On August 17th and 18th, Rose Dedman and her family instructed a third Weaving in Beauty Natural Dye Retreat in the use of some of the plants available in the Navajo homeland as dye materials. Rose opened her home and several members of her family participated over the course of three days, and there is…

As we were finishing our lunch break today, we noticed that one of the celebrated Navajo Code Talkers had entered the dining room. He was going to another one of the conference rooms, and we quickly realized that a camera had been set up for an interview. We were given permission to witness the interview…

We had a wonderful full day of weaving in Window Rock. Several of the participants are working on patterns incorporating a design element that we have dubbed the Window Rock Wave. You can see the wave pattern in the piece Liz Munk is working in on the picture at right. The teal and pink wavy…

Today we began our second seminar for advanced weavers who use Navajo techniques. We’re in Window Rock at the Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital. This class is designed as a small (five student maximum class for weavers who are interested in extending their skills or researching aspects of Navajo technique.  This year’s group includes weavers…

Earlier this week, Warren Stromberg sent me the question below as part of a longer post. I’ve followed it with my answer, but both of us hope that this question stimulates more comment, especially from the weavers out there. “I am aware that authors ranging from Gladys Reichard to Kate Peck Kent have published comments…

For some reason, this event always sneaks up on me and I never get to attend. Every year, the Museum of Northern Arizona holds festivals of both Navajo and Hopi culture, and this weekend is the Navajo event. Morris Muskett, TahNiBaa Naataanii and Suzanne Harvey will be demonstrating weaving and there will be a showing…

320 or so rugs and 133 digital pictures later and the summer edition of the Smoki Museum Auction in Prescott, Arizona is history. There was a very large crowd and as is typical with this auction, many of the rugs sold are vintage pieces, some going back to the 1870’s. I bought two very badly…

The Native Arts portion of the Smoki Auction was held this evening. There were nearly 300 pieces in the catalog and it was almost 9:00 before I got back to the small locally owned cabin where I’m staying. It is raining every day here right now, which the area really needs since we got almost…

Today, I’m in Prescott, Arizona for the summer Smoki Museum rug auction. I’m tagging the rugs that are candidates for washing or repairs so that potential buyers have some idea of what that would cost should they buy the rug. Although it takes me out of the shop for a couple of days, it is…

I know it’s short notice, but the Hubbell Trading Post Historic Site and Sheep is Life will be holding a Mini Sheep is Life Celebration this coming Saturday, June 30 in Ganado, AZ. Workshops will offered on Traditional Rope Braiding and Diné Horse Cinch Weaving. Workshops are $30 each or $50 for both. Other events…