Lorene Willis - Leather & Textile Artisan
My name is Lorene Willis, and I am a citizen of the Jicarilla Apache Nation. I grew up in rural Oklahoma and now reside in Dulce, New Mexico. I create handcrafted handbags and totes using leather, wool, and Navajo-woven rugs, incorporating elements like antler, silver, sinew, and bone to embellish my designs. My work is inspired by Native American culture, and I also make medicine bags, cedar bags, and other functional pieces used in traditional healing practices. I enhance my creations with beads, turquoise, and other meaningful adornments, sourcing materials from Etsy, eBay, local leather stores, and trading posts, as well as acquiring Navajo rugs from people I know.
I learned to sew in high school, and my mother taught me how to bead. My love for bags led me to start designing and making my own, tailoring them to fit my needs. Over time, I expanded my creativity, making more bags just for the enjoyment of the craft. Eventually, I realized others appreciated my work, which encouraged me to start selling them.
My creative process takes place in my private sewing studio, where I listen to music and gradually develop each design. I work intuitively, letting the materials and layout guide me, almost like solving a puzzle. My daughter says I love creating because it challenges me the way a puzzle does—I piece together different elements until everything fits perfectly.
For me, the most rewarding part of crafting is seeing a unique piece come to life. I take great satisfaction in completing a bag that I love to look at, and when someone else appreciates it, it makes the experience even more fulfilling.
I am honored to have received an award for the best traditional dress at a local event, recognizing the craftsmanship and cultural significance of my work. Every piece I create carries a connection to my heritage, and I hope that when customers receive one of my bags, they feel the thought, care, and tradition that went into making it.
About the Indigenous Artisans Collective
Etsy and Nest are proud to support the Indigenous Artisans Collective, the latest cohort within the Etsy Uplift Makers Program, featuring shops from Indigenous makers affiliated with 10 Indigenous groups across the United States and the First Nations of Canada.
Many of the makers practice craft skills that have been inspired by or passed down from family and community mentors. Product collections include meticulously handcrafted home goods, jewelry and other accessories, in honor of the maker’s culture and heritage. Amongst many Indigenous communities, traditional handcraft continues to hold significant cultural value, as well as economic opportunity.
Through the Uplift Makers: Indigenous Artisans Collective, Etsy and Nest are helping to create digital market access and economic opportunities for Indigenous makers while also providing artisans with resources and tools to help run a successful online business. From expert-led digital marketing training, onboarding support, and a custom resource library, the program delivers a comprehensive suite of programming to participants. Additionally, the program addresses key barriers new business owners face such as providing professional photography to capture the creative content needed to showcase their talent and reach new customers in today’s digital era.
