About the artist
Authentic Native American Artist
Alaura Bak, Owner and Authentic Native American Artist (pictured above with her husband and fur baby).
Growing up in Northern Michigan, I have always had an appreciation for the beauty of nature and felt a strong spiritual connection to the materials of the earth and its animals. I create my unique artwork as an expression of this connection, weaving in my tribal heritage with every bead and feather on my dreamcatchers. My hope is to share this beauty with my customers, imparting a sense of peace and wellbeing with every hand-crafted artwork.
I learned how to create these authentic Native American designs through my Grandmother, Alvina Marshall. I can feel her spirit guiding me yet today. My family is one of the largest in Northern Michigan, deriving from the Bear Clan. I remember as a young girl, attending the Pow-Wows with my Grandma, watching her create her artwork and helping with her trade booth. It was so inspiring to see the beauty she created and the joy it gave to her customers, and the pride she felt in passing along her cultural traditions. We are Registered Tribal Members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, based out of the Traverse City, Michigan area.
~Alaura Bak, Owner, "Smudged In Sage"
Handcrafted Beauty
Smudged In Sage artwork is available in a variety of stone and feather choices, along with options for hoop size and material. Please let us know if your selection is for a special occasion as we can provide guidance on selecting a stone with a meaning to match the occasion. Custom orders are also available, with special beadwork to denote a baby's birthdate, wedding date, or names. Visit our Custom Order page for more information.
Certified Authentic
All artwork created by Alaura Bak ("Smudged In Sage") is sold with a certificate of authenticity, signed and numbered by the artist. The signed feather authenticity tag perfectly complements the nature-inspired artwork.
"Smudged In Sage" artwork is protected by the U.S. Department of the Interior; The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-644).
Any replication, duplication, or resale of this artists' work is a punishable offense, with criminal penalties up to $250,000 fine or five-year prison term for individuals, and up to $1,000,000 for business entities participating in cultural appropriation.