Rings and things

C was on jr. call Thursday (meaning he spent the night in the hospital) which leaves me to my own devices for the night. I find it hard to sleep when he isn't home, even after 6 years. Generally, I stay up and work. This week, I got a bee in my bonnet, and made this ring.

I had been playing around with acrylics, resin and various metal findings, not knowing what I'd ultimately make (my favorite way to work). I love the pop of color that resin gives to any medium. The outer metal balls are actually pieces of a bead ball chain. I find it so satisfying to marry little bits and pieces into something outside of their original purpose. I'm going to test drive this ring before I offer any up. This is just a limited edition of "rings I feel like making." I don't intend to add rings to my jewelry line.

On a separate note, my knitting is finally coming along nicely. I will, however, advise newbies against knitting while watching something that makes you cry. Last night while I watched Hope for Haiti, I completely lost concentration, dropped stitches, and couldn't recover from my mistake. All was fixed after I stopped back by my yarn store for help this morning (M's guitar lesson is just a few doors down.). It's official, I'm hooked. And I can't stop myself from buying beautiful yarns and needles. I just hope I actually complete something.

On the work front:

I'm happy to say that the bag I donated to Craft Hope sold. 100% of sales from this shop is going to Doctors without Borders. I've donated another bag and 50% of sales in my Etsy shop will also be donated to DWB. Craft Hope has already raised $20,000 and has sold over 1000 items. That is an incredible accomplishment. The shop just opened January 14. If you need to buy a gift or want to treat yourself to something handmade, please consider checking out Craft Hope or type the word Haiti in the search box on Etsy.

Other exciting work news...I can't yet share all the details, but an architecture firm working with a big hotel/restaurant/lounge developer in LA and NYC has made a large order of seat belt pillows. They are being shipped to their NYC office. I'm currently up to my elbows in seat belt pillows but I'm very excited about this new venture. More to come...

Week in preview:

Monday, I will tell you about another project I have brewing. It should interest anyone looking to grow their crafty business (also applicable to any small business).

And finally, I'm gearing up for a trip to San Francisco next week. I'm excited to see a friend and look around the south bay. Frankly, I could also use a nice dose of warmer weather.

I'm off to Boston with some friends. Enjoy your weekend!!

Helping Haiti and navigating charitable organizations

I can't watch coverage of the efforts in Haiti. It is impossible to watch without seeing the death that literally surrounds the people there. There is little I can do except keep everyone in my thoughts and give some money. I wish we could do so much more. C has often talked about joining Doctors without Borders. Since he's still in residency, our hands are tied. However, we can give some money to that great organization.

Having worked in non profit for many years, I know first hand that choosing to give to an trusted organization is important. Unfortunately over the years, some people/organizations have taken advantage of people's generosity. A friend of mine who worked for Oxfam International told me about Charity Navigator, a website that evaluates the finances of over 5,400 of Americas largest charities. If you are searching for an organization, I urge you to start there to learn more.

So many people have immediately responded financially to Haiti. This is the first time that people have quickly used cell phone texting to give money. You can easily donate (the money is added and earmarked to your phone bill) to a charity of your choice (be sure to find your charity's key word). The great thing about this movement is the ease in which giving $5, $10 or more has become. Do be careful to text your donation wisely (scammers are quick to get in on this trend). Here is a post with a warning from the Better Business Bureau.

I know that many friends in the handmade community are also reaching out. You can find a variety of shops on Etsy who are giving proceeds to help various organisations. Handmade Helping Haiti (tag words Haiti or HHH) is one such group whose members have pledged to give from sales in their shops.

Craft Hope is a shop on Etsy where donations have been made and 100% of the sales will go to Doctors without Borders. So, if you are looking to make a purchase for yourself or a gift for someone else, please consider shops who are giving proceeds to various funds for Haiti.

Through February 14th, 50% off all my Etsy sales will be going to Doctors without Borders.