This was my first actual piece of beadwork. I had done a "test" piece trying to figure out the instructions for this technique that I found online. I have since taken several classes in this and other beading styles, but this is the one I like best. It's called peyote or gourd stitch.
I didn't have any fancy beads at that time. These are the same beads that you can buy at the KMart or the local craft store. They are larger than the higher quality beads, and also tend to be more irregular. But I was determined that I would make something, and make it I did. The feathers are found crow and bluejay.
Oh ... what is it? It's a "Talking Stick". You pass it around a ceremonial circle. Whoever holds the stick, gets to talk. You might be familiar with this from Boy or Girl Scouts, both of which have used this idea to maintain a semblance of order amongst groups of kids whose ADHD meds are running low.