Hello, I’m Autumn Burtt, and an enrolled member of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. I grew up in Dville (short for Dresslerville), located in Gardnerville, NV–one of four communities in the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
I am a beader and maker, but still fairly new as I only started my craft during COVID. I’m a self-taught beader (and peyote, crochet, and huichol stitcher), through the help of YouTube, and social media. I’m continuing to experiment a lot with projects like jewelry making and accessories, but I also enjoy expressing my creativity through less conventional items, too (like candle sticks and pop-sockets!). I go to a local shop to find my materials and one of my favorite parts about this craft is all the many color choices ( I can admittedly get a little carried away when I go shopping!).
My creativity often comes from collaborative custom projects from clients. The process of sharing ideas helps to ignite ideas for me as I sometimes find it challenging to just pick up and start beading without inspiration or purpose. My favorite days are when I can put on a TV show and bead all day long, but those days are rare!
I started beading during COVID, as a way to relieve stress. I was working during the lockdown and it was very stressful–beading became an outlet for me to calm down and take time for myself. Before I started beading, I would admire other people’s beadwork and think “I could do that!” and seeing all the different beadwork designs inspired me to start.
I love beading for the peace it brings me and the accomplishment and pride I feel when I finish a project.
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About the Indigenous Artisans Collective
Etsy and Nest are proud to support the Indigenous Artisans Collective 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.
