Sorry for the lineage mistake

So to find out I just wanted to apply for the associate membership to the Patawomeck tribe. It seams from what their historian says there is one mistake in my line. They say that quote:”

Here is an excerpt from William Deyo's book about Monteith "updates and revisions" section:

There needs to be some clarification in regard to another child that so many people have claimed was a daughter of Henry Meese, namely Grace, the wife of John Ashton. It is important that this is NOT a family tradition but was inferred by a deed of gift (a cow) of Henry Meese to Mary, the daughter John and Grace Ashton. Many believed that this meant that Grace was a daughter of Henry Meese, which was impossible. First of all, Henry Meese, who was indeed very close to the Ashton family (including Col. Peter Ashton, who is strongly believed to have married another daughter of Chief Wahanganoche because of the gift recorded in the Virginia Council minutes that the Chief gave to Peter Ashton), only made a deed of gift to ONE child of John and Grace Ashton, named “Mary”, and made no gifts to any of Mary’s siblings. This appears to have been a frequent gesture made when a person was a godparent of a child. Henry Meese was likely the godfather of Mary Ashton, who was very likely named after Henry’s Indian wife, which is why his wife has been called “Mary”, as well. We now have proof that Grace could not have been a daughter of Henry Meese. Meese was born in 1628, which is inferred by the baptismal records of the English Overwarton Parish in Oxfordshire. Even though his own baptismal record is lacking, he is listed in the English Visitation of Oxfordshire between the baptismal records of other siblings and his place as a numbered son is given. Grace, wife of John Ashton, was married to her husband before 21 June 1651, when she made an oath, as the wife of John Ashton, and relict of William Best, deceased, that Best’s inventory was a true account. Best’s inventory was made on 4 May 1650 in Warwick County, Virginia. Grace was a widow of William Best by that date and may have been married to him for a number of years. Even if she had only married William Best in 1649, the year in which John Ashton appeared in the records of Warwick County, and was only 16 years old when she married him, her birth would have been in 1633, when Henry Meese was only 5 years old! Grace was more likely to have been the wife of William Best for a few years and was probably older than Henry Meese, who was called her father by many! Grace was apparently the daughter or very close relative of Dr. William Frizer, who made her the executor of his estate and gave large tracts of land to her children.”

So if true that breaks my blood line to the Native American lineage. It was a cool though and at heart I still have some Native American in me. Unfortunately my bloodline can not be recognized by the Patawomeck tribe. I’ll continue to do some more research to see what I can find. History is hard when so many records are lost and some things are inaccurate.

Who do we come from? or What lineage do we have?

I am only going to discuss my lineage and not anything about religion and God. That would be a topic for another day. I love both topics, but want to share with you some interesting things I have found about my lineage. I feel like a mutt with so many ancestors from so many places., mainly from Europe. Today I’d like to go over one lineage line that I never knew about.

I just recently was told of this information about me, that I have direct lineage to Pocahontas and the Sister of Pocahontas. This stuck with me and made me think about it a lot it and then do the research to see how true or not this is. I found out that yes it’s true because of some very interesting events. First off, I really do feel so sad about the tragic event of war and all that happened during that time period. The true story of Pocahontas is very sad and awful of which I will not get into today. I do however think it’s just so very, very cool that I have some Native American blood in me, even if a small amount. I love Native American crafts and way of life. I have learned how to make coil pots, arrowheads, bow and arrows, and to even start fires with sticks. If you have known me over the years, you’ll have seen me wear my leather clothing out in the deserts of Arizona or when I was young in California. I’ve been learning and taking part in as much as I can about Native American culture. Now I can proudly say I actually have some ties to this great land.

Me in my leathers — Me when i was much younger blowing on a fire. (Photographer - I don’t know, but I added the filter)

So here is my line and I won’t put dates, etc just names to make this easy and no living names.

Pocahontas direct line

Me - My dad - Florence Bertha Burgess - Sarah Bertha Rynearson - Sarah Elizabeth Alexander - Randolph Alexander - Angus Alexander - Randolph Alexander - Jesse Alexander - Anguish Alexander - Priscilla Frances Ashton - Grace Meese - Mary Wahanganoche - Unknown Pettus - Ka Okee Powhatan - Pocahontas Matoaka Rebecca Powhatan

Sister of Pocahontas direct line

So from what I have found out through some research (and correct me if I’m wrong) Chief Wahanganoche was married to Unknown Pettus who was the daughter of Ka Okee who was the daughter of Pocahontas. Yes he married his cousins daughter.

So Chief Wahanganoche also was the son of I-Oppasus, commonly called Japasaw by the English, who was married to the Sister of Pocahontas. You can read about it from the Patawomeck tribal geneology or another article here.

This is how I’m related to both of them. Very interesting. I never knew I had any Native American blood in me. I live in Arizona and have studied different Native American crafts from around here, but now I’d like to see if I can start making some crafts geared towards my family line that if I am right would be part of the Patawomech tribe. I do not live in Virginia and do not qualify for Tribal status, but I know at heart I’m just as much part of the tribe as any other direct lineage member there. I’m just excited to find all this out. It touches me because I like having Native American blood in me even if it’s a very small amount. Also that it’s coming from the line of Pocahontas and her Sister is a bonus. The history, although tragic, is now part of my story. I don’t know why, but I feel this has changed me is a special way. Knowledge and knowing who you are is so very important. I hope we can all do some digging into genealogy and find out something interesting about your own family history. I know you’d be surprised about what you can find. I know there is so much more to discover. It can be hard at times to do the research, but it can be very rewarding to read about the stories of our decedents.

So there you have it. Can I now claim some of my art as Native American? I don’t know, but I feel to some degree I can.

Making coil pots — Me when I was young teaching how to make coil pots
I don’t know who the photographer was, but I added the filter.

My Personal Jewelry Design Favorites

I have so many favorites that it’s hard to choose my top favorites, but I’ll give it a try. Some of the ones that I choose may not be the popular ones that I sell so it does not reflect on sales or what you as a customer may or may not like. This will just go over a few of my personal likes.

The first one on my list is this round silver ring with a very intricate knot that is broken up by a bud like pattern. I love how the bud or flowering bud breaks out and sits in the middle of the Celtic Knot. The simple pattern stands out from the highly detailed weave that the knot creates. The next cool thing I like about it is the inner edges of the ring and how the simple grooved twist adds to the overall design and look of the ring. Although hidden when worn, it’s the idea of knowing it’s there and how cool it makes the ring be. This ring I named Celtic Pride because I feel the emerging or flowering bud represents a sense of pride coming out with the roots of Celtic culture and way of life at it’s deep roots base from the inside out.

Celtic Knot Bud Ring — Celtic Knot silver band with decorative inside

This one is another favorite that I love. Yes, another Celtic knot ring. This is so basic. To me it has a clean look. The knot comes out form the ring a little bit so you can feel the knot on your finger. It doesn’t hurt, but reminds you of why you wanted to have this ring in the first place. A wedding ring that reminds you you are married. How about that. It’s a wide ring which also shows off the pattern very well. The knot also has a U shape profile so the black in the ring is a more gradual faded look. I like the old world look and this gives a nice feel to it. Just something I’d enjoy wearing allowing others to see my choice in style.

Intricate Celtic Knot silver ring — Sterling Silver Celtic Knot Wedding Band or Everyday Ring

Another ring I love is this really wide Laotion inspired ring. It’s probably the widest ring I’ve made, but very comfortable. It’s comfort fit and feels so smooth to slip on. It looks thin from the edges, but packs a lot of details into it. The buds are a traditional design element that I’ve seen so many times in textiles and building, etc. while I lived over in Laos. I wanted to incorporate it into a ring that could be worn. I feel this does justice to show off this really neat pattern with the most 3d effect I could give it. The black background really make the design pop. It’s just one of my favorite designs.

wide Lao comfort fit ring design — Laotion Inspired wide silver ring

I can keep going on and on so I’ll just do a few more. This really is so hard since I love so many. I made this with the idea of pressing leaves into the metal. Although I did not use actual leaves to make the impressions technology has allowed me to still express myself in new ways. I was able to use computer software to take a leaf image and press it into the CAD design file. I then am able to make a wax from it and cast it into this beautiful ring. The leaves also flow to the inside of the ring which makes this design so unique. I love all those leaves and how down to earth it makes me feel. One with nature all the way. :)

Impressed leaves of nature silver ring — Silver leaf impressions ring

Here is another really cools ring. I call this the quadrilateral ring. It’s got these shapes that are all different all the way around the ring. They are not repeated and the unique pattern is so cool. The square rings are so comfortable to wear. I also love the corners of the inside and edges of the ring. The pattern there also gives this ring an overall great look. This one was fun to design.

Paradise California has a special place in my heart. I grew up there and it saddens me to think of the disaster of the Camp Fire that literally wiped the town away. Although I don’t live there anymore, I have family still there that went through all the pain of the fire. Even for those still there it can’t be easy with nothing around or the constant reminder of what happened or no friends or places to visit, or the way of life as you knew it all gone. The rest of my family will soon move away from there, but I’ll still in my heart be connected. When i go visit Chico California to visit more family I think I’ll always make a trip back to Paradise to see the progress of what the New Paradise will become.

This Pendant is of the sign as you entered into the town. I designed wings lifting it up as this has so much meaning to it. I love this piece of jewelry and wear it often. So not only do I like the design it has personal meaning behind it too.

Paradise Californa Pendant — Paradise California Medallion pendant in Sterling Silver

So like I’ve said, I can go on and on. I have too many favorites. So I would suggest just browsing my collections to choose your favorites. I am a small company as it’s just me doing all the work from end to end so if you like my designs and work then please spread the word. That is the biggest help I could get as I try and grow. Thank you for reading this and I hope you have all enjoyed a little more explanation about some of these designs I create. I sure love it and do my best to create quality work and design.

And Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope you enjoy some family time. I’m sure I will. Chau

Lao shoulder bag in cotton and linen

So when I lived in Laos many years ago I had bought this shoulder bag made from cotton and old textiles that were cut up and reused to make the bag. I loved the fabrics and textiles in that country. I love how they are handmade and the old rough feel, yet beautifully crafted bags are just so unique and represent what I love in a product. Well my bag wore out and I made a video of me repairing it (found here). I still love it and tried to at least create something similar to what I had by using interesting fabrics. I bought some khadi cotton fabric from India, and some hemp from Ukraine, and some other fabrics like linen that go with the feel of what I’m after. So I’ve recreated the idea the best I could for now. I hope to improve them with time. I did make a slight change to the overall design in that I added a 7” inch zipper pocket on the inside. Other than that the overall dimensions are the same as my original bag. It is very large and can hold a lot. Things might get lost in it, but I guess just don’t put so much in it. ::).

I didn’t realize how much work goes into making these. I think all the measuring and cutting is what takes the longest because there is so much fabric involved in making them. I’ll need to come up with a template if I continue making a lot more of these. I really like the Khadi cotton (handwoven cotton from India) and the natural colors and patterns it gives to the bags. This mixed with the linen and cotton fabrics are what I envisioned for these bags.

I really hope you like them too. Each one is unique and made one at a time. I do my best to create the best quality products. I am not a pro at sewing yet so you should be able to see the small flaws that go along with that. For me that just makes them that much better showing that they are not made by a machine. :)

I do plan on making some other sizes in the future. You can view what I have available at any given time in the craft section here on my site.

Cloth Bags

So I have been making these cloth makeup bags for a while and with every new one I make brings me joy. I get excited to make bags. I haven’t made tons of bags over the years like I’ve always wanted to, but when I get a chance I do. Although this makeup bag pattern is not my own, I still love coming up with the right color combinations. It’s just fun. I have designed many leather bags over the years. I use to make these leather back packs a lot when I lived over in Lao P.D.R. I still like making them, but don’t have much time to hand make them like I once did. I hope to eventually get a nice heavy duty sewing machine for leather work and make cool leather bags, but that is another subject for different day. I would like to create a few new ideas I have in mind. First off I need more materials. To me the cloth is important and I don’t like most of the fabrics at local stores. I try and look for fabrics from other countries that have unique qualities to them such as being handwoven or unique colors and patterns. As I slowly gather a collection of unique fabrics I will start building some new products with them. It sounds so fun to create new ideas with new colors and patterns. So Stay tuned for future cloth bags and other products that I can think of.

Zippers. I am using 7” nice quality zippers for my bags. They are metal zippers and I like incorporating them into my work. On larger bags I like to make side pouches and other easy to access areas. This way the little things don’t get lost in the larger more spacious bags. This is also a learning process. I love learning new things and this is not exception. I learn pretty fast so hopefully you’ll start to see some nice quality bags appearing on my site. If you have any cool ideas that you’d like me to build then run it by me and I’ll see what I can do for you. Art and crafts are what I love doing so don’t be afraid to ask. I just might be able to make it for you.

I know this is a short blog post. I’ll try to keep more coming more often just so you can see what I’m up to. Just updates and ideas for now. If you ever would like me to talk about a specific topic that is realated to what I do then feel free to let me know and I’ll share. Until next time this is Justin Thorup signing off. :)

Propagating and Grafting

So I love gardening and I know this has nothing to do with my art, but just a fun thing to do that I’ve recently started experimenting with propagating and grafting. How did this idea get started? Well I had a Modesto ash tree that had a disease. Over the summer all the upper branches died except for one and all the upper branches had very small leaves. It had no growth that season. At the base of the tree I allowed some new growth to start up above the graph. The leaves were three times bigger and they looked like how the tree should be. So I have since replaced the tree with a fan west ash. I took the Modesto ash and cut it down. I then took that new growth branches or scions and stuck some in the ground and some in a jar with water. I also took one and grafted it to the root stalk of the same tree. that is now in a pot.

To not get this confusing I’ll just list my other experiments.

Put into jar with water - bonito ash, modesto ash, apricot, nectorine
stuck into the ground or in pots - bonito ash, modesto ash, nectorine, grape vine, apricot
grafted - a branch of apricot to nectorine, a branch from the nectorine to the apricot, a branch from the bonito ash to the fan west ash.
as I explained about the Modesto ash I grafted into the original rood stalk it came from

I did not use any root hormones. I just used honey on the ones I shoved into the ground. I’ll have to do a follow up, but after over a month now looks like there is grown on the majority of the sticks. The grape vines and the Modesto ash are the two with the most growth. I notice in the jars that the upper growth is coming along just fine, but still no roots. I’m sure it’s concentrating it’s energy to new growth and not the roots, so I’ll wait it out and see if the roots will start at some point.

I’m so excited to see how all this works out. I’ll do a follow up in a few months.

So Many Patterns

Over the years I have been building up a library of patterned rings. I first started out doing these because I felt it was safe and cheaper than working with large diamonds that I could not afford. As time went on I have continued building these rings and have found a real joy in making them. I get inspired in many different ways and try to create a variety of styles hoping to have a little something for everyone. Although I’m not very known and have a long way to go, it doesn’t stop me from continuing to create what I love. Owning a variety of rings is fun and brings a different feel for different occasions.

Ok so lets get into passion. My hope is that other people will also develop a passion for this type of wearable art. When I create a pattern that works it uplifts me and makes me admire the beauty. I could say the same about any art out there. I guess if you are an art lover you can appreciate the talent, inspiration and hard work that goes into making a piece. I like to mention again wearable art. I love this concept because it means that you are able to keep it with you and enjoy it on the go. It doesn’t have to be something that just sits at home, but can be enjoyed in those small moments when you glance down and see the art right at your hands. I don’t just love what I do or create. I also love all those talented people out there that have their own passion whether it be music, art, crafts, engineering, gardening, or anything out there that someone just loves and has a passion for. When someone has a passion for something you can see and feel the affects of it reflect in their work. The attention to detail and the way it all flows together is magical and just uplifts the spirits.

As an artist it’s not always all that wow and powerful inspiration that explodes out and creates these wonderful works. More times than not I’m looking for inspiration and there are many days when you have to work hard for it and even then it goes no where. That is when all the hard work comes in because as I struggle to find what works the journey carries me to find something that finally flows together and it beautiful. Those are the moments when I feel the best. When I can look back and be happy with what I’ve done. Now there are times too when I look back at old pieces I’ve created and really don’t like what I’ve done anymore. I have to also admit that there are pieces of art that I’ve created that I’m not all that satisfied with, but I put it out there and move on from it. Interestingly sometimes other people find those pieces as something they like and are inspired to gravitate towards. Or I feel like this is the one and I so love it, but other people don’t seam to care for it. So I guess the best thing is to keep trying and trying. And that is what I’ve been doing over the years. As you can see I have developed a wide variety of patterns. Some are better than others, but when I look at this image and see the diversity in them I can’t help but to feel a sense of wow. Look at that. In those days of grinding and making I at times loose that sense of what I’m doing and when I look back I can now see it is mounting up to something.

I don’t know the future and don’t know if I’ll ever be successful at being able to do what I love full time on my own. I do know that I have a passion and that drive to keep going. So even if I keep going til the end of my life I’ll be satisfied with the knowledge that I at least tried and never gave up. That may be bad business practice, but as most artists this is more than a business. It’s my passion and I can’t stop and will always find a way to create some form of art that can be worn or shared with others. Inspiring and uplifting to the soul.

Hot Packs

So the idea has been around for a long time and I always loved the one I had bough years ago. Then I realized I could make some too. It has been a great decision in our home. We all love having one and on cold winter days we all line up by the microwave to heat them up one by one. My youngest can barley reach the microwave. She stands tall on her tippy toes while reaching up and pressing the lowest button “add 30 seconds”. She then presses it three times for her mini hot pack to be just right. After we are all done heating up our corn bags we go rest on the couch to cuddle with that heat radiating through the material. Some hot bags go on the thighs while others to the feet and others to just hold tight to keep hands warm. Such a great winter feeling. It’s like drinking hot chocolate and keeping your hands warm with the hot cup. Such enjoyable times with the family.

There are so many other ways this can be used. I love heating it up right before I got to work. My car is so cold in the mornings and just to have it on my lap with one had alternating on it, keeps me nice and warm. I also heat it up and use it while I go on morning walks. Holding it up against me keeps my stomach warm and my hands warm. These are just a few ways this handy little corn bag can bring joy to your life in cold times.

These corn bags are made to last. First the corn is pre heated to kill any weevil that might be there. Then a strong canvas bag is made to put the corn into. We all know that things get dirty with use, so I’ve created a nice softer cover that can be taken off and washed when needed. I have a variety of covers that can be purchased separate and many of them are Christmas themed. So directions do come with each hot pack, but I wanted to share how simple it is to use.

Step 1: Make sure your microwave is clean. You don’t want any old liquids or food to dirty up the cover while heating it up.

Step 2: On high, heat up the corn bag for a maximum amount of 3 minutes. If that is too hot for you, you can always just do 2 minutes or so.

Step 3: When done remove it and hold it close to keep warm.

That’s it. real simple to use. If you are looking for a great Christmas gift or one for yourself, you can purchase them through my site. Just click HERE.

Now hot packs don’t have to be for pure enjoyment. They can also be used for sore muscles. I like to use it on my back when I have back pains or a sore muscle. It works great. It’s also possible to put it in the freezer (inside a zip lock freezer bag) to then use it as a cold pack. It does not last as long cold as it does hot, but can be used for both. So if you need a little warmth then you know where to find it. :)

My Photography Development

Photography is one of those areas that I love and have always tried to improve on. I’ve always had the low end equipment so I’ve only been able to go so far. I’ll admit I get jealous when I see nice lenses or even a high end camera. I like to imaging what I could accomplish with one of those things. Enough dreamland… I do feel I can have decent results with my what I have. Better than the average, but nothing compared to a pro. I have recently, for the first time, bought a soft box with a flash. I always used natural lighting only before this. I have been practicing and wow it’s a whole new area to learn and to improve my shots with. There is no time like now (and that time is when ever you are able, when the opportunity is there). I have not tried any outdoor shots yet, just indoor for now. I didn’t realize how much lighting is so very important. Finally I have some clear shots instead of always being on the verge of blurry photos that need editing to get them ok. My mind is going all over the place thinking of all the improved photos I can now take. So fun. Here are a few shots of fun I had just testing the lights with my kids. Now it’s time to start finding a mood or feel for my photos by experimenting a lot. Wish me luck. If I get on a schedule and try and at least once a week set up and force myself to put in the time, I’ll learn a lot faster. Then I’ll know when I want harsh shadows vs soft shadows vs no shadows, etc. I don’t want to have the model wait patiently as I try and figure things out so once I get it all down it should be a fun smooth process to take portrait shots. I actually like taking shots of just still life, but people are harder and something I would like to learn. I love portraits so that is probably where I’d focus my learning. Group shots are not what I like doing either.

So for the equipment I’m using is a Canon Rebel ts6 and either my 28-135mm lens or my 50mm cannon lenses. The dome lights I’m using are the some cheaper gear “Neewer” from amazon. They do the trick and I love them as I don’t know anything else and anything is much better than what I had which is nothing. They are battery powered so I can bring them outside easily if needed.

As I learn and feel I’m good enough to share, maybe I’ll share my experience of what I learned along the way. I’m just happy that I have some photos that are sharp and not fuzzy from low lighting. That alone makes me really happy. :)

More about me

So I wanted to share a little more about who I am as a person and business. I grew up in Paradise California. It was a great place to grow up. I had a small creek behind my house where I play in a lot. I had friends within walking distance. Hills and trees everywhere making it a beautiful place to be. Early on I was interested in art. I remember going to Johnny apple seed day as a kid. I loved seeing the floats go down Sky Way and seeing vendors with handmade crafted items. I have always made little things out of leather or bracelets out of string. As I grew older I ventured into even more. In college I studied art and loved learning new techniques and new ideas to be more creative. I love camping too. I moved to Arizona to work at Anasazi Foundation which is a wilderness survival treatment program for youth. This is where I learned not only to help youth to see and hopefully find the right path in life, but to grow myself in new amazing ways. I also learned a lot more about primitive survival and crafts as a way of life along with leather working, pottery, bow making, flint napping, and survival.

When I got married to my beautiful wife I moved into jewelry making. I have never looked back. It’s fun and creative. I now design in CAD software where I’m allowed to be free to create anything and have it made into reality. I would love to turn my hobbies into a business, but I have never really had the time to make that work out. Lots of these crafts take up so much time that they really are not valued as they should be.

I have been making jewelry for over 20 years and still love it. For years I’ve wanted to make an about video to explain about me and my business. I’ve always wanted it to be more than just jewelry as I love so many crafts. I hope to share some of what I like and for you to get to know what I like. This way you might be able to understand me better as an artist. I did not include everything, but hopefully it captures a little something interesting about me. Enjoy!

Get to know me - Dana Arts