Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Cool Things To Buy-Flint Spirit Flint Knives And Bone Jewelry

A few weeks ago we traveled to Keokuk, Iowa to attend Eagle Days, a small celebration of migrating bald eagles, Native American culture and river history(Keokuk sits alongside the mighty Mississippi).

In addition to live bird presentations, wood carvings and bald eagle sightings, there were several vendors selling everything from dream catchers to traditional beaded Native American jewelry, to pop corn, but my favorite was a gentleman(Flint Spirit) selling flint knives, flint rocks, and elk antler and bison bone jewelry. He and a friend were also chipping away at flint stones with pieces of bone, demonstrating their techniques as people inquisitively buzzed around the booth, marveling at all the gorgeous and unique works, fascinated by the simple, ancient process they demonstrated.

I was fortunate enough to snag a beautiful knife made from flint and antler, a small elk antler pendant and a gorgeous necklace featuring carved bison bone and antique traders' beads. They were early Valentine presents from The Husband. Who needs chocolates and champagne?!

(I bought my own chocolate and obviously, being pregnant, couldn't have champagne. So that's who. Ha.)


Flint and deer antler-what a beautiful combination! I chose this knife not only for the beauty it possessed, but because it fit so perfectly in my hand, as though it was made for me. I was told that it had been "waiting for the right owner". Definitely me. Burglars beware. This bad girl could seriously slit yer throat.


This is the cool toned and lovely elk antler pendant. I love the simplicity of the carved feather. For me, it symbolizes my tendency to be a lone ranger. There is beauty and peace to be found in the quiet that loneliness can bring.




This is the amazing bison bone necklace. It features not only bison bone, but antique trader beads. I love this necklace, and the three feathers it features. Where as the elk antler necklace reminds me of myself, this one feels like a representation of my family. The Husband and I protect our little feather and do our best to create a sort of shield for her as she grows and prepares for the day when she will float away on the wind. I think feathers are a great representation for humans. As part of the anatomy of a bird, feathers work together to help the whole unit, or "family", fly. And yet, once they leave the "family", they are still capable of traveling such long distances on their own, through the fingers and limbs and mouths of the winds or waters or animals or humans.

For me, the best types of handmade items are those which possess almost spiritual elements, due to qualities like the materials they are made from, the obvious reverence for the craft displayed by the maker, the perfection of the skill involved, or the ability to touch the buyer's soul without explanation or pretense.

These items, to me, have all of those qualities. I have deep admiration for their maker. What an amazing skill set he has, and I applaud him for keeping such an ancient tradition alive. So often we get caught up in "new" art, style and process, looking for the next stimulating and provocative piece or person every five minutes, in vain attempts to satisfy our quest to be the first to find the next big things. It is good for us to keep the simple and "natural" crafts alive. They remind us of not only where we've been, but what we are capable of, and what we are made of.

When I come across an artist or craftsman like Tim, I am quickly reminded of why I am so thankful to be a maker. For me, making things is more than just a way to attempt to make money or impress people or make a name for myself. It is a real compulsion. It is who I am. If I never sold another piece of art or craft, I would still get up every morning and go to bed every night, making things, designing things or thinking about making things. And giving those things away. Making things is how I love people and take care of them, how I communicate with them, and in many instances how I help them. It is how I make the world a better place, not only for myself as therapy, but for others who need a little something positive or spiritual or humorous or relate able in their lives.

Truly, I hope I'll be making things until the day I die, an old and decrepit, painting and stitching, crazy cat lady. But even if that is not in the cards for me, I'll hopefully still be surrounded by the amazing and comforting things that have been made for me by people who love me, by myself and by all the wonderful craftspeople and artists I've met during my time on the earth.

Life is short. Too short to fill it full of disposable, meaningless, soulless objects, people and possessions.

14 comments:

  1. It was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks.
    Purity rings for men

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am overwhelmed by your post with such a nice topic. Usually I visit your blogs and get updated through the information you include but today’s blog would be the most appreciable. Well done! kinkajou for sale

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, I am entirely agreed with this article, and I just want say that this article is very helpful and enlightening. I also have some precious piece of concerned info !!!!!!Thanks. https://www.tripindicator.com/things-to-do-at-night.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. scottish canoe expedition

    ReplyDelete
  5. For those who hunt, a Bowie knife's curved tip is ideal for the more delicate work of skinning out the animal while the guard protects the hands. sourse Overall: Cold Steel's Natchez Bowie is worth the massive price tag.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hmm… I interpret blogs on a analogous issue, however i never visited your blog. I added it to populars also i’ll be your faithful primer. Learn more here

    ReplyDelete
  7. I’ve just been talking to Sean Gallagher about his upcoming Instant Income Cash Machine course, and he’s been kind enough to fill me in on a few details regarding his upcoming course. pop over to this web-site

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! view publisher site

    ReplyDelete
  9. You should get involved in a contest first of the greatest blogs over the internet. I’ll recommend this page! view publisher site

    ReplyDelete
  10. my English teacher hate me cause i keep writing about somebody from The WANTED called Jay, she gives me evils and low try here

    ReplyDelete
  11. You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The earth hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t worried to say how they believe. Always follow your heart. try here

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would also motivate just about every person to save this web page for any favorite assistance to assist posted the appearance. Buy Old Facebook Accounts

    ReplyDelete
  13. Truly like these points for perusing. A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing this article. Will survey it with by
    doggy dan

    ReplyDelete
  14. I was looking at some of your posts on this website and I conceive this web site is really instructive! Keep putting up.. buy digital prints

    ReplyDelete