WhiteBuffaloMother

Welcome to my shop! I am Bobbi Taylor-Thomas, an Oglala Lakota artist with a rich and multifaceted creative practice. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest on Nimiipuu land, where the rivers meet, and Lewis & Clark settled after their travels west. I reside in Vandenberg Village, just north of Lompoc, California, near Vandenberg Space Force Base on the Central California Coast.

From a young age, I have been drawn to creating art to capture and manifest positive energy. As a massage therapist, I incorporate my artistic sensibilities into my practice, often wearing custom earrings to match my logo-embroidered scrubs. I see the senses as fluid and colors as dancing, reflecting the energy flow within the body.

My art reflects my deep connection to my heritage and a desire to heal and create. I create pieces that blend the past and present, honoring my grandmother's teachings and passing them on to future generations. Inspired by my mother's sewing, I create custom designs that reflect my passion for belonging with native people.

My artistic repertoire includes various items, from home decor to wearable art and practical items honoring native culture. I weave dreamcatchers for the home and create beaded dreamcatcher earrings with shells, following Lakota teachings and culture. I also craft jewelry using semi-precious stones, shells, glass beads, and other materials.

With over 40 years of sewing experience, I create baby items, flannel rag quilts, SPITTERZ (burp cloths), and blankets in bold prints that push traditional color theory boundaries. I also practice leatherwork and hand art, creating moccasins. While using my natural skills and curiosity to create visually stunning and deeply meaningful pieces.

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 makers practice craft skills 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. Traditional handcraft continues to hold significant cultural value and economic opportunity among many Indigenous communities.

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.