Sew Seli

Sarah (Seli) Stewart is a Cherokee Nation citizen & artist who has been creating one of a kind works of art for most of her life.

She began selling her beadwork, clothing, and other works of art around 2015. Since then Seli has had the opportunity to provide many cultural workshops and participate in tribal art shows & festivals across the United States and within Cherokee Nation’s reservation. Seli is located in Sequoyah County, Cherokee Nation (Oklahoma) but can travel.

Seli’s workshops always include story telling, information on traditional or modern materials, tips on improving your art works, growing supplies, or using found materials to upcycle things you already have into art. Seli always seeks to provide an engaging and educational environment for attendees.

She has been featured in the Cherokee Phoenix, done video segments for Tsalagi Wherever We Are, and received various awards throughout her participation in southeastern tribal art shows. While she considers these things to be a great honor, her favorite thing to do is still helping others connect to their culture through arts, crafts, & story telling.

Wado (thank you) for visiting this website!

  • Vv! That’s tsalagi (Cherokee) for yes! Sarah (Seli) is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, one of three federally recognized Cherokee tribes.

    • Cornhusk dolls (& the story of why she has no face)

    • Clay beads & firing (& the story of how Cherokees learned to fire clay)

    • Double-wall round reed baskets (& dying tips!)

    • Pucker-toe moccasins

    • Beginner beading - Cornbead necklaces (& the legend of the cornbead)

    • Intermediate beading - brick stitch earrings

    • Advanced beading - Flat or peyote stitch medallions

    • Basic sewing - Cherokee turbans (& the history of how & when Cherokees obtained turbans)

    • Intermediate sewing - ribbon skirts

    • Advanced sewing - applique and/or ribbon shirts

    • Beginner gourd art - miniature masks

    • Intermediate gourd art - full sized masks and/or bowls with carving

  • Seli does not seek to earn income from cultural knowledge, and at this time she prefers not to take a “speakers fee.” However, travel, accommodations, & supplies may need to be provided by you or your organization. Additionally a class fee can be set up to cover the costs of these expenses.

    Cost per workshop can vary depending on the location and supplies necessary (EX: pucker-toe moccasin supplies cost more than round reed basket supplies.) Please use the contact page to inquire about travel & supply costs.

  • Seli does accept custom orders as time allows. Please visit the contact page to inquire about if she is available to create a custom work for you!

    Seli’s favorite customs are portrait cornhusk dolls & ribbon skirts, but can take some requests for moccasins, beadwork, or other projects.

    A quote for the cost of the item will be provided to you before the item is created.

    Please make sure you let her know when you would need the item by so she can advise if it is achievable or refer you to another Cherokee Nation artist.