This whole oil spill in the Gulf thing is really upsetting me. I’ve been sort of trying to avoid listening to too much about it on NPR (my favorite way to get news), because it’s just making me so sad and angry. Oil is supposed to reach our coastline sometime today… Our fragile wetlands (which play a huge role in hurricane protection) are going to experience massive devastation due to this, not to mention the huge economic impact that this oil spill will have on seafood and fishing industries along the entire Gulf Coast. My heart aches for our entire region right now.
Update: apparently there is a call for volunteers to help with oil spill cleanup efforts. Anyone with experience in dealing with wildlife handling, rehabilitation, or hazardous materials clean up is also strongly encouraged to register. Interested volunteers are asked to register HERE. [via Live Green NOW] There are also 500 paid positions available to help with cleanup. I’m still researching the best organizations to donate to – I’ve decided to donate a percentage of all my May sales, both online and at in person events, to help with environmental clean up efforts related to the oil spill.
t-shirt recycling with the New Orleans Craft Mafia on Earth Day 2010 at Whole Foods
I’m trying to keep thinking positively though, because unfortunately this spill is something most of us can’t really do anything about. In spite of being upset about the oil spill, I have actually been really, really inspired during the last week or so. I think it started with our New Orleans Craft Mafia t-shirt recycling demonstration at Whole Foods last week on Earth Day. Being out there and sewing, and showing other people how to make stuff, really inspired me to get back to my sewing machine again. Last weekend I finished off two new skirts that had been sitting in my to-do pile for ages, and I have a slew of new project ideas bouncing around.
The New Orleans Craft Mafia has also been brainstorming ideas for our 5th birthday celebration this summer, which has me super excited. We’re also in the midst of preparing for more free t-shirt recycling workshops at Bayou Boogaloo in a few weeks (May 22-23). We’ll be looking for volunteers to help us show people how to cut up their tees and also people to help us with crowd control. You don’t have to know how to sew, we just need a few extra hands – the event was really popular last year and we expect it to be even bigger this year! Please let me know if you’re in NOLA and interested in helping!
We’ll also be doing a Crafty Meet & Greet with the ladies of Stitch n’ Bitch Flanagan’s next Wednesday, May 5, starting at 8 pm (Flanagan’s Pub, 625 St. Philip Street). It’s going to be pretty casual – we just want to connect with more crafty people in New Orleans! On Tuesday, May 11, I’ll also be participating in the release party for the latest issue of Trumpet Magazine, which is going to be held at the 4th floor of the Fair Grounds Race Track and Casino (1751 Gentilly Blvd.) from 5:30 pm – 8 pm. There will be music, beer by NOLABrewing and free appetizers. It should be pretty fun!
Right now I’m featured in Wickedly Chic’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Some of the other participating businesses include: Paper Scissors Rock (whimsical clocks, magnets & greeting cards), Castle Baths (spa bath products), always B designs (custom stationery & gifts), Lissa Harlin Designs (jewelry inspired by nature) & Modern Tribe (modern Judaica store). The Guide will run through May 29 and it features some great indie businesses that are sure to have gifts to make Mom smile!
Jewelry designer Dona Ducharme recently had some of her work featured in movie Weakness featuring actresses Danielle Panabaker & June Diane Raphael. Shouldn’t we all be so lucky?? Seriously though, Dona’s work is beautiful and she totally deserves this awesome success!
I just saw these adorable little savings banks over at Susy Jack’s blog Hey Susy and I thought they were such a cute, simple idea! While I might have to whip out the credit card occasionally for emergencies, I really to try to save up for things or pay cash whenever possible, and I think these are such a simple reminder to save your pennies. (Literally!)
CRAFT & DESIGN LINKS
Input vs. Creativity (Or, Thoughts on Surfing the Web) @ Make & Meaning
Step by step AND Sweet tooth @ KRISATOMIC
DARK CIRCLES { tree rings, thumbprints } @ heysusy
is art a luxury? @ Scoutie Girl
collecting is an art @ Indie Fixx
vintage finds for a modern world: glassworks. @ sfgirlbybay
That’s right – I said “Towel Animals!” @ CraftyPod
sewing 101: make a wine bottle cozy AND anthropologie & nathalie lete @ Design*Sponge
Uncanny Cork Vases & Containers Tutorial @ paper n stitch
Clarissa Explains These Boots @ Agent Lover
Fab Fabrics: Vintage Neckties @ Crafting a Green World
Messenger Dog @ Dog Milk
Maria Grossmann @ Modish
CRAFTY BIZ LINKS
Find Your Flock on Facebook: 10 Tips From a Community Manager @ Meylah Blog
This Self-Employed Life: Thank You Notes @ modernemotive: eco-friendly paper goods
Learn How to Schedule Facebook Posts @ The Entreprenette Gazette
In an Abundant World, Scarcity is Opportunity @ craftMBA.com
How To Stop Screwing Around And Really Quit Your Day Job @ IttyBiz
on being bilingual :: and some great press! @ tara gentile
13 Craft Show Display Do’s @ Buzz Blog
