Starr Merrie Native Gifts

10/09/2026

New article out about the NWTC Artisan Residency Program that Eliza is apart of this year!

Five local artists have been selected as the seventh cohort of the NWTC Artisan Residency Program, gaining year-long studio access, mentorship, and business training to turn their creative passions into thriving enterprises.

Read the full Q&A introducing this year's residents, their unique mediums, and their visions for growing their art-based businesses: https://gopresstimes.com/city-pages/

08/18/2026

I’m excited and a little nervous to share that I’ll be representing Starr Merrie Native Gifts LLC as a finalist in the 2026 ColorBold Business Association Virtual Pitch Competition tomorrow night! 🎉

Please tune in on Tuesday, August 18, from 6:00–7:30 PM CST to watch and cheer me on. The competition will stream live on ColorBold Business Association’s Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

If I’m not selected for first, second, or third place, I’ll still have a chance to win the $1,000 People’s Choice Award and your vote could make all the difference! 💜

Please follow ColorBold Business Association so you don’t miss the livestream or voting instructions. I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported my art and business along the way!

Sponsored by: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Apart of the 2026 FIRE Consortium Event Series.

05/29/2026

Acquiring a new beading technique! 💗💜💛

05/22/2026

I’m feeling so grateful to have been part of the Mother’s Day Tea at the Manitowoc County Historical Society - Museum and Pinecrest Village earlier this month.

Alongside sharing some of my beadwork on tables, one of my Haudenosaunee regalia outfits is currently featured in the exhibit space through May 30. Seeing pieces I created at different stages of my life displayed in this way was emotional and meaningful.

The wrap skirt was the very first regalia piece I ever made when I was 11 years old in a gifted and talented cultural class. The overdress carries the lessons and imperfections from I was learning to sew. Together, these pieces tell a story not only about art, but about growth, culture, mentorship, and carrying teachings forward.

One of my favorite parts of sharing this work is showing that our culture is living. Our creations continue to evolve through generations, community, and new materials while still honoring where we come from.

Yawʌˀkó· to everyone at the Manitowoc County Historical Society - Museum and Pinecrest Village and the Oneida Nation Arts Programfor creating such a thoughtful and welcoming space to share our stories and history.

Yawʌˀkó· Gabriella Metoxen from the Oneida Nation Arts Program for taking these photos of the exhibit and tea party!

Check out more tea party photos! https://www.facebook.com/manitowoccountyhistory/posts/pfbid04SyJUKB2hr7L4yXSd8ujvgUbYaHLScmygpDR7jAFRwyix75mesdGx1Me734G6CHVl

05/17/2026

🌱 Call for Submissions – Beading Our Roots 🌱

Starr Merrie Native Gifts is seeking community submissions for an upcoming zine project focused on Indigenous foods, medicines, gardening, and cultural knowledge.

We are looking for:
Strawberry teachings, stories, and recipes
The Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash)
To***co teachings
Traditional food recipes and foodways
Personal stories, reflections, artwork, and community knowledge

This project is centered on preserving and sharing our teachings for future generations through storytelling, art, and community voices.

Both first-time and experienced writers/artists are welcome to contribute. 💜

Please see the attached call for submissions for more information.

https://forms.gle/Eo584WpsJnr99uYR9

04/24/2026

Shekóli! Join Oneida Artist and Cultural Advocate Eliza Skenandore for a special evening celebrating the release of Learn Oneida with Me, a self-published zine created through the Oneida Nation Arts Program Professional Artist Award.
This project brings together Oneida language, culture, and storytelling in an accessible, family-friendly format designed to support learning at home and in community. Rooted in cultural teachings and creative expression, this zine reflects the importance of carrying our language forward for the next generations.

03/30/2026

I’m so excited to share that sample copies of my Learn Oneida with Me zine will be coming at the end of April!

This project has been close to my heart, bringing together language, culture, and storytelling in a way that can be shared with families and community. I can’t wait to finally hold it in my hands and share it with you all!!!

If printing goes well, I’ll be placing a larger order so more people can access it. This is just the beginning, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Yawʌˀkó for all the support along the way!!!💜

03/14/2026

Excited for this opportunity to set up at Fox Valley Technical College!

We will be bringing the Sheen Beads!

01/06/2026

Big update 💕

I made the hard decision to pull my items from Soul Purpose. As much as I loved being there, I just wasn’t making enough to cover the monthly shelf fees. and as a small business, those choices really matter. I’m still grateful for the opportunity and for everyone who supported me there.

For this week only, everything I have pulled from there will be 50% off.
If you’d like to purchase something, send me a message. I can set it aside for you and we’ll arrange an easy pickup.

Thank you all for cheering me on, shopping small, and believing in my art. I appreciate you more than you know. 💗
Yawʌˀkó — thank you!

12/16/2025

I'm so excited!! We are just DAYS away from the first Social Prescribing Showdown!!