Inspirational Jewlery I Can't Afford

Love Sundance. Their beautiful jewelry is handmade made by tons of artisans. Yes, they are expensive, but when you purchase something from this catalog, you are also "supporting American craftspeople, the Sundance Institute for development of new artists in film, music, dance and theater, and efforts to enhance and preserve the environment."

They currently have a featured artist by the name of Jes MaHarry. Her work is described as such:

"Images drawn from her surroundings become whimsical pictographs scrawled in precious metals. Fanciful beads and colorful gemstones intermingle to reflect nature's wild abandon. Often she adds an inspirational message like "Live love" or "Honor your dreams." Each of her jewels is imbued with heart and a handcrafted aesthetic all her own."

A burnished white bronze medallion bearing Jes MaHarry’s tree of strength is fastened to a soft brown leather wristband; double snap closure.

The beautiful blue of an aquamarine cabochon inspires tranquility. Jes MaHarry underscores the feeling by inscribing “calm” within the band. The gem is set in 14kt yellow gold; the band is sterling. Handmade in USA

Yoga Series 2

The second in the Yoga Series is done! The perimeter reads "Om Gum Ganapatayei Namo Namaha" which is the mantra for new beginnings. This one is display in Alluem Yoga.

Yoga Series

I believe I've mentioned before that I teach children's yoga on the weekends at Alluem Yoga...you can check out my kid's blog at www.alluemkids.blogspot.com. Yoga is a huge part of my life. It was introduced to me during one of the hardest points of my life in my early adulthood and I've stayed with the practice ever since. It's taught me to breathe, to let go, to listen to my body, and to live in the moment. I recommend to everyone to give it a try at least once!

So, some of my art has incorporated the yogic feel...most recently, I did a piece I call "Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu" (which is painted around the perimeter of the painting). This quote is a common closing mantra that translates to, "May all beings everywhere be filled with peace, joy, love, and light." The painting was used for the "Grab Bag" at the Holiday Party for the yoga studio. One of my fellow teachers "won" it and I hear it's already up and hanging in her home! It was a popular gift and I've been working on more paintings to go with that series. I'm almost done with the second, but here is the first one...

The Cup is Half Full?

My cousin Diana, author of The Cup is Half Full?, has been my new inspiration. She recently started a blog, which she describes best as her chance to stop sweating the small stuff and appreciate what she has. She hopes that through her blog, her Type A-self can learn to live, laugh, and love life. Kudos to her for taking the time each day to breathe, look around, and live in the moment. Her entries are humorous and make me smile. I make sure that I read them at work when I most need to laugh (at my 9-5 desk job at that-place-that-shall-remain-nameless, Inc. Not my yoga job or my illustration job. Man, I have too many jobs.).
I must say, I do try to stay pretty positive most of the time, but sometimes being stuck at this desk in the drama of corporate city life really gets me down. I was looking around my desk today, I took the time to notice how the sun was hitting my snow globe on my window sill - granted it's a snow globe with a sad looking man stuck in the lonely middle from The New Yorker Cartoon - "Snow Shoveler". But none-the-less, I thought, "There's a great picture!". So I snagged it, proud of the outcome. I'll use it as a reminder to remember to see the light even through the most depressing situations...much like my cousin is doing now...and maybe I'll get a happier snow globe.

Your bag and your mantra for the new year.

Happy New Year (6 days late)!

Barnes & Noble's latest mini tote is sporting my favorite mantra

and I couldn't be more excited!:

The canvas tote measures about 4"x10", the perfect size for your favorite book, bagged lunch, or any of your smaller possessions. I recommend you buy one today and remind everyone to "Keep Calm and Carry On"!

Available online and in stores.

Etsy called: They want you to quit your day job.

Came across a great article in the NYTimes: That Hobby Looks Like a Lot of Work

I'm brand new to Etsy, so I haven't seen the turn over that some people see, like the woman in this article - but if you've got a great product and can keep up with the demand, then you've got a great home business on your hands!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35165174

I have some close friends that are living proof of Etsy success all in different areas of trade:

-Tara Connell with Lefty Loops has been crocheting her brains out to keep up with the holiday demand of her adorable children's knit caps!
-Dallas Shaw with DallasShaw has been shipping out her illustrations on canvas and tee shirts nonstop!
-Kitty Wilkin with Heart of Nature is doing her best to keep her photography in stock!
With so many talented artists out there, the competition is rough! But at the same time, with so many talented artists, there is so many options to choose from!! So if you're looking for a gift this season - SHOP HANDMADE!!!!!

Art by Astrid

The holiday market is set-up in Union Square! I love seeing handmade vendors come together. There is great stuff out there this year and A LOT of new booths!

I spotted a great jewlery designer by the name of Astrid Schumacher. She's a yoga practioner, so a lot of her designs have a yogic feel to them - Om symbols, mandalas, malas, etc. Her jewlery can be found in small shops in NYC, SanFransico, and Switzerland (where she was born).

Etsy!!!

Visit my Etsy page!!!

www.etsy.com/shop/KGDraws

Soggy Pumpkin

It's a soggy pumpkin kind of day.

Shop Lefty Loops

Here it is! The beginning of Lefty Loops!!!

Lefty Loops Etsy Shop

Tara Connell has started selling her designs this weekend - first at a local craft fair where she was a hit and now on Etsy!

A little about her shop...

~ All items are custom made for you and available in many sizes and colors. ~ All items are handmade just for you in a smoke free and pet free environment. ~ Some hat size ranges vary so please look at the listings sizes when ordering your hat. ~ All items are custom made in three to five two from receipt of payment. Your item will ship within one week of your purchase. Be sure to check her shop often as she will be adding more designs!