One of the most challenging patterns I've ever done in my life, this Pacific Northwest totem is based on a pen and ink artwork done by Michael Gobin of the Tulalip Tribes in Washington State. It took me almost 2 months to perfect the beadwork pattern to properly represent this image of a Squirrel.

The Squirrel is a gatherer, building up stores so that it is prepared for anything unexpected. By hiding its food reserves in different places, it can survive even the longest winter. Its other characteristics are adaptability and speed.

This particular piece is weaved in flat vertical peyote with size 22/0 antique (circa late 1800's) very rare and coveted by collectors, hand blown glass beads, with the white beads being charlotte cuts. These beads are very rare (see "History of Antique Micro Beads"). It took me almost 220 hours between adjusting the design and only beading a couple of hours a day to complete this piece, as the beads are so tiny they are hard to work with for long periods of time = cross-eyed.

After creating the beaded portion, I then had a professional custom cut  border mounting mattes  to better show off this totem. Total size, with freestanding frame, is 8 x 6 inches.

This is truly a One-Of-A-Kind piece and cannot be reproduced, as shown here, making it more valuable and collectible.

Item #FA519
$1500.00