Beadwork or quill work on otter quiver?

Izzy · January 30, 2011, 10:45:00 AM

I got an otter pelt Im looking at to make a quiver from. I really want something on the inside of the tail that will hand down the back of the quiver upside down.Is quill work too delicate for a hunting quiver? In my head Im thinking that beadwork would be better for a hard use quiver. If any of you have commissioned an artist to do something similar please point me in that direction. My friend has one made by Karen Shook but she no longer makes them and he wont sell me his no matter what I try to bribe him with.

Thanks For Your Time,Izzy

Pat B · January 30, 2011, 11:02:00 AM

James Parker's wife(huntworthyproductions, a sponsor) Rebecca does beautiful quill work. Contact her and she will let you know how durable quill work is. I believe a few TradGangers have some of Becca's quill work. Check out their website.

Montauks · January 30, 2011, 11:16:00 AM

Here's one I have but I'm not the maker

I bought it at a native american auction along with some other stuff years ago

January 30, 2011, 11:43:00 AM

I made my living for a long time making leather goods with beadwork and quillwork, as well as fur coats. IMHO, quillwork is much more durable--the loomed beadwork or even "lazy squaw" (apologies to our Native American brethren but that's what it's called) which is sewn right onto the leather, is pretty delicate stuff, on very fine thread which, if it breaks, jeopardizes the entire piece.

Killdeer · January 30, 2011, 12:50:00 PM

Bugs eat quills, but not beads. Quills grow brittle, can be abraded away, and if done with sinew or cotton thread, well, all natural materials break down.

I occasionally do lane stitch work using beads and Nymo thread, and it is very durable.

I live in awe of quillworkers. Their work is of an earlier time, and is more closely related to the environment than man-made glass beads. The work is also much lighter to carry, definitely a factor to me, and my heel spur.

I had the good fortune to view Ms. Parker's excellent work at ATAR one year, and I would beat a path to her were I looking to have my quiver embellished.

Killdeer

January 30, 2011, 01:15:00 PM

Oooh, that's some gorgeous quillwork. I also have used Pitch Blend to soften and preserve quills a time or two.

YORNOC · January 30, 2011, 01:22:00 PM

Killdeer knows her stuff

Killdeer · January 30, 2011, 01:36:00 PM

Killdeer knows enough to get someone else to do her quillwork!

kuch · January 30, 2011, 01:50:00 PM

I have a quillwork neck sheath for 10 years...no problem..and I'm hard on stuff...wear it backpacking and hunting. Beadwork is done all over the world but quillwork is purely native north american...expensive but i feel it is worth it....I would never have the patience.If you want something extra special...quillwork hands down.

Montauks · January 30, 2011, 02:20:00 PM

beautiful quill work...

Dave Bowers · January 30, 2011, 03:18:00 PM

Now that is some quill work

maineac · January 30, 2011, 03:51:00 PM

Beautiful

First White Falcon · January 30, 2011, 05:05:00 PM

Very Very Nice!

kuch · January 30, 2011, 05:30:00 PM

Here's the 10 year old neck sheaths

kuch · January 30, 2011, 05:32:00 PM

Izzy · January 30, 2011, 05:39:00 PM

WOW!!! You guys have some fine artwork there. Ill keep you all posted on what I decide.I might do both beads and quill. Montauks, I like that quiver a lot, looks like something I could apply myself but the quillwork will be left to the experts..

ron w · January 30, 2011, 06:33:00 PM

Wow ,just beautiful..........

seabass · January 30, 2011, 06:51:00 PM

i would go for the quill work.it is an earlier artform than beads and is lighter.imo it is way more beautiful than beads.it is also more time consuming and costly,steve

shoes · January 31, 2011, 06:30:00 PM

Wow those neck sheaths are great! Love the quillwork.

JEFF B · January 31, 2011, 06:37:00 PM

bead work would last longer Bro