Believing in an Ancestral Passion

by Marlies
(Fairmont, WV)

A skill passed down from Native ancestors

Back when I just started dating my husband, I had on a beautiful pair of of beaded earrings and one broke-- at least a couple hundred seed beads all OVER the place.

So, I just went down to a bead store in Baltimore, MD and bought what I needed to fix them-- the beginning of a new hobby-- I was hooked!!

Had NO idea what I was doing so I bought the books on beading and just started-- it came completely natural to me.

I later found out that my beading was an ancient memory passed down from from my native ancestors.

The earrings have since been completely re-beaded.

Marlies

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Believing in an Ancestral Passion

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Gift from the Ancestors
by: Rena

Your talent is a lovely gift to receive from your ancestors, Marlies, and a very cool bond with them!

I am fascinated with things like ancestral memories. You are probably even more like some of your grandmothers than you know.

Thanks for sharing this story and your lovely re-made earrings.

From the Past
by: Delia Stone

I have always been a creative person too. My creativity was not something that was nurtured as I grew up, but it was always strong in me. My mom and dad say that it's genetic - that I got it from my Grandmother Boatman who was Cherokee. I did not grow up around her and honestly hardly knew her as she lived in Oklahoma and we lived in Florida and could not afford to travel very often. What I do remember about her is that she always thought of us, even though we were not able to be with her often, as she regularlly sent us handmade gifts. Seed bead necklaces, stuffed animals, clothes, fur flowers (remember those from the early 70's kids?) and so much more ... always handmade with love for her far off grandchildren. Truth is I don't really know if it's genetic, but I like to think I got it from her. :) It somehow makes me feel closer to her even though as a child I wasn't able to be with her very often. She is gone now, but I do feel strongly that in some way she lives on in me today.

To all my relations,
Delia Stone

The past meets the present
by: Marlies

My beading was the start of a jewelry business that I am continually working on its image and design details-- no website yet. But, thanks to GOD and my ancestors for giving me this talent, it allows me to give back to the NATIVE people from the money that the business makes.

Re: Marlies
by: Delia Stone

I think it's awesome that you're using your work to give back! As my friend Jesse would say - Respect!

I relate!
by: Stacie F.

I really relate to this too...my great-grandma was full Cherokee and there is something ancient that I find I want to express...hard to put into words....my maiden name was Smith, so maybe there is metalworking in my genes too in a a lot of ways!!!

I can relate, too!
by: Gracie Jewellery

My grandfather was a blacksmith. The jewellery I enjoy making the most is sterling silver metal work. Oh I love using my hammer!

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