This collaboration piece between jeweler Rebecca Begay and beadwork artist Orlando Dugi has been quite a combination of several techniques using a variety of materials. The combination of hand poured sterling silver tufa stone cast method and bead applique was executed well. Rebecca has made a handmade chain and feet and used the tufa cast method on the lid portion of the piece. She has also set on the inside of the lid, a round powder mirror. The surface of the lid are carved bezel set tourmaline stones of several different shades. Stars are carved throughout the entire surface with a slight patina.
   An image of a Phoenix flying in a celestial scene is depicted in single bead stitch on the lower part of the evening box purse by Orlando. The entire image, including the tail and colorful nebula clouds are single bead stitch. That is done using a needle and thread and sewing each single bead using size 13' Czech cut beads, size 13' 24 kt gold electroplated glass beads, solid sterling silver beads and Swarovski crystals set sporadically for stars. A slight swirl pattern was used on the background of space to create an infinite look by using one needle tack stitch. The use of over 30 different colors were used. Along the tails are white lines done using 2 needle tack stitch. On the bottom of the box purse Orlando has utilized black stingray leather with the natural white line from the stingrays back visible in the center. Orlando has used this type of leather because the texture looks and feels like beadwork and also how the natural white area reminds him of the milky way. Inside of the box purse is lined with white Dupioni silk. Started in November of 2008 and completed January 2010.
  Throughout the history of mankind, the phoenix, firebird or thunderbird has been an image of renewal and rebirth. In our own Native American culture this symbol has been in our legends and a part of our ceremonies.