January Full Wolf Moon Doll

Full Wolf Moon Doll

Native Americans have names for each full moon of the year.

Bea at Dog in the Hole Studio decided to present a challenge

for anyone who wanted to try something different.

Each month we are to create our version

of a doll or quilt block etc. to represent

that month's full moon name.

Each month has several names.

One name for January is

Full Wolf Moon,

and I chose to do a doll

with that name.

I used polymer clay to create this 10 inch doll.

The full moon

and a wolf paw print

decorate her clothing.

Her necklace is part of an old earring I had.

Real feathers adorn her hair.

I added feathers and Juniper berries

at the base she is standing on.

She is holding a basket

(an old tea strainer without the handle)

full of mountain laurel seed pods.

Click on

http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/ethnobot/images/mountain-laurel.html

to read some info

on how the Indians

used the mountain laurel

in their daily lives.

Juniper berries were very important to

the Native Americans.

They can be used to make vibrant purple dyes.
Black beads can be made

from juniper berries.

After collecting a fair quantity of berries,

string them on a small sliver of wood

and let them dry.

After they have dried,

pour grease on the fire

and smoke the dried berries

in the thick smoke,

turning the berries black.

Polish and string the beads

interspersing with wolf willow beads.