My name is Eva Yellowtail. I am a member of the Crow Tribe, based in Bozeman, MT, and a mother of five -- including one I raised as a teen mom who has long since made her own way in the world.
I recently started beading, teaching myself through tutorials, but it is something I have wanted to do my whole life. Beading has always been something I have wanted to do. I’m so grateful and thankful to have learned this art and am excited to share it with everyone as well. Beadwork has always been something I wanted for my children and family, so learning and sharing this art has been an honor. I am learning new things along the way and will be happy to offer more services as I feel more comfortable in my experience
I was not raised traditionally, unfortunately. I was disconnected, but I have been doing what I can to learn about my culture and traditional ways. Maybe not so much as to practice them, but I do believe it’s important to know and understand where you come from. It saddens me that I wasn’t taught. At times, I have felt judged by natives for not knowing my way, so I was shunned and called a white girl. Off the reservation, I had a hard time as well. I was a native. I was not white. So, I was shunned for that as well. So, I didn’t know who I was or who I was supposed to identify as. Today, I am proud of who I am and where I come from, and I am always learning more. Beading has become one of the ways I connect to my culture, to my hands, to something that is mine.
In 2021, I lost my sister. In 2022, my brother. Grief that size could have taken me under -- and in another version of my life, it might have. I have struggled with alcoholism. I have been alcohol free for two years. After losing my siblings, I made a choice to keep moving forward, for my kids and for myself. Beading came into my life at exactly the right time. It has been healing in ways I didn't expect.
I am still learning, still growing, and genuinely excited to make things for people. Every piece I make is by hand, bead by bead. I hope you can feel that when you hold it.
The Artist
EvA YellowTail
Featured Products
Eva's Handbeaded Set — Crow Nation
This set was made by hand by Eva, a beadwork artist and member of the Crow Nation. Every piece you see — the necklace, bracelet, and earrings — was strung bead by bead, in a pattern that reflects both her skill and her tradition. These are not mass-produced. They are not replicated. Each set takes a significant investment of time and attention to complete, and it shows in every inch of the work. The colorway moves from deep black through gold, red, magenta, and soft lavender — a palette that is striking when worn together or layered separately. Pieces are finished with leather suede bows and small stone pendants.
Note* Pictures are examples of color combinations. Your set will be a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and the main color will be the color you select. The artist picks complementary colors and patterns.