I didn’t originally get into making jewelry for the money; I did it for creative outlet (link to article on how got started). With what’s happening in world (the masacer of civilians,mostly children in Gaza; the Ebola outbreak in West Africa; the situation in the Ukrain – you name it), jewelry creation seems at times
Alternative Giving for the Holidays
Alternative giving is catching on. With frustration over the increasing commercialization of the holidays, the public is looking for alternatives to “shop-to-you-drop” consumerism in an attempt to get back to the true spirit of giving. So I’m continuing my annual round up of alternative giving that I started last year. Whether you tire of buying
Is It Spring Yet???
It’s mid-March and still snowing. Which prompts the question, “Is is spring yet?” We don’t know what the weather has in store, but while it’s getting it’s act together, here is a preview of the makings of my spring collection. More in the slideshow (below) Let me know what you think.
Etsy Success: 3 Things You Need to Know – Part 2
In part one of this post, we asked Etsy artisans three essential questions about their strategies that contributed to the success of their shops: 1. What marketing or sales strategy do you attribute to your volume of sales? 2. Is there anything that you changed since you began your shop that resulted in increased sales?
Etsy Success: 3 Things You Need to Know
Have you ever wondered why some Etsy sellers flounder while others seem to flourish? I have. So I asked several dynamic Etsy sellers three essential questions: 1. What marketing or sales strategy do you attribute to your volume of sales? 2. Is there anything that you changed since you began your shop that resulted in
What Difference Does Jewelry Make?
I didn’t originally get into making jewelry for the money; I did it for creative outlet (link to article on how got started). With what’s happening in world (the masacer of civilians,mostly children in Gaza; the Ebola outbreak in West Africa; the situation in the Ukrain – you name it), jewelry creation seems at times so trivial. But it’s precisely at times like this, when all seems glim, that I can use a pick me up. Wearing my favorite piece of jewelry reminds me to find joy in the small things and in the simple pleasures. And if that pleasure is in expressing my creativity and taking joy in having others appreciate it, so be it. Life is too short. And when I look at all of the pain and suffering in our society, in our world, I am constantly reminded of this sad truth.
A few weeks ago, after a storm, I noticed a rainbow. Not the kind of rainbow that paint the sky on rare occasions, that you can barely distinguish and that swiftly fade. This was a double rainbow that seemed to consume the sky. I had never seem anything like it before; it was so huge and breathtaking. I took several photos and found others taking pictures with their cell phones as well. And then I made a wish — one that perhaps was naive and childish. I wished for world peace. [Photo of rainbow] Of course I have no illusions that my simple wish would have an impact on the world. But it had an impact on me. In that moment in time, as I beheld a marvel, I was aware of…….would make
And even though my creative endeavors may not result in a new world order, I am reminded that small creative acts can lead to ……
Alternative Giving for the Holidays
Alternative giving is catching on. With frustration over the increasing commercialization of the holidays, the public is looking for alternatives to “shop-to-you-drop” consumerism in an attempt to get back to the true spirit of giving. So I’m continuing my annual round up of alternative giving that I started last year. Whether you tire of buying gifts you can’t afford; you prefer to make a socially-conscious statement; or you wish to donate to those truly in need, I’m sure you’ll find a worthy cause to contribute to below.
International Organizations
- Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) provides emergency medical care to millions of people caught in crises in more than 60 countries around the world. They have also been on the forefront of assisting with the Ebola crisis in Africa.
- Heifer International provides livestock and training to people in developing communities so that they can feed themselves. They have a special gift-giving brochure to help gift-givers with ideas during the holiday season.
- Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency.
- Outreach International has an online catalog of sustainable gifts in a variety of categories and price points to satisfy the fashion-conscious as well as the socially-conscious. The organization’s mission is to provide sustainable solutions to help end extreme poverty around the world.
Local Organizations
In addition to the international agencies mentioned above, there are also a number of local causes worth giving to – either for yourself or on behalf of others as a gift:
- Central Union Mission provides food, clothing and shelter to the homeless in the DC area.
- The House of Ruth helps women, children and families in greatest need with an emphasis on ending homelessness and chronic abuse.
- Food and Friends provides meals, groceries and nutrition counseling to people living with life-challenging illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. They also have pies you can purchase for the holidays; the proceeds go to advancing their mission.
- By acquiring food and distributing it through its network of partner agencies , the Capital Area Food Bank feeds those who suffer from hunger in the Washington metro through its network of partner agencies; and educating, empowering and enlightening the community about the issues of hunger and nutrition.
This list is not exhaustive. If you are so-inclined to give gifts with a purpose, there are plenty of causes to donate to — on behalf of loved ones, or in lieu of buying gifts for someone that she really doesn’t need. If you’re participating in alternative giving during the holidays, I’d love to hear from you. Please share what you’re doing below.
Happy Holidays.
Is It Spring Yet???
It’s mid-March and still snowing. Which prompts the question, “Is is spring yet?” We don’t know what the weather has in store, but while it’s getting it’s act together, here is a preview of the makings of my spring collection.
More in the slideshow (below)
Let me know what you think.