Seal fur by autumn ⋅ business basics participant ⋅ Native Owned
Autumn Shotridge, Yaandakin Yeil (Tlingit), creates unique beaded seal fur jewelry and accessories such as handbags, purses, wallets, headbands, hats, pop sockets, and more. Though she currently resides in Washington State, Autumn was born in Ketchikan. She developed her love of beading at a young age by learning from her grandmother, Esther Sea, the matriarch of the Teikweidee clan. Living in the Pacific Northwest, she has developed a wide range of artistic talents that she has learned from a number of artists.
But much of her inspiration comes from her young daughter, Aria: “I am setting an example for her, as my own mother has set for me… our culture’s future is in the hands of our youth,” Autumn said. While seal fur is the main material that Autumn works with — it allows her spirituality to shine through, she said — she occasionally allows herself to pursue whatever sparks her artistic interest. Autumn recently created a small collection of abalone and glass trade bead earrings, which appear in the fourth image, as well as a few pairs with wooden laser-cut flowers. She continues to introduce new items including barrettes, hair combs, ornaments, fanny packs, and baby shoes. Autumn welcomes commissions via Instagram.