Search

To see contemporary expressions of American Indian beadwork, attend one of the hundreds of powwows around the country held on most weekends, especially during summer. But to see the most diverse examples of historical American Indian beadwork, visit the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian in downtown Manhattan. Its exhibition, First American Art: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection of American Indian Art, on display through October 31, 2005, features more than 200 pieces from the Dikers' private collection of some 350 items, including clothing from the Great Plains and Eastern woodlands, baskets and pottery from the Southwest and California, and Plains ledger drawings.

Looks at women's clothing and accessories with beads. Steps in making a blue-tiful hoodie; Information on fruity-tooty army messenger bag; Materials to be used in making bauble-icious necklace.

Features beading supplies. Bead Buddy container; Bead kits in different colors; Three-in-one jeweler's tool; U.S. retail prices; Ordering information.

Provides information on creating customized jewelry. Establishments were beads are available; Beading kit for beginners; Tips on what type of jewelry to create.

Profiles Australian dress designer Gabriel Scarvelli. Emergence into the fashion industry; Preference for designing satin corsets and beaded flapper dresses; Influence of the family business on Scarvelli's design characteristics; Training on French and Indian beading techniques.

Presents steps for making decorations out of beads.

Offers tips on how to make beaded Easter eggs.