OUR STORY
Cedar Sapling began as a dream between sisters — a space where we could combine our individual talents, create freely, and collaborate with intention. From beading and sewing to drawing and storytelling, this is our shared creative ground. We’re the original collaborators: building from our unique strengths, uplifting each other’s work, and always finding ways to weave our voices together.
Rooted in Community
Though we explore many art forms — beadwork, illustration, regalia, zines, and beyond — everything we create is grounded in what we were taught. We learned from our elders, aunties, and cultural keepers who took the time to show us not only the how, but the why. The foundation they gave us continues to guide our hands and hearts. Every piece we make carries that knowledge, that care, and those values forward.
Our Values
At Cedar Sapling, we believe in:
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Honoring our cultural knowledge through respectful creation
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Building with love — not urgency or trend
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Supporting our community by sharing skills, stories, and space
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Creativity as medicine — playful, personal, and powerful
We’re always growing — just like the sapling we’re named after. But our roots remain deep in our culture, family, and the joy of making things together.
Yasmine Austin-Sapulpa
Designer & Seamstress
Yasmine is a seamstress who specializes in textile art. She began her journey with stickball aprons and ribbon skirts. She soon saw an opportunity to use cloth as canvas to celebrate the stories of her community through wearable art. Yasmine also works with basketry, beadwork and other traditional art forms to complete her looks. She is always looking for opportunities to learn more. Yasmine works to emphasize the importance of identity and empower all people through cultural celebration. She has had opportunities to have pieces featured in exhibits.
Aliyah Sapulpa-Myers
Basket Weaver & Diamond Maker
Aliyah is Miss Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma 2023-2024. She began her cultural artistry with basket weaving about 4 years ago by a respected member from her community. After being introduced to the world of Choctaw basket weaving, she fell in love and learned new styles to share by gifting baskets to family and friends. Soon she was asked to sell her baskets to young girls running for princess positions who didn’t have basketry. Aliyah especially enjoys teaching people how to weave and created a class for mini elbow baskets to give the public an introduction to Choctaw basket weaving. She looks forward to learning more styles and teaching more Native youth how to weave and to be Culture bearers. Aliyah has translated her weaving skills to create weaving southeastern style corsets and basket earrings. Most of her baskets are hand dyed herself. She collaborates with her sisters through Cedar Sapling on many diverse projects.
Arianna Sapulpa-Myers
Painter & Multi-Disiplinary Artist
Arianna is a talented young artist known for her vibrant use of color and playful style, which reflects her deep connection to her cultural roots and personal experiences. Over the years, her artistic journey has evolved, allowing her to transform her passion into a professional career. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibits, where it has garnered attention for its bold expression and innovative techniques.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Arianna explores various mediums, including painting, beading, and printmaking, each offering her a unique way to communicate her ideas. Her creative process is both intuitive and intentional, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary themes to create work that resonates with a diverse audience.
