WON DAT! February 9, 2010

I can’t believe that we actually won! The Saint’s have won their first ever Superbowl. We have risen above the days of the paper bags over our heads, and we are no longer the Aint’s.

As I was watching the game I was pinching myself wondering if it was really happening. It is still somewhat surreal. I hear the parade is going to be awesome today. I’m a life long fan, but I’m not that die hard that I’m going to bring my boys (3 and 4) out to the parade and freeze. Besides the fact that my 3 year old fractured his collar bone the day before the Super Bowl. I don’t think it would be wise to fight the crowds with that type of injury.

Anyway, to celebrate our boys winning I’m going to deviate from my normal feature of donated items to Saint’s items. So come and get them while they last and celebrate the Black and Gold, WHO DAT! way.

These are just a few of the many items you can find on Etsy. To find more search “handmadelouisiana” on Etsy or Art Fire.

Feature Friday February 5, 2010

Today I have picked this shop for my feature

Blue Pandemonium

How long have you been creating?

I have been creating since I was a small child. My mother taught us basic math and English at home and she would draw us flowers on our homework when we did well. That spurred a deep interest in drawing that has never left me. A little girl next door also often had us over to do little craft projects with her. I remember gluing pressed flowers onto tissue paper as one project.

How did you get started?

I have been making and giving my artwork away as presents for as long as I can remember, but I reached a point where I had more art work than occasions to give. My friends suggested that I start selling my artwork, so I gave that a try. Selling wasn’t my forte, but I fell in love with the community of Etsy. Since then, I have been learning more about building my shop, but my focus is always on building good relationships with other sellers and my customers.

Tell me a little about your charity and why you started donating to it.

I regularly donate 10% of my sales to the local Food Bank, but I wanted to do something for The Children’s Wish Foundation this February. I went to Disneyland for the first time last year, and it was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I would hate to deny a sick child this same wonderful experience.

I invite other shop owners to join me in donating a portion of their proceeds to The Children’s Wish Foundation. I would be happy to post their shop names on the blog post devoted to this February Fundraiser.

Any advice for fellow Artisans?

My advice would be to take good pictures and to write appealing descriptions. Online selling is different than selling in person since the customer can’t see and touch the item in real life until after the sale, so you need to ensure that your product is properly represented through the photographs and product descriptions.

I would also recommend…

taking the product packaging more seriously. It makes a big difference in how your product is received if you put a little more care into how it will look when the customer gets it in their hands. I always appreciate it when a seller writes a little note, includes a professional looking business card, or ties the package inside with a ribbon. It’s not a huge investment of time or money, but it makes me think that the seller cares about their product.

I just LOVE her little robot paper dolls. What a wonderful cause to donate to. Children with life threatening illnesses go through so much and they have to grow up so quick, they deserve to have their dreams come true.

Wonderful Wednesday February 3, 2010

I will be continuing the features on Artisans that donate some or all of the profit to a charity/cause. I think it’s important for us to think on things other than ourselves and how we can make money. To give is better than receive right?

Today’s Feature:

Pretty My Drink

How long have you been creating?

Although I’ve never formally studied art, it has been an important part of my life. I spend a lot of my time crafting and have dabbled in just about everything. I started painting glasses for fun as gifts several months ago.

How did you get started?

I just recently decided to sell my work after some encouragement from friends. I attended my first art show in November and started up my shop in the beginning of December. I started off just selling painted glassware, but I now offer unique wine charms and coasters.

Tell me a little about your charity and why you started donating to it.

I donate a portion of my sales to an organization called The Water Project. They provide clean water to people in India & Africa who don’t have access to it, which affects 1.1 billion people globally. I donate to this cause because everyone should have access to water and it’s one way I can help improve people’s lives.

Any advice for fellow Artisans?

Not only do you need to have appealing product, but I feel that promoting the product is equally important! Someone can have great product, but they aren’t going to get sales if consumers aren’t aware it exists. I find that online marketing (facebook, blogs, flickr, etc.) have been successful ways to promote and they are free!

What an amazing artist. I find it ironic that she supports a cause that supplies water to people and she creates wonderful works of art on glasses that you can drink water out of.

This is definitely an artist I’m going to keep an eye on and when I have a little money I can see me shopping in her store. Who wouldn’t want to drink out of something so pretty.

Press Release: Miracle Diapers Is Now The Cloth Diaper Foundation February 1, 2010

I was contacted by the Miracle Diaper company to help spread the word that they are now

EMPOWERING FAMILIES. IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT.

As Miracle Diapers has grown so has the number of families they assist. In 2009, they helped over 450 babies directly, more than 100 babies through sponsorship and local distribution, and assisted other charities with the same mission as well!

To better serve those families Miracle Diapers reassessed it’s structure and practices. They have:

• New leadership with Roxanna Jolly—CEO and Lisa Johnston—Operations Manager and Board Chair

• Relocated their headquarters to Katy, Texas

• Restructured  how they process and accept applications

• Opened a retail store for fundraising

• Founded a new membership program

• Welcomed several new board members from the cloth diapering industry

In it’s fifth year Miracle Diapers wants to continue moving forward and has decided to take on a new name that better describes the organization and it’s mission.

“We felt that a more appropriate name would help the community have a better understanding of who we are, as we have often been mistaken for a diaper manufacturer. Our desire to move forward and build a  legacy of support for the cloth diapering community will be reflected in our new name: The Cloth Diaper Foundation.”

-Roxanna Jolly, CEO, The Cloth Diaper Foundation

How you can help

To assist in fund raising efforts, in the month of February, Tracy Whittemore and Lisa Adkins from The Cloth Diaper Company have so graciously offered to match, product for product, each Cloth Diaper Company product sold (Drybees, Wahmies, Rocky Mountain Diapers) in The Cloth Diaper Foundation Retail Store with an equal donation to our organization.  (Example – Purchase a Rocky Mountain Diapers OS Pocket, CDC will donate our organization a RMD OS Pocket, Drybees for Drybees, etc.)

Soul Searching Sunday January 31, 2010

I just love her crosses!

I have been reminded recently about how fragile life is. A friend is going through some medical problems and the thought of loosing the one close friend that shares my faith is so sad. What she has is curable, and will require surgery to correct, but there is always that chance that something can go wrong. She has come to mean a lot to me and is a true sister in Christ.

What Christ suffered for our sakes was so horrible, I couldn’t imagine being his mother, sister, brother, or disciple watching the horrid beating and crucifixion. I’m having a hard time seeing a close friend going through a medical problem that is no where near what Christ had to endure.

I’m reminded that we can’t take for granted what blessings we do have. We don’t deserve them, but because of Christ we can have them.

Go hug your sister, friend and mother and tell them how much you love them. We never know when it will be our last chance!

Belated Feature Friday January 30, 2010

This weeks been a little of a challenge for me personally. I didn’t want to miss posting another feature this week so here is your belated Feature Friday.

Today I am featuring a teacher, the world should be filled with teachers like him.

Jeff Guerrero Ceramics

Jeff has been “creating” all his life, starting with pencils and crayons and eventually becoming a graphic designer and magazine publisher at Urban Velo.

As for ceramics, I started just three years ago when I got a day-job teaching kids digital art. I had access to the ceramics studio after work, so I jumped in and got my hands dirty.

How did you get started?

Basically, the place where I work, Manchester Guild, was started as a ceramics studio, so pottery is a big part of the culture. My boss is a potter, his boss is a potter, and his boss is a potter, too. My coworkers are not just potters, they’re fantastic teachers, too. So I’ve had the unique benefit of learning from people who are both practicing artists and dedicated educators.

Tell me a little about your charity and why you started donating to it.

My charity is inner-city high-school kids from Pittsburgh. I teach a digital arts after school program, and because our budget is limited (even more-so these days) I can’t request much money for things like snacks and things that make coming to class a little more enjoyable. So I supplement or outright buy those types of things with my own money, which in a roundabout way comes from the sale of my pottery. And since I’ve been teaching classes that involve Japanese culture (anime and manga) I’ve been buying a lot of the Japanese candy Pocky for every class. Last semester we rolled our own sushi on the last day of class, which is an experience I don’t think the kids will ever forget.

Another thing I do is simply give pottery to the students as rewards or presents. It serves a dual purpose—not only do they get something cool that makes them happy in a materialistic sense, they’re getting a functional piece of art that will hopefully inspire them to create.

Any advice for fellow Artisans?

Do it because you love it, not for the money. If you get too wrapped up in the financial side of things, it becomes less fun.

That said, if you’re trying to make money, and selling on Etsy, make sure you’re also getting out in the “real world” as well. Craft fairs are not only a way to make money, but a great source of education and inspiration.

As you can see Jeff has some beautiful pieces and they are reasonably priced. I am amazed at the generosity and giving nature of all the artisans that I’ve featured. The children Jeff teaches are truly blessed to have someone so committed to them and doing all he can to give them a memorable experience.

WHO DAT’S Celebrate January 28, 2010

If you are not from Louisiana or the surrounding areas, you may be wondering… what is a Who Dat?

In the early 80’s the Saints fans would chant “Who Dat?, Who Dat?, Who Dat say they gonna beat them Saints” I grew up in the ”Who Dat” days. It’s a chant I have said many a times, to be disappointed that “Who” did beat them Saints. The Saint’s website goes into more detail if you are interested in learning more about the Who Dat history.

As our city and surrounding areas celebrate our team FINALLY getting to the Superbowl the NFL is causing us some grief. In this report it tells of some local retail shops that were sent a cease and desist order from the NFL to stop producing shirts with “Who Dat” on them. So the question has been brought up… who owns Who Dat and what is Who Dat?

As a Who Dat (yes we refer to ourselves as Who Dat’s) I am very upset that the NFL is trying to get their hands on something that was started by the fans and is so near and dear to us. Maybe you are not a football fan, maybe you don’t see the bid deal about the NFL taking claim of Who Dat. If you live in or near the area you understand how we fell about things that are ours. We don’t take kindly to people claiming ownership of our things or our sayings. These are the things that make us a unique city with our own unique sayings which include ”Who Dat” and ”making groceries”.

So I say to the NFL, BACK OFF! and don’t mess with us Who Dat’s. We don’t give up and will fight this.  After all our city has been through you are messing with our identity and we don’t take kindly to that. If you are on Facebook you can become a fan of the “Who Dat” is for the PEOPLE NOT the NFL page, or you can join the group “WHO DAT!” it’s for the fans NOT the NFL!!!

In celebration of  “Our Boys” going to the Superbowl I have created some black and gold reusable coffee sleeves. Supplies limited so get yours now.

Let’s let the NFL know that they cannot take ownership of a saying just because they want to make a fortune off of it.

After writing this I found another great article on the matter.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-daltonbeninato/interview-who-dat-tradema_b_439323.html

Black and Gold Superbowl!

Wonderful Wednesday January 27, 2010

In my search for artisans that donate to charity I have run across several wonderful people who give to some wonderful charities. This is why I have titled my Wednesday feature “Wonderful Wednesday”. I found that focusing on some positive things like those that are giving has been really helping me be more compassionate.

This artisan is such a giving person and it is a pleasure for me to feature her works and help promote her causes. And here is….

Animal Friendly Creations

How long have you been creating?

I have been drawing and creating ever since I was little, but I become more focused on my artwork and jewelry in high school and while I was in art school at the Rhode Island School of Design. I started making cards from my artwork and photography and making and selling jewelry while there.

What charities do you support and why?

I have a deep love for animals, which is why I’m vegan and why I decided to found Etsy for Animals. Each month I donate over 10% of my shops sales to the Etsy for Animals charity of the month. I love that every month I can help a different charity all over the world for the animals. I also have some items listed with 50% or 100% to specific animal charities, including the EFA WSPA Haiti Animal Relief items, helping http://wspa.ca with their animal rescue efforts in Haiti;

Visit these shops to find items by this artisan that 100% goes to these causes.

Hearts for Haiti

Handmade 4 Hounds

Brynn Alex

Do you have any advice for fellow Artisans?

I love that Etsy has so many wonderful teams that bring together artists/crafters with like interests/location/ethics. I recommend joining teams that really fit you and working with them to network/promote/help others! ;0)

I have to agree that finding an Etsy team that fits you and your interests is a very good way to connect with a bunch of other artisans. I have three Etsy teams that I belong to and I love all of them.

Handmade Louisiana

CAST Team (Christian Artisan Street Team)

CafeMom Team

Feature Friday January 22, 2010

Today’s Feature is

Charmed in Colorado

I was thrilled to feature this shop when I found out why and how they do what they do.

How Long have you been creating?

I’ve been crafting and sewing almost my whole life. My mother taught me to use a sewing machine at a very young age and I just started sewing lessons with my two young daughters so I could pass it along to the next generation. We started creating our magnetic bookmarks in November of 2009 to sell at a holiday craft fair at our church. We opened our Etsy shop after the holidays to continue the fundraising and to give me an outlet for my other hobby, creating wine charms.

How did you get started?

When our church announced that they were having a holiday craft fair, my daughters came to me and said they wanted to participate but they wanted to raise money for a charity instead of making money for themselves. I was so proud and impressed, that I had to help them see this through. We sat down to think about what we could create together that would make a good item for the craft fair. We knew we wanted to use fabric since they are learning to sew and they are avid readers so we thought these bookmarks were a great fit. We now have an assembly line type of system set up where each of us has stages in the creation of the bookmarks. I do the cutting and sewing (so they turn out straight and finish nicely). Sara, my 11 year old, does the trimming, turning, and packaging. Paige, my 7 year old, does the fabric ideas and magnet stuffing.

Tell us a little about your charity and why you chose it.

I sat with the girls and helped them brainstorm ideas. Sara was very concerned about providing clean water in Africa after having learned about the need in school. Paige is fascinated by zebras and dreams of visiting Africa so she immediately jumped on board. We researched numerous organizations online and settled on Drop in the Bucket (www.dropinthebucket.org). It is an organization that was started by everyday people and they focus exclusively on providing wells and sanitation systems to schools and orphanages. The girls were particularly interested when they learned that this organization creates wells that are powered by the children playing on a roundabout. We contacted them and chose a particular school in Sudan that we are raising funds for. Initially, we were going to just donate what we earned at our craft fair (which was a huge success at $300). However, the girls learned that if they raised $1,400, they could sponsor the whole well and provide an inspirational plaque, get pictures of the kids that are using the well, etc. So, we are forging on and are now 1/4 to the goal of $1,400.

I am amazed at the heart of these two children who would be burdened for people they have never met and chose to use their time to make a difference. What a wonderful way to spend time with your children, teach them how to sew, assemble a product and making a difference in the world.

Mark 9:41  For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

I hope that someday my boys and I can do something similar.

I really feel blessed to have ran across so many giving people and to hear the stories behind what they do.

Wonderful Wednesday January 20, 2010

This artisan deserves more than a Wordless Wednesday can do.

Baruch’s Lullaby

This shop is so lovely and has some amazing items in it. When I got a request from her to feature her shop it was a no brainer. She has wonderful items and she donated a good deal of her profit to several organizations. I was so intrigued by the answers to her questions that I wanted to find out more of her story. So I headed over to her blog and was almost in tears as I read just a little info on who Baruch was and why she donates. I won’t spoil to for you, you’ll just have to go see.

How long have you been creating?

My mom taught me to knit and crochet when I was little, and I re-taught myself as an adult – first to crochet when I was in college, and then to knit when I was pregnant with our oldest daughter.

She started with cheap acrylic yarn and a hobby, and several years later ended up with expensive natural fibers and a business to justify buying them! I sold at craft fairs and did some consignment, and just recently had the thrill of seeing one of the hats I made from that first yarn shipment on Sarah Palin’s grandson!

What charities do you donate to and tell me a little about them.

I donate to Crisis Pregnancy Center in Anchorage (www.cpcanchorage.com) and HeartReach Pregancy Center in Wasilla (www.MatsuOptions.com ).

Both centers provide life affirming care for women and their families – pregnancy tests, parenting classes, childbirth education classes, free diapers and other baby essentials, clothing, and abortion recovery counseling. Our Anchorage center offers ultrasound services to women.

HeartReach is in the process of “going medical” as well so we can offer this same service in the Mat-Su Valley where I live. Pregnant women deserve real help and options from a place that will not profit from their choice, and both of these centers provide that.

Baruch’s Lullaby is also donating all proceeds from the sales of baby booties to Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org) to assist with Haiti earthquake relief.

What advice would you give other artisans?

Do what you love, but don’t do it at the expense of who you love. My kids are still my full-time job and they deserve 100% of Mommy. My husband is hugely supportive, but I don’t think he’d be so happy about the business if it took precedence over our time together. Sooo…a lot of people will say it’s about balance, but I don’t think so. It’s about priorities, and the family comes first.

What great advice. Something for us all to consider and try to achieve in our own lives if we have family/children.

I just love this little shop and it makes me love it even more knowing that a lot of her proceeds go to so many wonderful charities.

Visit her shop today and find out more and don’t forget to check out her blog.