The first thing I do when selecting leathers is decide what are my intentions.  What will the end use be, and how strong the skin needs to be to best serve its function or purpose.    I like to get my leathers from traders, but that's not always possible.  So I purchase leathers from the local leather company.    I've tried on-line purchases but I can't see the whole skin which I always prefer.  I like the hard to find items like buffalo, elephant, ostrich, and goat but usually purchase buckskin, elk, deer, kid doe, and/or pig.  I look at the natural edges, tanning consistency, blemishes,  and finally the length.   Once I have purchased the leather, I take it home and smudge it with sage and or cedar to bless it and give thanks to the spirit of the animal who once walked in the skin.   That way my work becomes more of an honoring and blessing and feels more complete.   The next step is finding or making a pattern.   I have plenty of small ones, some for shoulder bags and tobacco pouches, but I am always open to new sizes or shapes.   The first cut is  usually a straight one up the middle to create lengths of laces for weaving.  Sometimes I start out tracing patterns across the leather and then cut it.  Pieces are glued together to keep things from slipping and shifting.  The piece is either machine sewn or hand sewn or hand-woven which requires hand punched holes.  All my round bottom bags are hand sewn and woven, while the small two sided pouches are machine sewn to save time and energy.  Something I have had to accept in my trade work of this sort.   I love this work as it is very humbling and satisfying. 

The animal energies have significant meaning with the most forgiving being the buffalo. My bags come with a tag that describes the energy of the skin so that someone will select what is needed best. 

My largest piece is a 3 x 3.5 ft. wall hanging made of skins and a sliced agate.     I am blessed to have this work and the work entrusted to me at the store.  I wish to thank Karen Richards, the store owner, for my opportunity to do work for the patrons and store, as well as all the workers; Joan, Linda, Chris, Rebecca  and everyone else there who promote my work and skill.  Looking at the grand scheme of things I want to thank grandmother and grandfather rock, and my helpful ancestors for revealing their knowledge, songs, and for listening to my prayers in the sweatlodge or while on sacred land.  I honor you first and then myself for inspiration and motivation.  I feel as if my life continues to begin again and again when I am able to comfort or spiritually connect to other souls with my work of art or poetry.  My heart is always open to inspiration and creativity.    

                                              Mitakuye Oyasin and Namaste.