Square Stitch Instructions

Continue by going down thru 20 and back up thru C as shown in green. Continue the row in this manner. 

When you reach the end of the row, and have attached bead , run needle and thread thru the whole row beneath (1->22). Then go all the way thru the current row (A->). You are now ready to stitch row 3 from left to right in the same manner. Continue until the last row is complete. Run needle and thread completely thru 3 or 4 rows to secure the thread. Now remove the stop bead. Thread needle with the 6 inch tail. Run the needle and thread thru 3 or 4 rows to secure. Trim remaining threads close to beadwork. 

*To add new thread, leave a 4"tail on old and thread another 2 yards on needle. Run this thru 3 previous rows to secure, exiting same bead as old thread. Continue stitching. After stitching 3-4 new rows, bury old tail into new rows and clip close to beadwork. Continue stitching. 

Native Americans used symbols in the artwork they created.  Here is a symbol:   What do you think it means?  If we said it stood for "war" what would this symbol be: ?  (The answer will be in Part 2) 

To create your own Native American shield, start with either a brown piece of paper or use a brown paper bag.  Trace a large round object - a dinner plate works great.  Cut out your large circle. 

Next, divide your shield into different sections.  The example above was divided by folding the circle in half and then in half again creating four sections.  You can divide your shield other ways also.   

Use a black crayon and push very hard to start your drawing.  A border around the edge is a great place to start, then draw lines where your shield was divided. 

Now it's time to draw your symbols.  You need to choose symbols that are important or represent you.  If you like computers, perhaps a rectangle could be a symbol you would use.  Try taking an idea of something you like (like our computer example) and simplify it into a basic shape (like a rectangle).  Come up with at least three symbols and repeat them in your shield.   

Once you have drawn your symbols, fill in empty areas with lines either around your symbols or just as decoration. 

Whew!  This should keep you busy for a while!   
Come back August 15th (issue #38) to find out how we finish our shields!