Releasing the Artist Within

Mud Spun Arts Center Offers Spring Workshops

Most artists would probably admit their art has taken a back seat to living their busy lives; caring for their families and advancing in their careers. Lucky is the artisan who is able to enjoy true freedom in making a living doing what they love. Also fortunate are those who are able to weave their art into their everyday lives. Becky Laliberte, owner of Mud Spun Arts Center, has done just that.

Laliberte, with her builder husband Martin, owns Swift River Commons (formerly known as Village Square Shops) on Daniel Shays Highway in Belchertown. Their property is home to small businesses like Amp Works, Real Fitness and Liberty Nails, to name a few.

Encouraged by her husband, Laliberte was able to carve out a space in their building to house her pottery wheel and kiln.

“Over the years, all of my studio time has been spent in a basement, either at home or in college. So having this new studio space, with its abundance of natural light provides so much inspiration,” said Laliberte.


Since the spring of 2007, Laliberte has been putting her studio to good use and making the necessary plans to open the arts center. The official opening will be this spring, when Mud Spun offers their six-week workshops for adults and teens.

Still in the planning stages for 2008 is an art and music festival to be held on the green behind the property on Daniel Shays Highway. It would include a showing of art from the various instructors, as well as other artists, a sampling of live music presented by Amp Works, and a possible “taste of art” for those who would like to try their hand at making a mini-masterpiece. Interested artists can e-mail photos of their work to Becky at Mud Spun.

BALANCING ACT

Back in high school, Laliberte discovered pottery during art class and has been drawn to it ever since. “I’ve continued to work with clay on and off over the years. It’s a gentle, quiet voice always calling me back,” Laliberte said.

Laliberte earned a Bachelors’ degree in art at Elms College and values art as a staple of the human condition.

“Art is such an important part of our culture and our existence. The earliest recordings we have, as a people, are in art,” Laliberte said.
Her secondary degree, in education, has allowed Laliberte to make a living as a teacher. Although not an art teacher, she taught elementary school in Chicopee for five years.

By offering art classes in her new studio, Laliberte finds a balance that she hasn’t quite accomplished until now.


“The center evolved out my desire to have a place to practice my own art and as a way to bridge my background in art with my background as a teacher,” Laliberte said.

AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL

Laliberte’s vision for the center is to provide an opportunity for people to learn something new from instructors who are willing to share art in a fun, friendly and relaxed environment.

“I see the studio as a place to immerse yourself in the process as you explore art,” Laliberte said.

Laliberte hopes to realize her vision as an artist and a teacher by providing the community with an opportunity for art enrichment. By offering workshops, individual instruction and fun get-togethers, participants can explore different forms of the arts.

“I’m so excited about the center,” Laliberte said. “I’ve been very fortunate to find talented artists who share this vision and actually have the time to teach a workshop.”

SPRING INTO ART

The following six-week spring workshops will begin in early March and run through late June. Each workshop is offered once a week for six weeks on a specific day, at a set time. Materials and use of tools are included.

Clay Tile Making, instructed by Becky Laliberte, will cover the basics of how to prepare clay, construct slabs, alter surfaces and explore various methods of relief carving. Participants will complete glazed, fired tiles that can be displayed as works of art or installed as functional decorative tiles.

Elements of Drawing, instructed by Jennifer Sinclair, will help sharpen participants’ abilities to decipher different values, identify and represent light sources, and employ perspective. Each class will focus on a different drawing element.

Beaded Jewelry Design, instructed by Deanna Roux, will encourage participants to explore basic beading skills, while designing and creating wearable art out of glass, metal, leather and wire. Each class will focus on a different technique and will yield at least one piece of jewelry.

Woodcarving, instructed by Elton Braithwaite, will touch upon the cultures of Africa and the Caribbean as they relate to woodcarving, while teaching the skills of ancient woodcarving. Braithwaite, a natural story teller, will encourage students to develop patience and concentration as they execute an original relief carving.

Interested participants should contact Mud Spun or go online to register at www.mudspunartscenter.com.

ART CAMP FOR KIDS

This summer, Mud Spun will offer a children’s art camp to give kids a deeper appreciation of art. Students will look at some of the great masters and study the different colors and mediums that were used.


“A lot of towns are having to eliminate art; something that makes for a much more diversified education. This art camp will be an opportunity for people who want more options for their children,” explained Laliberte.

Laliberte encourages artists (or artists in hiding) to listen to their inner voice and come explore their artistic talents.

“I think the world we live in sometimes robs us of our individual passions,” Laliberte said. “It gives me great satisfaction to be able to help another artist rediscover that.”

Reprinted with permission from The Sentinel, Turley Publications.

CAPTION ME, PLEASE

My sweet kitty is all white with one blue eye and one golden eye.

He LOVES to be near us but HATES to be touched.

We've decided that he has a touch of OCD. The minute someone pets him or picks him up, his mouth gets ready to clean his fur. As soon as he escapes, he scurries away and gives himself a thorough bath.

Oliver James is always so impressed.

Oh, and he likes to sniff our toes...for a long time.

Can you provide a good caption for this photo? Add a comment and let me know your clever cutline.

INSPIRATION ABOUNDS

Where do you find inspiration? This is an interesting query to me. I always ask this of other artists. Common responses seem to be: materials, nature, emotions and people.

Material Girl

Sometimes my materials are an inspiration. Like when I helped my son with a grade-school project. He had to make an unusual hat. We went “shopping” down in my craft room. We found tiny colorful rubber bands, and small wooden beads. Can’t remember how, but we made a musical hat. A string hung about ear level on each side of his head. When he pulled the string from side to side, the hat strummed like a guitar (if it were made out of rubber bands).

Nature's Bounty

Nature is so vast and is what lends itself to a ton of art I see: trees, oceans, leaves, birds, rocks, fruit, and so on. You see it in paintings, drawings, pottery, jewelry, everywhere.

And who could forget nature’s presence in poetry.

Trees

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

~ Joyce Kilmer

Emotion Commotion

When I was heavily into writing poetry, emotions were what guided my pen. When my emotions were in turmoil or at the very highest of highs, I wrote a ton. But when I was in a content place emotionally, I’d be at a loss when I'd sit down to write

Personally Speaking

In my current work at the newspaper, people are what inspire me. I enjoy having a meaningful conversation with my subject and uncovering what makes them unique and just like everyone else. Everyone has a story to tell. How someone became a small business owner is always related back to the person’s life story. I think articles are much more interesting to read (and to write) when you can learn about the person behind the scene.

My Inspirational Spot

(click photo to enlarge)

In jewelry design, I gain inspiration from all things: a beautiful painting, my kid’s art, a piece of glass, my sisters, a stone or my excitement for creating things I love. My studio space is full of visual inspiration – post cards that I pick up at art galleries, my jewelry sketches on scraps of paper, an animated butterfly an old boss gave me, a Waterford crystal seashell a friend gave me commemorating our trip to St. Thomas, and of course all of my sterling and gemstone components that I shopped oh so meticulously for.

So, where do you find inspiration? Add a comment to this article and let me know. Your inspiration doesn't have to be about art. Maybe you draw on inspiration for other things in your life. Sometimes I seek inspiration just to make dinner.

GO OUT FOR A WALK - AN ART WALK

I've been invited to join Art Walk Easthampton. It's something I've been considering for a while but couldn't fit in. Last year I did more than 15 venues, including Marketplace@Eastworks, one of the stops on this walk and where I'll be showing.

This year I'm cutting back to just the finest art shows. So that's why I am officially signed up to show at this incredible event. It's the second Saturday of each month and is from 5-8 p.m. - perfect substitute for the (somewhat lathargic) movie scene.

More than a dozen venues host visual, musical and performance art in an energetic sampling of local, regional and national talent. You can explore Easthampton's best galleries, shops, restaurants, pubs, and music and theater venues.

Located on Pleasant Street in Easthampton, this amazing old refurbished factory building has an open floor plan and is home to artisan studios, retailers and residents. The first floor (street level) is where you'll find cute little shops and boutiques and where resident artisans show their wares.

ODDS AND ENDS

Drawing in a Winner

To attract some attention to my blog (and to the charity bracelet project), last December I had a drawing for those who joined my mailing list. But I needed to drive folks there.

So I hit the Etsy forums and proceeded to post the bracelet, my blog and my shop in any forum I could find (related or not). I did this for a few days until I received a lovely-worded e-mail from Etsy Admin stating that some people might consider this spam.

Luckily, I had already received a ton of hits so I gracefully and apologetically bowed out of the forums for a while. I sincerely didn't think of it as spam until the admin mentioned it and I am sorry if I annoyed any of you.

Anyhoo, I did have enough participants to hold an official drawing. A person by the name of S. Thompson won and chose one of my festive Holiday Bells On magnetic pins. Thanks to all for participating!

Writing for My Dinner

Woo-hoo! I am so excited to get a regular paycheck for something that I love to do - write! I've written and had published ten (or so) articles in my local paper, The Sentinel. It's a great little community paper. My articles are about local businesses that have either just started out or have major change afoot. I enjoy getting to know the people behind the business and sharing, through my article, what made them who they are.

I Gotta Get the Numbas!

"Did you do the numbers yet?" "Are you gonna get me the numbers this weekend?" The numbers. The numbers. The numbers!! Argh! I hate numbers. It's not that I can't do it. It's just that it's such a process!! But yes, I finally did it. I figured out what Fancy Free Me spent last year - all the Etsy and Paypal fees, post office costs, jewelry supplies, event costs. And all that we took in - customer sales at shows, Etsy, gallery venues - all of it!


I got him (my sweet, bean-counting hubby) the numbas! Phewf.

So you wanna know? How'd I do in 2007? Well, I can only say this, I had a 200% growth rate. That's good right?!

Here are some numbers I can share:

2 - number of galleries that represent my work

17 - number of times I packed up my gig, showed, sold and packed it all back up and brought it home.

72 - number of merchants, venues, artists I paid for goods, fees or services

175 - number of revenue sources - customers, sales, etc.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR................... ARTIST DEBORAH SPRAGUE.........

ARTIST BACKGROUND

Deborah grew up watching over her two younger sisters. Her family moved quite a bit when she was young – from coast to coast and back again – until they settled into a small New England town. She spent her high school years in that small town and made many special friends.

Deborah has two handsome boys – one currently in Army Special Ops Training and one studying to be a fire fighter. She has spent the past several (almost ten) years with a wonderful man, with whom she recently exchanged wedding vows.

Anyone who knows her would say Deborah has a passionate and caring spirit. Always a good friend, she’s willing to lend an ear or a hand whenever needed. Her character has lended itself to her art. Deborah’s paintings reveal her emotions and point of view in a very pure way. Her art is not guided by technical strokes or channeling other artists. It’s guided by what’s inside.

I hope you enjoy the words and art of my beautiful sister, Deborah Sprague.

IN HER OWN WORDS

droux: When did you realize you were an artist?

dlsprague: My first love comes from appreciating nature and the beauty in it, and the feeling that it brings to me. I never thought of myself as being creative or talented, but envied those who are. When my children were older I had some time on my hands to spend in museums and galleries with the new love of my life. I found that the feeling I would get when looking at a beautiful piece of art was the same as when I was in nature. It was a real connection for me. I figured what the heck, I'll purchase some supplies and try it out. I just wanted the feeling of creating. I wasn’t expecting perfection or anything. It was really about the process - a journey. From there, my husband encouraged me to continue and gave me art lessons at the Boston MFA as a birthday gift. It was so inspiring to be surrounded by great works and then to be surrounded by other students who were also learning. I continued to take classes in oil and pastel. Some day, I hope to think of myself as an artist - but I love the journey.

droux: Where do you find inspiration?

dlsprague: I find my inspiration in nature; I love the colors of the natural world - the greens, golds, blues and the reds. I love to look at other artists' work; I love texture and thick brush strokes and vivid colors

droux: What was the first piece of art you ever created?

dlsprague: When I was about eight, I made a puppet out of paper and crayons for my little sister for Christmas. I loved giving it to her.

droux: What is your favorite medium?

dlsprague: That’s a hard question. I recently learned to paint with pastel so that is what I'm doing right now the most. I love the intense colors you get with pastel and the fact that I can leave it out and work on a piece when I can get to it. I love oils too; how you can put it on thick and be creative with mixing your colors. AND I really enjoy doing mixed media pieces with acrylic. This technique opens the door to doing pieces that are so different.

droux: How do you feel about parting with your art?

dlsprague: First I get nervous. I hope the person I give a piece to really likes it or at least appreciates it. When I'm doing a piece, if I know I'm giving it to someone in particular, I really think a lot about that person when I'm working on it. Since I don't live right next door to my family, it is a nice way to stay in touch - even if it is only in my mind. I love to give my art to my husband. He really loves my work and that I express myself in this way.

Deborah lives in New Hampshire with her husband Wayne, her two boys (when they're not at school, working or in training), and their black lab, Summer.

Coming Soon: Look for her art on display at my Etsy shop!

Invitation: Please leave a comment and tell me what you think about Deborah's art seen above (first two are pastels; last one is oil) - you can click on the photos to enlarge.

Mud Spun Arts Center Opens in Belchertown

What is this? Deanna Roux, instructor?

Yes, that's what I said, sista (or brotha - whatever the case may be).

Okay, slow down droux. You're getting a little ahead of yourself. Do you want the long version or the short version? ... Just what I figured. Fine, short version it is.

A woman, by the name of Becky Laliberte (a mom and a potter), decided to open an arts center in our sweet little town called Mud Spun Arts Center. She carved out a spot in a building she owns - really a strip mall. (P.S. It's the same strip mall where my kids take music lessons and I had put my business card up on the music shop's bulletin board.)

Becky lined up several artists to instruct 6-week workshops for adults. She was looking to fill a jewelry making slot when she came across my business card at the music shop.

See, I can do short version.

The arts center is currently conducting open registration for the following:

~Elements of Drawing
~Clay Tile Making
~Beaded Jewelry Design
~Woodcarving

Mud Spun also offers:

~"Clay with Us" Get Together
~Individual Potter's Wheel Instruction
~Art Camp for Kids
~Oil Painting Workshop

Check out the Mud Spun registration form for all the details, including dates, times, and very reasonable prices.

Oh, and did I tell you? I'm instructing a workshop!

HARMONY OUTREACH, CHINESE BABIES AND A SYMBOLIC BRACELET

Back in October I became interested in the work of Harmony Outreach, a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization, that literally saves abandoned babies in China. It’s run by an American couple, John and Lisa Bentley, who live in China with their six children. They took a huge leap of faith when they moved from their safe and predictable life to one quite the opposite.

I’ve communicated with them via e-mail for the past four months and have found myself looking at their photos, reading the many articles about their work and even listening to interviews that Lisa has given to a radio show – all to both confirm and understand their work.

John and Lisa live just outside of Beijing, China together with their six children Emily, Ian, Orly, Oliver, Reid and Levi.

THE BENTLEY’S STORY

Their story is a long one. But the short version is:

• A slightly germ phobic mother of four young children is asked by her lawyer husband to go from living the American dream to an uncertain life in China.



• She reluctantly agrees to a short trial period.



• Many heart-wrenching trials, two adopted children and several years later, Lisa and John have no plans of leaving their ‘new’ home.

LISA IS CALLED TO SAVE

“A six-week old, badly burned baby is left to die in a field. The villagers stand around staring, unwilling to burden themselves with the responsibility of helping him. Despite its heartbreaking beginning, this remarkable story has an ending that's full of hope and inspiration.”

Learn the rest of their story here in an interview Lisa gave to In Touch Magazine.

Lisa goes on to write her first book, Saving Levi, which tells of her and John’s struggles and triumphs after their decision to help this dying baby. Later, Levi is the first child to be adopted into their family.

”I WANT TO HELP”

That was the title of my first e-mail to Lisa and John – “I want to help.” Simple. After reading the article in In Touch, which literally brought me to tears, I didn’t just want to help – I needed to help.

Sometimes when you gain knowledge, you also gain responsibility. I’ve always had a strong urge to help people who need help. Not people who want help or people who behave like they need help – but people who really have very little means of helping themselves. When I see that in someone, there’s no way I can turn away.

I decided to help by creating and selling a bracelet that symbolizes Chinese adoption. My husband Bob agreed to put up a few hundred dollars so I could purchase the supplies for the bracelet. November 12, 2007, the first day the bracelet was in my online shop, I sold two. The first week, I sold four. Our goal of selling thirty bracelets was reached before Christmas.

TINY BABY HOPE

We are so happy and proud to report that through the sale of this symbolic bracelet we have been able to donate over $750 to Harmony Outreach. We have chosen to have the funds go directly to Baby Hope, who was in need of heart surgery but didn’t have the entire cost covered. Her surgery is now completely paid for thanks to the thirty folks who have purchased this beautiful symbol for their loved ones and for themselves. Hope’s surgery was just a few weeks ago. I’m told she’s back at Harmony House and doing very well.

Hope - Ling Qianxu

Through this work, I’ve been able to meet so many wonderful people. Many of whom were willing to share their personal journals and photographs – all devoted to their journey to adopt a baby from China; many who are still on their journey, some sad, some anxious, but all ever hopeful. My customers (they feel like more than customers really) tell me the bracelet has such meaning to them and they fill my e-mailbox with special messages of thanks. But it is really them who deserve the thanks. They are the ones who are helping the world, one child at a time.

SWEET SWEET HELEN

Word has gotten around about the bracelet, so instead of abandoning the bracelet project, Bob and I decided to sponsor a child from Harmony House. Hope is completely sponsored, so we turned our attention to the other 32 children in the orphanage.

Helen - Wang Xinrui

A portion of the sale of each bracelet will go to help sponsor sweet little Helen - Wang Xinrui. Helen will turn five years old this year and is described as having a love of performing. She does not like sitting in a chair for long unless she’s drawing or reading a cartoon book. It was difficult to choose who to sponsor, because all the children really tug at our heartstrings. We chose Helen because her name holds a special meaning in our family. Look at her photo – she looks so happy and sweet!

HEARTFELT THANKS

A lot of gratitude and appreciation goes out to the many families who have adopted babies from China, sponsor a special little one from China or are waiting for their angel to be delivered safely into their family. You are truly making a difference in our world by saving lives from a land not seen - out of pure love and faith.

WANT MORE?

You can read all about Harmony Outreach and the progress of the bracelet project, by searching my blog for the word “hope.” (see the word "Labels" at the bottom of this article - click on the word "hope")

Please learn more about the needs of many children in China as well as Chinese adoptions by visit Harmony Outreach online at www.HarmonyOutreach.org.

It's been a while...

I really need to catch you up on things around here. I think I'll give you a short list now and then a few full-blown articles in the next week or two.

Bob and I at the DCU Center, Worcester, MA 12/09/07

HOLIDAY ARTS HAPPENING

I'll start with the HUGE art show by stART on the Street at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA on December 9. Their shows are so well-organized and this one was set right before the holidays in a very popular venue with the Boston Pops on hand. Wow! So what was so huge about it? My expectations. Great people, low turnout. But ma hubby was there to keep me smiling!

HARMONY OUTREACH DONATION

My husband, Bob, and I - along with about 30 people from around the country - were able to donate a nice bit to Harmony Outreach this holiday season. Our bracelet project is still going strong - but with a change. A portion of the proceeds will go to sponsor a child at Harmony Family House. I'll be sending out a summary to all who participated and of course write about it here as well.

ON TAP FOR 2008

A few things I'll be focusing on this year:

~taxes (ugh!) - I need a system
~show schedule - only the best of 2007
~collaboration - with my sister Deborah
~gallery/boutique presence - I have some new contacts
~skill enhancement - precious metal clay, silversmithing
~new products - fun ideas coming
~writing - my local newspaper and my blog

I'm looking forward to getting back out to shows and meeting new people. That's what keeps me going.

I wish you and your family a healthy and safe new year!!

Yeah, it's ma birthday...

Check out the other 147 Etsians who share my special day. Can you find me in the crowd?

Happy birthday - hope you get lots of love today!

Check us out...right here.

WRITING FOR AN ONLINE AUDIENCE

by Deanna Roux, published in The Storque, Etsy.com

My last job was for a corporate communications department - in employee communications. I was assistant editor for an employee magazine and online publisher for an employee intranet. I have some good info to share that I think you can use for writing up shop listings and blogs.

Let me begin by saying this – I’m not done learning. Times change, technology changes, and peoples’ needs change. Things are always evolving and you have to keep up if you want to stand out.

With that said, here’s where we were last I checked.

What’s In It For me?

People have little time and even less patience. Readers want to know “what’s in it for me?” in the first few seconds, otherwise they‘ll move on. Potential customers are consumers of your writing. Wow them with your art, but grab them with your voice first. And don’t wait until the end of your blog post to present a call to action (e.g. sign up, join, visit me, etc.).

Write As If Your Audience Doesn’t Know Anything

You are the expert of what you create. You know the size, length, and dimensions. You know the materials and components. Your words should tell the story your photos can’t. Don’t make them search. A shopper wants to know if it’s sterling silver or plated; cotton or rayon; and porcelain or ceramic.

KISS – Keep It Simple And Short

Yes, you need details, but don’t overwhelm the reader right to the nearest exit. Reserve space for sharing your personal views, techniques and inspirations. Go back and read what you wrote. Remove big words used only to impress and information that is redundant. Don’t drown your clever cut of meat with too much gravy.

Trick: Don't know all the ins and outs of Photoshp? Create a simple box with text and clipart in Word or PowerPoint - then paste it into a new Photoshop doc. Now just "save as" a .jpg.

Speed Bumps

It’s your job to slow the online eye. Give your reader something to stumble upon. Instead of using a large block of text, break it up. Use bullets to make a list easier to read. Use caps and/or boldface to make subtitles in your post pop. The use of whitespace will give the eye a break and it’ll make your blurb easier to read.

So what do you think? Are you up for the challenge? The challenge is not “writing.” The challenge is “taming the writer within.” So here’s your whip and here’s your chair. Now go tame.

Catch Up With Me This Weekend At Eastworks

When I was in high school, I was allowed to leave early and go to work from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. I worked in a factory right next door to the beautifully repurposed factory building, Eastworks. Well now I'm back and what a wonderfully different atmosphere there is to enjoy!

Located on Pleasant Street in Easthampton, this amazing old building has an open floor plan and is home to artisan studios, retailers and residents. The first floor (street level) is where you'll find cute little shops and boutiques and where resident artisans show their wares.

Don't miss me at the Winter Festival this weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday - where Eastworks artisans and other invited artists (like myself) will be open for business right on the main wood-planked hallway. Hours are 10am - 5pm the first two days and 12pm - 4pm on Sunday. Come shop, have lunch and shop some more!

Gifts That Give Twice Are Twice As Nice

My fellow Etsian, Phyllis Mufson, and I have quite a few things in common.

First, she is super busy being crafty, like many of us indie artisans. But she kicks it up a notch with TWO Etsy shops! One (Personal Treasures) with very high-end, gorgeous jewelry featuring quality gemstones in silver and gold. And another (Mufi Jewels) featuring equally stunning pieces with a more casual appeal.

Phyllis also blogs, like ma-self. Her blog is dedicatd to creative people and the creative process. On her blog, she features other artists and is currently showcasing a group of crafters who create for the good of others.

Check out her blog to see the many Etsians (like Phyllis and me) who are creating Gifts That Give Twice. Shop these artists this holiday season and your purchase will benefit all kinds of global groups including those who support children, breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, animals and eating disorders.

Harmony Outreach Bracelet Project

This gorgeous bracelet has a very special meaning. It’s a symbol for anyone who is lucky enough and blessed enough to have built their family by adopting a child – more specifically, a child from China.

This bracelet is custom made to fit a specific wrist – either adult or child. When you purchase the bracelet, I will contact you for measurements.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of these bracelets will go to Harmony Outreach, a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization.

Harmony Outreach helps to save abandoned babies and children in China by ensuring they receive the medical treatment, therapy or schooling they need while they complete their journey from abandonment and hopelessness to redemption and love.

They do this through Harmony's “Three Steps to Hope” program:

• Step one is foster care – the child is cared for in a loving home setting at Harmony Family House.
  
• Step two is surgery – the child’s special needs conditions are corrected.
  
• Step three is adoption – the child graduates from the program and is adopted into a loving family!

The significance of each element of the bracelet is explained below:

• GENUINE GARNET BEADS – The Chinese believe that an invisible red thread connects a child to loved ones throughout their life. The color red has become a symbol of Chinese adoption and safe travel.
  
• STERLING SILVER CHINESE FAMILY SYMBOL BEAD – The Chinese symbol for Family is the focal bead in this bracelet and the focal desire for so many who come to adopt a child.
  
• STERLING SILVER LADYBUG – The ladybug has been a symbol for good luck and Chinese adoptions for the past several years. Among the adoption community, a sighting of a ladybug means your child was born or perhaps the referral stork is in his flight.
  
• STERLING SILVER HEART CLASP – The heart represents the love you will or currently do share with your special adopted child and your family.
  
• STERLING SILVER HOPE CHARM – This charm symbolizes the hope you have in your heart that you will find a child and your child will find you. It also stands for the hope that we share for all children who need a family to love them. Additionally, the hope charm represents Harmony Outreach's Three Steps to Hope.

I was approached -- via my Etsy shop, by a potential mom, Rachel Meyers, of a potentially adopted child from China -- to help Harmony Outreach … please read my original post to learn more.

LUCKY BUG

The ladybug is a symbol of good luck in most countries. As a child who grew up in the US, I was taught if a ladybug lands on you, make a wish and blow her away saying “fly away home.” And, among the adoption community, a sighting of a ladybug means your child was born or perhaps the referral stork is in his flight. Either way, a sighting of that spotted beetle is lucky.

LADYBUG LORE

In the Middle Ages, in Europe, insects were destroying the crops. The Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon the Asian beetle came and ate the aphids. The farmers began calling the insect ‘Beetles of Our Lady’ - eventually known as ‘Lady Beetles’- then ‘Lady Bugs.’ It is recorded that the red wings represented the Virgin’s cloak and the black spots represented her joys and sorrows.

It was a much later invasion that forever connected the ladybug to the Chinese adoption community. In 1998, there was a delay in referrals. That was the summer that much of the US had an invasion of ladybugs. Immediately after, referrals poured in with larger numbers than ever. So, there is a solid foundation for the lore.

WHY CHINA?

Chinese adoptions are becoming increasingly popular in the US; American families choose to adopt from China more often than from any other country. In fact, since 1992, more than 50,000 Chinese orphans have been placed with American families.

Adoptive parents consistently cite the same reasons for choosing to adopt from China.

• Chinese children are generally very healthy and well cared for.
• Both girls and boys available.
• There are many waiting children with special needs available.After 3 months, all parental rights of birth parents are severed, and all rights revert to adoptive parents.
• Adoptive Parents need only make one trip to China.
• Adoption can be finalized while in China if both parents are present.
• Chinese adoptions are very affordable compared with other international adoptions.
• Travel conditions in China are extremely safe.

WANT MORE?

Harmony Outreach:
http://www.harmonyoutreach.org/index.cfm

Adoption process:
http://www.harmonyoutreach.org/index.cfm?pg=doc&id=188

Adoption info and resources:
http://www.harmonyoutreach.org/index.cfm?pg=doc&id=153

Featured Etsy Shop - Coconut Palm Designs

Coconut Palm Designs offers art with a tropical flair. Joanne, owner of this spicy Etsy shop, is a Canadian living in Belize, Central America. She’s an artist working in a variety of mediums, a graphic designer and now a woodworker.

Designing signs is her newest crafting passion but art has been in her blood since birth. The colors and designs of many of her pieces are rich and vibrant in color and point of view.

I’ve chosen to showcase Joanne’s amazing ACEO art. But first, let’s have a little lesson on ACEO art.

I didn’t fully understand this particular craze among artists until I went on a little online hunt. Here’s what I found out:

• ACEO stands for “art card, editions and originals.”
• They started out as ATCs or “artist trading cards” and were traded among artists.
• Artists realized this was an opportunity for the public to share in the fun, thus ACEOs were created.
• They’re individual art miniatures which pass hand to hand.
• The only standard requirement is that it measures 2.5" x 3.5”.
• It’s basically a way for the average person to own some art, at the same time offering exposure for the artist.

Okay, now that we have that out of the way, here’re the goods:

This ACEO (above) is an original pencil crayon illustration of a red eye tree frog (Agalichnis callindyas). These frogs breed in isolated ponds in lowland forest habitats. It is drawn on watercolor paper and is signed and dated on the back.

This ACEO (above) is an original drawing of a wildflower that grows in Belize. It is drawn on watercolor paper and colored with pencil crayons. It is signed and dated on the back.

This ACEO (above) is an original acrylic abstract painting done in primary colors and edged with black marker. It is done on watercolor paper and signed and dated on the back.

Want more?

Visit her blog.

Visit her Etsy Shop.

Featured Etsy Shop - Mommy and Me Boutique

Many have featured the gorgeous items in The Mommy and Me Boutique. The shop boasts a variety of high end aprons and skirts for mom and daughter, plus some adorable baby bibs and burp clothes.

As I visited this sweet little Etsy shop I was transported straight into a chic fashion show. The photos are as classy as the items themselves.

I’ve chosen to highlight these three aprons for the domestic fashionista.

“Welcome to my kitchen. Can I whip you up a five-layer butter cream cake?” That’s what you will feel like in this rich looking color block apron with its heavy grosgrain ribbon sash.

This apron screams “I can bring home the bacon AND wrap it around some scallops AND pour you some pinot before you can say FLIR-tee.” Everyone will love love love this.

Put this one on and you’re going to feel like baking up a batch of biscotti. “Anyone up for some cappuccino and some chatty catch-up?”

No matter which one you may choose, these aprons will make you feel like a W-O-M-A-N. Very feminine and very capable.

Want more?

Visit her Etsy shop.

Visit her blog.

Featured Etsy Shop - Kreative Mindz

Kreative Mindz is comprised of three individuals. Aly and Beau are a husband and wife team, supporting each other through love, laughter and creativity. An-G is one of Aly's best friends, who is a wonderful seamstress and enjoys sewing in her free time, when she isn't being a vet.

Together, the three of them make funky clothing, kicked up accessories, rockin’ hair wraps, soothing hot packs, bags, purses, wallets, and just about any other thing their creativity and sewing machine will allow.

In addition, Beau is a skilled craftsman and carpenter, so they’ve got some awesome wooden boxes and other wood features in their shop.

I chose to highlight these two beautiful artful pieces. They remind me of Kreative Mindz’s shop, work and the general feeling they exude – organic and natural.

The first one above, titled The Autumn Harvest, uses different fabrics consisting of organic cottons, batik cottons, hand dyed canvas and a piece of vintage upholstery fabric for the moon. It was appliquéd together with different colors of embroidery thread.

This gorgeous piece (left) is an Elemental Cloth, representing the water element, which can be used as a meditation wall hanging or altar cloth. It’s made with hand-dyed cotton muslin and a printed cotton blend fabric. It’s embellished with beads, stones and an abalone shell and has a pocket for intentions (or anything else you would like to use it for).

Aly and company have more of these fantastic elemental clothes in their shop – each representing respectively earth, mineral, nature and fire. These particular elements are derived from the African culture. Here’s how you determine which element you are. It goes by the last digit in your birth year ... Earth : 0 or 5, Water : 1 or 6, Fire : 2 or 7, Nature : 3 or 8 and Mineral : 4 or 9.

Want more?

• Visit Kreative Mindz Etsy shop.
• Visit Kreative Mindz blog.

Reach Out With Harmony Outreach

Harmony Outreach is an organization that helps to save abandoned babies and children in China by ensuring they receive the medical treatment, therapy or schooling they need while they complete their journey from abandonment and hopelessness to redemption and love ... learn more.

Harmony Outreach is run by a husband and wife team, Lisa and John Bentley ... learn more.

They need help raising money to pay for Harmony House, where the children are cared for by a local Chinese family who act as their house parents until they're adopted ... learn more.

You can help by sponsoring a child ... learn more.

Featured Etsy Shop - Indigo Luna

Rachel Kitterman of Indigo Luna is a self-described art addict. Her primary passion is fabric and she’s been making art quilts and dolls for over a decade now.

Other mediums she enjoys are paper, altered art, mixed-media, knitting, crocheting, jewelry, artist books and photography. She says, “Pretty much, if it will hold still, I'll make art out of it!”

Rachel also loves to write and she does a great job at it too! So, below you’ll learn more about Rachel, in her own words (from her Etsy Profile).

What if?

“I have always been an artist. I have always drawn, cut, pasted, painted, collected, sewn, written and dreamed. I have been driven by the question, ‘What if?’ (and fighting against its archenemy, ‘That won’t work!’)”

I like a good hat

"Among other things, I am a sign language interpreter, an energy worker, a minister, a blogger, a wife to a wonderful and creative man, and a mother to two wild and amazing little girls. All of these roles shape and change and inform my art.”

Inspiration abounds

“I am a 5th generation Oregonian. This lush and verdant environment is in my blood. I grew up in a valley surrounded by tree-covered hills. I memorized the names of flowers as a child. I picked baskets full of mushrooms in the damp woods and studied moss and built forts inside of blackberry thickets.”

Art-complished

Rachel’s work has appeared on the cover of the 2005 Quilting Arts Calender, in Artella Magazine, Art/Quilt Magazine, Fiberarts Design Book 6.

Rachel is also member of Etsy’s EarthPath Artisans Street Team (E.A.S.T.).

Want more?

Visit Rachel’s Etsy shop, Indigo Luna.
Check out Rachel’s blog.

A time of need - A time to help

It seems so many are in a special time of need. I look at it two ways - either our world is in a state of turmoil or the media has been working double time to show us all the pain our fellow human beings endure on a daily basis. Maybe we've always had this amount of trouble but it wasn't always exposed. Or maybe in my ignorant youth, I chose not to see or understand the magnitude of things.

I don't need to go into all the details of war, abuse and destruction for you to know what I'm talking about. We all live the lives of others through the eyes of news reporters.

SHARE YOUR GIFTS AND TALENTS

So now that I'm in a heightened state of awareness, as you may be too, how do I decide what to do about it? Well, it’s hard. Not everyone can get on a plane and fly to the places where they can help or reach in their pocket and give to those in need.

What seems to work for me is something I read in a request to help with my church’s religious education program. It simply suggested to “share your gifts and talents.” That really makes it simple. Realize you have something to offer: baking, event planning, computer work, sewing, etc. and then put it to use.

BRACELET PROJECT

Recently, I was asked to donate a piece of my jewelry to an auction. The auction is being run by a person who wants to raise money for an organization that provides foster care, surgeries and adoptions for special needs orphans in China. The organization is called Harmony Outreach.

It sounded like a great opportunity to help. But what I’d like to do is take it a step further. I’ve asked a couple of my vendors to donate supplies so I can create a bracelet with a cause. So far, I haven’t heard back from them, which can be discouraging, but I’m not giving up that easily.

Once these vendors come through (I have faith in them!), a sweet bracelet will be created and sold on my Etsy shop, at the shows I attend and hopefully at the gallery venues that currently represent my work. 100 percent of the sales of these bracelets will go directly to Harmony Outreach. Look for future articles on the progress of this work.

DONATE TO THE AUCTION

To donate an article to the auction, please contact Rachel Meyers. She is from Columbus, Ohio and is currently in the process of adopting one the fortunate children in the Harmony Outreach program.

HARMONY OUTREACH

Harmony Outreach is the ministry of John and Lisa Bentley and provides foster care, surgery and adoption for special needs orphans who would otherwise be cast aside and unwanted. The ministry is also creating partnerships with other orphanages, many of which need the wisdom and guidance that John and Lisa are able to provide.

To learn more about Harmony Outreach and all the wonderful work they’re doing, please visit their web site.

Here's another great place on the web that features stories and photos of a group who visited China to work with 3 orphanages and more than 100 children.

So yes, our help is needed in so many places. I hope you find a way to use your gifts and talents to make a difference in our world.