CheCheKataWan

CheCheKataWan, meaning MoonFireWoman- along with my hand designed logos- represent innate interconnectedness. We need nothing to make us whole. We are already connected. This is my reflection to you. As part of this interconnected whole, and to walk in good relational practices with the earth, I have joined the SoulTrees Partnership Program; for every piece of jewelry purchased, I donate five US dollars to the non-profit TreeSisters- with that, they plant approximately ten trees. Three pieces purchased means thirty trees planted! Weaving, and reweaving...

CheCheKataWan celebrates the mindful return to the earth and the celebration of reverence. I impliment the term eco-mindful, to remind us we all weave an impact upon this planet and each other. I seek to share that jewelry is not about making people beautiful- we already are! The skill sets I hone, and talismans I forge, are for inspiring the mind, heart, and spirit, and creating connection with the ancient earth we derive from, and are a part of.

I hold my creation process and talismans to a strict rule set, so that I may support the earth as it is supporting us. I source materials from local, reputable sellers, and straight from the source! I only work with untreated stones, that are 100% natural. Solid bronze and brass( ethical alternatives to gold or silver, as they are less environmentally impactful) are the only metals I weave with. I implement locally made, 100% recycled, biodegradable, plant based packaging materials for shipping- some is hand pressed and plantable, with wildflower seeds! The Priority Mail packages I ship with are Sustainable Forestry Certified, and recyclable and or compostable.

I take care to design durable, heirloom quality jewelry. While I craft dependable pieces of wearable art, treating all adornments with care will keep them strong for years! When donning my, or other jewelry creations, avoid wearing them into water, or other places where they could be harshly handled or exposed to strong oils or substances. To clean a piece, simply give a good rub with a jeweler's cloth- some stones will degrade in water. If you experience any trouble, or have any questions feel free to reach out!

Gemstones have been revered for millennia; this long relationship between humans and stones has allowed for many shifts and changes- including reproduction! Many faux-gems or stones made to appear as more rare or expensive gems are commonly offered; many of these are marketed as 'natural' or 'organic', as these are not legally controlled terms in jewelry. My study of gems has helped me offer real gemstones that are only polished. None of the stones I provide are dyed, heat treated, irradiated, lead glass filled, etc. I work to share authentic, earth created, untreated gems.

I began to experiment with Jewelry more in depth when I was about ten years old. I watched my father create, and applied my love of art to this facet! Over the years I have developed my own habitudes: creating out of all natural materials, making heirloom quality pieces, forging in mindful relationship with the earth and future generations. I have been featured in book, show, and other formats. I am an award winning, primarily self taught Artist, and I am working for fair pay for artisans. Every purchase from me plants trees( and flowers, see the packaging)!

One of human begins' skills is storytelling. The perception we weave dramatically frames our life! There persists a burgeoning tale that humans are the enemy of all the world- that we must be to survive. Yet the world is home, medicine, food, ancestry. There is also an ancient knowing that we are a single, entwined piece of all that is. Many indigenous peoples hold this as truth. In any moment, we have the power to weave our own tale! A tale with unity, balance, mindfulness, and spirit is beneficial to far more than ourselves. When we are mindful, it is hard to be, or see, 'enemy'. For thriving of all- plant, animal, stone, metal, etc.- we must choose mindfulness, and help support all generations to come... and be responsible ancestors.