Some Great News from Fire Mountain!

Well, wonder of all wonders - the two designs that I submitted to the 2008 Fire Mountain Gems jewelry contest have made it to the FINAL ROUND of judging! There were over 1,300 entries and I'm an just thrilled to make it to the next round.

My "Yurok Cuff" design was inspired by a traditional Native American design from the Yurok Tribe of Northern California. The imagery reminds me of a celebration, but after a quick e-mail, I've learned that this design is called a 'foot' design and is commonly referred to as a Frog hand design. According to Jeanne Riecke, the basketweave researcher for the Yurok tribe, 'the story behind this design in legend is that whenever you came across a dead frog on the road, you were to pick it up and remove it from the road and some day he would return the favor if you became sick. The design was for healing and placed in a circle as we dance in circles with our hands joined together for unity. The design goes both directions for our inner and outer self. –Note: as described by the Yurok artist Tony Sylvia regarding the Yurok Tribal Seal which has the Frog Hand basketweave design on the seal. (Thanks to Jeanne and Tara at the to the Yurok Tribal Council for their assistance with this).


My "High Desert Beadscape" Cuff is my signature design. 2-drop peyote base with funky fringe and semi-precious embellishments. I've stitched the hidden magnetic closures into the peyote base - which makes this a very secure closure. The result is a flowing wrap around the wrist with no interruption for clasps, buttons, or loops.


Now I have to get stitching - because I sold both pieces in April at a New Mexico Bead Society exhibit at the Arts Alliance Gallery in Albuquerque - and I have to get them to the judges by June 30! Wish us luck in the finals!
Linda