Etsy Treasuries

We were featured in a GORGEOUS treasury created by Sumiko Shop: "I love these colors"



We are featured in a fun Facebook Fans of Etsy Team Treasury as well by gloria of Lucky Ladybug Designs:



We (or I should say "I" meaning Talina) curated this final chakra color treasury in violet: "The Many Colors of..."



I've already got my next treasury laid out... "Summer Sounds" so stay tuned.

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I thought I'd take the time today to brag on some fellow Etsians. In our home, we have incorporated a new purchasing habit, and that is (if you are a returning reader, you probably already know) buying handmade, local, or at least made in the USA whenever possible. The items cost more, but I put a lot more thought into what I buy, which probably causes me to spend less in the long run. While walking through a store, I used to be such an impulsive buyer. I am sure you can relate. I would go to Wal-Mart to "get a few things" and walk out spending two or three times more than I planned to. With our new habit, I have had the most difficult time buying clothing. But, I found these Etsians: Xenotees I bought Michael, you know, being a woodworker and all, the saw blade tee, while I got the star moss tee. I just purchased Aaron their names of animals shirt. The artist of these professionally screenprinted tees draws all of her designs, so it is original WEARABLE art. She also uses American Apparel to supply her base/blank tees and they are made in the USA (meaning sweatshop free!). For every shirt sold she donates $1 to Flat Iron Wildcats of Philadelphia. So take the time to check out Xenotees Etsy shop and blog! While you are at it, re-think your buying habits.

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Gallery Opening!!!

Cindy Saadeh Fine Art is having a gallery opening reception this Friday, May 8th. I can't believe the day is almost here! In actuality, we've been open for almost 3 weeks (3 weeks on Saturday to be exact). Michael continues to work feverishly in his studio and is constantly being pulled away to do this or that (sorry, baby) in the gallery, so, needless to say, there hasn't been much creating... But he has made some cheese knives and cutting boards. We will be at the Racks by the Tracks in Downtown Kingsport next weekend. I have been creating these cool crochet cozies to sell and Michael will have cutting boards, and I am hoping some cool wooden coasters as well. The only other events on the calendar is Blue Plum Festival and then Kingsport's Summer Concert Series (Twilight Alive on Thursdays and Bluegrass on Broad on Fridays). I'm sure the latter will keep us VERY busy. Anyway, come fall, I hope that we will be having OUR gallery opening for Ripper Arts. :) To follow us on facebook: Cindy Saadeh Fine Art and Ripper Arts Studio and Gallery Are you on facebook? Become a fan!

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BRIGHT

I have got to take a moment to blog about a fellow Etsian that I have been a recent customer of. She follows my blog, I follow hers. And I am always looking for new things to blog about, why not blog about fellow bloggers? Okay, I am rambling...

Caroline is also a fellow Etsian, mother, and the list could go on. From the perspective of a customer, I can say I was/am still completely satisfied with her products. She was GREAT to work with. I loved the items in her shop, but wanted custom colors. I had a lot of fun working with her and am ECSTATIC about the final outcome. The designs are meticulous, unique, fun. I can't say enough GOOD things about her, her communication skills, and the TALENT!

Learn more about Caroline from her blog brightcaroline. And visit her Etsy shop bright. Below are pictures of our Quinn in bright's creations. Needless to say, I will be buying more. I just love my little "q" :)

Oh, and Caroline, the new Blogger/Google widget freaks me out too.

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Thinking About Today

As our country prepares to welcome a new President on this inaugural day, I am thinking about how this affects me and my family. One of my resolutions for this new year is to be a smarter consumer. How might this relate to the events of today?

Our economy is the hot topic in the news. Everyone is looking to President Obama to solve our country's economic woes. As I step onto my soapbox, fellow Americans, it is not the President's sole responsibility nor is he/his policies the answer. It is OUR responsibility as consumers to turn this country's economy around!

What is your family's economic policy? Where do you shop? What do you buy? Do you purchase handmade? Is it made in the United States of America? Do you support the arts? Do you shop/buy locally? Do you support your local small businesses therefore supporting your local economy which then supports our statewide to nationwide economy? It isn't "trickle down" people!!! Let's start local and see that effect trickle up!!!

Please stop shopping at Wal-Mart. Please stop buying CHEAP. Spend the extra money. Buy local. Buy quality. Buy handmade. It has to start with me. It has to start with you. NOT with the government. NOT with the President. It is time for AMERICANS to take responsibility for AMERICA!!!

I was inspired to write this post not only by today's events, but by fellow blogger Denise at The Seasonal Cottage and by conversations with fellow Etsian Theresa at Milo Creative Studios. Stepping off of my soapbox now...

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