National Craft Month: Native American Beaded Jewelry by Chelle Bright Eyes
Creating beautiful artwork is only one reason Chelle Bright Eyes started making beaded jewelry. She sees beadwork as a way to connect to her Navajo heritage.
Chelle began learning beaded jewelry from her mother in 2003, studying for 10 years at her mother’s side. When she lost her mother in 2013, she continued learning to help connect and remember her late mother. Now she’s teaching her daughter.
“It’s a way to keep my mother’s legacy and spirit alive. By her teaching me to bead like our ancestors have done long before me, and by me teaching my daughter and so on,” said Chelle.
Her top tips for someone getting started:
- Get the right materials
- Be organized
For Chelle, organization makes the process more relaxing. Instead of wasting time searching for the right bead, she keeps everything organized. That allows her to unwind with Native Flute music, the soundtrack of her beadwork, which is another way she remembers her mother.
Award Winning Artist
After friends saw her beadwork at the Green County Homemakers, they encouraged Chelle to compete in the Kentucky State Fair. The Green County Homemakers saw what Kentucky State Fair judges concluded: Chelle is a talented artist. To date, Chelle has won three blue ribbons and a white ribbon for her creations.
“My favorite part was going and seeing my exhibit with all the other exhibits of so many very talented people,” said Chelle.
Chelle’s favorite patterns are inspired by the southwest, featuring the colors of the desert and alongside beautiful turquoise. She’s currently working on a wolf necklace and earring set for competition.
The 2023 Kentucky State Fair is August 17-27 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville KY. Entries will open in early May. Information will be available on https://kystatefair.org/participate/compete/.
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