Wear It With Pride!

Celebrate World AIDS Day through the Handcrafted Arts!

Who: Heather Blacklock of Hacklock
What: Handcrafted Polymer Clay Jewelry
Where: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/hacklock
Why: Heather transforms her LGBTQ compassion with brilliantly cheery rainbow-hued brooches...love 'em!

Who: Fredie Hernandez of FH Creations
What: Pride Jewelry and Commitment Rings
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/FHCreations
http://www.fhcreations.com/home/
Why: An engraved sterling star pendant can help you treasure your commitment forever!

Who: Chrys of Pridemaille Designs
What: Customized Chainmaille Jewelry and Accessories
Where: Chino, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PridemailleDesigns
Why: Chrys' chainmaille is fabulous, and her sales help support Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Trevor Project, and AIDS Health Research...yay!

Who: Paula and Chris Jeanniton of Plantables & Paper
What: Eco-friendly Favors and Gifts
Where:  Newark Valley, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlantablesAndPaper
Why: Spread your unconditional love with "GROW PRIDE" rainbow seed bombs...includes Coneflowers, Poppies and Sweet Alyssum!

Who: Muriel of mu joyas
What: Urban and contemporary jewelry design in Silver
Where: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mujoyas
Why: Muriel's "Girls in Love" Slider Pendant is just swooningly sweet!

Who:  Nicole Krecicki of Rainbow Alternative
What: Gay Lesbian LGBT T-shirts, Funny 80s T-shirts & Pop Art
Where: Philadelphia, PA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rainbowalternative
Why: Nicole's Limited Edition "Take Care of Each Other" sweatshirts and tees are a supercool reminder of what really matters.  :)

Creature Cuteitude

In honor of all things vegan and cruelty-free, and the glorious fun that is Vegan MoFo (Vegan Month of Food), I'll be featuring some fun and fabulous vegan artists throughout October! 

Who: Bianca Strom of ReLove Plan.et and Enstasy Designs and Alter-Eco Clothing
What: Printed Art, Accessories and Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Nelson, BC, Canada
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ReLovePlanet
http://www.etsy.com/shop/EnstasyDesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterecoclothing
http://www.reloveplanet.com/
Why: A+++ for creative vegan cuteitude!

That wraps up a month of dazzling and darling vegan artistry...it's been fun getting to know so many new friends! Also a nice reminder to remember to buy with thoughtfulness, and to support kindness and compassion whenever you can. Many thanks to all you visitors...you are always welcome!

Happy Halloween and A Blessed Samhain! 

Purple Spirit

In honor of all things vegan and cruelty-free, and the glorious fun that is Vegan MoFo (Vegan Month of Food), I'll be featuring some fun and fabulous vegan artists throughout October!

Spirit Day: Go Purple on October 19 for Spirit Day!
Spirit Day is the annual day in October when millions of Americans wear purple
to speak out against bullying and to show their support for
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.

Column 1
Who: Barbara and Amy of Siamese Dream Design
What: Purple Vintage Hmong Embroidered Batik Cotton Hemp Long Skirt
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SiameseDreamDesign

Who: Georgia of HorizonsEd3e
What: Large Crochet Necklace Pouch
Where: Detroit, MI
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HorizonsEd3e

Who: autumnkid
What: Fireworks at Twilight Goblin Hat
Where: NJ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/autumnkid

Who: Cheri C. of Chéri Deméter
What: Purple Fleck Infinity Scarf/Cowl
Where: Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CheriDemeter

Column 2
Who: Georgia of HorizonsEd3e
What: Healing Aura Festival Crochet Halter Top
Where: Detroit, MI
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HorizonsEd3e

Who: Cheri C. of Chéri Deméter
What: Lilac Stripe Infinity Scarf/Cowl
Where: Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CheriDemeter

Who:  Teri Davis of Camille Wanders
What: Batik Hemp and Organic Cotton Shirt
Where: Mesa, AZ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/camillewanders

Who: KingKoton
What: Earth Tie Dyed T-Shirt
Where: na
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KingKoton

Column 3
Who:  Teri Davis of Camille Wanders
What: Hemp and Organic Cotton Zipper Pouch
Where: Mesa, AZ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/camillewanders

Who: KingKoton
What: Coral Reef Tie Dyed T-Shirt
Where: na
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KingKoton

Who: Barbara and Amy of Siamese Dream Design
What: Purple and Brown Balinese Batik Vegan Moccasin Boots Lace up Back
Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SiameseDreamDesign

Who: autumnkid
What: Tweedledee Wrap Skirt
Where: NJ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/autumnkid

The Balance of Imbalance

In honor of all things vegan and cruelty-free, and the glorious fun that is Vegan MoFo (Vegan Month of Food), I'll be featuring some fun and fabulous vegan artists throughout October!

Who: Leanna Echeverri of Grateful Threads and The New Bohemian
What: Sustainable Organic Clothing
Where: Sunrise, FL
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Gratefulthreads
http://www.gratefulthreadsstudio.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thenewbohemian
Why: Wildly free and imaginative, all of Leanna's designs are hand-dyed and handcrafted with a vibrant feel for the harmony of randomness found in nature. My inner renegade grooves on the radical asymmetry she uses in many of her pieces! Her Grateful Threads collection includes comfortable and creative hoodies and yoga pants, elegant dresses and sexy skirts. The New Bohemian is a separate shop, full of superfun skirts and dresses pieced together from upcycled garments and remnants from Grateful Threads...crazy cool stuff!

Wake Up You Sleepyheads!

Did you know today is National Sleepy Head Day? Yep, it's true...it's celebrated in Finland on July 27th every year. At least the Wikipedia article says so.  ;)
I ran across it this morning, then a couple of hours later, ran across the sleepyhead t-shirt by accident. It's too irresistible a coincidence, so Sleepyheadedness is the theme of the day!
Cheers! Or should I see, sweet dreams?  :)

Column 1
Who: Matt Hemminghaus of farmhaus
What: Hand-printed Art and T-shirts
Where: Northeast Missouri
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/farmhaus

Who: Mary Protich Dell of Happy Felties
What: Hand-stitched Eco Felt Owls and other FUN goodies
Where: Newport News, VA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyFelties

Who:  Thad Cox of GTCArtwork
What: Handmade Pottery
Where: King, NC
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GTCArtwork

Column 2
Who:  Azah Azreen of azreenchan
What: Doodles and Illustrations
Where: Selangor, Malaysia
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/azreenChan
http://www.azreenchan.com/

Who:  Thad Cox of GTCArtwork
What: Handmade Pottery
Where: King, NC
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GTCArtwork

Who:  Olga Kuzina of GladOArt
What: Handmade Author’s Dolls and Felted Toys
Where: Ukraine
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GladOArt

Who: Mary Protich Dell of Happy Felties
What: Hand-stitched Eco Felt Owls and other FUN goodies
Where: Newport News, VA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyFelties

Column 3
Who: Mary Protich Dell of Happy Felties
What: Hand-stitched Eco Felt Owls and other FUN goodies
Where: Newport News, VA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyFelties

Who:  Adiya Berkovich of Buligaia
What: Felt Creations, Paintings and Decorative Signs
Where: Israel
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/buligaia

Who: Penny and Nikki of Untamed Menagerie
What: Handmade Silhouette Jewelry
Where: Kingsport, TN,
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/UntamedMenagerie

Who:  Azah Azreen of azreenchan
What: Doodles and Illustrations
Where: Selangor, Malaysia
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/azreenChan
http://www.azreenchan.com/

Two on Tuesdays...In Tandem

Who: Anthony Oram
What: Limited Edition Screen Prints and Cards
Where: Brighton, England
Web: http://www.anthonyoram.com/
Why: Ride. Read. Grin. Repeat.  :)

Who: David McNeil of Skinny Man Designs
What: Contemporary Graphic T-shirts and Accessories
Where: Glasgow, Scotland
Web: http://www.skinnymandesigns.com/index.html
http://skinnyman.bigcartel.com/
Why: Lean, clean and wistfully sweet.

Two on Tuesdays...Silks and Stones

Who: Cathya Savage-Haas of Savage Spirit
What: Hand-painted Silks
Where: Moab, UT
Web: http://stoneagesavage.webs.com/
http://www.facebook.com/stoneagesavage
Why: Cathya's radiantly hued handmade treasures start at the drawing board, where she designs each concept and pattern, then goes on to sew each silk garment herself. She dyes each piece using the Japanese Shibori techniques of folding, twisting, binding and knotting, then painting on the dye...think formal tie dyeing. Can you imagine living in those glorious colors and shimmery softness all day? ohgoodgolly yes!

Who: James Haas of Stoneage Jewelry
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Moab, UT
Web: http://stoneagesavage.webs.com/
http://www.facebook.com/stoneagesavage
Why: Stonecutter and silversmith James delights in working with uncommon finds such as Ammonite, Dino Bone and Sugilite, and specializes in bright colorful gem intarsia, the art of precision-cut gem mosaics. Check out those crisp corners and tight symmetry! So many patient hours of cutting, fitting and polishing...I bow in reverence to his painterly gift for Zen monk-itude!

Kiss and Yell

Who: Lee and Karl Franklin of Inkabilly
What: Rocker, Roller Derby and Retro-inspired T-shirts and Accessories
Where: Bristol, UK
Web: http://www.inkabilly.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Inkabilly
Why: They are rebels with heart, silkscreening up a storm using environmentally friendly water-based inks on ethically manufactured organic cotton. Not your average panda bears either, but just-shy-of-the-edge images that make stuffed shirts nervous and prim ladies frown.
Witty, gritty and stylishly sly, I'm guessing those Booty Shorts would sure kick things up on Valentine's Day! ;)

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 !!)

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!

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!

Honoring Clever Haute Couture

Breaking the Mode: Contemporary Fashion from the Permanent Collection
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Sept. 17, 2006-Jan. 7, 2007

Rethink what you wear! Some fashion designers are truly ingenious artists, turning fashion inside-out and upside-down.

Breaking the Mode: Contemporary Fashion from the Permanent Collection will present designers who found traditional criteria and solutions obsolete – designers who challenged the canons of the body’s fashionable silhouette, revolutionized methods of garment construction, rejected the formulaic use of materials and techniques, and exploited new technology in textile production. >>continue>>

Image:
Issey Miyake
A-POC (A Piece of Cloth) Queen
Spring/Summer 1999
Nylon-cotton stretch knit, 160 ¾ x 22 in. (408.3 x 55.9 cm)
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Costume Council Fund
Photo by Pascal Roulin, photo courtesy of the Miyake Issey Foundation

Be Courageous

Blue Fish at Barclay Studio
Jennifer Barclay's hand decorated clothing collections are unbelievably comfortable and oh-so-whimsically expressive. She is one of those rare artists whose courage came easily, compelling her to turn her at-home business into a thriving, spirited endeavor.

"I felt no fear," says Barclay, whose company, Blue Fish Clothing Inc., in Frenchtown, N.J., produces handmade apparel from natural fibers. "If you over-analyze everything, you see how difficult it could be. It holds people back from [acting on] the wonderful ideas within them."
(Nation's Business, August, 1996 by Gary M. Stern)

"we are all beautiful when we believe in ourselves"

What is this clothing?
It is an ongoing and ever evolving collection of original designs in natural fibers such as organic cotton, thermal or textured knits, hemp/silk blends, tencel and velvet...completely comfortable and wearable. Our easy care designs fit a variety of bodies and lifestyles. The clothing is unique because we hand embellish each piece with beautiful surface designs. >>continue>>

...not just for grownups anymore...Baby Blue Fish!

update 2/11: Blue Fish at Barclay Studio has been renamed Blue Fish Clothing…the studio continues to make vibrant fabulous clothing, led by Jennifer Barclay. Baby Blue Fish is no longer available.