Dancing Bear Indian Trader

New location in Escondido starting Feb. 14

2012-01-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

Exciting news everyone! We are moving our store to Escondido!!!! We will be updating the website etc soon. We will be open in Vista until Feb 4th, at 5pm. The store will be fully stocked and open for sales until then.

Escondido Store will be open on 2/14 @10am.

Black Friday Sale at Dancing Bear!

2011-11-25T00:53:00.000-08:00

This year we will be doing the following sale for 11/25-11/26
Our store hours will be:
11/25 9am-6pm
11/26 10am-6pm

Crafty Chica & Tulip 40% off

Designer Firepolish & Seed Bead Mixes 30% off Beadsmith Mixes only.

Creative Options 20% off
Spend over $30 in Creative Options, get free tote bag, while supplies last. Including special orders too!

Japanese Seed Beads 20% off
excludes Delica, 11/0, 8/0, 6/0, Tila, Magatama & Triangles

Gemstone Chip Strands 30% off
Regular price $6 only

Spend over $100 in merchandise,
get a free $10 gift certificate.
One per person, subtotal must be over $100 before tax, not redeemable for cash, cannot be applied from previous purchases. Gift Certificate not valid for classes, consignment, 8 band or 3 band tradecloth or Pendelton products.

South Santa Fe Indian Market May 1, 2011 from 11am-6pm

2011-04-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

South Santa Fe Indian Market on Broadway in Vista.
Vista’s very own Santa Fe Indian Market.

March 21, 2011-Vista, CA. Craft on Broadway is proud to present Vista’s very own, South Santa Fe Indian Market. The name is
reminiscent of the famous August annual, Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This event is named after South
Santa Fe Ave which runs through the center of old town Vista. The Indian Market will feature many Native American vendors
and craftsmen, who will have amazing crafts, art and jewelry for sale. Native American singing, drumming, and exhibition
dancing are scheduled for the event. There will be 50 gift bags featuring surprise items, coupons & gift certificates from local
Vista businesses for the first 50 attendees starting at the opening of the market. We will also have free drawings throughout the
event for Native American craft items. This event will take place on May 1, 2011 from 11am-6pm in the Sonic Drive in &
Allen’s Alley parking lot across the street from Dancing Bear Indian Trader at 135 E Broadway, Vista, CA 92084.
Craft on Broadway is a local craft market that features local artists and crafts. The purpose of “Craft on Broadway” is to make
Broadway, a street in Vista, visible to the Vista & San Diego community. Vendor spaces are available. We are also accepting
donations for the 50 swag bags and gift certificates & gift baskets for free opportunity drawing.
For more information see:
http://www.craftonbroadway.com

What's new for this week in April...

2011-04-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancing Bear Customers,

I have a couple of things I would like to share with you:

Beaders' Night Out is going to be Friday, April 29 from 5-9pm. We are planning a lot of really great things for this night. We have 10 TierraCast make and takes to give away to the first shoppers through the door. We will be announcing the Southern California Local Bead Store Association's Bead Shop Hop. We will be doing a drawing every hour starting at 6pm for a Creative Options Gift Bag with some special surprises inside. We will also be premiering our very special promotion for our store at this event! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=145823488818738&index=1

Sunday, May 1, 11am-6pm we will be hosting our first South Santa Fe Indian Market! Be sure to come over, tell your friends, it's going to be a cool event! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141209325944233&index=1

We were just notified about a special order for a Native American fabric that sold out really fast when we had it in stock! It's made by Windham fabrics and is quilter quality. Here's the link for info about the preorder: http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabric.html#preorder

Valentine's Celebration at Yoga Tropics

2011-02-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

One of our friends asked if we could spread the word about an event coming up in Encinitas. Here's the info:

YOGA TROPICS in community with INNER WORLD MUSIC
present

VALENTINE'S CELEBRATION

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Offering a Joyous evening to fill your HEART!

Music,Ritual,Comedy,Movement & MORE!

Music with the Journey

Peter Andrew - flutes, dulcimer, didgeridoo, singing bowls

Sylvia Aurora - voice, singing bowls, gongs, bells

Maynard Evans - keyboard, guitar, udu, didgeridoo

Guenter Krammer - drums, flutes, singing bowls, voice

Daniel Ide - drums, tablas, voice

Andy Laub - Tea Master, flute

Susanne Haugen - Cosmic Dancer

Howard Richmond - comedian

Claudia Ide - production manager

When: Saturday, Feb 12,2011, 8pm, doors open 7:45

Where: Yoga Tropics,830 S Coast Hwy 101,Encinitas,Ca 92024

Bring: Cushions, Pillows & FRIENDS!

Fee: $15 per person

For advance reservations call 760 717 0879, info@yogatropics.com

BRING or MEET YOUR VALENTINE!

innerworldmusic@live.com, chakrasoundmeditatiom.shutterfly.com

Black Friday Weekend Sale

2010-11-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

In Store-only Specials for Black Friday

Here is a preview of the first ever Dancing Bear Indian Trader Black Friday sale!

Customers will receive all items below the amount spent.
So if a customer purchases $100, they will get the $75, $50 and $25 promotion GWP.
Not applicable to previous purchases.

GWP promotion, while supplies last, no rainchecks. Sales total before tax:

$25-Crafty Chica Iron on Applique $2.95 value
$50-S-Lon Sampler pack. $5.00 value
$75-Bead Loom $7.50 value
$100-$10 gift certificate for Dancing Bear not applicable for:
The Bead Wall, Tradecloth or Consignment Items

8am-12pm, Friday Nov. 27, First people through the door,
get a free gift-Peacock Feather retail $4.00, while supplies last, one per family.

This Dancing Bear sale will only be on Friday, Nov. 26 - Sunday Nov. 28, 2010
Not applicable to previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons.

25% off Crafty Chica
5% off Seed Beads
5% off Japanese Seed Beads
5% off Delica Beads
25% off Vintaj
50% off Swarovski Crystal Cubes
20% off Preciosa Crystal
25% off Designer Bead Collection
25% off Creative Options Storage
25% off Bead Kits
20% off Plastic Beads
$1 off per yard Fabrics
Peruvian Ceramic Beads, Small $1.00 Large $1.75
25% off Duncan Paints
25% off Sugar Skull Molds & Meringue Powder

What's up for November???

2010-11-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hello Dancing Bear customers!

Happy November. It's only a few weeks till the rush of the Christmas season is upon us. We are very excited about seeing everyone's gift projects, and always are here to help out with picking out colors and giving opinions. ;-)

October Scavenger Hunt-The winner of our October drawing is Amber Smith. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. Don't worry, you still have a chance to win!!! Read about the November Scavenger Hunt for more info.

November Scavenger Hunt-Our hunt for November starts today, November 9. We will have your scavenger hunt cards at the available to pick up at the store. There will be 4 stamps to collect each week, each stamp requires two things: To find the mystery item in the store (we will give you the clue when you come in), and make any item purchase(we will write down your receipt number). We are going to have a drawing for the completed scavenger hunt cards on December 1. The winner will be notified after 5pm on December 1. The prize will be a Creative Options Tackle Box and a 5% discount coupon on one future purchase. Gift cannot be exchanged, the 5% discount cannot be applied to previous purchases & cannot be combined with any sale or offer. Each customer is responsible for their scavenger hunt cards until submitted. If you need to make up a stamp or you will be out of town during Thanksgiving week, you can do so during any of the store hours, but there is only one stamp per day per customer. We have decided to this Scavenger Hunt in December, and at the end of the quarter, we will be putting all of the cards winning or non winning back into the drawing for the super prize at the end of December. We will be announcing what the super prize will be in December.

Black Friday Sale Weekend, November 26, 27 & 28- Thanksgiving Day we will be posting our sale for the weekend on our website & we will have special hours for this event, including being open on Sunday. We will also post it on Facebook. We are going to have a lot of good deals that weekend. ;-)

November Craft Project of the Month- Saturday November 20, Due to popular demand, we are doing the Crafty Chica Style hat class again. The class will be from 11am-1pm. The class is $20. The class fee includes all of the supplies to make the hat! Please RSVP for this class by November 17th, we will be ordering the hats on November 18, space is limited. http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html#feb

This is the event for our class on Facebook!

November 19th http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165441150145745

Classes: All of the info for our classes are on our website.

http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html

Dee's jewelry class, November 13th from 2pm-6pm. Her class is $20 plus the cost of supplies. Remember, we have also can have classes on Wednesdays and other Saturdays at our store. Please call and schedule a class if you cannot make this one! Give us a call. 760-726-2323 http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html#deesclass

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100409646697202

Be sure to check out our classes page frequently. Read more info on our website: http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html Please RSVP call 760-726-2323 or email us at info@dancingbearindiantrader.com

Powwows-Our store is open during all powwows with limited inventory. We will be at the Indio Powwow November 26, 27 & 28. Please call if you are travelling a far distance so that we can let you know about our inventory status. 760-726-2323 For more info on the powwows that we are attending, check out this link: http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/powwow.html

Events near by-These are events that Svea helps to organize.

Holiday Hit List-December 5, 2010. From 12pm-5pm. This event is a great holiday shopping craft show. There will be over 35 vendors there, selling AWESOME stuff. There will be 100 gift bags for the first shoppers through the door, one per family.

http://www.holidayhitlist.com

Craft of Broadway-December 12, 2010. Svea is organizing this one. It's going to be in the Sonic/Allen's Alley Parking Lot. There will be over 40 vendors. It will take place two times a year. There will be more info coming soon, if you would like to be a vendor, please let Svea know email: info@craftonbroadway.com. Vendors are required to have sellers permits from the Board of Equalization.

Check out http://www.craftonbroadway.com

Facebook & Twitter, etc-We would like for you to join or follow our store, here are the links for you if you are interested.

http://dancingbearindiantrader.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=252994734270
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dancingbearindiantrader/
http://www.myspace.com/dancingbearindiantrader
http://twitter.com/DancingBearIT
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dancing-bear-indian-trader-vista-2

Bead Shop Scavenger Hunt at Dancing Bear Indian Trader

2010-10-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever!!! We are going to have a October Scavenger Hunt in our store. It's going to start on October 5th. We will have your scavenger hunt cards at the available to pick up at the store. There will be 4 stamps to collect each week, each stamp requires two things: To find the mystery item in the store (we will give you the clue when you come in), and make any item purchase(we will write down your receipt number). We are going to have a drawing for the completed scavenger hunt cards on October 30. The winner will be notified after 5pm on October 30. The prize will be a Creative Options Storage Tower and a 5% discount coupon on one future purchase. Gift cannot be exchanged, the 5% discount cannot be applied to previous purchases & cannot be combined. Each customer is responsible for their scavenger hunt cards until submitted.

Bead Shop in Vista, Indian Craft Supplies in Vista.

Fabrics Fabrics Fabrics, All Native Fabrics!

2010-07-09T11:37:00.001-07:00

We just added over 30 new fabrics to our website! Cool! There are many new Native stripe designs, Native themed fabrics from Alexander Henry, Michael Miller, Robert Kaufman, Blank Textiles, Avlyn.

Check out our website:
http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabric.html

Kid's Craft Project for Easter Time

2010-03-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Kid's Craft Project
Plastic Friendship Bracelets
Perfect for Easter gifts and great to keep the kiddies hands busy!
$10 includes:
Plastic beads made in the USA
2-1 oz. Plastic Pony Bead Packages $1.00 value
1-Plastic Novelty Pony Beads $1.00 value
1-Stretch Magic .7mm or 1mm $2.95 value
Instruction, and idea sheet

Ages 8+, limited space

Check out more information about this class and others at Dancing Bear Indian Trader.

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html#apr

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108579195838573&ref=mf

Mayron's Baby Goods & Dancing Bear Indian Trader

2010-03-30T12:19:00.001-07:00

Mayron's Baby Goods has a gift set that includes a made in the USA baby blanket & made by Dancing Bear Indian Trader!

http://www.mayronsgoods.com/products/giftset.html

We think that this is a great combo for any new or expecting mother!

These baby products are Made in the USA, high quality and a great product.

Check out their website:

http://www.mayronsgoods.com/index.html

Here is the link to our fleece baby blankets!

http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/babyblankets.html

What's new for March

2010-03-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Dancing Bear customers!

Happy March! Did you know that March is National Craft Month??

St Patricks Day is coming up. We hope that you will find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! ;-)

Facebook & Twitter, etc-We would like for you to join or follow our store, here are the links for you if you are interested.

http://dancingbearindiantrader.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=252994734270
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dancingbearindiantrader/
http://www.myspace.com/dancingbearindiantrader
http://twitter.com/DancingBearIT
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dancing-bear-indian-trader-vista-2

Dee's classes are on Wednesday's 11am-2pm and Saturday 2:30pm-5:30pm. Dee will be on vacation from March 22-April 2, So her last class before her trip will be March 20, and resume on April 3rd. Read more info on our website: http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html Please RSVP call 760-726-2323 or email us at info@dancingbearindiantrader.com

March Craft Project of the Month-This month on March 20th we will be doing a sewing project. There has been a lot of interest in making a purse in our store with all of the amazing fabrics that we sell in our store. The class will be $20. That fee is for the instruction of the class. Materials are additional. We will be posting the materials needed. We will also be selling kits for the project. The class will be from 10am-2pm. You will need to have some basic sewing machine skills and bring your machine. If you need to rent one, we have a couple of machines that are available to rent for $10 for the class session. Please RSVP for this class soon, space is limited. http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html#mar

Plastic Beads-We will be getting in a bunch of new colors this month. Our new skull beads are in. We got the multi color skull mix in, and boy are they cool! We are the only store that has them!!! We are ordering solid colors pony beads and we also now have value packs for the most of the Made in the USA beads. Our class in April will be using these beads!

Plastic Chain- We have in stock plastic chain for jewelry makers! These chains were very popular to use for making charm bracelets & necklaces. We have in stock Red and Black.

Creative Options, Craft Supply storage-We just got them in. We are having an introductory sale on all of our of our plastic storage solutions, they will be 20% off for the month of March. These containers are made by the same company as Caboodles (makeup boxes) & Plano (fishing tackle boxes) and they are very cool! The color palette is Purple, Lime Green and Yellow. Come in and check out the catalog if you want to special order. Additionally we are offering a gift with purchase. If you purchase $50 of Creative Options, you will receive a free tote bag!($15 dollar value) http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/creativeoptions.html

Crafty Chica- We just got in a bunch of her new iron on appliques! They are very cool, and they come with 2 iron ons for the same price as the one!! The hat project supplies are in, so if you wanted to make the hat and couldn't, we have the hats and the iron ons. Our next Crafty Chica project is in August. We will be making the Chihuahua pillow. -my favorite!

Duncan Products, Tulip Paints & Aleene's Glues- We ordered and got in a variety of slick paints from Tulip. We used these for the adhesive for the Crafty Chica hats. Have an assortment of the Tacky Glues, Fast Grab, Jewel It, No Sew, Liquid Fusion & Ok to wash.

Fabrics- We just got in our Native Pattern in Black and Turquoise, come and get it before it's gone!

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabrics.html

Your privacy is our #1 goal. We will NOT sell or distribute your email address to any businesses, we promise!

If at any time you want to be removed from this list, please reply to this email, remove.

Thanks!
Chris & Svea

Crafty Chica Hat Project on Feb 20, 2010

2010-02-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

Hi There!

We had so much fun making the Crafty Chica Hats! We ironed, glued, glittered and made some amazing hats! Glitter is fun! We were amazed at how cool they were. Check out the pics!!

Thank you Crafty Chica for inspiring this Hat Project!!

We have more classes in store for our Vista Bead Shop!

Our website has a comprehensive list of some amazing craft classes to take this year. So open up your creative side and make some cool stuff!

We sell at our store the Crafty Chica craft supply line, we also can special order any thing you need Crafty Chica.

Our class webpage is:

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html

Crafty Chica's website:

http://www.craftychica.com

May 16th - The SpringLine Up at the North Park Festival of the Arts - Vendor Applications Now

2010-02-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

cThat's right! The NP Craft Mafia will be hosting our Spring Line Up (SLU) at the North Park Festival of the Arts for the second year! Last year we partnered up with the North Park Main St. to combine our SLU event with their Festival of the Arts. Two great events that came together to be even better! The SLU is a combination of artisans, crafters, and entertainment. The Festival of the Arts brings a ton of musical and dance entertainments along with food and more artists. We'll be bringing together a fabulous collection of artists with fantastic products for sale. The 14th Annual North Park Festival of the Arts will place on, Sunday, May 16th, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This FREE neighborhood event takes place in downtown North Park, along University Avenue between 30th and 32nd Street. Past year's events have seen more than 35,000 visitors coming to see the more than 100 specialty booths. Think you might want to have a booth this year? We are now accepting vendor applications! Get in on the "early bird" discount - offer ends Jan. 31st! Visit the NP Main Street's website for more info. about the event at - www.northparkmainstreet.com and use this link to get the Spring Line Up Vendor's Application!

Sunday, May 16th
10 am to 6 p.m.
University Ave. between 30th & 32nd- 92104

Creative Options, your perfect storage solutions that inspire creativity

2010-02-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

We just got in our Creative Options collection for the store. They are very cool! This collection is the new, just introduced the new color combinations: Purple, Avocado, and Goldenrod.

We are offering a 20% off the retail price till the end of March! Also, while supplies last, you will get a gift with purchase if your total pre-tax of Creative Options is $50 or more!

Chris is modelling the Gift with Purchase tote bag. It's very durable and good quality.

And plus it's purple! ;-)

The following pics are of the ones that we received in the store!

This is a great grab and go system. It's compact and has removable storage compartments. We sell additional storage boxes that fit into this system. So it is very versatile!

This is a great standard tote box, that has two levels. It also has extra slide in dividers to customize your crafting organization.

The project tote is a great solution for the crafter on the go. There are many neat compartments for little and large items. Works for many different craft projects from Beading, Scrapbooking to Knitting.

Visit our website for more information about these amazing
storage solutions for your crafting needs.

Creative Options is available in our Vista store. You can special order different sizes and shapes.

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/creativeoptions.html

135 E Broadway, Vista, CA 92084
760-726-2323

Dream Green 100% Recycled Batting perfect for quilting

2010-02-04T17:14:00.001-08:00

The green PET fiber is 100% post-consumer content. By using the close-the-loop recycling chain Dream Green is made from a new generation of polyester fibers. Dream Green fibers set the standard by which all other environmentally friendly fibers are judged because Dream Green is clearly pro-environment in both it's raw sources and in its manufacturing process. Each pound of Dream Green equals 10 bottles saved from burdening our landfills. The number of bottles that you rescue with each batt used is shown beside the size of product purchased. Except for the light green color-Dream Green's quality, performance and function are indistinguishable from virgin polyester fibers. Dream Green is very soft and has excellent drape, wonderful consistency and strength. Dream Green is carded, crosslapped and needle punched. There is no resin or scrim to resist your needle.

Visit our website to purchase this amazing product or see more great native american prints!

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabrics.html

You may confidently stitch up to 12" apart of as closely as you would like. Finished quilts may be dry-cleaned or gently machine washed and dried. Dream Green stays soft and supple. There is no need to prewash Dream Green. Under normal care- there is no shrinkage in Dream Green. Dream Green is excellent for both machine and hand quilting. Bonus! Your scraps and packaging are 100% recyclable!

This product feels the same as the regular thing! And it's eco friendly batting.

What's new for February!

2010-02-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Dancing Bear customers!

Can you believe that a month has gone by, and we are in February! Wow!

You still have time to make your sweetie something for Valentine’s day, it’s only about two weeks away….

Facebook & Twitter, etc-We just added on the front of our website links to our different pages for Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Yelp, Flickr, and our Blog. Please follow, join, review, and be our friends! We will post coupons and specials on Facebook and Twitter.

Dee's classes are on Wednesday's 11am-2pm and Saturday 2:30pm-5:30pm. Please RSVP for classes. Read more info on our website: http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html
Please RSVP call 760-726-2323 or email us at info@dancingbearindiantrader.com

February Craft Project of the Month-We will be doing a once a month craft project in the store. For the month of February, we will have a Craft Project with Crafty Chica products! We will be decorating a hat with an iron on, paint, trim and glitter! It's going to be very cool! If you are interested, please RSVP by Feb 16, space is limited, and plus we have to get the supplies for the class! The class will be $20, on February 20, from 11:00am-2:00pm. That includes the cost of the hat and the supplies to make the project. Please see our classes page for more info and pictures of the projects! You can enroll on our website, check it out! http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/classes.html#feb

Plastic Beads-we are selling them like crazy! We are getting in Colored Skull beads and we have grey & glow in the dark skull beads! Did you know that a lot of our plastic beads are made in the USA?

Lucky Cat, Beckoning Cat-We just started a new department of our store. We sell Lucky Cat merchandise. Ranging from Beads to Statues to Bags. They are very Kawaii (cute) and we think that you might like them. The Lucky Cat is a Japanese tradition. Many of you have been to a Japanese restaurant or a sushi bar, and seen one. The Lucky Cat brings in business, customers and good fortune (luck) to where ever it is located. Preview of our sister website and what we have! http://www.myluckyneko.com

Creative Options, Craft Supply storage-We ordered a bunch of new items for your storage needs. These containers are made by the same company as Plano (fishing tackle boxes) and they are very cool! The color palette is Purple, Lime Green and Yellow. Come in and check out the catalog if you want to special order, we can add to our order shipping out mid February. Also we are doing a promotion with the new Creative Options coming in! If you purchase $50 of Creative Options from our store, you will receive a free tote bag!($15 dollar value) http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/creativeoptions.html

Fabrics-We just got in a bunch of new fabrics! Chargers fleece & cotton, Alexander Henry & Michael Miller. Come in and see the collection. We also now carry in our store a product called Dream Green. It is batting made entirely by plastic bottles. VERY COOL!

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabrics.html

We just went to the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show in Anaheim. It was amazing. We will be bringing in a lot of new merchandise in the next few months. So be sure to stop by and check out our store!

Thanks!
Chris & Svea

Preciosa Crystal Bicones

2009-12-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

Who do you know that buys only Swarovski crystals? We have a brand that is an excellent competitor to Swarovski and is a better price. Would you buy something that costs more, when you can buy something that looks almost the same and costs less?

Have you heard of Preciosa Crystal? Preciosa offers a lot of the same colors and at a fraction of the price! Preciosa is a world leader in the manufacterer of crystal chatons, beads and jewelry components boasting a broad variety of shapes, colors, sizes and coatings. Due to the high lead content of the crystal, Preciosa crystals are more durable, and each precision cut facet emanates an irresistibly brilliant sparkle unparalleled by lower quality imitators. We can order in many different shapes, types, sizes and colors.

Right now we carry almost the full color collection of 4mm bicones in the Preciosa crystal.

Here are the colors of the Preciosa Crystals.
Crystal, Crystal AB, Jet, Jet AB, Black Diamond, Black Diamond AB, Aquamarine, Aquamarine AB, Aqua Bohemica, Aqua Bohemica AB, Light Sapphire, Light Sapphire AB, Sapphire, Sapphire AB, Montana, Montana AB, Capri Blue, Capri Blue AB, Blue Zircon, Blue Zircon AB, Peridot, Peridot AB, Emerald, Emerald AB, Green Turmaline, Green Turmaline AB, Olivine, Olivine AB, Gold Beryl, Gold Beryl AB, Jonquil, Jonquil AB, Citrine, Citrine AB, Topaz, Topaz AB, Lt. Colorado Topaz, Lt. Colorado Topaz AB, Smoked Topaz, Smoked Topaz AB, Light Rose, Light Rose AB, Pink Sapphire, Pink Sapphire AB, Sun, Sun AB, Hyacinth, Hyacinth AB, Light Siam, Light Siam AB, Siam, Siam AB, Amethyst, Amethyst AB, Light Burgundy, Light Burgundy AB, Light Amethyst, Light Amethyst AB, Violet, Violet AB, Alexandrite, Alexandrite AB, Tanzanite, Tanzanite AB, Velvet, Aurum 2x, Honey, Heliotrope, Light Yellow, Pink Candy and many others.

If you want to order from us, the minimum order for crystal is the following:

3mm bicone, 5 gross, starting at $6.25 per gross (144 pieces)
4mm bicone, 2 gross, starting at $6.25 per gross (144 pieces)
6mm bicone, 1 gross, starting at $10.75 per gross (144 pieces)

We offer many of these in stock at our Vista location bead shop. Where else can you find Preciosa in San Diego at our great prices!

2009-11-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

In Store-only Specials for Black Friday
Here is a preview of the first ever Dancing Bear Indian Trader Black Friday sale!

Customers will receive all items below the amount spent.
So if a customer purchases $100, they will get the $75, $50 and $25 promotion GWP.Not applicable to previous purchases.

GWP promotion, while supplies last, no rainchecks. Sales total before tax:
$25-Thread Clippers $4.95 value
$50-Bead Loom $7.50 value
$75-Baby Blanket $12.00 value
$100-$10 gift certificate for Dancing Bear not applicable for:
The Bead Wall, Tradecloth or Consignment Items

9am-10am, Friday Nov. 27, First people through the door,
get a free gift-Peacock Feather retail $4.00, while supplies last, one per family.

This Dancing Bear sale will only be on Friday, Nov. 27, 2009
and Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 Not applicable to previous purchases.

25% off Crafty Chica Products
25% off Iron ons
$1 off Crystal Beads, Strands, Gross Packs
25% off a Selection of Native American made Gifts
25% off Hemp Cord
$1.00 off Safety Pin Angel Kits & Butterfly Kits
25% off Plastic Beads

Black Friday Specials in store!

2009-11-21T11:13:00.001-08:00

This coming Friday is going to be Dancing Bear's first ever Black Friday! And because it's our first Black Friday & Saturday, we are going to have some sweet deals!!

Hours for Friday: 9am-6pm
Hours for Saturday: 9am-6pm

We are going to have our specials for the weekend listed on Thanksgiving Day.
We will post them here on our blog!

We will have a special Christmas on a Budget Class, and surprises for early birds!

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com

Classes at Dancing Bear!

2009-10-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancing Bear Customers!

We have very exciting news! We are going to start classes at our store. Our very first classs will be on Nov 4 from 11am-2pm.

The class will be instructed by Dee, she has been teaching for years! Her jewelry is amazing and you can do it too! Each class session will be $20. She has an open class, so anyone can show up at any point and she will teach you what ever you want to learn. She will be offering her jewelry classes 2 times a week here at Dancing Bear Indian Trader.

Wednesdays 11am-2pm

Saturdays 2:30pm-5:30pm

Please RSVP for your spot for these classes! Email me at svea@dancingbearindiantrader.com

A nice little tote bag for mom or your friends!

2009-06-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

How to make a nice tote bag for Mother's day or for a friend.Get a heavy weight fabric, such as a home decorator weight fabric2 fat quarters (outside fabric)2 fat quarters (lining fabric)2 yards of nylon webbing1 package of contrasting bias tape, double folded (thickness at least 1/2"4 pieces of interfacing, preferably craft fuse, or something heavy.Directions.Fuse your interfacing to all of your fat quarters.Determine the top of your fat quarters.Cut two 3" squares off the bottom corners of each piece.Sew on the bias tape along the top, making sure to put the over lap behind one of the straps.Take 1 yard of the nylon webbing and sew it on in a u shape. start by pinning the webbing 4 inches in from the cut corner, attach to the very bottom of the piece, and measure 4 inches over from the other side, and attach the same way. Make the shape of an upside down u, and pin down, make sure it's straight. You will see that it forms a strap or handle at the top of the FQ that is in a shape of a T.Sew it down on both edges of the nylon webbing, make sure to leave 1" at the top, so that the bias tape can be attached behind. Do this to BOTH sides.Pair up the inside interfaced piece with the outside interfaced piece. Face both pieces together with the outside together.Attach both sides together, first on the bottom. Reinforce the bottom especially where the nylon webbing is in the seam. Seam allowance should be 5/8"Now sew the side seams together, make sure to line them up on the top edge.Now sew together the seam of the cut out 3" square. match the two corners together, this will give you a square bottom for the tote bag.Now that you have the bag sudo done, take your bias tape, and cover the inside seams if you like. And use it to cover the top of the bag. After sewing it on, make a reinforced box with an x in it, at the top of every strap (4 times) Take this opportunity to sew down the area of the strap that allowed for the bias tape to be covered.Voila! It's a tote bag that you can use for any thing, and it also would make a GREAT gift!!!!If you need any fabrics, I have a great collection of Alexander Henry Fabrics, Michael Miller Fabrics, and many others.

There are a lot of fabrics that are avaliable at:

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabric.html
http://www.bellepepper.etsy.com

New fabrics we ordered!!!! Michael Miller makes great designs

2009-05-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancing Bear Indian Trader Customers!

We are really excited to announce that we will be getting in some NEW designs from Michael Miller with Dreamcatchers printed on the fabric! Our Native American themed fabric collection is growing. See our collection at http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabric.html

We sold out of our dreamcatcher fabric from shamash, and it was out of print, so we couldn't get more.

Our sales rep for Michael Miller called us up and told us that she had some stuff that we would like to see. We were so excited, we ordered a bunch of the fabrics, and we also took snapshots of the samples. We should be getting in our inventory at the end of June. We can't wait for all of the fabric. We will be doing presales of this fabric soon.....

WHOA! We got Delicas!! And much much more!

2009-03-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hi There Everyone in Cyberland!

We just got in the shipment, finally! We have a huge collection of Delica Beads. We ordered 11/0 Delicas made by Miyuki. These are the best bead! They are very popular because they are uniform in shape, so they are perfect for any project that requires precision. We ordered over 300 colors.

We ordered in a bunch of tools, triangle bead cups, crimp pliers, hemp cord, special beading rulers, knotting tools, mandrel sets (to make your own jumprings), soft flex, fireline, metal measuring gauges. Ahh, it's so cool to get in all of this good stuff for craft making!

We hope to see you soon! Come on by and say hi! Our Bead Shop is in Vista, Our address is:

135 E Broadway, Vista, CA 92084 Call us at: 760-726-2323 (BEAD)

Our website is: http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com

the Store is progressing....

2009-01-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Here is an update on our store, We have been putting up all of the beads on the wall. They look spectacular! Just like at our booth, the wall of beads is the focal point of the store.

Front of Store

Inside View

Another View of the store

Wall of beads

We also have a fabric room! Our fabrics are starting to fill up the space beautifully! We are so excited to see it progress. Did you know that we sell quilter's quality fabrics from: Alexander Henry, Michael Miller fabrics, David Textiles, Robert Kaufman, High Fashion fabrics, Shamash Fabrics, Andover fabrics, Windham Fabrics, just to name some of them...

Doorway into fabric room

Shelf of fabric bolts

We will be getting in some new fabrics from Blank Quilting and we will have a Belle Pepper Fabrics corner as well. This collection is a unique one, it is a collection of skull prints, mexican day of the dead, retro prints, from Alexander Henry, Michael Miller, just to name a few. This collection has home dec weights and Hello Kitty fabrics! They have an Etsy store: http://bellepepper.etsy.com/ if you would like to see the preview. Some of the fabrics are also previewed on this post.

Our Native American collection of fabrics, we have been told, is very good! We have found so many different fabrics, some of them are out of print. We have over 50 different designs of fabric! Some of the images are of tipi villages, northwest coast totem poles, horses, beaded flower designs, kachinas, chili peppers, native american baskets, silver conchos, ledger drawing, kokopeli and other southwest designs. Here is our collection online: http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabric.html

Email us if you want to be added to our mailing list!svea@dancingbearindiantrader.comOur website is:http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/We sell these items. Not all of them are on the website with shopping cart links. We have been working on the website as well as attending powwows and running business, please be patient with us, there is so much to put onto the website! We have a comprehensive collection of Native American craft supplies for any Native American project. We strive to find new items all the time. If you are looking for something and don't know where to get it, please ask us! We probably have it or can get for you! We hope you will be our customer, and that you think we are the #1 Indian Craft Supply, the go to, for your personal crafting needs!Czech glass beads, Czech Beads, Firepolish Czech Beads, Fire Polish Beads, Native American Craft Books, Abalone Shells, Blue Abalone, Green Abalone, Mexican Green Abalone, Yellow Abalone, Deluxe Smudge Kits, Dentillium Shells, Elk Teeth, Carved Bone Elk Teeth, Jewelry Tools, Native American Fabric, Indian fabric, 8 band tradecloth, red wool tradecloth, blue wool tradecloth, black wool tradecloth, orange wool tradecloth, charlotte beads, miyuki beads, Japanese beads, Native American patterns, Feathers, Furs, Beaver skins, White Sage Bundles, Sweet Grass Braids, Native Herbs, Bear Berry, Deer Tongue, Red Willow, Star Anise, Spearmint, Mullen, Ceramic Beads, Teeny Tiny Peruvian Beads, Pewter Pendants, Rhinestone banding, Hot Fix Preciosa Crystals, Abalone Disks, White Clam Disks, Blue Mussel, Cowrie shells, Shawl Fringe, Shawl Cuts, Floral Scarves, Redwood Jingles, Indian Time Jingles, Fat quarters, horsehair, dyed horsehair, baby blankets, native american fleece blanket, old time beads, crow beads, nymo thread, John James beading needles, John James glovers needles, John James sharps needles, Stretch Magic, Tigertail, Gemstone beads, hawk bells... more will be added soon...

Dancing Bear Indian Trader and Google Calendar, what a great combo!

2008-12-29T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends!

The google calendar is a great improvement to our website. We will be updating all of the powwow schedules, and future store classes with this great online tool.

There are three tabs, week, month & agenda. If you click those you will see that there are many options to view the calendar.

Also you can click the print icon! And if you have google calendar, you can add an event to your calendar from our calendar.

You can also subscribe to our calendar!

Now with those features, isn't this a cool thing to help you keep in contact with the powwow trail and Dancing Bear???

We look forward to seeing you in our store or at a powwow soon!

Chris and Don Tracy.

Email us if you want to be added to our mailing list!
svea@dancingbearindiantrader.com
Our website is:
http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/
We sell these items. Not all of them are on the website with shopping cart links. We have been working on the website as well as attending powwows and running business, please be patient with us, there is so much to put onto the website! We have a comprehensive collection of Native American craft supplies for any Native American project. We strive to find new items all the time. If you are looking for something and don't know where to get it, please ask us! We probably have it or can get for you! We hope you will be our customer, and that you think we are the #1 Indian Craft Supply, the go to, for your personal crafting needs!Czech glass beads, Czech Beads, Firepolish Czech Beads, Fire Polish Beads, Native American Craft Books, Abalone Shells, Blue Abalone, Green Abalone, Mexican Green Abalone, Yellow Abalone, Deluxe Smudge Kits, Dentillium Shells, Elk Teeth, Carved Bone Elk Teeth, Jewelry Tools, Native American Fabric, Indian fabric, 8 band tradecloth, red wool tradecloth, blue wool tradecloth, black wool tradecloth, orange wool tradecloth, charlotte beads, miyuki beads, Japanese beads, Native American patterns, Feathers, Furs, Beaver skins, White Sage Bundles, Sweet Grass Braids, Native Herbs, Bear Berry, Deer Tongue, Red Willow, Star Anise, Spearmint, Mullen, Ceramic Beads, Teeny Tiny Peruvian Beads, Pewter Pendants, Rhinestone banding, Hot Fix Preciosa Crystals, Abalone Disks, White Clam Disks, Blue Mussel, Cowrie shells, Shawl Fringe, Shawl Cuts, Floral Scarves, Redwood Jingles, Indian Time Jingles, Fat quarters, horsehair, dyed horsehair, baby blankets, native american fleece blanket, old time beads, crow beads, nymo thread, John James beading needles, John James glovers needles, John James sharps needles, Stretch Magic, Tigertail, Gemstone beads, hawk bells... more will be added soon...

Attention, Attention, Dancing Bear Indian Trader proudly announces, "The Store"

2008-11-17T15:48:00.001-08:00

We here are so excited, we have just signed a lease for a retail location for Dancing Bear Indian Trader. We found a really nice, convienient, and great size location just one street over from the downtown Vista shopping district. We will focus on providing the same excellent customer service, and a huge selection of craft supplies for any project ranging from Native American Regalia to beaded jewelry!

Our location will be 135 E. Broadway, Vista, CA.

We will have more information as the time grows near, about our phone number, hours, etc.

Our store will carry an expanded collection of craft supplies such as:

Native American fabrics

Novelty Cotton Fabrics

8 Band Trade Cloth

Baby Blankets & Throws

Sterling Silver Findings

Czech Bead Wall

Japanese Seed Beads

Silver Plated findings

Gold Plated findings

Thread and Needles

Bone Beads

Gemstone Beads

Tin Cones

Hairpipe assorted sizes

Shawl Fringe & Shawl Cuts

Assorted Leather goods

Hot Fix Crystals

Rhinestone Banding

Feathers

and more!

We are so excited the possibilities are endless!!!!

Email us if you want to be added to our mailing list!

svea@dancingbearindiantrader.com

Our website is:

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/

We sell these items. Not all of them are on the website with shopping cart links. We have been working on the website as well as attending powwows and running business, please be patient with us, there is so much to put onto the website! We have a comprehensive collection of Native American craft supplies for any Native American project. We strive to find new items all the time. If you are looking for something and don't know where to get it, please ask us! We probably have it or can get for you! We hope you will be our customer, and that you think we are the #1 Indian Craft Supply, the go to, for your personal crafting needs!Czech glass beads, Czech Beads, Firepolish Czech Beads, Fire Polish Beads, Native American Craft Books, Abalone Shells, Blue Abalone, Green Abalone, Mexican Green Abalone, Yellow Abalone, Deluxe Smudge Kits, Dentillium Shells, Elk Teeth, Carved Bone Elk Teeth, Jewelry Tools, Native American Fabric, Indian fabric, 8 band tradecloth, red wool tradecloth, blue wool tradecloth, black wool tradecloth, orange wool tradecloth, charlotte beads, miyuki beads, Japanese beads, Native American patterns, Feathers, Furs, Beaver skins, White Sage Bundles, Sweet Grass Braids, Native Herbs, Bear Berry, Deer Tongue, Red Willow, Star Anise, Spearmint, Mullen, Ceramic Beads, Teeny Tiny Peruvian Beads, Pewter Pendants, Rhinestone banding, Hot Fix Preciosa Crystals, Abalone Disks, White Clam Disks, Blue Mussel, Cowrie shells, Shawl Fringe, Shawl Cuts, Floral Scarves, Redwood Jingles, Indian Time Jingles, Fat quarters, horsehair, dyed horsehair, baby blankets, native american fleece blanket, old time beads, crow beads, nymo thread, John James beading needles, John James glovers needles, John James sharps needles, Stretch Magic, Tigertail, Gemstone beads, hawk bells... more will be added soon...

NEW RHINESTONE BANDING!!

2008-06-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

We just got in lots of new product! Among the good stuff, we got in Blue stone/Blue background, and Green stone/Green background rhinestone banding! It is just so COOL!

I just wanted to let you know.

We will be adding it shortly to our website.

Visit our website at:

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/

We sell these items. Not all of them are on the website with shopping cart links. We have been working on the website as well as attending powwows and running business, please be patient with us, there is so much to put onto the website! We have a comprehensive collection of Native American craft supplies for any Native American project. We strive to find new items all the time. If you are looking for something and don't know where to get it, please ask us! We probably have it or can get for you! We hope you will be our customer, and that you think we are the #1 Indian Craft Supply, the go to, for your personal crafting needs!Czech glass beads, Czech Beads, Firepolish Czech Beads, Fire Polish Beads, Native American Craft Books, Abalone Shells, Blue Abalone, Green Abalone, Mexican Green Abalone, Yellow Abalone, Deluxe Smudge Kits, Dentillium Shells, Elk Teeth, Carved Bone Elk Teeth, Jewelry Tools, Native American Fabric, Indian fabric, 8 band tradecloth, red wool tradecloth, blue wool tradecloth, black wool tradecloth, orange wool tradecloth, charlotte beads, miyuki beads, Japanese beads, Native American patterns, Feathers, Furs, Beaver skins, White Sage Bundles, Sweet Grass Braids, Native Herbs, Bear Berry, Deer Tongue, Red Willow, Star Anise, Spearmint, Mullen, Ceramic Beads, Teeny Tiny Peruvian Beads, Pewter Pendants, Rhinestone banding, Hot Fix Preciosa Crystals, Abalone Disks, White Clam Disks, Blue Mussel, Cowrie shells, Shawl Fringe, Shawl Cuts, Floral Scarves, Redwood Jingles, Indian Time Jingles, Fat quarters, horsehair, dyed horsehair, baby blankets, native american fleece blanket, old time beads, crow beads, nymo thread, John James beading needles, John James glovers needles, John James sharps needles, Stretch Magic, Tigertail, Gemstone beads, hawk bells... more will be added soon...

San Luis Rey Mission Powwow

2008-06-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

12th ANNUAL INTERTRIBAL POWWOW AT THE HISTORICAL
SAN LUIS REY MISSION IN OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA.

A CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICAL CULTURE AND HERITAGE.

Oceanside, Ca-San Luis Rey Mission Indian Foundation will sponsor the San Luis Rey Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Twelfth Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow on Saturday and Sunday, June 14th and 15th, 2008. This free two-day event shares with the community local tribal history and spiritual traditions of the Luiseno people.

The Powwow will be held Saturday, June 14th and Sunday June 15th, on the grounds of the Old Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA.

The event schedule is as follows: Saturday, June 14, 2008, 9:00 am-11:00 pm; Sunday, June 15, 2008, 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Gourd Dancing will start at 10:00 am both days. Grand Entry will be at Noon & 7:00 pm on Saturday, and at Noon on Sunday. Intertribal and Competition Dancing will follow Grand Entries on both days. More information about this event can be found at: http://slrmissionindians.org/

The powwow will feature the following individuals:
Master of Ceremonies-Henry Allen (Dine/Navajo)
Arena Director-Dave Plunkett (Algonquin Golden Lake Reservation)
Head Man Dancer-David Patterson (Kickapoo/Sac Fox)
Head Woman Dancer-Marcia Patterson (Cheyenne)
Head Young Man Dancer-Michael Cadotte (Lakota)
Head Young Girl Dancer-Olivia Salgado (Luiseno/Cahuilla)
Northern Host Drum-Red Oak (Intertribal)
Southern Host Drum-Red Warrior (Kiowa)
Head Gourd Dancer-Norman Pico (Luiseno/Pechanga)
Spiritual Advisor-Robert John Knapp (Seneca/Tubotolobol)
Invited Drum-White Cloud Singers (Laguna Pueblo)
Whipman-Rand Guzman (Folkes)

Powwows celebrate Native American culture and many different tribes will be represented in dance, art, and music. The event consists of Gourd Dancing, Grand Entries, Intertribal Dancing, and Competition Dancing including: Northern and Southern Traditional, Grass, Fancy, Fancy Shawl, and Jingle. Indian tacos and fry bread are a favorite among participants and spectators alike. Visitors will enjoy shopping and browsing through the vendor village consisting of many unusual and unique Native American jewelry, artwork, music and crafts. The public is invited and welcomed to come, enjoy and learn about Native American culture.

Information posted by: Dancing Bear Indian Trader

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com

Our products include the following:

Dancing Bear has a great new source for Green Abalone, Yellow Abalone Shells! Beautiful from Mexico.

2008-05-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

Did you know that we sell Green Abalone aka Blue Abalone and Yellow Abalone! We have the best quality shells, they are premium quality, excellent color, and have very little growth on the outer shell. The colors are just amazing.

Our source provides us with shells that are very fresh. They are protected from sunlight, so they are not dried out.

Check out the pictures below to see what we are talking about.

They are just beautiful.

Here is the link to our Abalone page on our site:

http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/greenabalone.html

Green abalone is the best type of abalone for color.

Our abalone is imported from Mexico.

Our Website:

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/

Free pattern for hotfix crystals! Perfect for Native American Regalia!

2008-05-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

Mountian Pattern Hotfix crystal applique for any Native American regalia. Photographed on German tanned buckskin.

Items needed per pattern:

6 Light Siam 4mm Hotfix crystal

9 Rose 4mm Hotfix crystal

12 Capri Blue 4mm Hotfix crystal

15 Peridot 4mm Hotfix crystal

Each pattern starts from the bottom of the capri blue triangle to the last pink triangle bottom. Approx measurement of the crystals, 6-4mm crystals, approx 24mm (approx 15/16")

Crystals avaliable on our website at: http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/hotfixcrystals.html

These hotfix crystals will stick to anything! The picture below shows the reflective qualities of the crystals. We were just dazzled by the sparkling, and saw the reflections on the ceiling and walls from having this crystal pattern in the sunlight! There is no picture, really that can capture this.

We sell the bejeweler pro. This tool was used to make this design. It is a nice tool. We were very impressed with the ergonomic handle and the versitility of the interchangable tips! The tool heats up quickly, and makes using hotfix crystals really easy!

The link on our site for this is:

http://dancingbearindiantrader.com/hotfixcrystals.html

We have a crystal pattern for designing available for free. Just email Chris at: chris@dancingbearindiantrader.com

She can email the file to you, so that you can design your own hotfix crystal pattern at home! The possibilities are endless!!! Oh wouldn't a dress covered in these rhinestones just be beautiful???

Visit our website at:

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/

Christine Tracy, honored as Head Woman at California Hethushka powwow on March 2, 2008 in Torrance, CA

2008-04-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Chris and Don Tracy

What an honor! Chris was asked to be the head woman dancer at the California Hethushka & powwow on March 2, 2008 in Torrance, CA. Thank you Jerry and Diana Smith for putting in the recommendation!

Dancers at the Hethushka

In recent years Don has been dancing in the Hethushka war dance every March. Chris has always been there to support him, dancing in place at the side of the arena when necessary thoughout the afternoon and evening. It was quite an honor to be asked this year to be on the Sunday powwow head staff.

Chris has been a part of the Southern California Native American community for many years. Both she and her husband, Don, are well respected on the Southern California Powwow Trail. She was brought into the arena by Merle Big Medicine, Southern Cheyenne. Merle considers Chris as one of her daughters and is very proud of Chris’ beadwork.

Frank Turley, Darry Wood, Ty Stewart, Ricky Hindman-Burt (Ponca) and Sandy Rhodes posing for a picture. Listed from left.

Chris and Don Tracy at giveaway

So many things to do to get ready for the Special besides running the Internet business and Dancing Bear craft supply booth! Chris asked Ben Hale, Dine, a close family friend and well known member of the Southern California Hale family, to speak for her. Always an elegant speaker, he did a wonderful job! Thank you Ben!

Barry Hamilton, Don & Chris Tracy thanking Jerry & Diana Smith

Chris also invited her good powwow dance buddy, Carolyn Reyes (Ojibwee), to be her assistant and help her dress for the powwow Sunday morning. Carolyn also made sure Chris was on time to start each dance during the afternoon! Not much time for visiting at the side of the arena when you are Head Dancer! Carolyn is an elegant, accomplished and champion traditional jingle dress dancer. In 2006 she placed 3rd in Golden Age Jingle at The Gathering of Nations Powwow!! Thanks for all the help! And thank you to Fidel, Carolyn’s husband, for helping with the gifts during the Give Away. Fidel had a whole system worked out for it!

Barry Hamilton, Don & Chris Tracy thanking Saginaw Grant

Barry Hamilton, Don & Chris Tracy, Ben Hale thanking David Spellerberg
Background pictured left: Fidel & Carolyn Reyes

Chris honored those who support her in the community as well as the California Hethuska and the Ponca drum, headed by Henry Cummings. She called up Saginaw Grant, Ben Hale, Jerry and Diana Smith, Ken Tsuji, David Moller (the Head Man), Frank Turley, Ty Stewart, Darry Wood, Barbara Stumbling Bear, Pete Buffalohead, Barry Hamilton (Southern Cheyenne, who stood up with Chris as family), and Carolyn and Fidel Reyes.

What a wonderful afternoon!

For more information about the California Hethuska:

http://www.ciha.net

Preciosa HOT FIX CRYSTALS! Modern Technology at work!

2008-04-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Swarovski Hotfix, or Crystal Hotfix crystals?

We just started to carry genuine Czech Crystal rhinestones with Hot Fix for easy attachment. These rhinestones are great quality, they sparkle like diamonds! Hot Fix crystals are great for any project, practically anything that you would like to embellish with sparkle.

We buy Preciosa Crystal. What is Preciosa? Preciosa is a Czech crystal brand. It is direct competition for Swarovski. The prices are better & the glitter factor is the very close! Why pay more for a comparable product. We are so excited about these hot fix crystals. They can be placed anywhere! The Hot Fix adhesive is permanent. It can handle dry cleaning and even machine washing. Hot Fix Crystals can be attached to fabric, leather, plastic, metal. What is nice about the hot fix crystals? No more mess with glue. Put the crystal where you want it, and place the Hot Fix Gun on the crystal. Heat up the glue on the back, and you have an INSTANT bond that is permanent!

We carry many different Colors of crystals:
Crystal, Light Ruby, Rose Pink, Citrine, Peridot, Aqua, Capri Blue, & Amethyst. MORE COLORS COMING SOON!

Size available: 16ss (4 mm approx)we will carry more sizes soon.

We sell a Hot Fix Gun. This gun has interchangeable tips for all of the different sizes. Graceful and stylish, the New Generation BeJeweler Pro electric rhinestone applicator has true ergonomic styling!
This professional model features:
• A design patented soft handle that maximizes productivity while preventing operator fatigue and discomfort
• A short nozzle to allow the ultimate precision placement
• Universal voltage for use with either 110 or 220 volts
• Professional, sleek packaging with instructions
• Rhinestone tips in 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm sizes that are etched for easy size identification
• Hot Spot (flat) tip for applying all other size/shape hot-fix embellishments
• Deep support stand holds tool firmly
• Includes an insert with detailed directions and pattern, plus a free matching blue cleaning brush!
• Flared tip on handle helps prevent fingers from touching heated metal.Beyond question, the best hot-fix rhinestone tool ever designed!

This is our link to our website for the hot fix Preciosa Crystals.

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/hotfixcrystals.html

Feel free to visit our website:

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/

We sell these items. Not all of them are on the website with shopping cart links. We have been working on the website as well as attending powwows and running business, please be patient with us, there is so much to put onto the website! We have a comprehensive collection of Native American craft supplies for any Native American project. We strive to find new items all the time. If you are looking for something and don't know where to get it, please ask us! We probably have it or can get for you! We hope you will be our customer, and that you think we are the #1 Indian Craft Supply, the go to, for your personal crafting needs!Czech glass beads, Czech Beads, Firepolish Czech Beads, Fire Polish Beads, Native American Craft Books, Abalone Shells, Blue Abalone, Green Abalone, Mexican Green Abalone, Yellow Abalone, Deluxe Smudge Kits, Dentillium Shells, Elk Teeth, Carved Bone Elk Teeth, Jewelry Tools, Native American Fabric, Indian fabric, 8 band tradecloth, red wool tradecloth, blue wool tradecloth, black wool tradecloth, orange wool tradecloth, charlotte beads, miyuki beads, Japanese beads, Native American patterns, Feathers, Furs, Beaver skins, White Sage Bundles, Sweet Grass Braids, Native Herbs, Bear Berry, Deer Tongue, Red Willow, Star Anise, Spearmint, Mullen, Ceramic Beads, Teeny Tiny Peruvian Beads, Pewter Pendants, Rhinestone banding, Hot Fix Preciosa Crystals, Abalone Disks, White Clam Disks, Blue Mussel, Cowrie shells, Shawl Fringe, Shawl Cuts, Floral Scarves, Redwood Jingles, Indian Time Jingles, Fat quarters, horsehair, dyed horsehair, baby blankets, native american fleece blanket, old time beads, crow beads, nymo thread, John James beading needles, John James glovers needles, John James sharps needles, Stretch Magic, Tigertail, Gemstone beads, hawk bells... more will be added soon...

Rhinestones for your sparkle factor!

2008-04-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

We are always looking for the latest and greatest to improve and add more variety to the selection of crafting supplies avaliable to our crafty creative customers.

We found czech crystal rhinestone banding with colored backgrounds! We were jumping up and down, because these are really COOL! The background colors are a bright primary red and light yellow, apple green and dark sky blue. There are so many different applications that these can be used for. And they are not your traditional white, black or clear background! They would work well for comtemporary Native American dance regalia! Great for Native American bead projects, edging, hair ties, earrings, bags, or just anything that needs a sparkle! The colors are great because they are different and colorful, this combination makes for good craft materials.

Don't worry, we will continue to carry the standard backrounds:white, black and clear. And stone color: crystal and crystal AB.

We also found czech crystal COLORED rhinestone banding! We were just so excited, that we couldn't wait to tell everyone. The colored rhinestones at this time are avaliable in red (light ruby) and bright pink (rose). We are thinking about carrying more colors too. There are many other colors available.

We were thinking that we had hit the jackpot. We didn't think it could get better. Our supplier also has hot fix czech crystals. For those who don't know about hot fix crystals, this is a new way to attach single crystals to fabric and practically anything. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. We tested out the strength of the glue on my dog's collar. She wore her collar for at least one month, and guess what, the crystals were still attached. The glue can withstand drycleaning and washing. The crystals are attached by a tool that looks like a soldering gun. It has special tips that can be interchanged. We have been sourcing this hot fix crystal gun, so pretty soon we will be selling it on our website and in our booth at powwows. These crystals are perfect for beading projects. They can be put anywhere and they don't need to be sewn on. How easy is that? Imagine being able to put a single rhinestone accents here and there in your bead work. AWESOME. We will have them available for purchase soon.

Please visit our website at: http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/

WOW so much rain and bead hanks!

2008-02-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

It has been really rainy here in San Diego, specifically Vista, California. Last week it snowed in the mountians, it was just beautiful!

These pictures are just a perfect example of California life. Traffic... and Palm Trees with Snowy mountians.

It has been really cold here in Vista. We have working hard hand tying all of those hanks of Czech Beads, so that all of our wonderful customers can pick out all of the colors for their amazing Native American beaded projects.

This year we are really excited about the season starting, we have added many new colors in all of the Czech beads and Japanese Miyuki beads. We have added to our inventory many new Native American, Southwest, theme fabrics.

Oh! And big news, we are going to make our Dancing Bear Native American fleece throws in many of our popular fabrics!!

We look forward to seeing you at the California State University Long Beach Powwow. March 8-9, 2008

Chris and Don Tracy

Dancing Bear Indian Trader

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/

Our bead selection page

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/beadindex.html

Our fabrics page

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/ndfabrics.html

Traditional Native American Dress Shells and Elk Teeth

2008-02-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

Elk teeth, cowrie shells and dentillium shells have been used for the decoration of traditional Native American women’s capes, dresses and other craft items from old times to the very modern present.

ELK TEETH

In the old days it was a sign of wealth to have the top half of your dress covered with elk teeth. Only two “ivories” could be had from each elk hunted. As a result elk teeth were highly prized for their decorative value. Even today these elk “ivories” are very much in demand. Genuine elk teeth are like the “gold standard” of Native American craft items. Each year the price of a matched pair goes up and up, and they are not readily available. You have to be lucky to be at the right place at the right time to run into someone who is willing to sell or trade a pair of genuine elk teeth. Most hunters today, whether native or non-native, treasure the ivories for themselves or for their families.

You might be surprised to know that the “imitation elk tooth” existed in the old days too! Examples of carved bone (imitation) elk teeth have been found on antique dresses and pieces of regalia.

As a result of their scarcity, today there are several styles of PLASTIC, CARVED BONE and SIMULATED ELK TEETH available on the market. At any given Powwow you will see Native American women in beautiful traditional dresses adorned in these IMITATION ELK TEETH, and of course you still see dresses adorned in REAL ELK TEETH too!

Dancing Bear is happy to supply a variety of “imitation” elk teeth for your craft use on dresses, ear rings, necklaces, hair ties, bandoliers, bags, breastplates, etc.

COWRIE SHELLS

The Money Cowrie was the shell used on old time Native American dresses. It has a yellow ochre color and is characterized by the dimpled bottom of the shell. One hole was drilled on the narrow top for attachment to dresses and other items. Long before European contact, these shells were an important trade item in North America which were brought inland from the Pacific coast by Native American traders. They were rare, and had a high trade value. Thus the name “Money” Cowrie.

The Ring Top Cowrie is a modern import from

Southeast Asia which has become very popular

in the 20th Century through the present. It is characterized by an orangish line which “rings” the top of the shell. Thus the name “Ring Top”. They are a grayish on top with a cream-colored edge and underside.

COWRIE SHELL SEQUINS

These are available exclusively through Dancing Bear Indian Trader. They are cut from ring top and money cowries to reveal the rich, purple color on the inside of the shell. These rounded discs, with a center hole like a sequin, can be stitched down in a line on buckskin like white clam shell hishi. The effect is amazing!

DENTILLIUM SHELLS

The dentillium shell is another old time trade item of great value that made its way from the Pacific Northwest east to the interior of North America. It was the most prized of the trade shells. A dress with a full cape of dentillium shells was said to be worth several horses in trade. To complete her outfit, a woman might wear one or two pairs of long, multi-tiered dentillium earrings. Dentillium chokers were also worn by both men and women.

On the Northern Plains, besides on dresses, dentillium shells were often stitched onto dress sleeves and hems in various patterns as decorative motifs.

The old time dentillium has a smooth, shiny surface and is a golden color which can vary from whitish to cream to brownish. Unfortunately these old time shells are next to impossible to get.

The ridged, white dentillium from Southeast Asia is the shell that has been readily available in recent years. It varies in length from ½” to 2” (premium size). It is fairly inexpensive, but select, long shells can be pricey. The drawback with ridged dentillium is that they are brittle and often break in pieces after they have been made into something.

Recently a smooth, white, stronger dentillium has become available. It is also imported from Asia. It tends to be much longer on average than the ridged dentillium, and the price is not too high. There seems to be a resurgence of dentillium dress capes on the powwow circuit. Native American women are starting to use the smooth dentillium for dress capes as it makes up very nicely and does not cost too much.

Smooth Dentillium

These are a recent import from India and are a great substitute for the difficult, if not impossible to get old time dentillium. They are much stronger than the ridged dentillium and tend to run long, most being 1-1/4” to 1-1/2” inches in length or more. Traditional ladies have been using them to make their beautiful dress capes. They work up quickly with stunning results.

Dentillium Cape making tip: Sort the shells by length. Start with shorter shells around the neck. Gradually work up in size as you go so the outside rows have the longest shells. If you start with the longest shells at the neck, you will end up wasting a lot of shells. . Use a heavy cotton thread for sewing the shells as their sharp edges will cut thinner threads like Nymo or sewing threads. Use a double mercerized crochet thread (it won’t shrink) that is fairly thick. This thicker thread will hold up for a long time.

We sell all of these above mentioned items.

http://www.dancingbearindiantrader.com/

If you have any questions, or would like to contact me about your project, feel free to email me at: chris@dancingbearindiantrader.com

Native American War Pony Quilt Directions

2008-01-14T12:03:00.001-08:00

Supplies needed:

1 FQ of Red Tipis
1 FQ of Black Tipis
1 FQ of Beige Running Horses
1 FQ of Black Running Horses
Batting
Red Thread
Turquoise Thread
Red Acrylic Paint

Blue Acrylic Paint
Yellow Acrylic Paint
Small thin paint brush
Sewing Machine
Rotary Cutter or Scissors
Cutting board
Pins
Safety Pin

Directions:

Press both Horse fabrics so that they are not creased.
Use a paper plate as a palette, and small thin brush.
Water down the acrylic so that it is a bit thinner than the original consistency (not dripping, think of it as an ink). You want to have it just right so that you can use the paint to soak in a bit. Practice on scrap material before using the Horse fabric.

Cut the Red and Black Tipis in 4 long pieces 4.5” x 22” with a Rotary Cutter or Scissors
Pair the Red Tipis with the Black Horses and Black Tipis with the Beige Horses. Make sure to pay attention to the orientation of the designs.
Pin one strip to the top and bottom of each piece of the horses FQs. Right sides together.Sew ¼” seam along the top and bottom of each horse fabric piece.
Press the seams towards the center.
Pin strips to both sides of the horse fabric pieces.Pair the Red Tipis with the Black Horses and Black Tipis with the Beige Horses. There will be an extra amount on these lengths, make sure to allow for the selvage to be trimmed.Make sure to pay attention to the orientation of the designs.
Sew ¼” seam along the sides of each horse fabric piece.
Press the seams towards the center.

You have your two pieces. Pin the seams down, and use a decorative stitch to go along the edge of the Tipi border of each piece, using a contrasting color for the thread. We used a decorative triangle stitch with turquoise colored embroidery thread.

Cut a piece of batting for each completed mini horse quilt.
Center horse fabric piece, with tipis on batting and use safety pins to attach in several places starting from the center and working out. About every 3”-4” place a pin.

Decorative quilting:
Outline horses with red thread.
Circles in the background with red thread.

If your machine has a free-motion feature, it works great for this design.
Drop feed dog in sewing machine and stitch moving the fabric around with your hands outlining the horses, or making circles in the background.

Variation:You can make 2 of each color and make a throw size blanket with these panels. They can be sewn together to make a pillow case, placemat, table runner. It’s really endless what you can do with them!

Have fun!

Chris Tracy

To see more details, please visit our Native American fabrics page.

Dancing Bear Native American Fabrics