These beautiful earrings are hand-strung in the traditional way. 

Beadwork is a very special skill that has been passed down from generation to generation among our people (the Diné or Navajo). Each piece is so beautifully unique with all hand-strung beads.

Shirley Originals

Hang Approximately 2 1/2"

Shirley has been making jewelry since she was a very young child. This puts Shirley's skill level into the expert realm.

Growing up in the heart of the Navajo Nation, Shirley learned this skill from her mother.

Shirley is of the Many Goats clan and is born for the Tangle Clan.

Shirley says her favorite part of making jewelry is the ability to support her family. Her mother began making jewelry as a means to provide for Shirley and her siblings when they were young. She was a single mother trying to balance all that was required of her.

Shirley's mother taught all of her children to make jewelry with her and they made it a family business. The kids would help pay for their school clothes and anything else they needed. Shirley has kept this means of income for her own family ever since. 

Shirley loves the art of putting odds and ends together of all her leftovers. She loves the hobby aspect of this skill.