World-Wide Global Mala Event

For the month of September, i'd like to donate 50% of all sales of mala bracelets from my "like, wow, yoga jewelry" section to the charities of the Global Mala, an incredible yoga event that will be going on across the world on World Peace Day, Sept. 20th. See their web-site http://www.globalmala.org/index.php for more information. Click on the picture below to see more jewelry from my store or to purchase a mala bracelet.

On September 21-23, the Global Mala Project, whose purpose is to unite the global yoga community, will implement events throughout the world in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace. Forming a “mala around the earth” through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108, the mission of the Global Mala Project is to raise both funds and consciousness for some of the most pressing issues facing the world today.

I studied yoga with Shiva Rea, the coordinator of this event, in the summer of 2007 (photos at very bottom of this page). I'll continue my studies with her this October. This event is very close to my heart.

Etsy Artist of the Week

This week I'm featuring BirdWatching. My grandmother and my mom always loved living around birds. Now I'm the same! So, this was a natural choice for me. Such a cute store with very unique items. Click on the pic below to visit her etsy store.

A message from the artist:

Hi! My name is Sarah and I am the owner and designer of BirdWatching.etsy.com. I started BirdWatching in March of 2008 with a desire to create beautiful and functional nature-inspired items.I LOVE creating and designing. Etsy is my "real" job even if it doesn't make much money (YET!). I LOVE my customers and couldn't ask for a better experience so far on etsy.

Etsy Artist of the Week

Today's artist is NuyoricanGreetings. Her votive holders are beautiful and her pictures are great. Lots of deep fall colors! Click on the pic below to visit her etsy store.

From the artist:

I'm a Nuyorican born and raised and I've always longed to have my own business. I've been creative since I can remember which is of course why I ended up on Wall St. for 20 years! (insert laugh here).

I began creating written 'books of intention' that included creative writing and imagery as holiday gifts a few years ago. This evolved into poetry, greeting card and inspirational writing and the decorative votives I have begun listing here. I particularly like using Saints because they remind me of my mother and grandmother's in-home altars :-) - but I also use angels and flowers and pretty much any image that catches my fancy.

Etsy Artist of the Week

Sojourn Curiosities. I can't believe after almost a year on etsy.com that I have not featured this wonderful seller. I talk w/ her all the time on etsy chat and she always has such great advice. Look at this beautiful pendant she has created. Truly talented person!! (click on the pic to visit her store)

From the artist:

There have been two main intrigues in my life, for as long as I can remember: the myriad journeys of existence- of the mind, body and spirit- and using words to describe them. I convey these musings in beautiful beads, ribbons, wire and found objects.

My pieces are accompanied by a name, a story, a snippet of what inspired me to create the piece, or what the piece inspires within me. This is my journey, with many a sojourn. Thanks for coming along.

I'm on Youtube!

Etsy Artist of the Week

This week I'd like to feature a photo magnet from AllieArt4Children. I'll be traveling to the coast soon w/ some childhood friends of mine. This photo made me think of them. We've known each other for so many years. Even though we haven't done our best to stay in touch, when we are together, it's as if we had never been apart. Here's to childhood friends! Click on the pic to see more of Allie's store.

A message from the artist:

I am a pediatrician by training, currently a stay-at-home mom of four wonderful little people. This career change has given me the opportunity to pursue my dream of finally "doing something" with my photography. Taking photographs and creating with them makes me really happy.

As you can see, most of my work involves nature and children. Through this etsy store, I am trying to combine by love of photography with my desire to continue to be an advocate for children. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I've enjoyed taking them.

Dance!

Just watch.

http://www.vimeo.com/1211060

Etsy Artist of the Week

I met this week's Etsy Artist of the Week in Etsy Chat, a fun place where all the craftsy people go to unwind. Meet WendyConradArt. Her rooster paintings are my favorites. Click on the pic below to see her entire store:

A word from the artist:

Title: "Red Butler"

Size: 5 1/2 inches by 5 inches by 3/4 inch deep

Medium: Acrylic on wood

Description: Original potrait of a rooster with a white background. Painted on wood reclaimed from a construction site that would have been discarded otherwise. Hangs on the wall by raffia looped through 2 holes drilled in the wood. Titled and signed by artist on the back.

Inspiration: Living in the rural North Georgia Mountains, there is animal inspiration everywhere. I love to paint farm animals, in particular roosters, chickens, and cows. Red Butler is a regal rooster! Part of the “Barn Blocks” series.

Wow! My First Interview!

I've been featured on someone's blog. Yea!! Click on the pic below to read all about it.

Etsy Artist of the Week

Meet CourtneyWatson. Her etsy store is recycling with a purpose! She makes jewelry out of 100% telephone wire. What a creative mind! Click on the photo below to see her store:

Etsy Artist of the Week

This week, the artist is Colorada. I love how she uses recycled materials for some of her projects. Very innovative and creative! Click on the pic below to see her entire store:

A word from the artist:

I love the perky little tie on this top and the sweet little puffed sleeves. It makes me think secretary, somehow. The soft sage and tan print are fun without shouting, but the sleeves and tie will get you noticed.

Summer is here with it's warmth and color. Find something to wear to that special event or just to make you smile. Retro fashions inspire me and you'll find lots of handmade retro goodness to love as you browse the shop. I create from the design up limited edition or one of a kind items. Some are from new materials and others are made of recycled fabrics. I love to find vintage fabrics or sometimes clothing that needs re-thinking and do something fun!!

Etsy Artist of the Week

Put on your shades for this one. This week's artist is LittleDickensDesigns. I chose this artist because it's the beginning of summer! My kids just got out of school two days ago and we're headed to the pool! This sun print made me smile. Click on the pic below to see the entire store.

From the Crafting Table

Cancun Waters Bracelet

So many years ago I went to Cancun with a college buddy. Way back when before all the high-rise hotels were built along the white sand shores. The color of these beads remind me of the color of the ocean there.

medium-sized turquoise rectangle beads surround a large silver-toned oval bead. interspersed are smaller turquoise beads and silver findings. piece is closed off with a toggle clasp and dangling heart charm.

SQUARE BEADS: 3/4 inch x 1/2 inch

OVAL BEAD: 1 inch x 1/2 inch

BRACELET LENGTH: 8 inches

Etsy Artist of the Week

This week we have ColoradoCatNipToys. What a cute idea!! A blanket and a toy! Click on the image below to visit the entire store.

A word from the artist:

Your cat will enjoy his afternoon nap on this one of a kind black and white kitty quilt. A Colorado Catnip Toy is attached to the quilt so your kitty can do some kick boxing before settling for that power nap on his new bed. Ragged edge kitty quilts measure approximately 21x21 inches and are machine washable. Each quilt square is lined with quilt batting for extra fluffiness. Each blanket is made from 100 percent cotton fabric.

If you love your cats as much as I do mine, you have found the best place on earth for catnip toys, mats and quilts! Each item is handmade with love and the help of six kitties. All but one of my "kids" were orphans. I raised one from a kitten, and the others I have acquired for one reason or another. I have had cats all my life.

Our babies

Look at these sweet little baby birds that were born recently just outside our front door! Their mom and dad fly back and forth frequently bringing them bugs and worms, but they still make lots of noise! Watch the video below.

My Latest Creation

Here is a new one called "the deepest ocean".

tiny seed beeds of the deepest green are attached to a silver cross which hangs from a dark brown leather cord. necklace closes with a silver lobster clasp.

CROSS CHARM: 1 1/4 inches by 1 inch

CORD LENGTH: 18 inches

Etsy Artist of the Week

CollisionWare joins my Etsy Artists of the Week. I've chosen this piece because Dick and Jane were such a part of my childhood. Click on the photo below to view the entire store. Enjoy.

A word from the artist:

The Early Years- run, jane, run

Take a trip back in time and celebrate your youth with Dick and Jane. The Early Years fits a little of everything. There’s a pocket for cash, coins and cards. It's the perfect size for when you don't want to carry a ton. It has 1 small pocket behind the change purse that is perfect for folded cash and 2 card slots that fit about 5 cards each. The outside is made from vinyl so keeping it clean is an easy chore. Just wipe it down with a wet cloth.

Etsy Artist of the Week

It's all about fun this week!! This week's artist is ZadyBall. Click on the pic below for the entire line of fun fabric toys!!

A message from the artist:

This fabric reminds me of "Good and Plenty" candy - the yummy candy covered licorice.

A Zadyball™ is designed first of all with babies in mind. They are soft to hold and cuddle, and have lots of strings to grab and rub. Lots of babies have a “lovey” and many times the item they pick has something for them to rub – whether it’s the corner of a blanket or the nose on a teddy bear. The knotted ends of the strings are great to fulfill baby’s need for something to rub!

Why Babies love them:1. Easy to grab and hold on to from a very young age2. Good for teething3. Soft to cuddle4. Knotted ends are very soothing to rub5. Makes a great lovey

Why Toddlers love them: 1. Once a lovey, always a lovey2. Soft to cuddle (everyone loves soft things!)3. Easy to throw and catch, especially when you are just learning how

Why Mommies love them:1. Babies love them and we love our babies!2. Easy to clean, just throw in the wash!3. Safe!4. Soft enough that you don’t have to worry about things breaking or anyone getting hurt when it is thrown around

My Latest Creation

Here is my latest listing on Etsy: Azure Seas Rosary Bracelet.

This bracelet features 10 chinese crystal beads interspaced with smaller glass beads and 1 large silver bead. The 10 crystal beads count off the "Hail Mary" and the larger bead is for the "Our Father". Attached to the bracelet are a silver "inspire" charm and a sterling silver cross. The bracelet closes with a lobster clasp and adjustable chain.

BRACELET LENGTH: 6 - 8 inches w/ adjustable chain closure

CROSS SIZE: 1 inch long; 1/2 inch wide

Etsy Artist of the Week

This week's artist is PaperCutsByJoe. This one is my favorites:

Message from the artist:
Inspired by a Charles Ashbee necklace (1896-1903) and a William Morris tapestry (1877). The overall look is based on a traditional Wycinanki (Polish Papercutting) papercut. Wycinanki cuts are typically created by stacking layeres of color paper cutouts on a black papercut background. My first color piece! 18x18 unframed.  Each of my designs are original, one of a kind pieces, cut by hand from a single sheet of black paper and mounted to white mat board.

To see the newest Etsy Artists of the Week, click here and sign up to receive email updates.  Questions? Contact me at moondogtreasures@live.com