Saturday, December 31, 2011

Here's Cheers to All the Rest...

So many designers I didn't get to feature...here are some linkables for you to search them out. Now get out there and celebrate...Cheers!

The Indie Makers...
Vegan Etsy Team
http://www.etsy.com/teams/6494/vegan-etsy-team/members

Vegan Etsy's Favorites
http://www.etsy.com/people/VeganEtsy/favorites?type=shops

EtsyVeg
http://www.etsy.com/teams/6392/etsyveg/members
Blog
http://www.etsyveg.blogspot.com/

Etsy for Animals
http://www.efaartistshelpinganimals.org/index.htm

Organic Consumers Association > Green Businesses > Vegans listings
http://www.organicconsumers.org/state/greenbiz.cfm?all=Vegans

The Big Guns...
One Green Planet > Beyond Green Hype: Eco-Conscious and Ethical Designers
Links to legendary vegan NY Fashion Week designers Stella McCartney, Matt & Nat, Vaute Couture, etc
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/beyond-green-hype-eco-concious-and-ethical-designers-labels/

The Blogs...
The Kind Life with Alicia Silverstone-gentle champion for veganism, excellent blog > Style
http://www.thekindlife.com/style
Forum > Style
http://www.thekindlife.com/discussions/list/2/17/1

Chic Vegan: Food, Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle and Giveaways! > Fashion
http://www.chicvegan.com/category/veganfashion/
Directory-excellent links
http://www.chicvegan.com/resources/

The Streets I Know: A Vegan Fashion Blog
Hip and trendy, features supercool color-centered ensembles and links for it all
http://streetsiknow.blogspot.com/

EcoStiletto: Beauty and Health, Fashion, EcoCeleb, Parties and Press and Free EcoSwag! > Veganista
http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php/Veganista/Comments

The Ethical Man: Expert Style Resource and Vegan Fashion Shop for Men > Blog
http://blog.theethicalman.com/
Shop
http://www.theethicalman.com/

Joshua Katcher's The Discerning Brute: Fashion, Food and Etiquette for the Ethically Handsome Man
http://www.thediscerningbrute.com/
Links-supergreat links
http://www.thediscerningbrute.com/links/

The Alternative Consumer: Fashion, Home Decor, Design, Giveaways and More! > Vegan
Fun, fast, fab reviews and links for vegan designers
http://www.alternativeconsumer.com/?s=vegan&x=0&y=0

Ecorazzi: Eco-Conscious Celeb Central > Lifestyle > Vegan
http://www.ecorazzi.com/category/lifestyle/vegan-2/
Fashion
http://www.ecorazzi.com/category/lifestyle/fashion/

Ecoteurre: Eco-Fashion is More Than a Passing Trend > Vegan Style
http://www.ecouterre.com/category/vegan-style

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals: Cruelty-free info, guides and links for all ages > Living > Fashion
http://www.peta.org/living/fashion/default.aspx

The Media...
VegNews: one of the best veggie lifestyle magazines > Featurettes > Compassionate Fashion
http://www.vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=3638&catId=7

The Guardian: mainstream media with an independent streak > Life & Style > Ethical Fashion Directory
Loads of articles and reviews on Vegan Menswear and Womenswear
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/page/ethicalfashiondirectory

Style.com/Conde Nast: home of Brides, Glamour, Lucky, Teen Vogue, Vogue, W Magazine > Vegan
http://www.style.com/search/?cx=010858178366868418930%3Aiiy4mfznaiq&q=vegan&cof=FORID%3A11&x=0&y=0

Pinterest: endless eyecandy > search Vegan Designer
http://www.pinterest.com/search/?q=Vegan+Designer

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For the Vegan Kid in You

Okay, a couple of quick posts to wrap up a month of screamingly cool Vegan Designers here in the Chamber, then I'm off to celebrate the New Year!
Blessings Be for 2012 to all of you!

Who: Boo, Mighty Master of Potatoes (I'm not kidding, that's his name) of Comic Book Boo and Unpleasant Dreams
What: Creator of Vegan CaveGirl and other Comic Books, ACEO, Prints, Limited Edition and Original Artwork
Where: Whitby, England, UK
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ComicBookBoo
http://www.unpleasantdreams.co.uk/
Why: Why should carnivores have all the fun? ;)
Note: Lots of brave and brazen buxom-ness here so shield the pups' and kitties' eyes!

Who: Emily Ivey of Yarn Miracle
What: Handknit Stuffed Animals and Patterns
Where: Bay Minette, AL
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/yarnmiracle
http://www.yarnmiracle.com/blog/
Why: Squealingly irresistibly sweet and huggable. There, I said it. Huggable. :)

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Friday, December 30, 2011

True To Her Word

Who: Jeanine Taylor of Snooty Jewelry
What: 14K Gold, Sterling Silver and 14K Gold-filled Jewelry
Where: Marlborough, MA
Web: http://www.snootyjewelry.com/index.htm
Why: When it comes to designing animal-friendly jewels, Jeanine stays true to her word. A steadfast vegan, she chooses not to use pearls, shell, bone, silk or leather in any of her pieces. Not only that, she's eco-friendly too, using environmentally responsible packaging and processes in all aspects of her business. A majority of her collection is devoted to animal and peaceable themes, but you can choose from more traditional styles as well, such as simple sterling rings, earrings and more. Proceeds from some pieces, like the greyhound pin, go directly to specific charities, and a portion of all proceeds are donated as well. Jeanine's jewels are eye-catching, affordable and easily wearable, and they are a fun, subtle way to get the cruelty-free message across without batting someone over the head with vegan-tagonism. And they're way easier to put on than a vegan tattoo. ;)

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Thursday, December 29, 2011

With Her Own Fair Hands

Who: Dana Gabrielle Russo of Style and Ink
What: Handcrafted Knit and Felted Accessories, Prints and Illustrations
Where: Albany, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/StyleAndInk
http://danagabrielle.wordpress.com/
Why: Dana is a bundle of creative energy with non-stop hands that beg to be busy...so she started crocheting and voila! A luxurious collection of softly textured cowls and hoods in a range of timeless earthen hues, all made from animal- and Earth-friendly fabrics. Dana's graceful, lacy designs seem lighter than air, and her chunky and super chunky styles wrap you in soul-filling warmth. I want them looped and snugged around my neck, arms, legs and my chilly little head!
Dana also is an amazing illustrator and creator of fun felted playful things, as well as a poet, writer, photographer and spirited doodler. Here's hoping that her talented hands never stop!

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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A Rare Find

Who: Catherine Mullins of Rare Tee Clothing
What: Jewelry, graphic t-shirts and accessories
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Web: http://www.rareteeclothing.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RareTeeClothing
Why: Fun printed tees and tanks and sterling silver animal charms serve to raise awareness of endangered species around the globe. A percentage of your purchase goes to charity...you get to choose which one!
Catherine started out working for a corporate fashion company, but quickly became disillusioned with their attitude towards sustainability and compassionate awareness...or rather the lack thereof. She decided to go her own way, opened an etsy shop and isn't looking back. She has plans to do higher-end pieces that continue her sustainable, eco-aware and animal-friendly mantra. I'm looking forward to her future work!
(And FYI, she says: 15% off everything in her etsy store through the month of Dec! Just use the coupon code VEGMAS !!)

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Two on Tuesdays...Sweet and Green

Who: Katey Corrigan of Confection Letterpress
What: Letterpress Design and Printing
Where: Amesbury, MA
Web: http://www.confectionpress.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/confectionpress
Why: It's easy to love Katey's elegant nature-centered letterpress cards, calendars, coasters, invites and broadsides on recycled and tree-free papers. Designs that are soulful and quietly reverential...most of the time.

Who: Lisa Pratt and Lars Jorgensen of Green House Framing
What: Reclaimed Wood Picture Frames, Mirrors, Jewelry and Decor
Where: Portland, OR
Web: http://www.recycledframes.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenHouseFraming
Why: Every beautiful print deserves a richly-hued hand-hewn forest-preserving frame. And maybe a shelf to keep it on. And a trinket or two beside it.

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Let It Rain

Who: Cara Long of Sweet Mud Clay Works
What: Handmade Porcelain Jewelry and Functional Ceramics
Where: Philadelphia, PA
Web: http://www.sweetmudclayworks.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetmud
http://sweetmudclayworks.bigcartel.com/
Why: Because I've had this thing for sweet little umbrellas in the past few days. :)
I love the light-hearted whimsy of Cara's designs...jaunty parasols, bicycles at the ready, and a floaty heart or two. They remind me of my favorite umbrella as a kid (it was see-through so I could look up at the rain as it fell...so cool!) and my trusty green bike that survived the wipeouts even when my knees didn't.
Be sure to check out both shops, as the inventory is a bit different at each, or to see the pieces in person, visit her website for links to the galleries and museums that carry her work.

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Monday, December 26, 2011

On Board With It

Who: Gilly Seagrave of Ekawear
What: Hand-crocheted hats, scarves, mittens and accessories
Where: Cambridge UK, Malmo Sweden and Morzine France
Web: http://www.ekawear.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ekawear
http://www.eka.bigcartel.com/
Why: Gilly Seagrave is a non-stop continent-hopping mad crazy cool ball of ethical energy! Not only is she a competitive snowboarder, but she runs snowboarding events and camps for girls as well as her ekashops, featuring organic, sustainable, vegan, fair-trade knits...I'm out of breath just typing that all! She deeply cares about the details of her work, making sure that what she produces is ethically made and beautifully fashioned. Her energy and enthusiasm are a joy to behold and her integrity is a model for us all to follow.

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Sunday, December 25, 2011

Graciously Gifted and Giving

Who: Linh La
What: Clothing and accessories; Graphic design and marketing services
Where: Phoenix, AZ
Web: Love Peace Vegan clothing and accessories http://www.etsy.com/shop/lamotif01
Linh La Graphic design and marketing services http://www.linhla.com/
Why: Linh is an extraordinary talent, dedicated to using her gifts to better the world and spread compassion and joy. Her line of vegan clothing is smart and sassed up. Her goal is to spotlight causes that speak for the innocent, and her proceeds benefit several well-established charities including Ocean Conservancy, Humane Society, Nature Conservancy and Save the Children. Yay!
Linh's graphic design work runs the range from print and web design to interior design to photography. Do not miss her photography. It's tender, intimate, provocative, kinetic, bold and miraculous. All of it.
Linh's exceptional passion shines through every project she creates. She's truly a gifted and giving soul!

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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Handmade Love

Who: Rebecca Cason of edward and lilly
What: Embroidery, homewares, soft toys and accessories
Where: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Web: http://www.edwardandlilly.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/edwardandlilly
Why: Stop by Rebecca's website or etsy shop and you can't help buy be charmed by the gentle but generous enthusiasm she has for her work and for her approach to crafting. A long-time vegetarian-turned-vegan, Rebecca uses cruelty-free, eco-friendly, sustainable materials such as Kunin felt (made from recycled plastic), linen, hemp and organic cotton. She is a tireless supporter of handmade crafters and dedicates a majority of her website to featuring some of the best new and established independent artists. Her own work has an almost child-like quality to it...simple, cute creatures like echidnas and little dachsunds, baby owls, little cottages...all stitched with a caring hand. I enjoy her work and her website very much and now that I've found her, I'll definitely be back for more!

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Crafting With Compassion

Who: Pennie Mills Jewelry
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Melbourne, FL
Web: http://penniemills.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladiesblend
Why: Pennie's handmade cruelty-free vegan jewelry is simple and sweet. Anklets, bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces feature lovely gem and Swarovski crystal beads in soft pleasant hues. Pennie is an active supporter of animal rights, and she donates regularly to numerous organizations including Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, SASHA Farm, Bay State Equine Rescue and Stop the Seal Hunt.
Truly Good Karma Jewelry!

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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Wintry Knits

Who: Natalie LeGuerrier of Knits By Nat
What: Vegan Knitted Creations
Where: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnitsByNat
http://knitsbynat.blogspot.com/
Why: Happy Winter Solstice! In the spirit of all things wintry, I introduce you to Knits by Nat, a super snuggle-worthy collection of richly textured knits...the usual scarves, hats, cowls and fingerless gloves which are all the rage, as well as cup cozies, sweaters and the occasional cat blankie. Natalie uses only vegan fibers (acrylic, cotton, bamboo, linen, nylon, polyester, viscose, etc) and truly enjoys creating pieces with real feel-ability. I want one of each, a good book and a mug of steamy hot chocolate thank you.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Captured

Who: Chad Trent of Cosmo Glassworks
What: Handcrafted borosilicate glass marbles, paperweights and jewelry
Where: Roanoke, VA
Web: http://www.cosmoglassworks.com/index.php
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CosmoGlassworks
Why: Opals embedded into marbles and ethereal mists of 22K gold and fine silver captured in glass. How screamingly cool is that?
The man is a torch-wielding genius.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Two on Tuesdays...Earthy Treasures

Who: Karina Manarin of Native Sun
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Tempe, AZ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mynativesun
Why: Refreshing colors and materials reflecting essences of the world's tribal cultures are beautifully strung or set in striking focal pieces.

Who: Sue Klapholz of Spritely Finch Jewelry
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Stanford, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sue8261
Why: Unusual gems such as Amazonite and Hessonite Garnet are combined in pleasing and easy-to-wear designs...and 100% of sales revenue from all bracelets is donated to Animal Rescue Corps!

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Monday, December 19, 2011

Tales and Talismans

Who: Jeanette Easby of Square Hare Jewellery
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Saltburn by the Sea, North Yorkshire, UK
Web: http://www.squarehare.co.uk/index.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/squarehare
Why: We all grew up listening to stories, fables and myths centered around creatures real and imagined. They enchanted us with sorcery and magic, they instructed us with wisdom and patience, they amused us with cleverness and wit. And they remain with us into adulthood through dreams, art, architecture and countless other ways, including talismanic jewelry. Jeanette Easby enjoys bringing these creatures to life in her pieces ...they are fun, playful and perfectly wearable. They remind us that those magical stories still echo in our consciousness, and they just might reflect some hidden magic that secretly dances all around us.

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Sunday, December 18, 2011

From Heart to Hand

Who: Susmitha Subbaraju, aka Veganosaurus
What: Handcrafted Jewelry, Art Beads, Miniature Sculptures
Where: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbysusmitha
http://www.etsy.com/shop/veganosaurus
Why: Susmitha is a true artisan, heart and soul. She creates fun, whimsically spirited jewelry using copper, sterling silver, polymer clay, gemstones, crystals and lampwork glass beads, each piece instilled with her optimistic, meditative spirit. In addition to being an artist, she is a Reiki practitioner, Tarot reader and proud vegan (as evidenced by her nickname Veganosaurus!). She donates a portion of her proceeds each month to an animal charity and often donates pieces to charity fundraisers. Her joyous approach to life is evident in her own words...
"When I'm creating, I'm in bliss. I plunge my entire being into what I'm making and let the love flow through me to the work of art that is being formed."

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Saturday, December 17, 2011

A Fire in His Heart

Who: Eugene Duplessis
What: Pyrography
Where: Maitland, Australia
Web: http://www.eugeneduplessis.com/index.html
Why: Born in South Africa and raised a vegetarian, Eugene has been a vegan for over 8 years and an animal admirer all his life. He's also a world traveler, animal-rights advocate and truly talented artist in the practice of Pyrography (the art of burning images into wood). His carefully rendered images of African wildlife grace wooden "canvases" up to 4 feet across, giving them the majestic reverence that they deserve. A percentage of his sales is donated to animal rights groups and animal wildlife foundations as well. It warms my soul to see artists using their talent to make a difference and sincerely give back in such a beautiful way!

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Serenity in Celadon

Who: Mary Dorsch Pottery
What: Hand-built and Wheel-thrown Stoneware using Handmade Glazes
Where: San Jose, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/maryeverett (currently sold out, but you can view previous sales)
Why: As an eco-respecting ceramicist Mary does everything right...she's an officially Certified Green Business, minimizing energy by maximizing material reuse, recycling, using wind power and even smashing and donating her misfires to local mosaic artists. So great. She's an uber-conscious artist, but what about the art? I say it's aesthetically appealing and serenely satisfying. Her quirky tea sets and neti pots are graceful and amusing, her Asian-esque bowls and vessels very pleasing. And a train of those turtles would make anyone smile!

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Something for the Gentlemen?

Who: Sheatiel Sarao and Cody Vrosh of Binary Winter Press
What: Hand-printed Illustrations, Books and Clothing
Where: San Francisco, CA
Web: http://www.binarywinter.org/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/binarywinter
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CodyVrosh
Why: Intriguing, intricate illustrations evoking Art Nouveau, Steampunk and Techno-Fantasy themes are sometimes lush, sometimes spare. Gorgeous original work by two super talented artists, printed in their eco-friendly vegan workshop, appeals equally to men (fabulous ties!) and women, and completely captures my heart.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

It's a Hands-on Experience

Who: Ursula Jaroszewicz of Pepper Press
What: Letterpress Design Studio
Where: Brooklyn, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pepperpressny
Why: I feel a kinship with this girl. Her art is as much about the heady stuff of design and composition as it is about getting her hands on the machines and literally getting a feel for the letterpress process. From using, adjusting and tinkering with the machines to enjoying the velvety feel of the impressions into the paper, she is immersed in the tangibility of her work. Clever, eye-catching, eco-inspired designs coupled with the pleasure of finely crafted paper-work spins me in delight! She makes me want to give up the torch and take up the letterpress...well, almost.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Two on Tuesdays...To The Letter

Who: Christy Robinson
What: Handcrafted Imprinted Jewelry
Where: Dallas, TX
Web: http://www.christyrobinsondesigns.com/default.html
Why: Christy is a favorite among vegans for her simple words and shapes that kindly remind you to treat the planet and every living being upon it with the greatest respect and care. She's been an animal advocate and a metalsmith for over 15 years, and her jewelry is featured in numerous vegan shops as well as on PETA's website (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Lots of messages to choose from, including Animal Friendly, Wish, Ahimsa, I Am The Voice For The Voiceless, Eco Chick and I Am Not A Nugget...love that one!

Who: Debbie Kowalski
What: Handcrafted Imprinted Jewelry
Where: Blairstown, NJ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fortheanimalsjewelry
Why: Not only is Debbie a rippingly good designer, but she runs her own non-profit sanctuary, For The Animals, too...talk about busy as a bee! She provides rescue, rehabilitation and a lifetime of care for farm and domestic animals and engages in vegan outreach through numerous events such as a Vegan Bake Sale at the famous Moo Shoes in NYC. All proceeds from her Etsy store sales go to the sanctuary, so everyone benefits when you buy a supercool jewel!

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Monday, December 12, 2011

Fabulous Fleece

Who: Amber Dawn Coppings of Xmittens/Amber Coppings Design
What: Hand-created textiles, scarves, hoodie scarves, hats, jackets, etc
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
Web: http://www.xmittens.net/
Why: Comfy vegan fleece with almost 90% post-consumer content in merry jester jeweltones. A favorite of hoopers! All of Amber's pieces are world-tested for durability, wearability and eco-responsibility. Her designs are strongly influenced by Japanese aesthetics and techniques, which she also incorporates into her beautiful floating organza pieces. Custom orders are welcome and encouraged...Amber is always up for the creative challenge!

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Bijoux's Baubles

Who: Teenuja Dahari of BijouxLovlie
What: Polymer Clay Jewelry
Where: Dublin, Ireland
Web: http://www.bijouxlovlie.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BijouxLovlie
Why: Teenuja's pretty and playful polymer clay jewels are soulfully created using cruelty free materials and practices in the best spirit of ethical indie craftsmanship. Her recent "Gaia Collection" also supports TreeSisters, an initiative for women working together to reduce climate change by reforesting the planet. The sweet, earthy colors and designs are wonderfully appealing, and the price range is easily affordable. Buy a jewel, plant some trees, make the earth more lovely!

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Saturday, December 10, 2011

Sew Tiny

Who: Johanna Wood of Metal, Cloth & Wood
What: Wearable Needlework
Where: Jersey City, NJ
Web: http://www.metalclothandwood.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalclothnwood
Why: Johanna's tiny embroidered treasures are as charming as can be. Handmade bezels of recycled sterling silver are carefully set with miniature stitchery wrapped around a glass cabochon...so meticulous, yet simply marvelous!

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Friday, December 09, 2011

Bowl Me Over

Question: What was your favorite Saturday morning activity when you were a kid?
Answer: Munching on giant bowls of cereal while watching cartoons.
Big. Giant. Bowls.

Nothing was more fun on a Saturday than waking and sleepily wandering down to the TV room to claim first dibs on which cartoons to watch, then pouring bowls of sugar, er...cereal for breakfast. Froot Loops or Apple Jacks for me, Cap'n Crunch or Count Chocula for my brother. By the time the usual run of cartoons was over, the sugar kicked in and we scampered off to the backyard or the basement to plot our next treasure hunt or play Hot Wheels or climb trees. I pretty much do the same thing now, changed up just a bit. Still love watching toons. The cereal is granola and the milk is usually almond or soy. Love treasure hunts and Hot Wheels, but the tree-climbing thing...not gonna happen. ;)
On my gift list this year...a Vegan cereal bowl!

Who: Jeanette Zeis of Vegan Dish, Vessels and Wares and Quiet Animals
What: Handmade Pottery
Where: Atlanta, GA
Web: http://vesselsandwares.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/VeganDish
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vesselsandwares
http://www.etsy.com/shop/QuietAnimals/sold (currently on hiatus, but check out her sold items)
Why: Jeanette's charming glazed stoneware would brighten up any morning! Vegan Dish is dedicated to Vegan-inscribed bowls and mugs in a lovely soft peasant-life style. Vessels and Wares features functional pottery such as travel mugs, berry bowls, cupcake stands and spoons with whimsical patterns and vintage hues. Quiet Animals is all about quirky critters on wooden tiles and ceramic doodads.

Question: What was your favorite Saturday morning routine? Sleeping in? Tooning on TV? Dive bombing your brother in bed?

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Thursday, December 08, 2011

You Couldn't Ask for Anything More

Who: Tamara McFarland of McFarland Designs
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Arcata, CA
Web: http://www.mcfarlanddesigns.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mcfarlanddesigns
Why: So many reasons...
~ Simple easy-to-love totally wearable designs
~ A recycled rainbow of metals including sterling silver, 18K and 14K yellow, rose, white and green golds
~ Fair trade natural gems such as Oregon Sunstone and Montana Sapphire
~ Synthetic gems such as Moissanite in many hues
~ Timeless wedding ring and custom-designs
~ She donates significantly to charity. She's a vegan. She rescues animals...lots and lots of cute animals.
In my opinion that's about as close to a perfect jeweler as you can get. Cheers!

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Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Color-Me-Happy

Who: Peter Max
What: Fine and commercial art
Where: NYC
Web: http://www.petermax.com/
Why: When I was about 6 years old I won a paint-by-number kit of the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" and ever since I've been fascinated by that vibrant hyper-colorful psychedelic style of art. Peter Max did not work on the Submarine film, but he is said to have influenced its artists as well as a whole movement reflecting the passionate creativity of the era. A long-time vegan he often designs for eco-revering organizations and has been known to rescue a cow or two in his time. His work cheers me up like a fruity popsicle on a hot July day...color me happy!

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Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Two on Tuesdays...Mercy with Magic

Who: Samantha Vrij of Bewittched/Slow Water Studio
What: Jewelry, glass and sculpture
Where: Puhoi, New Zealand
Web: http://www.slowwaterstudio.com/ http://www.etsy.com/shop/bewittched http://www.etsy.com/shop/SlowWaterStudio
Why: Delicate pate de verre glass castings are her forte, but vegan artist Samantha Vrij also does fabulous garden sculptures and wind chimes as well as fun and playful gothic-inspired jewelry. Her poesy rings can be stacked and set with gems such as Moonstone and Amethyst, and her earrings, lockets and locket rings are easily wearable and eye-catching. She has a real feel for 3D forms and puts it to good use in conjuring her beautifully "bewittching" pieces.


Who: Rachel Anderson of Two Silver Stars
What: Prints, cards, jewelry and gifts
Where: Ithaca, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/twosilverstars
Why: Supertalented Rachel is an accomplished artist, illustrating in a style reminiscent of Pre-Raphaelites like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and modern artists like Brian Froud. She brings lush vivid color to life in her dreamy pendants, prints and gifts, all created with eco- and animal-friendly ideals in mind. Her profound love and respect for nature and all the magical beauty found in it are woven throughout her work. Irresistible, ethical and enchanting.

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Monday, December 05, 2011

Ethics at the Bench


Who: Kerstin Laibach of Atelier Laibach
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Hausen im Wiesental, Germany and Dorset, England
Web: http://www.kerstinlaibach.com/
Why: Frosty, warm and inviting, Kerstin's designs are created in fine and sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold, palladium and platinum, many with 24K gold accents. Her supercool collections include FlowerPower, BritRocks, Vegan-inscribed, Men's Ethical Jewellery, Sculptural/Architectural and Handmade Chains. She also specializes in custom designs from the ground up or rejuvenating your current pieces.
Kerstin is 100% committed to ethical practices, such as:
~ using only recycled precious metals and no newly-mined gems
~ striving for chemical and hazard-free crafting
~ pursuing carbon-inverted targets (putting more back into nature than taking from it)
~ adhering to cruelty-free/vegan principles
~ donating 10% of sales to wildlife and conservation
At 34 years of age, Kerstin is one of many in the new eco-respecting metalsmith movement firing up around the world. Wielding torches with talent and integrity...gotta love it.

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Sunday, December 04, 2011

Gifts in Kindness

Who: Sherry Duquet and Sandy Boulton of Solstice Designs
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Dearborn, MI
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SolsticeD
Why: Solstice Designs, the soulful love child of my good friends Sherry Duquet and Sandy Boulton, is devoted to creating jewelry that truly changes lives. Collections include "Gifts that Give", which donates a portion of each piece sold to women-centered organizations and "Pay It Forward", featuring easily affordable pieces (around $6) that "celebrate and encourage random acts of kindness". All of their designs beautifully express compassion and inner strength...they are touchingly thoughtful and treasurable too.
Sherry and Sandy give back in so many ways, including their fun and feisty blog Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe, their Project Mother's Day and Projects Produce and Nourish which benefit domestic abuse shelters, and their continuing commitment to teach and enlighten and inspire.
...and they conjure up the most daringly delicious vegan recipes!

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Saturday, December 03, 2011

Gypsy Girl

Just for yips and giggles I'm going to do a vegan theme this month. I'm a die-hard, though non-preachy, vegan so I'd like to feature artists devoted to veganism in life and in their creative endeavors. Let's give it a try.


"My creations come from that place between sleep and awake, a magical place where the world is kinder. I hope to tell a story with my art...to inspire people to see life in a more beautiful and compassionate way."
Who: Elise Hollandsworth Hartmann aka Dark Faerie Creations
What: Prints, boxes, dolls, jewelry and jester sticks
Where: Allentown, NJ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/darkfaerie
Why: I stumbled over this mysteriously-named "The Gypsy That I Was" and had to peek. I've been a gypsy girl at heart all my life and my Halloween costumes as a kid looked just like this enigmatic fortune-teller. Don't her eyes just enchant you and make you wonder about her story? And what's in the box? And what's in the future?

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