Name: Carolyn Turner
Shop: gitksanfire
Location: Edwardsville, Kansas
Website: http://indianartsandcraft.com
Please introduce yourself to the readers:
My name is Carolyn Turner Pappe, I am ½ Gitxsan (or Gitxsan) Native Indian which is a First Nations tribe in British Columbia, Canada. I was born and raised here in the states. I began doing bead work when I lived in our village on the reserve back in 1993. I am on disability due to back surgery I had done in 2002. I am married with all the kids grown and on their own. My husband retired at 55 a couple of years ago and if we can get our health back on track we love to travel.
How long have you been beading?
I have been beading for 20 years. I have been seriously doing embroidery beading for the last 3 years
When did you first try bead embroidery as a technique?
I started in 1993 doing bead work on moccasins and other leather projects such as mukluks, gloves etc.
Why do you like bead embroidery?
Beading to me is not a craft. It is a form of art. I find it is extremely relaxing and therapeutic. As a Native Indian it is a huge part of our culture.
What are your inspirations and influences?
I try to find inspiration in all of nature. My influences of course is my cultural background.
What are your favorite materials?
For foundations I use Lacy’s stiff stuff. I have used an iron on bonding/interface material to attach whatever backing I choose. Sometimes this works better than gluing . I have used leather, faux leather, felt and other materials that are not likely to fray for the backings. I like to try and match the backing not only in color but texture to the top of the piece. The backside should be interesting to look at as well.
What defines your style?
I try to add Native flair to a lot of my pieces, if not Native, then something that gives a sense of nature in some way.
What are your future goals with beading? My future goals are to just continue beading and try not to get stuck in a rut or burned out. I definitely feel that a goal we all should have is to share and teach others how to do bead embroidery. I love the idea of this guild, it keeps us all challenged to keep working and encouraging each other. The beadfests and mini beadfests are a great thing to keep our imaginations going. It’s always so interesting to see how others interpret the challenges. Additionally I would love to be able to sell some of my work. I am not doing this for the money though and since I look at this as a form of art, I would have to say I fall into the category of “Starving Artist”. It seems there are only a few who have made it into the limelight with their work and I am happy for that. If we all continue to pour our heart and souls into our creations, I have no doubt we will succeed in at least fulfilling the need to create and share our awesome imaginations with the world. After reading this last paragraph, I sound more like a philosopher than an artist. “Deep thoughts, by Carolyn Turner Pappe”. Enjoy.
Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild 
As long as your art provides you with an outlet for emotions, and you take yourself seriously, the end product will reflect this. Enjoy
Your work is beautiful. I’ve only been beading for about 6 years and doing bead embroidery for about three. My biggest challenge is the photography of my work. My husband does an ok job but he doesn’t have the time to experiment with different settings to showcase it like it should be. Any tips on shooting would be appreciated.
Lovely work you do!
On shooting photos, outside on my back porch is the best lighting, especially if it’s a little cloudy outside, then you don’t have to worry about shadows. I make a little setting with materials and props on the patio table and then set the jewelry on top. The lighting is perfect this way. No boxes or white shields or deflectors to worry about. Good luck and thanks for the comments.
Carolyn
The love of your heritage beautifully comes through in all of your work.
Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing it with all of us!