from near and far, even with a few flakes of our first flurries. Many thanks to our hostess, Brenda as well as the cast of lovely ladies who guided participants through with the warmest hospitality. Oh, and the T-shirt fit nicely:)

Here's a little preview of another card I'll be showing on "Crop" day ... they're 2" squares folded into collapsing triangles, placed in the tree arrangement, kinda 3D when done. I've taped them onto a textured sheet then onto a 6" card folded on top for an easy stand. These 3 trees are made of 3 different paper textures. FIRST THREE CORRECT GUESSES WILL GET THEIR FAVORITE MAILED TO THEM FOR XMAS K? You'll need to email your snailmail address after the contest closes Nov. 28, 2010. ... good luck, first 3 correct answers win.

I will be teaching/demonstrating Iris Folding Nov. 27th at M&M McPherson Crafts, at the corner of Queen and Water Streets, St. Marys. Theme is Crop for Cancer: $35. incl. snacks ... everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend between 9:00 and 4:00. It will be a fun day of interesting crafts and ideas for your holiday season. Iris Folding for greeting cards/scrapbooking etc. will be a "Make and Take", using material which can be purchased on site ... so we can make one together ;) ... hope to see you there!