Monday Morning Musings

You Know You’re a Redneck When…

You refer to yourself as a redneck! Now, I would NEVER call anyone a redneck to his or her face.  I might THINK it, but my impulse control allows me not to SAY it.  However, if you tell me you are a redneck, gosh durn, I believe y’all.  So let’s crank up the pickup, grab an R.C. and a moonpie and head for Etsy Red Neck Country:

red.neck Chic red.neck Pearls by redneckchic

From the redneckchic Shop Announcement:

Red.neck COOL.  Trailer-park FABULOUS.  Country CHIC.  Blue-collar VOGUE.  Whatever you choose to call it, it is HIP, SOPHISTICATED…incredibly FUN and extremely UNIQUE!

Here at redneckchic we are mixing it up and redefining red.neck style! Mixing the Vintage with the Modern, Shabby with the Chic, Eclectic with the Traditional… Duct Tapin’ the Sophisticated!

awelldressedbullet takes a new INDOOR set of Mini Christmas Lights (20 clear lights per string) and adds twenty fired shotgun hulls, half each of Winchester AA red hulls and Remington green hulls, which they have modified to go over the individual lights.  And voilá – Christmas Shotgun Shell Tree Decoration lights.

Christmas Shotgun Shell Tree Decorations by awelldressedbullet

Now who doesn’t love the smell of bacon when they are looking to create a mood:

8 pz. bacon pure soy candle by redneckcandles

Vintage scrabble tiles will motivate you to Git R Done

Git R Done (chalkboard) by funkiefinds

And who wouldn’t want to impress the neighbors by hanging these outside your front door:

REDNECK WIND CHIMES SIGN by CraftySignsAndThings

Speaking of hanging, you can hang ‘em high with these King of Beers ear candy danglers:

Redneck Salute – Budweiser Beer Cap Earrings by kimberlysgypsybeads

To some, redneck vegan  may sound like an oxymoron, but work with me here:

RedNeck Vegan Cookbook by redneckvegan

And finally, here is everything you need to make a redneck happy birthday card:

EVERYTHING NEEDED TO MAKE A REDNECK HAPPY birthday greeting card by goodgosh

So, nowow that you’ve had a little taste of redneck country,  y’all come back and see us sometime, ya hear!

Art from the ♥

Foxy G. has stepped outside the den to spend a few days with the Foxy Mama.  In the meantime, for those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting IMA SUVIVA♥™, she first appeared in a feature  that ran on 3/25/09. 

Artist: Maris Corush

Red Ima ♥

The idea for Ima♥ was inspired in the fall of 1999 when my sister, Lois, was diagnosed with cancer.  I wanted to give her something visual to acknowledge her strength in facing and overcoming the challenges of her disease. So, for Christmukah, I presented her with a bare, cloth doll, a gift card that explained the concept of IMA SUVIVA♥™ and my plan to market the doll and donate a portion of the proceeds from each doll sold to charity.  At that point, Ima♥ was still an idea.

After moving from Chicago to California in the fall of 2000, my love of walking and the desire to meet new people led me to embark upon the challenge of training and then participating in the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk.  What an inspiration it became!  Over 3,000 women faced the challenge of a 60-mile foot journey from San Jose to San Francisco.   Each of these women was strong, and each was determined to reach her goal.  This was the embodiment of what Ima♥ symbolizes – strength and courage to face life’s challenges – to survive and thrive!  Still no doll!

Fast-forward to 2003 and a move to Marin County, where I discovered that Marin has the highest rate of cancer in the country.   Articles cited the need to find the reason for this and a cure for the disease. I felt the need to do something too.  The idea for IMA SUVIVA♥™ that had been percolating for several years was beginning to brew. I began connecting with people who enabled and encouraged the creation of the doll.

In time, Ima♥ began taking on a personality and a “look.”  She has now evolved into a strong, feisty, cute, spirit lifting, sassy doll, a daily reminder to survive and thrive!  Ima♥ is the perfect gift for anyone facing a life challenge…and best of all, a portion of her proceeds will be donated to cancer fighting charities. She’s a “feel good” endeavor for both the giver and the receiver. 

Pink Ima♥

From a vision, my Ima♥ doll has become a reality. And IMA SUVIVA♥™  is my way of giving back to the community. 

Website: www.imasuviva.com  E-Mail: imasuviva@earthlink.net

Monday Morning Musings

Changing the Face of Men’s Health

Moustache Disguise Pencil Topper by kieutiepie

Mustache Monkey Pendant by SpiritMama

Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues – specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

At the start of Movember (the month formerly known as November), guys register with a clean shaven face.  The Movember participants, known as Mo Bros, then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their Mos (Australian slang for moustache), raising money and awareness along the way for men’s health and the fight against prostate cancer.

Just Under Your Nose by MelanieFavreau

The end of Movember is marked across the US (and around the world) with a series of Gala Partés. These are held to thank Mo Bros and Sistas for joining the fight and helping to raise awareness and funds for men’s health.

Mustache Napkin Holders Set of 4 by LittleAngelsJewelry

Mo Bros (dressed to suit their Mo) and Mo Sistas (dressed to suit their Mo Bro) come together for one night to show off their moustache growing efforts, celebrate the Mo and compete for a number of title accolades – including Best Mo in Character, Miss Movember and, of course, Man of Movember 2009.

Trees with Mustaches by theflashbulb

The money raised during the Movember campaign goes initially to the Movember Foundation.  At the end of the campaign, those funds are split evenly and donated to two outstanding beneficiary partners - the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Groucho Glasses iPhone Cozy by yummypocket

Buford T Monkey by tweeling

Robots They're Just Like Us Series by heartsandlaserbeams

Be sure to check out “ Do You Have Your Mo – Stache for Movember?” blog post at Seedlings. Jewelry Because http://bit.ly/tELgL

Hammered Copper Mustache Necklace by seedlingsjewelry

Art from the ♥

This article first ran on 5/07/09. It is well worth rerunning at the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a reminder that breast cancer is pervasive and needs to be eradicated.  It is also a testament to the human spirit.  Meet Willie Zuniga, an awe-inspiring woman who deals with the trials and tribulations of her own illness by helping to raise the spirits of other cancer patients.

I first began making jewelry during a long illness, and what began as a means of keeping busy soon became a passion. I returned to work briefly, but in 2003 my recurring illness forced me to leave my job permanently.  This was one of the most difficult times of my life…I couldn’t imagine how I would remain a productive, useful person without working, let alone learn to live with the results of the surgeries and treatments that were required.

During this time, I came across AccessoriesSusan.com, a website that featured Victorian-style jewelry components. There I found a whole new world – one filled with photographs of Susan’s creations, design ideas and lesson plans, all using the most beautiful products imaginable. (Lesson plans and photos can now be found at vintagejewelrysupplies.com, her beautiful new site.)

VintageVintage Garnet Czech Glass Pendant and Earring Set from Angels in the Parlour

I immersed myself whole-heartedly into learning to design with these  beautiful filigrees and jewels.  Although I was still very sick, this process shifted the focus away from my seemingly hopeless health problems and onto the timeless beauty found in this avenue of design.

During my day-long hospital treatments, I would often bring along a piece of jewelry on which to work. This sparked an interest from some of the other patients, and “Angels in the Parlour“ was born. Armed with extra supplies and tools, I began to share what I knew, and soon we had a small group of budding designers … all very sick, but each changing what might have been a terribly dismal time.

Purple Passionberry Victorian Style Amethyst Antiqued Brass Necklace Set

As a result, I have formed many wonderful friendships, and most cherished of these is that with Susan Street, the owner of AccessoriesSusan.com. Susan continues to give freely of her time, experience and resources, and truly makes the Angels project possible by maintaining a high standard of quality and variety in her products. Even a beginner can make something extraordinary!

I offer an heirloom-quality selection of vintage-style jewelry, reminiscent of the Victorian and Renaissance eras, in Morning Glory Designs.  Each piece is hand-crafted with exceptional care, in the hope that it will be cherished for generations. 

Forest Lights - Vintage Inspired Antiqued Brass and Olivine Glass Bracelet Forest Lights

I hope you’ll take a moment to look through our Angels in the Parlour category. One hundred percent of your purchases from this section will be used to buy supplies for our project, and whenever possible, we’ll feature items made by the patients themselves as well.  Although my hospital visits are just once every three weeks at this time, I additionally hold informal jewelry-making “classes” in my home, and no patient is ever asked to pay any dues or fees.

Butterfly Blush Bracelet from Angels in the Parlour

I find the greatest joy in the company of these courageous ladies; they are truly amazing women!  Amidst their shared joys and sorrows, they create and dream and laugh…all while fighting the greatest battle of their lives.  My eternal thanks to these “angels,” for it is through them that I have found a happier and more productive, useful life than I ever dreamed could be possible.  I didn’t consciously plan it…it just took on a life of its own!  My only explanation is that God is behind it, and I will always be grateful that I am allowed to be a a part of it.

Sierra Sunrise Bracelet from Angels in the Parlour

Monday Morning Musings: What’s in a Name?

Have you ever wondered how some etsy shops get their names? I did and decided to find out.  Here are but a few of my Etsy Twitter Team, Etsy Bloggers Team and Etsy North Georgia Street Team compatriots and their shop name origins – in alphabetical order!

 BellflowerTextiles  Handmade makeup bags, coffee sleeves, and crayon rolls

I knew that I wanted a flower name for my shop since I planned to use a lot of nature-inspired fabrics and colors. I also wanted a name that there weren’t too many of on Etsy so that users wouldn’t be confused trying to find my shop. I finally chose BellflowerTextiles because bellflowers grow in my yard and are one of my favorite cottage flowers.  It was also a nice tribute to my aunt, Wanda Belle, who was the crazy artist in the family and who passed away a few years ago.

 

CelloRaisen  Girls and Boys Clothing and Accessories

As you might have guessed I play the cello. To create friction between the horse hair on the bow and the string, you have to put “rosin” on the bow hair. Rosin comes in a small rectangular wood case in a box. One day in science class, my lab partner went into my backpack to get a pen and found my box of rosin which was labeled “cello rosin.” He/she thought it would be funny to change a letter here and add a letter there, and CelloRaisen was born.

 

curiousmess  curiously quirky art decor and jewelry

I was trying to come up with a name that described my very random way of working. I jumped all over the place so much that I figured to some I must seem like such a mess. Now, I just needed to find a good word to describe my “mess.” I liked “beautiful;” however Jason Mraz’s new album with “Beautiful Mess” had just been released, and I wanted something more original. One day, my husband just  threw out ”curious” as a suggestion, and I LOVED it!

 

 ElephunksTrunk  Hats, fascinators, coin purses, and ribbon chokers! 

I was sitting around with my husband and trying to come up with a shop name that would capture my sense of aesthetics without being too specific to any one kind of item. I wanted to be able to expand into new kinds of items without making my shop name outdated. My personal goal has always been to strive for a funky elegance. My husband suggested combining those two words. I blinked at him and said “Elefunky?” He smiled and suggested “Elephunk’s Trunk.” I like it because it speaks to my aesthetics and my love of elephants.

 

 FirebirdHouse Unique Vintage Modern Jewelry and Textiles 

My shop name came from two sources. I am a redhead (firebird), and my nickname is Phoenix. I got it years ago from a good friend who said I always seem to rise up out of the ashes, and it stuck. When I got ready to name my shop, I thought that the myth behind my nickname was a great choice for jewelry and textile designs created from old and new components, so I played around with it until I came up with firebirdhouse. 

 

foxygknits  Hand knit scarves, shawls and wraps 

I have a little granddaughter who is 2 ½ years old. Right before she was born and we were selecting our grandparent names, I joked that I would be “Grandma Lo” by day and “Foxy G.” by night. When I was trying to come up with a name for my shop, Foxy G. Knits was a natural!

 

inmyheadstudios  Altered Dominoes, Scrabble Tile Pendants, & Cards

My Etsy shop name came from the fact that all my ideas are “in my head” and span so many different media that sometimes I feel like I must be about 30 different people. That’s also where the logo idea came from – the three little people dancing in my head.

 

JaybirdDesigns  Unique Crochet Boutique & Original Crochet Patterns

Being a child of the early 1970s, there were always a TON of Jennifer’s
in my classes. So, my entire life I have had nicknames. Most people called me J.J., but my maternal grandmother called me Jaybird. Since shewas the one who blessed me with my creative talents and was the amazingwoman who taught me to crochet, I figured Jaybird would make a greatname for my business to honor her memory.

 

lostmitten  Nintendo Perler Bead Crafts & Handmade Geekery

Ever since I first thought about opening an Etsy shop, I wanted to call it Lost Mitten because I just always liked the name. I knew that my shop would have some knit items in it. In fact, I generally sell fingerless gloves and have never sold any mittens in my shop!

 

PunkyJane Handcrafted and personalized jewelry and accessories

I was lucky enough to share my middle name, Jane, with my paternal grandmother, Gertrude Jane, and had always counted my blessings that my parents passed on her middle name rather than her first!  When our second daughter was born, I felt a warm and somewhat fuzzy feeling as we pondered middle names for her and considered Jane.

Now, I come from a long line of peculiar names and had always felt a little plain as Sandra Jane.  To my mom, however, I was always Punky Jane – short, I guess, for her little Pumpkin Jane.  As I began designing personalized jewelry, I got a similar warm and fuzzy feeling and hoped it would make people feel good – both giving and receiving these little trinkets. So, PunkyJane it is.  Here’s to warm and fuzzy!

 

 Seedlings Jewelry Because.  Handmade jewelry: silver, copper, chainmaille, pearls. 

At one time, the main style of earring I was making looked like grapes.  So Captain Obvious here called them The Grapes. I really liked how the type of bead used in the earring looked like seeds, and I think that’s from where the idea for “seedlings” came.

The meaning of “because” is two-fold.  First and foremost, I want what I make to be natural and easy, something you can wear any time “just because.”  The second meaning has to do with why I give a portion of sales to Heifer International.  Although I feel strange getting paid for doing something I love, I don’t feel strange turning that into sustainable resources and education for a community.

 

 storybeader  unique jewelry & personal haiku poems by Storybeader 

My name, storybeader, is a play on words, taken from those little Native American pottery figurines called storytellers. With every necklace I make, I write a little story, a haiku, for the buyer. And now that I am sewing (and selling) journals, I also write haikus for them as well!

 

threepeats  vintage materials/modern design 

threepeats came from the design of my first necklaces. There were three sections of recycled vintage beads separated by three sections of recycled vintage chain: three repeats  = threepeats!

Art from the ♥

Artist and Philanthropist Sue Hoese Travels to Ethiopia with Oprah Winfrey

Oprah and Patient at Fistual Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

I learned about obstetric fistula after seeing Dr. Catherine Hamlin on the Oprah Winfrey Show in January 2004. Obstetric fistula is an injury that can occur during child birth when a woman has obstructed labor that goes unrelieved because there is no emergency obstetric care. The resulting injury leaves the woman incontinent, and she often lives a life of loneliness and shame.  I was shocked to learn that so many women suffer from this devastating child-birth injury in developing countries. Dr. Hamlin’s Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia provides free surgery to repair these injuries.

How did you get from seeing Dr. Hamlin on Oprah to making bracelets?  

After watching Oprah, I was so shocked and saddened to learn that millions of women in developing countries are suffering from this devastating, cruel childbirth injury. As a mother, it was upsetting to learn that childbirth is so dangerous for women in developing countries. I was so touched by Dr. Hamlin and her work that I had to do something to increase awareness of this issue and help raise funds.

Why bracelets in particular?

For several years prior to seeing the broadcast, I had enjoyed making beaded jewelry as a hobby and received great pleasure from giving friends and family members gifts that were made from the heart.

Dr. Hamlin explained how she gives the patients a brand new dress before they leave to go home as a symbol of their new start in life. I was really touched by that gesture and wanted to give these women bracelets to go with their new dresses as a gift from women in the U.S. and as a symbol that women in the U.S. care about them and are supporting them.

That was when I had the idea to host bracelet-making parties. It was a great way to get friends and family together to not only do a fun project, but to spread the word about this issue and recruit help in supporting this cause. 

Bracelet-Making Party

I recruited about ten friends, and they, in turn, starting hosting bracelet-making parties. After a couple months, we had made over 1,500 bracelets. 

All the Bracelets

When the Oprah Show heard how inspired I had been by their show on Dr. Hamlin, they invited me to travel with them to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia and present our bracelets to the fistula patients. 

Sue Helping Two Patients Pick Out Bracelets at the Fistula Hospital

How did the Oprah Show learn about how inspired you were by their show on Dr. Hamlin?

I emailed the show to thank them for bringing this issue to our attention and told them about the bracelets we made for the patients. Shortly thereafter, I was invited by the show to travel with them to Ethiopia to deliver our bracelets to the patients. It was such an honor to meet Dr. Hamlin, Oprah, the patients and the incredible hospital staff. The lasting impressions I have are of the women who arrive at the hospital in such despair, but leave with their bodies healed and their dignity restored. 

Serena, Dr. Hamlin and Sue

When I got home, I worked with jewelry designer and manufacturer, Jill Johnson, to create a bracelet that the Fistula Foundation could use to help raise funds to support the Fistula Hospital. The silver-plated Dignity Bracelet incorporates the Fistula Foundation logo and the word “Dignity” in English on one side of the central bead and in Amharic, the most common language in Ethiopia, on the other side.

Dignity Bracelet

Are you still affiliated with the organization?

I have represented the Fistula Foundation at International Women’s Day in Minneapolis and still speak about this issue at different events in the Twin Cities. I am now a life-long supporter and advocate.

Monday Morning Musings

Sign of the Times

Several years ago, my son took this photo while visiting Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.  It brought back memories of a bygone time. Evidently, the old hippies who were selling these bumper stickers didn’t know that we are well into the 21^st Century! 

There is something wonderfully clever in conveying an idea so concisely that it fits on a button or bumper sticker.  And it seems that each generation or at least each decade has its own set of messages. So, here is my homage to short, sweet signs of the times…

Art from the ♥

Artist: Manju Dhat

Onyx V Black Crystal and Glass Ring

Manju Dhat has worked with many non-profits, including UN Volunteers, explorASIAN and her lifetime project, the Dhata Foundation. In her own words…

My family-run, grass-roots Foundation currently caters to the impoverished people of Punjab, India.  We fund cataract/lens replacement surgeries at no cost to those who cannot afford the procedure. Bear in mind that the realities in developing nations are not the same as those in westernized countries. People go blind for many reasons, including lack of food and clean water, as well as environmental conditions.  Many of these sight-impaired people become reliant on their family members to help them where those members could be bringing in that $1 a day to contribute to daily necessities such as food.  By enabling “vision” with these surgeries, these people become independent and functional contributors to their homestead and to the society in which they live. It’s a domino effect really. According to the latest assessment by the World Health Organization:

“…age related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people.”

Silver Brushoff II Pendant

Imagine, it costs only $37 to give someone back his or her eyesight.  I don’t know what I would do if I could not see – if I were unable to express myself through the love of painting and the act of creating – if I were not able to see the true beauty in the world. So, “vision” is an obvious mission in life for me and my major motivation for contributing to Dhata Foundation.

Flower Power Cuff Links

I am a graphic/web designer by day and an Etsian/painter by night. I have been a designer for nine years and an artist all my life. My favorite materials with which to paint are oils, canvas, door skin and sometimes walls! In my collective at Kaur Funktion, we sell handmade glass pendants, cufflinks, unusual beads, art prints, and art cards. (Kaur means princess and/or lioness in Punjabi.)  Each artist has his or her individual specialty and unique talents, and yet we are all bound by the common belief that art can indeed save lives.

Seriously of Ishq Series by KreativeKaur

Eventually, the offerings from this website will allow me to pursue my humanitarian goals and further my social intentions through my own artistic and business practice. Art can be labeled on many levels, but I think it is the act of creating that drives me to invest my time in something that contributes to the beauty and inspiration that the world has to offer. By creating a business of artistic practices with other like-minded individuals, I hope to nurture and pursue these humanitarian interests.

Editor’s note: Manj’s lifelong endeavor: “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi. Is there ANY question in your mind that she will achieve this and much, much more LONG before the sunset of her life?

Manj is giving away one of her wonderful prints to one lucky winner.  To enter, all you need to do is go to KaurFunktion, and post your favorite item in the comments below.

This giveaway will begin October 14, 2009 and end at 11:59 pm EST on October 20, 2009.  Random.org will be used to pick the winner, and he or she will have 72 hours to get respond.

This giveaway is open worldwide! Good luck!

Follow on twitter    Facebook biz page    Blog

Monday Morning Musings: A Most Interesting Character

Londi Mathieu - Jewelry Designer, Mushroom Hunter, Philanthropist

Londi

In a word, Londi is an experience.  You can feel her presence long before she arrives.  And when she does finally arrive, you are immediately caught up in her charm, energy, passion and creativity.  There are absolutely not enough hours in the day for this jewelry designer-artist-philanthropist.

First – a little background in her own words: I was lucky to be born in to a family full of talented artists and grew up with both a jewelry shop and potter shop in my home.  The feeling of melting or manipulating metal, touching stones or having my hands dirty with clay has always stuck with me!

You are a 3rd generation jeweler.  Who else designs and makes jewelry in your family?  My father is a master goldsmith; his mother was a jeweler and her father as well. I started making jewelry at a very young age.  When I was little, my mother bought my brother and me little pocket knives and bars of Ivory soap for us to carve.  By the time I was 16, I was soldering, sizing and wax carving, to which I took a real liking. I grew up in the US but live in France now. I return every summer and work closely with my father and Mark Webb who has designed one of the world’s most beautiful diamond cuts. http://www.libertystardiamond.com/  I’m very honored and pleased to sell this diamond!

Precious Primrose Necklace

Please explain wax carving. Carving wax can be a very intricate process that involves many different wax types, tools, files, dental tools, knives and a flex shaft. The wax model is used to create the finished metal product through the lost wax casting process.

From where do you get your inspiration?  I am really just a kid at heart, inspired by tradition, nature, lighting, flowers, anything from a rock to a grain of sand – a piece of gold to a piece of glitter! (You will see what I mean at Christmas!)  I love to cook and bake (don’t like the calories), and it is reflected in the work I do as well as my titles. I like my jewelry looking like “eye candy” and my Christmas ornaments looking and smelling edible – with sweet touches of cinnamon, punchy peppermint twist and delicate forms of nature!

Teddy Loves Cranberry Wreath

What  prompted you to open a second shop?  I’m opening CranberryDreams because my bulbs have been a success here in France for the past ten years with a faithful cliental! I am actually know around here for my Christmas and glow-in-the-dark bulbs, but ventured into jewelry because of my love for it! When I opened LondiCreations, it was with all intentions of being ready for Christmas this year. Cranberry Dreams will feature Christmas items, but during the off season will feature home deco and children’s deco.

Holly Berry Bauble

Your children’s sand bulbs are quite unique.  How did they come about?  About ten years ago, I was feeling a strong need to get back in touch with jewelry fabricating; however I was lacking the tools and space to start such an adventure. With the holidays approaching, I decided to experiment with making bulbs, but still wanted something that would fulfill my desire to touch and look at metal. I started working with glitter, but still needed to feel something more natural; this is where sand came in! I developed a mix and a technique and got busy creating!  After years of trial and error, I ventured into the world of craft shows, where I was successfully received!  I also have a shop on Craftiz, an online venue like etsy that features high quality, handmade goods.

Soon to be added to Cranberry Dreams

Loving color as I do, I started playing around with children’s cartoon characters and took the bulbs to another level with glow-in-the dark paint.

Soon to be added to Cranberry Dreams

Soon to be added to Cranberry Dreams

 Making these bulbs is a very time consuming and intricate process, often requiring 20 hours each. That is why I prefer to do them now by special order.

Baby Photo Christmas Bauble - First Christmas

My best selling bulb is the personalized “My 1st Christmas” with baby’s name and date!

By Special Order

By Special Order

In addition to jewelry design, you also do volunteer work with children and adults with disabilities and homeless children and adults.  I love volunteering my time! I work with an organization call VSArt, an international nonprofit organization founded 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.  This is a hands-on effort where we supply the materials and help them children and adults with floral composition, jewelry making, painting and music! Out of everything I do, this is the most satisfying!

You have some very interesting hobbies, yes?  I have many hobbies – my favorite being mushroom hunting! My most favorite mushroom to find is the Morel. I also love going much higher in the French Alps to find chanterelles and cep mushrooms! When it is mushroom season, you often won’t find me at home.  I am always out looking for a new patch to discover! In the evenings, I’m busy preparing four-star meals!

Morel Mushrooms

My other hobbies include photography, hiking, refinishing furniture and painting.  And when I have time, I’m on twitter where you can find me “FLYING BY” (my next hobby!), blowing you kisses and wondering “How was your day?!”

Need a nap?  I do! But before you go, Londi is giving away three of her fabulous handmade ornaments to one lucky winner.  To enter, all you need to do is go to CranberryDreams, and post your favorite item in the comments below.

To gain additional entries:

1)      Tweet about this giveaway, using the hashtag #londi. Post in a separate comment, and get one additional entry each time you do this, up to ONCE a day.

2)      Become a friend of Londi Mathieu on facebook, and post in separate comment below.  If you are already a friend, post in a separate comment below as well.  One additional entry.

3)      Follow LondiCreations on twitter, and post in a separate comment below.  If you are already following, post in a separate comment as well. One additional entry.

4)      Blog about this giveaway with a link, and comment below with the URL.  Three additional entries.

The more times you enter, the better your chances of winning!

This giveaway will begin October 12, 2009 and end at 11:59 pm EST on October 21, 2009.  Random.org will be used to pick the winner, and he or she will have 72 hours to get respond.

This giveaway is open worldwide! Good luck!

A POST-it Note

madebymelissa, the Etsy Blogger of the Month, is an engineer by profession.   By nights and weekends, her inner child comes out to play, and she talks to the animals.

Penny the Pink Elephant is looking for a loving home filled with peanuts! Her eyes are sewn on with acrylic black yarn so he’s safe for even the littlest member of your family.

Penny the Pink Elephant

Jenny the Funky Jellyfish is the life of the ocean party! She is made with red, pink and grey striped yarn and has an adjustable hang tie.

Jenny the Funky Jellyfish

Phoebe the Pretty Little Pig is a pretty little pink piggy who needs a home with lots of love.  She has a curly little tail, and her eyes and nose are stitched on making her safe for even the tiniest of piggy fans.

Phoebe the Pretty Little Pig

If you would like to provide a loving home for one or more of these little cuties, you can contact madebymelissa, and she’ll draw up the adoption papers!