BESTeam Feature:: OnBehalfOf

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a college student seeking to use art to bring support and awareness to the many inequalities and injustices that exist in our world.


Where would you like to be in ten years?
I would like to be working for a non-profit such as World Vision or Unicef that brings aid to developing nations, OR living/serving in an African or Latin American country.



How did you originally get into the business of making things?
Growing up, I always enjoyed being creative and making things. When I developed the idea as using art as an advocacy tool, the creative process came naturally.



Apart from creating things, what do you do?
A LOT! I spend most of my time either working for the YMCA, or at college. Studies take up most of my time. Apart from this, I make it a priority to spend time with my little brothers and sisters who are adopted from China and Ethiopia. I also direct an outreach ministry at my church, and am currently planning a trip to Haiti.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?
I am inspired by spending time in nature, watching people interact, and by looking at a wide variety of other peoples' art.



What's been your most popular item or line to date?
My piece called "Hope Makes One Live." With the 2010 earthquake still being so fresh in everyone's minds and hearts, people have attached a special value to this piece.

More Links:

Blog:  http://artonbehalfof.blogspot.com/
Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnBehalfOf

Japans Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support

I wanted to take time today to show you a little bit more of JEARS (Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support) work. They have been gracious enough to take time every day and update there Facebook Page to let us know what is going on over in Japan.

So today I want to share some pictures with you.

March 14th 2011

"This is the start of our trip to get closer to the areas affected. We packed the van with supplies from Animal Friends Niigata (where any animals we find will be brought back to, given proper medical care). What you see is pet food, kennels, leashes and capturing equipment."

March 15th 2011

 "Before we hit the disaster stricken areas of Sendai today, we spoke to this woman on the street toward the center of the city. She broke down and in tears, told us how she was from a hard hit area, but didn't evacuate because they wouldn't let her take her dog (Yusuke). She stayed with him in a shaking house for three days she said, and told us Yusuke was extremely stressed from the ordeal. She thanked us for being there to help."

March 18th 2011

 "GOOD NEWS FROM THE ROAD: Yesterday, we met a man at an evacuation centre in Sendai who told us a very touching story about his Akita dog, named Shane. The man is a pillar in his community and when he heard the tsunami warning he rushed to warn his neighbors after letting Shane free in the yard. After notifying his neighborhood, he tried to get back to his house to get Shane, but the tsunami was rapidly approaching and he was forced to go to the local school on higher ground. He had given up hope of ever seeing Shane alive again. But, 6 hours later, one of the people staying in the center said they saw a dog outside. The man went to look, and it was Shane!! Shane had never been to the school before, but somehow, his instincts lead him there. The dog swam through chest-high water before being reunited with his guardian.

The man took us to Shane, who was staying at his house several blocks from the school (the water had receded of course). Shane must have hung onto debris, as he cut both his elbows on something. We instructed the guardian on how to clean his wounds and gave him some ointment to ward off infection. We were able to leave fuel with the local veterinarian, so he will return to check on Shane and provide him with antibiotics to ensure his wounds heal."

March 18th 2001

 "Shelter officials we met in Sendai yesterday mentioned that a soldier found a cat yesterday when he was recovering bodies from an area. The cat was terrified and hiding in his bed. The soldier brought him to the shelter, bed and all, and he will be put up for adoption if his guardians don’t come to claim him."

March 20th 2011

 "BIRD RESCUE: Dogs and cats are certainly not the only animals in need affected by this tragedy that has struck Japan. Today, we will pick up 4 parakeets from Sendai for foster care in a safer and less stressful home, after receiving a call from their desperate owner who says they are traumatized."

(I love the fact that it doesn't matter what kind of animal, they will care for any!)

If these wonderful stories pull at your heart strings. Please come over and check out the silver butterfly hearts collection I have and will be donating the profits/proceeds to JEARS. 

Gemstone Meanings- Amber

It comes in red or yellow. Green and blue amber is also found but is very rare. It is a lighter gem stone and softer than pearl. It glitters like dew drops in the bright sun light. It is worn for general good luck, financial stability and toward off danger from witchcraft. It is rich in medicinal values. It is used for curing many chronic ailments.
The wearer must refrain from luxuries and temptations of life. Youngsters interested in socializing on a large scale or those indulging in luxurious or easy life should not wear it. It relieves the wearer of tensions and is good for those interested in nobler types of deeds and social and humanitarian causes. It should be kept away from heat or sun.
Amber is highly recommended for those who often have to meet challenging situations and at times frustrating atmosphere. It is good for those involved in political life and those wishing to have governmental patronage. It is good for those having birth numbers 1 to 9. It is good for Leos (persons born between 21^st July and 20^th August.)

Japans Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support

In light of recent knowledge, I would like everyone to read this and know that JEARS is a NO KILL organization. So lets band together and help them! It doesn't take much.

 

Rescued Pets In Japan NOT GASSED In 72 Hours

JAPAN – There have been lots of stories, petitions and rumors about the gassing of pets by animal shelters within 72 hours of their rescue. Global Animal has waited to publish this story until getting the facts. Read below to find out the real policy, instituted in 1995 after the Great Hanshin Earthquake in Kobe, Japan. Below is an official translated report from The Emergency Disaster Animal Relief Headquarters. – Global Animal

From The Emergency Disaster Animal Relief Headquarters in Japan:

In the aftermath of the great earthquake disaster of eastern Japan, after hearing a false rumor circulating that dogs and cats housed in animal shelters in the disaster area are being euthanized, we make the following announcement.

We understand that there is a great deal of anxiety not just about animals, but also about the inability to make contact with affected areas, and we ask that you please remain calm. Upon the occurrence of this disaster, the usual protocol for euthanizing lost dogs and cats that go unclaimed following a certain notification period has been suspended.

At the Emergency Disaster Animal Relief Headquarters, relief and management is underway such that cats and dogs affected by the disaster will not be euthanized. This is in accordance with a decision made following the Great Hanshin Earthquake that euthanasia of disaster stricken dogs and cats is not undergone, a decision which is still in effect today.

Presently, on March 17th at the Emergency Disaster Animal Relief Headquarters, base establishment and food delivery arrangements appear to be underway, but the inability to secure gasoline is making progress difficult. Fear driven purchase and stockpiling of gasoline will prevent relief supplies from reaching affected areas. We ask everyone again to please remain calm.

This concludes the announcement by the Emergency Disaster Animal Relief Headquarters.

RELATED:  11:45 am, March 18, 2011, Global Animal update on Japan 72-hour Animal Gassing Policy
Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support is pressing to get a reprieve on the 72-hour kill policy at the animal centers in the impacted areas. To be clear, this short time frame before animals are euthanized is not because of the earthquake/tsunami crisis. This has been the policy in Japan for years and animal advocates are working for change. Global Animal received this statement from Sharon Lacey of Japan Cat Network, which is part of the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support (JEARS) coalition:

“I have heard there is a petition going around on the internet regarding displaced animals being gassed within 72 hours.  I don’t know how this got started, but there is a bit more to it than that.  JEARS is a staunchly no-kill organization.  We WILL NOT euthanize any animal, with the rare exception of an animal that is suffering terribly and has no chance of survival.  We exist to save animals, not destroy them.  Any animals that come into our care will be cared for until they can be reunited with their original families, or, if that is not possible, placed in new adoptive homes – regardless of how long that takes.  The 72 hour period is common practice at animal control centers throughout the country.  72 hours is a very general time frame given to surrendered cats, while dogs usually have 7 days.  Sometimes less.  This tragic system has been a reality for Japanese animals long before the earthquake.  JEARS has absolutely no intention of sending rescued animals to animal control centers, as long as these practices continue.”

So please head on over to ElizabethMD Jewelry and have your choice of either or both necklace and earrings to help support JEARS in there efforts.

For each set of necklace and earrings purchased together by one buyer I will give free shipping just enter JEARS in the coupon slot.

 

 This article was found at http://www.globalanimal.org/2011/03/19/rescued-pets-in-japan-not-gassed-in-72-hours/32938/ 

 

Supporting Japans Animals

$2 from the sale of every pair of Silver Butterfly Heart Earrings will go to an organization called Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support

You can find them on Facebook here:

http://www.facebook.com/AnimalRescueJapan

and donate by going here

http://japanearthquakeanimalrelief.chipin.com/japan-earthquake-animal-rescue-and-support

BESTeam Feature:: turquoiseangels

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a very tired 52 year old mother of six grown children and 3 grandchildren I have always been involved in some type of art or craft. I draw, paint, sew and crochet I am a textile designer for the textile screen printing business I own which right know is keep me very very business Turquoise Angels is a fun business My daughter and I run together We love to do crafts shows where we are able to meet and greet our clients and get face to face feedback on our products. My husband is a retired Fairfax County VA Firefighter.

Where would you like your shop to be in ten years?
would love to have a big enough following to run my own website

How did you originally get into the business of making things?
Growing up in the 70s we all wore embellished clothes with studs, embroidery, & ribbon we made things out of leather ,suede and of course we had cool headbands


What's been your most popular item or line to date?
Orchid flower girl dress and Our Stars and stripes tutu

What does handmade mean to you?
Creating something new out of raw materials



What handmade possession do you most cherish?
Do i have to pick just one


Links

Blog:          http://turquoise-angels.blogspot.com/
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/TurquoiseAngelsBoutique
Twitter:      http://twitter.com/#!/TurquoiseAngels
 Etsy:         http://www.etsy.com/shop/turquoiseangels

Gemstone Meanings- Rhodonite

♥ Calmness ♥ Self-confidence ♥ Refinement ♥ Gratefulness ♥ Elegance
♥ Delicacy ♥ Courtesy ♥ Tact ♥ Alternatives ♥ Inner path
Rhodonite:
Chakras - Heart Chakra
Zodiac - Taurus
Planet – Venus
Element – Earth
Typical colours - red, pink, brownish-red, grey
Rhodonite is a stone of compassion, an emotional balancer that clears away emotional wounds and scars from the past, and that nurtures love.  It stimulates, clears and activates the heart.  Rhodonite grounds energy, balances yin-yang, and aids in achieving one’s highest potential.  It heals emotional shock and panic.  Rhodonite aids in cases of emotional self-destruction, codependency and abuse.  It encourages unselfish self-love and forgiveness.  Promotes remaining calm in dangerous or upsetting situations.  Builds confidence and alleviates confusion.
Rhodonite relieves insect bites and can reduce scarring.  It aids bone growth and the hearing organs.  Rhodonite stimulates fertility.  It treats emphysema, auto-immune diseases and stomach ulcers.  Eases inflammation of joints and arthritis.

BESTeam Feature:: JewelryByJaynemarie

Born at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Jaynemarie was an "Air Force brat", because of that she moved from state to state her whole childhood. Learning an appreciation for her much loved USA. The diversity and culture she has come across through her youth I am sure is what makes her who she is today. A fantastic ever changing, always learning jewelry designer. Constantly taking classes and reading to learn new techniques and designs.

Follow me through my interview with her!



How do I get out of creative ruts?

I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which means I don't have an ocean view :) - we have a view of San Jose from our deck. We are above the valley floor, so the air is clean, redwood trees, bay trees (yes, you use these trees' leaves in cooking) and a stream (seasonal) are around us. I go outside or look out the windows and see deer, coyotes, squirrels, chipmunks, hawk, jays, finches and the occasional bobcat. A few minutes up to a couple of days of just "chilling out" with all the beauty that surrounds me usually lets me get back into the design of something new.

Another way that works is I love to read; mysteries, history, biographies, science fiction, science, and classics like Jane Austen. And reading will sometimes trigger a new idea to try.

And, another way is to play with my dogs to clear my mind of everything except having fun.

How did I get into the business of making jewelry?

Growing up, I wasn't allowed to play with my brother's toys - you know, the train set, the chemistry set, the erector set and so on. Because of that, I started designing clothes and jewelry for my Barbie doll, and from there, went to designing jewelry for myself.


I started seriously making jewelry because I would see something I liked, but wanted it a little different. I wanted something special for my family that I couldn’t find in any stores. Once I did this, we would receive many compliments and from there started my business.


In order to fulfill my vision, I have taken many courses at local stores and jewelry schools. I am continually working to improve my knowledge of jewelry design and construction, so that I can make fine pieces with the best materials.

How would I describe my creative process?

When I decide to make another new piece of jewelry, I will get out a variety of different gems, both precious and semi-precious, chains (sterling silver, gold and gold-filled usually), pearls, crystals, and some findings and start forming shapes out of wire, or picking out various beads in different colors, textures and shapes and play! When I finally think I have a design, I will make it - and then step back and take a second look. Sometimes at this point, I will decide that what I made isn't good enough; therefore, I will take it apart and see if there is a different way to put all these pieces together and start over, or if I don't see a better way, the pieces get put back or into scrap for use another time. I have to really love what I have made in order to finally "put my name on it" and sell it. Some pieces, I have worked through 3 or 4 iterations before I am satisfied with the result. As you can tell, I am very picky! I have to love it in order to sell it.

What handmade possession(s) do I most cherish?

I do love handmade items; I have jewelry, quilts, needle work (embroidery, needlepoint, etc.), knitted and crocheted throws, paintings and handblown glassware. But, my favorite items are anything my daughters have made me - cards, bookmarks, paintings, ceramics and, of course, their hands pressed into plaster of paris when they were in kindergarden.



For more fascinations of Jewelry By Jaynemarie see below
 
 
Facebook page:            http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Gatos-CA/Jewelry-By- %20Jaynemarie/177197066461?v=wall&ref=ts

Blog is:                         http://jewelrybyjaynemarie.blogspot.com/

Twitter Name is:            JewlryJaynmarie.

Gemstone Meanings- Rhodochrosite

This mineral has been called a Stone of Love and Balance, providing balancing and love on all levels for all bodies. It contains pulsating electrical energy which emits the strongest power in the universe, the power of love. Rhodochrosite is also an Earth stone for healing of the Earth and for showing love to the Mother of us all. It helps one to serve the planet in Her time of need, allowing for one to recognize that the responsibility is actually a joy. It removes tendencies toward avoidance or denial and helps one to be willing to both accept and to integrate new information while maintaining a clarity of intellect and a moderate ideal of practicality.

BESTeam Feature:: AlexandersDesigns

Tell us a bit about yourself.

We are a husband and wife team who love to create with our hands. We do everything from construction work to making dainty jewelry. We are completely self-employed and are loving every minute of it!



Where would you like to be in ten years?

A store owner! An actual brick and mortar store that sells nothing but handmade in the usa items. I think that would be fabulous!

How did you originally get into the business of making things?

I have been crafty for as long as I can remember, but did not selling until I found beads. I became addicted to beads when I did a fundraiser for a non-profit called "Bracelets for Literacy". We made stretchy bracelets and sold them to raise funds. Anyway thanks to that I became addicted and had to start selling to fund my addiction.

What's been your most popular item or line to date? 

My husbands Ugly Glass line. Everyone loves the quirky name, the vibrant colors and that it is handmade, no two are ever alike.




What handmade possession do you most cherish? 

My children's artwork. I am their biggest fan. I am so proud of what they are able to do. 

 What does handmade mean to you?

I would much rather buy handmade over anything made in china-that is for sure. Handmade means it was made with love from someone's creativity and two hands.

If you want to know more about Jenny and Skip and AlexandersDesigns check out there other links below.

FacebookTwitterWebsiteBlog

Gemstone Meanings- Kunzite

Kunzite is a stone for love.  It stimulates loving thoughts in the wearer and facilitates loving communication.  Kunzite also helps the wearer to connect to the unconditional love in the universe and to increase self love.  It provides a sense of peace that penetrates to the wearer’s core.
Kunzite acts as a shield and dissolves negativity.  It also removes obstacles from one’s path.

Kunzite helps in meditation, allowing one to remain calm in the midst of chaos and stay centered when in a crowd or other distraction.  It is an excellent stone for balancing the chakras.  Kunzite stimulates sensuality and sensitivity.

As a healing stone, Kunzite has many uses.  It can strengthen the heart muscles and treat circulatory and respiratory disorders.  Its use has also been beneficial in increasing the body’s “feel good” hormone secretions.

BESTeam Feature:: redemptionart

What decade or style inspires you?
I have always been intrigued creatively by the arts of my Hawaiian Ancestors. The way that they wove things of nature, shells, leaves, seeds and nuts, feathers, bones and even teeth is incredible, not to mention the array of textiles and colorful dyes that they designed them with, all done with products made from the land or aina.

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
Now here's a contrast, the one studio that I would loved to have lived as a fly on the wall in would be the legendary Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls. Their creations and designs go far beyond the luxury Rolls Royce that people are familiar with, to include engines that power turbines, airplanes, small and large machines.


 

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I most treasure a handmade umbrella that my 13 year old (at the time) son bought from an artist sitting at the door of a Temple in Osaka, Japan. The design is very simple and understated with 3 large black kanji letters, a dark natural background and a dark maroon trim, which gives me a sense of peace.

Where would you like to be in ten years?
Honestly, in this stage of my life, I would be happy in 10 years to be doing exactly the same thing, only better....and perhaps to have become a great role model to my creative grandchildren, or mo'opuna as we say in Hawaiian.

Something that Connie wrote back to me in her answers to my questions really hit home and I want to share that with you now. She wrote "Creating was an escape for me, a way for me to get into my "happy zone" whether it is cooking, baking, painting, woodworking, drawing or even gardening, as long as I am creating I feel happy and accomplished." That's a beautiful thing right there, something we all tend to forget from time to time while were in the hustle and bustle of life.


If you want to know more about Connie and redemptionart check out her blog Island Buzzy 
for a little bit of a Hawaiian feeling.