Handmade Holiday Greetings / Ornaments that Benefit Charity - 2010 Edition



This year consider creating a more meaningful holiday season by with cards and ornaments that give back to non-profit organizations.


The following artisans offer unique, handmade holiday cards and ornaments and they all contribute a percentage from their sales to benefit charity.



Heading this article is "Lollipop Forest" by Kristi McMurry. Kristi creates all kinds of cuteness at her Etsy shop http://kristimcmurry.etsy.com and donates 10% of her sales to The Shepherds Haven (see below). You can buy a single print of this image or as sets of greeting cards.

The painting of this cheerful ornament was done at the Haven Day Center, a ministry to individuals with developmental disabilities which provides a safe place for day activities. You'll find more cards and ornaments at http://TheShepherdsHaven.etsy.com. 100% of sales at the shop go to Shepherd's Haven (http://www.shepherdshaven.org).





At Europe for Charity http://www.etsy.com/shop/EuropeForCharity you'll find a great variety of items donated by artists and crafters from Europe to benefit the flood victims in Pakistan via Architecture for Humanity (http://architectureforhumanity.org/) and the Kashi Foundation (http://www.floodrelief.pk/). Pictured are cute Topiary Trees by Kaleda - a great way to decorate (and scent) your home. The trees are made from spices: cloves, peppers, coffee beans. You can learn more about Europe for Charity's support for humanitarian relief here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EuropeForCharity/policy.



At "Busy Little Christmas Elf" (http://bzlittlechristmaself.etsy.com) you'll lots of festive ornaments including the wreath pictured, made from puzzle pieces dotted with red berries. As the puzzle piece is a symbol for autism, this would be a thoughtful gift to the caregiver or parent of an autistic child. $1 of every wreath ornament sold is donated to The Autism Solution Center, Inc., which provides families in need with free Autism treatment, education, and assistance.

To learn more visit: http://www.autismsolutioncenter.com/



Linda at "Nun of a Kind" created “Janet’s Snowfolk”…to help raise money towards a cure for breast cancer. All proceeds from the sale of these ornaments are donated to “The Breast Cancer Society of Canada” (http://www.bcsc.ca/) in memory of a dear friend. "Janet was a wonderful, warm person whose battle with breast cancer, the cancer that was discovered too late to be able to treat successfully, took her life. She would be the first to remind women to not forget to take care of themselves, were she here to advise us." The ornaments, strung with invisible thread for hanging, are individually packaged in cellophane. You’ll find “Janet’s Snowfolk” as well as Linda's wide variety of humorous character figures (hint: look at the name of her shop) at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5254720.





"Allie Art for Children" is is the site where you'll find these great “Happy Holiday Peppers.” Five blank note cards feature original photography, making each card a very special note to send or a lovely, frameable work of art. 15% of each purchase goes to "Reach Out Children's Fund", a non-profit organization benefiting people in the remote areas of the Andes mountains of Peru http://www.reachoutchildrensfund.org.

Visit Allie's Art for Children at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5805037



You can read more about Allie at http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2008/10/handmade-childrens-gifts-that-benefit.html



Want to see more cards and ornaments that give back?
Check out http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2007/11/give-gifts-that-give-twice-holiday.html for "Big Picture" cards from Mavora that benefit World Vision.



Love the idea of gifts that give twice?
Look under "Gifts that Benefit Charity" on the right to find many, many more beautiful, inventive, humorous gifts, all handmade with love by the artists and artisans of Etsy.com.





Sigue el casting de “Gran Hermano 2009”: Rosario y Tucuman

Telefe continúa realizando la exitosa convocatoria para Gran hermano 2009. Y esta vez la convocatoria será en Rosario y Tucumán el viernes 31 de octubre y sábado 1 de noviembre.
La semana pasada en Mar del Plata se presentaron 3.000 personas y en Neuquén se reunieron 1.200 jóvenes con deseos de participar del reality de Telefe.

Además, al primer casting que se llevó a cabo en Uruguay asistieron 1.000 aspirantes para integrar la sexta edición de Gran hermano que se realizará en nuestro país.

Esta semana la producción del programa viajará a Rosario y Tucumán para continuar la búsqueda de los participantes del reality más exitoso del mundo.

Todas aquellas personas que quieran anotarse, pueden presentarse el próximo viernes 31 de octubre y sábado 1 de noviembre, de 9 a 18 hs., en los siguientes lugares:

- Rosario: Canal 5 (Av. Belgrano 1055)
- Tucumán: Canal 8 (Laprida 130)

El requisito para presentarse en los castings de Gran hermano 2009 es tener entre 18 y 38 años de edad.
GRAN HERMANO 6 GH6 GH2009 CASTING ROSARIO TUCUMAN CHACO JUJUY BUENOS AIRES SAN LUIS CORDOBA ENTRE RIOS MISIONES FORMOSA

Carnivale of the Dogs in Rittenhouse Square


One of the things I like about Philadelphia are the civic events, which often have a funky, home-made, improvisational flavor. Rules are minimal and anyone can participate.

There's the Flashlight Symphony, where anyone can show up with a flashlight (covered in red or green tissue) and stand on the steps of the Franklin Institute at night fall, waving it about and singing Christmas carols.

There's the Dracula Parade, sponsored by the Rosenbach Museum. Just come in costume (or not) and carry Dracula banners or oversized papier mache props illustrating the Dracula story, marching around the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.

There's Super Sunday - but I can see I'm getting carried away - and getting ideas for future blog posts - so stay tuned.

A new event, started three years ago, is the "Carnivale of the Dogs," uber-sponsored by Commerce Bank.

There are many parts to this event, but the heart, what everyone comes for, are to see the dressed up dogs with their dressed up owners. There's judging and there are prizes - and here are some photos taken this year by my husband Bill.



GH6: Casting en Rosario, Mar del Plata, Tucuman, Mendoza, Neuquen y Salta

El jueves 16 y viernes 17 de octubre se realizaron las primeras convocatorias de jóvenes en el Canal 4 de Montevideo (Uruguay).

En tanto, el 24 y 25 de octubre, se hará el casting en Mar del Plata (en Av. Luro 2907, de 9 a 18) y en Neuquén (Canal 7: Rodolfo Riavitz 7, de 9 a 18).

Luego el 31 de octubre y 1 de noviembre en Rosario (Canal 5, Av. Belgrano 1055); y en Mendoza (en lugar aún por designar). El 7 y 8 de noviembre, la producción estará en Córdoba (en Canal 8, Vélez Sarsfield 4300) y en Santa Fe (Canal 13, Bulevard Dr. José Manuel Gálvez 1840).

El 14 y 15 de noviembre realizarán el casting en Salta (Canal 11, España 475) y Tucumán (Canal 8, Laprida 130).

Casting de GH6 en Mardel

Lucia nos envió fotos del Casting de Gh en Mar del Plata...

I've Been Cyber-Tagged!

I've been tagged by Theresa J of “Magnificent Obsession” at http://theresaj.blogspot.com/. Playing tag is a social networking game and a fun way to explore new blogs. The rules of the game are simple:

* Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
* Don't forget to let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

About me:

1. My hair started turning grey when I was 15.

2. My first solid food was a steamed clam.

3. I once went snow camping for 10 days on my own.

4. I read my favorite authors again, and again, and again.

5. Although my legal name is Phyllis, in my childhood I was always called Muffy. I started calling myself Phyllis when I started college. Then I married my husband who calls me Mufi, oh well.

6. I once co-wrote a pumpkin cook book. I have a picture of myself (taken by a local newspaper) wearing a plaid shirt in a pumpkin patch and holding a pumpkin pie.

7. I write a column for the Live Your Dreams project - http://www.liveyourdreamcampaign.org/ of the Soroptimist organization - http://www.soroptimist.org. If you like this blog you may be interested in the Soroptimists. They’re an international network of women that improves the lives of women and girls worldwide.

I am tagging:

That’s Headley - http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com/
Elektra Jewelry Design - http://elektrajewelry.blogspot.com/
Allie Art: Photography Benefiting Children - http://allieart4children.blogspot.com/
Artists Who Give Back - http://www.thisisitcreations.blogspot.com
Fancy Free Me - http://fancyfreeme.blogspot.com/
Kerin Rosee - http://kerinrose.blogspot.com/
Planet Janet - http://janetcatmull.blogspot.com/

Gifts for Animal Lovers that Benefit Charity - 2010 Edition



This article highlights some unique gifts for animal lovers, and their animals, that have a special bonus. They are all gifts that give twice.



The artists and artisans that have created these items give a portion of the proceeds from each sale to charities that benefit animals. When you choose gifts like these that benefit charity, you multiply the impact of your choice, creating positive ripples. Everyone benefits, from the person who receives your gift, to you and how you feel about yourself, and to the charity that receives vital support to carry out its mission.
The motto of “9 Lives Photography” is “"Every life should have nine cats," and cat photography is the feature at this shop. Depending on the item from 50 - 100% of the profits from each sale is donated to Felines Inc., a cat shelter in Chicago (http://www.felinesinc.org). Many of the photos are of Felines Inc. residents.



Heading this article is "I'm Too Cute" an 'aw' inducing photo of Stella, happily adopted from a cat shelter. This image can also be purchased as a note card set or print at http://www.9livescharity.etsy.com



"Herbie the Spark Plug Dog" is one of a series of inventive creations by Josh of "Brown Dog Welding". You'll find Herbie, and the other members of his pack, each a one-of-a-kind welded sculpture here http://bit.ly/cuzRVW. At least 10% of the profits from "Brown Dog Welding" are donated to Home Furever http://www.homefurever.com and Lifebuilders http://www.lifebuildersdetroit.com/.



Metal worker Kerin Rose creates jewelry that is influenced by the spiritual symbols of many cultures and by patterns in nature. She’s had an eclectic career including designing puppets for the Muppets.



These charming dog tags are cast in Argentium (low-tarnish) sterling silver in molds carved from beeswax from bees raised by her sister. 100% of the profits from the sale of these tags goes to the Humane Society of the United States (http://www.hsus.org/). You will find interesting, evocative jewelry at this site, and also much information on Kerin’s creative process. http://www.etsy.com/shop/kerinrose



Michele, the artist behind the "MVegan5" shop on Etsy creates artwork and jewelry inspired by her love for animals and nature. An active spirit, she is the founder and co-leader of Etsy for Animals: Artists Helping Animals (EFA) http://efartistshelpinganimals.org, a team of artists who gather together to raise funds for animal-related charities.



An example of Michele’s work is her sweet photographic greeting card, “Three Friends.” You can buy a single card, a set of three or an 8 ½ by 11” print. http://www.etsy.com/shop/mvegan5





One of the designers contributing to Artists Helping Animals (see above) is Deb, whose shop is "Terriers Trousers," a 'doggie chic boutique' http://www.etsy.com/shop/TerrierTrousers. Her assistant 'Clarkie' is shown proudly modeling one of her harness coats, available in custom fits for hard-to-fit small and medium sized dogs. 10% of the boutiques' profits benefit EFA.





A cute stocking stuffer for the bird watcher on your list, a sparrow magnet from FARP (The Fabulous Animal Rescue Project) http://www.etsy.com/shop/FARP#, where you'll find animal-themed cards and magnets. A collective of artists from around the globe raising funds for animal rescue groups, shelters, and sanctuaries, FARP's current charity is The Sanctuary http://www.animalsanctuary.co.nz/. To learn more about FARP's projects visit their blog http://fabulousanimalrescueproject.blogspot.com/.



J. M. McGuiness is an online shop where you can find ready to hang photo cards, sun catchers and pendants created by a husband and wife photographic team. The intriguing image heading this article is "Gentle Horse" a photograph, matted for framing, by Rob McGuinness. 100% of the profits from this photograph goes to 3 Bunnies Rabbit Rescue, located in East Hartford, CT – http://www.3bunnies.org. Other items benefit a variety of local animal-related charities. You can see more of the McGuiness’s beautiful photography at http://www.etsy.com/shop/JMcGuinness





Here's a sweet handknit catnip mouse, is one of may you can find at Viva LeChat (http://VivaLeChat.etsy.com). Your purchases here benefit imom.org (http://www.imom.org), an organization that raises funds to cover emergency vet care for companion animals.





To close, is an extra-cute photograph titled "Kitten Paws" from Etsy shop "Into the Blues" http://bit.ly/bu06oy. It's available in multiple sizes and 50% of the price will go to Harbor Humane Society in Holland, MI http://www.harborhumane.org/index.htm



I 'heart' artisans who benefit charity with their work and frequently write about them and their creative fundraising initiatives. You will find many, many more suggestions for beautiful and original gifts that benefit charity on this blog. You can find links to the articles in the Table of Contents to the right under "Gifts That Benefit Charity."




Casting de Gran Hermano 2009 en Mar del Plata y Neuquén

Luego de la exitosa convocatoria que Telefe realizó la semana pasada en el país vecino de Uruguay, esta semana comienzan los castings de Gran hermano 2009 en Argentina.

Mar del Plata y Neuquén son los dos primeros destinos nacionales donde la producción del ciclo buscará a los futuros integrantes del reality más exitoso del mundo.

Todas aquellas personas que quieran anotarse para vivir la experiencia inigualable de formar parte de la sexta edición de Gran Hermano pueden presentarse el próximo viernes 24 y sábado 25 de octubre, de 9 a 18 hs., en los siguientes lugares:

- Mar del Plata: Canal 8 (Av. Luro 2907)
- Neuquén: Canal 7 (Rodolfo Riavitz 7)

El requisito para presentarse en los castings es tener entre 18 y 38 años de edad.

CASTING GH6 GH2009 GRAN HERMANO 6 GRAN HERMANO 2009 WEB OFICIAL CAMARAS EN VIVO TELEFE WWW.GH6.COM WWW.GH2009.COM

A Gem of a Cause - Sale to Benefit Liberian Orphans



Prasiolite Necklace - coming soon to Personal Treasures http://personaltreasures.etsy.com.


All of my personally handmade, original jewelry designs will be on sale through the end of the year at http://personaltreasures.etsy.com and http://mufi.etsy.com with discounts from 10% to 20%. You’ll find the details (as well as many new gift-priced pieces) posted at the shops.



100% of the profits from both stores will benefit my husband Bill Lawhorn's work with orphaned children in Liberia, West Africa.



We have already raised enough funds to buy 400 lbs. of rice and other staples for the “Charity Orphanage” in Robertsport, Liberia. The money will be hand delivered to the orphange around Thanksgiving by a Liberian expat who is visiting family for the holidays.





Labradorite Hoop Earrings - coming soon to Mufi Jewels http://mufi.etsy.com.


Many thanks to all of you who have bought jewelry already and who have sent notes of support and interest, as well as offers to be involved. The response has been very exciting and an affirmation that this work is important and that people are eager to help.





El casting de Gran Hermano 6 en Montevideo

Esta mañana en Montevideo, Uruguay comenzó la selección de los jóvenes que formarán parte de la nueva versión del exitoso reality. En 4 horas audicionaron más de 800 aspirantes.

Hoy Telefe inicia la convocatoria para Gran Hermano, el reality show más exitoso del mundo. El lanzamiento del casting se realiza desde esta mañana en la ciudad de Montevideo, Uruguay.

Como era de esperar, la convocatoria fue todo un éxito y en las primeras 4 horas de casting audicionaron 800 jóvenes aspirantes a participar del reality más reconocido mundialmente.

Aunque en un primer momento trascendió que Mariano Peluffo estaría presente en el casting y realizaría notas en el lugar, lo cierto es que el actual conductor de Talento argentino, sólo estará al frente de los debates del ciclo.

Mientras tanto, la producción de Gran hermano busca quien será el encargado de darles la bienvenida a los chicos este año en la puerta de la casa más famosa del país, en reemplazo de Peluffo.

Recordemos que las personas de entre 18 y 35 años que quieran anotarse en Uruguay, pueden presentarse hoy y mañana 17 de octubre, de 9 a 19 hs., en Canal 4 Montecarlo TV. Luego, la selección de los concursantes seguirá en Argentina, donde la producción recorrerá varias provincias realizando los castings.

GRAN HERMANO 6 GRAN HERMANO 2009 GH6 GH2009 CASTING MONTEVIDEO BUENOS AIRES CORDOBA TUCUMAN ROSARIO SALTA JUJUY CHACO LA PAMPA

Comienza el casting de Gran Hermano 6

Telefe inicia la convocatoria para "Gran Hermano", el reality show más famoso y exitoso del mundo. El lanzamiento del casting para la nueva edición de "Gran Hermano" se realizará en la ciudad de Montevideo, Uruguay.

Las personas que quieran anotarse pueden presentarse este jueves 16 y viernes 17 de octubre, de 9 a 19 hs., en Canal 4 Montecarlo TV. El requisito para participar del reality show de Telefe es tener entre 18 y 35 años de edad.
La selección de los concursantes seguirá luego en Argentina, donde la producción recorrerá varias provincias realizando los castings.
Con la búsqueda del próximo grupo de participantes que ingresarán a la casa de "Gran Hermano", Telefe pone en marcha una nueva edición del reconocido formato mundial.
GRAN HERMANO 6 GRAN HERMANO 2009 GH6 GH2009 CASTING ROSARIO SANTA FE CORDOBA FECHA DEL SALTA MENDOZA MARDELPLATA BUENOS AIRES CAPITAL

Breast Cancer Awareness Gifts that Benefit Charity

As you might know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At Etsy, http://etsy.com, an online artist and artisan shopping showcase, I found wonderfully inventive gifts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month that you won’t find anywhere else - truly unique and thoughtful handcrafted items for yourself, or for your female friends and family. Each gift also benefits breast cancer research, treatment and prevention.
Heading the article is a charming ring from Georgie Designs (http://GeorgieDesigns.etsy.com). A pink ribbon lampwork bead measuring approximately 3/8 inch is securely wrapped with sterling silver wire. The ring will be custom made in your size, and for each ring sold, $10 will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation http://www.komen.org to help in the fight against breast cancer.



Here's a sweet reminder of your love and support for someone facing breast cancer, or celebrating being a survivor - freshly baked cookies from Chris Galli from her "Spoonful of Sugar" bake shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrisgalli?ref=seller_info. They’re mini-cakes with moist almond layered between raspberry jam, then topped with a generous coating of dark chocolate. Thirty cookies will arrived packed in two white candy boxes tied up with pink ribbon. Ten percent of your purchase will benefit the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate/index





"Survivor" is part of a series of striking sterling silver pendants at Diem Designs http://www.etsy.com/shop/DiemDesignsJewelry?section_id=7405935 that 100% benefit the Army of Women foundation http://www.armyofwomen.org. Other pendants are stamped "Strength Courage", "Cancer Sucks", or write your own text.



At the MADART shop you'll find an intriguing abstract fine art print "Hope"(http://madart.etsy.com). 100% of the Profit from each "HOPE" print will be given to the breast cancer charity organization "Right Action for Women", the Christina Applegate Foundation (http://rightactionforwomen.org).



Show your support of the breast cancer awareness cause with this cool pink hemp bracelet from LaOdViE http://www.etsy.com/listing/58459872/breast-cancer-bracelet-all-donations-go 100% of your purchase benefits the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" of Salt Lake City. Find "Making Strides" events in your community here: http://www.cancer.org/Involved/Participate/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/index



How cute are these Money Monster Minis from Nectar Bags? http://NectarBags.etsy.com. Made with silver vinyl, this mini has pink faux fur hair, pink eyes, and a pink zipper mouth with a key ring, clip and pink ribbon rhinestone charm. 50% of your purchase benefits The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) http://www.bcrfcure.org/.



At Pookie and Pierre (http://PookieandPierre.etsy.com) I found these unique beaded earrings incorporating a pink felted bead set against intricate woven beads in shades of raspberry and coral pink, and cream. 75% of the purchase goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to honor the artists' mother who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2007. “Candy Stick Lane” has Boutique Babies for the Cure. Let your little one sport this unique onesie loud and proud! $5 from the sale of each of these onesies will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. At Candy Stick Lane you’ll also find AIDS and Domestic Violence awareness onesies, along a plethora of adorable and creative children’s clothes. Here’s the link - http://www.etsy.com/shop/CandyStickLane?section_id=7356676



Are you someone who feels inspired to give gifts that give twice? You’ll find many suggestions for beautiful and witty handmade items that benefit charity on this blog. Look to the right and under "Gifts That Benefit Charity" you’ll find links to more articles highlighting wonderful and unusual gift ideas.





Handmade Children’s Gifts that Benefit Charity - 2010 Edition



Looking for ways to add some extra cheer when you shop for children's gifts this holiday season?



When you shop at the following Etsy shops you will find gifts you will see nowhere else. Each is handmade by an artist or artisan, with care and attention - and as an added bonus a portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
How cute is HOCOCO the Lemur (pictured above)? Irresistably cute! All proceeds of this adorable hand knit toy from Etsy shop "Binky's" will be sent to The Sisters of the Good Shepherd Orphanage in Madagascar. The charity is based in Wales UK. (reg. charity no 1001420). You can find HOCOCO at http://www.etsy.com/listing/57234570/charity-knit-hococo-the-lemur





Allie Art for Children is a labor of love by a pediatrician who is currently a stay at home mom. In the shop she combines her love of photography with a desire to continue to be an advocate for children. 15% of each purchase goes to Reach Out Children's Fund, a non-profit benefiting people in the Andes mountains of Peru - http://www.reachoutchildrensfund.org

Among the images you’ll find at Allie’s shop is “Little Hands, Fall" pictured above. Wouldn’t it look lovely in a child’s room, alone or with other photos from the “Little Hands” seasonal series? Visit the shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/allieart4children



At Little Sapling Toys (http://www.etsy.com/littlesaplings) you'll find a wide variety of wooden teethers and toys: organic blocks, Montessori toys, modern rocking horse, and traditional rattles. For each toy you buy at Little Sapling, the artisan Christensen family will donate enough to plant one tree through Trees for the Future: http://plant-trees.org/about.htm.





Whoooo loves you baby? Parent and child owls from the KittyAnyDots shop keep their bright green peepers focused on each other in this whimsical print. This owl family is also available in a version with shamrock bellies and in two sizes.



20% of proceeds from any of the cute animal-themed prints (and 10% off cards) at this shop are donated to animal charities; KittyAnyDots rotates the charity monthly. On the shops main page you can see the current charity and the amounts previously raised! http://kittyanydots.etsy.com.





At "Square Hip" (http://www.SquareHip.etsy.com) you'll find these recycled crayons, a perfect size for little fingers. The crayons are created by the nine-year-old shop owners daughter, (with some help from Mom). They are created to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of her sister who has Type 1 Diabetes. 50% of the purchase price from each sale benefits JDRF: http://www.jdrf.org.



The crayons are made from used Crayola crayons donated by the students at Sierra Elementary School and Meiklejohn Elementary School in Arvada, CO. They are non-toxic, and appoximately 1.5" x 1.5". Other shapes are available.





This colorful and cuddly crib-sized quilt really zings with color. It is pieced with a charming giraffe on the front and a lion on the back. The quilt was created by the volunteers of Quilts from Caring Hands (http://www.quiltsfromcaringhands.com), who donate all proceeds from quilt sales to continue making handmade quilts for children at risk in the state of Oregon. To date, they have made and distributed over 6000 quilts. See the giraffe quilt and many more at Val's Art: http://www.etsy.com/shop/valsart





"Rockin' Blocks" at "Beebles" (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5100287§ion_id=5274362) is an extra-special set of blocks in which 10% of each set purchased will be donated to The Matthew Shepard Foundation. This foundation works tirelessly to replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance http://www.matthewshepard.org. Beebles motto is "Less Hate.......More Art.....Spread The Word."





Here's a sweet little baby's jacket with a pointed hood, made by Olga, and donated to the made4aid organizations' Etsy shop where you'll find a great variety of thoughtful gifts: http://www.etsy.com/shop/made4aid. made4aid (http://made4aid.org) is a non-profit-making organisation (NCVO No.11190), raising money for charities and relief work, through handmade art and crafts. All profits go to the work of Médicin sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ and the World Food Program USA http://usa.wfp.org/.







At "Love Fibres" (http://LoveFibres.etsy.com) you'll find adorable baby shoes and hats with retro-flair, hand-knitted with care from soft, certified, organic yarn. A percentage from the profit from each sale goes to the Leukaemia Research Fund http://www.lrf.org.uk. You can view the record of donations made by this shop at http://www.justgiving.com/lovefibres.



Stacey Hsu is a writer, an illustrator, and the soft toy designer who sells her “Original Sock Dogs” at her shop “Three Red Trees”. 10% of every sale benefits the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City - http://www.hsgkc.org/



This photo is of one of Tamas, one of many unique Sock Dogs available for ‘adoption’. Each comes with a colorful hangtag displaying their name, birth date and story. The tag is signed by the artist. Tamas’ story - "I'm a city mutt who dreams about the country. Sure, I love digging through dumpsters for grub and snagging an occasional bratwurst from the corner vendor, but nothing compares to chasing bunnies and squirrels through the woods! Heck, I'd even be satisfied with a butterfly or two. Get me outta here, please!"



“Original Sock Dogs” make great gifts for children over the age of seven - choking hazard for younger children. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5569651



Looking for gifts that 'give twice' for others on your list? Find links to my articles "Unique Gifts that Benefit Africans," "Give Gifts that Give Twice" and "Holiday Gifts that Benefit Charity" on the right under the heading Gifts That Benefit Charity. Multiply the impact of your generosity!<
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Creativity Quote - Linus Pauling


"The best way to have a good idea is to get a lot of ideas"

Linus Carl Pauling (1901-1994) was a quantum theorist, explorer of chemical bonds, an anti-nuclear campaigner and a two-time winner of the Nobel Prize - in Chemistry and also the Nobel Peace Prize.

"The best way to get a good idea is to get a lot of ideas" is true for scientific and practical innovation, also problem solving, and artistic creation as well.

For example, in an interesting study into artistic creativity a university graduate class in ceramics was divided into two parts.

The first group was told to take a whole semester and focus on creating their best, most beautiful or innovative work.

The second group was told to spend the semester makeing as many pieces as possible.

Which group do you think produced the most beautiful and innovative work?

Hint - the answer is in Linus Pauling's quote.


Supporting Your Success – Creating your own support system


Support…..don’t take off in pursuit of your goals without it. Remember this important safety rule from the airlines for those high-stress times when oxygen is needed on a flight - “Always put on your own mask first." (Then you are sure to have what you need while you’re helping children and other travelers.)

Let's face it, for many people it's second nature to put others' needs before their own. But if you don't put on your 'oxygen mask' of support while implementing your goals you'll find yourself feeling stuck when you run into the obstacles inevitable in any new venture.

Writing clear goals and tracking your progress is very helpful. But what happens when you add a support and accountability system to the mix? From my experience working with hundreds of people I can state that you’ll stay focused and motivated as you move into action, you’ll ease and speed the whole process – and the journey will be a lot more fun.

Consider working with a support / accountability partner. Someone you meet with regularly, in person or on the phone and who also wants to accomplish something. Choose someone who is willing to lend an ear to your triumphs and frustrations, who can help you problem solve and who will witness your commitment to actions toward your dream.

Or hire a coach whose skills will help you see broader possibilities, clarify your direction and tap into your strengths, so that your body, mind and spirit are aligned for truly effective action.

Or consider getting group support. Banding with others is a highly effective for many people. People always have more ideas for others than for themselves (because they don’t have to deal with your inner self-doubt) and goal setting support groups can generate tremendous motivating energy and creativity.

Give yourself the gift of support. Allow others to help you and you’ll multiply your chances for success in reaching your goals.


Unique Gift Ideas That Benefit Africans

Many people today are looking for ways to make their gifts more meaningful. These suggestions, all handmade by sellers at ETSY.com, help change the world, one gift at a time. They are chosen from shops where the shop owner donates a percentage of the proceeds from every sale to benefit humanitarian projects in Africa.


This beautiful image is by Unicef worker and photographer Lola Galla. She offers a series of striking photographs and photo-montages of Tanzania with all proceeds donated to the Chalula Project of Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL). FAVL is a network of individuals and donors committed to long-term management of and support for small community libraries in rural Africa http://www.favl.org/news.html.



Visit Lola Galla's Etsy shop "Lola Oppd" to see more of her original photographic art http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5913863.



The Kibera Jewelry shop (headquartered in the US) sells jewelry made by "Sema na Kufanya" (meaning "Action Speaks"), a 30-person cooperative of HIV/AIDS afflicted mothers in Kibera, Kenya. The proceeds support them as well a nursery school they started for their children. 100% of all profits will reach them. To learn more about the project see http://kiberajewelry.googlepages.com and to visit Kibera's Etsy shop click here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KiberaJewelry



Julie Backman is an artist who sells her handmade charms and pendants with inspirational sayings and graphics, as well as beautifully designed art cards and collages to support teachers’ salaries at four schools in Zambia supported by the Zambia Satellite, a division of Good Samaritan Ministries. For more info about the Zambia Satellite see: http://gsmzambia.org



Pictured is a reversible charm/pendant. One side says "Authentic" and the other is a pretty pink floral pattern. It comes with a 24' ball chain necklace which can be clipped to any size. See this and many other pendants at http://jjbackman.etsy.com





This striking clutch (or wristlet) can be custom made for you from your choice of wax-printed Rwandan cotton by Kristen of Sewn Sunday http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewnsunday.



Kristen explains - When I took a trip to Rwanda I met an incredible man, Pastor David. He and his gracious family have taken on the job of helping to better the lives of the children and families in his neighborhood in the town of Butare. Among his many projects, he has been working with a group of widows and teaching them the trade of tailoring. Learning this trade will allow these women to find jobs that can help them provide for their families. I think because I love to sew I felt a desire to help. 50% of the proceeds of this custom bag will go to support his wonderful project."



And finally there are Mufi Jewels http://mufi.etsy.com and Personal Treasures http://personaltreasures.etsy.com, my own shops where 50% of the profits help support the children of "Charity Orphanage" in Robertsport, Liberia. You can learn more about this project at http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2008/09/jewelry-liberian-children-gem-of-cause.html.



The vibrant earrings pictured (from Mufi Jewels) are crafted of rich blue Kyanite and golden pearls and would make a truly special gift. At the shops you will find many, many other options, that will come to you elegantly boxed for giving.



Looking for more gifts that 'give twice' for others on your list? Find links to many other gift guides: "Handmade Children's Gifts That Benefit Charity," "Give Gifts that Give Twice," "Holiday Gifts that Benefit Charity" and more, in the column to the right under the heading Gifts That Benefit Charity. Multiply the impact of your generosity!




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