Women, Fashion, Art & Charity

New Projects from Mercado del Mundo

2008-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

We have started a new project at Mercado del Mundo.

It is Invest In Women, a non-profit that provides valuable information for Women Entrepreneurs. In the future it will also include a micro-grant program for women in the US. We were inspired to start this after attending the Make Mine A Million, conference this spring, and of course from our experiences as women in business.
CLICK HERE to visit the site, or copy and paste the following; http://www.freewebs.com/investinwomen/index.htm

You can browse through the Book Suggestions Page for books reviewed by women just like you.

The Grants and Scholarships are direct links to actual grant and scholarship opportunities for women.

If you'd like to add a Non-profit or Business that assists women achieve their goals or leave a suggestion for a book, please contact us through the My Profile page.

We are also excepting articles for the Invest In Women Blog.
Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Business Resources and Eco Friendly Products

2008-04-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a Business Resources, check out the new page a Mercado del Mundo. All the businesses are run by women, so you know they will do a great job helping your business succeed.
CLICK HERE!

If you are looking for products designed to keep our world clean, check out our new Eco-Products page. CLICK HERE!

If you'd like to add your business to one of our directories, please email Leah at leah@mercadodelmundo.net

Beginning of Spring Newsletter

2008-04-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Newsletter
Celebrate Spring - Shop with your Heart!

At www.mercadodelmundo.org you can shop our products for a better world and find links to other resources. Check out the links for Empowering Women, Business Resources, and many others.
The Apparel shown on our site is made from natural fibers, some of them are organic, and all of them are beautiful! The production of polyester and acrylics is very harmful to our ecosystem and we avoid it whenever possible. Leah will recycle your favorite T-Shirt by turning it into a T-Shirt Bag (see more at http://www.mercadodelmundo.org/purses/index.html). You can reduce the use of plastic bags by using one of our reusable bags that fold into your purse or clean the air in your environment with a salt lamp.

We also host other artists on our website like Hannah Renner ’s energy orb earrings and Lois Robertson ’s vibrant Fine Art. Watch for more to come.

THE BEST PART!

A percentage of every purchase you make will be donated to one of the Non profits listed on our website. Simply go to the non profits link on our website to choose the one you want. Then when you place your order, put the name of the non profits in the comments section. If you wish, we will choose one for you to be assured that a donation is made.

If you have a favorite non-profit, e-mail us the information and we will consider adding them to our list. Please tell us why you think we should include them. We are especially interested in groups that support children, provide shelter and education for the homeless, promote peace and are eco-supportive.

Shopping online saves gasoline, time and money! We are able to keep our prices low by not having the overhead of a retail store. We do appreciate your support.

You can make a difference with your purchase!

Jaz'z Jammies 2008!

2008-03-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted you all to know that Jaz's Jammies has
started for 2008 and will go on through April 11.
Our goal is 800 pairs of new pajamas and I know we can
reach that goal!
I'm now a sophomore at Middle Tennessee State
University and everyone at school is helping out.
The most exciting aspect of Jaz's Jammies this year
is MTSU adding a competitive component. Sororities and
Fraternies will team up to see who collects the
most pjs with the winning team receiving a $200
service award at a finale ice cream social event that
the greeks are planning.Children from the community
will come to the university, they'll be games,
karaoke,etc.
Anything you can do to collect new pajamas and/or get
the word out will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jasmine "Jaz" Gray

ps. all pj donations can me sent to:

Middle Tennessee State University
Office of Leadership and Service
MTSU Box 39
Murfreesboro,TN 37132

pps. here is the youtube link to a show that was taped
about the 2008 drive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMpHIhXC6zA

Make Mine A Million Dollar Business for Women

2008-03-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

On March 4, I attended the Make Mine A Million $ Business conference for Women Entrepreneurs in Phoenix, AZ. It was very motivational and I met some wonderful women.

The one day conference is a joint program of Count Me In and Open from American Express.
The program provides access to money, mentoring, marketing and technology tools that women entrepreneurs need to help grow their businesses. Count Me In launched the dynamic movement of Make Mine a Million $ Business to inspire one million women entrepreneurs to reach annual revenues of 1 Million $ by the year 2010.

Nell Merlino is founder, President and CEO of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence. She is the creative force behind Take Our Daughters to Work Day, which she designed and produced for the Ms. Foundation for Women in 1993.

Speakers at the event included Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano,
Former President of Telemundo, Nely Galan,
Award winning journalist Valerie Morris,
and the CEO of Sinek Partners Simon Sinek.
Click on any of their names to find out more about the speakers.

Valerie Morris gave a great speech about Victoria Woodhall, the first women to run for President and Newspaper owner from 1870, before Women had the right to vote in the US.

Janet Napolitano encouraged Women to ignore stereotypes when we begin a new project, take risks, and retain your sense of humor.

Simon Sinek suggests inspiring people to want to be your customers instead of manipulating with sales and freebies.

Nely Galan says " I've made millions of dollars, it doesn't get easier.... there's always another mountain to climb"

All of the speakers were amazing. I was glued to my seat!

Here is some information on some of the amazing women I met at the event.

Ana Li and Clara Arenas of Live Community for real leadership and commitment in society. Motivational Workshops, Conferences, and Events.

Barbara Taylor of A Srappin Affair for scrapbooking fans and owners.

Michelle Stephens of Profitable Accounting, professionalism with the personal touch.

Eleanor Clements of Fresh Gourmet To Go innovative lifestyle solutions for lifestyles on the go.

Martha Moore of East Valley Woman a magazine empowering valley women, soon to be online only!

Kay Woods of Precious Treasures childcare. 24/7 childcare with a focus on learning. Kay was a Make Mine A Million award winner.

Deborah Johnson of Eco-Edge improving profts and reducing environmental impact. Deborah was also a Make Mine A Million award winner.

All of these women had a real passion for their business and I am so grateful to have met them.

For more information on award winners and ow you can attend the next conference visit Make Mine A Million $ Business .

Empower Yourself and the Women in your Life!

2008-02-18T07:33:00.000-08:00

Mercado del Mundo has unveiled it's newest community outreach page for Women. If you are interested in learning how to be more self sufficient and independent than visit the Empowering Women page.

Here you will find classes and services taught By Women For Women.
There is basic Auto Care and Home Repair, Self Defense, Buying A Car, Networking, Life Coaches, Business Resources, Mentoring, Education and more!

All of the businesses listed on the Empowering Women page are owned by Women.

Meet Lois Robertson!!

2008-02-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

Lois is the newest artist to be represented at Mercado del Mundo.
She hails from Oklahoma and is quite talented. Her work has been abuzz for years, and we are thrilled to represent her!
My favorite piece "Thistles" already sold, but she has more beautiful paintings available for sale. I love The Poppies, they really, well they really pop!
It's true, this would be a great conversation starter, since you just can't pull your eyes away!
You can see the work of Lois Robertson right HERE! and read how she started out.
Enjoy!

My DOWNTOWN WOMENS CLUB networking Experience

2008-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Last year I joined Downtown Womens Club to help grow my business, Mercado del Mundo.

I have been very happy joining DWC, though I was skeptical at first since I had not heard of it before. I did research into many networking groups however, and found that the DWC had a broad range of women across the US.

After a few months of enjoying the teleclasses and the online forum, I contacted Edith M. of Boston for a chance to host a fundraiser for the Franciscan Children's Hospital. It was a great experience and I really enjoyed meeting Edith. I don't know how else we would have connected since she lives 2000 miles away.

I also like attending the casual networking meetings in San Diego even though I am on the road often for business. There are women on DWC from all over in all kinds of business. I would recommend joining DWC to enhance your network outside of the local area! Thank you DWC, Leah Oviedo

Weyrich Gallery

2008-01-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

Weyrich Gallery Presents:"Generations"

Weyrich Gallery Presents: A Northeast Heights Artscrawl

Generations January 18, 2008 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Hilda Appel Volkin

Show closes February 29, 2008

Weyrich Gallery 2935-D Louisiana NE
Albuquerque,New Mexico 87110

Phone: 505-883-7410

The Mirage Trading Co.

2007-12-27T20:37:00.000-08:00

This amazing store is hidden away in the quaint town of Moffat, Colorado, but it's not full of "country crafts". The MirageTrading Co. is an art gallery, clothing store, coffee shop and must stop!
You'll find a friendly relaxed atmosphere with organic, fair-trade Coffee, drinks and pastries.
In each room you will find sculptures, paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography, books, soap, candles, fiber arts, furniture, cards, vintage western wear and cowboy boots.

175555 Hwy 17, Moffat, CO 81143
719-256-4357
http://www.miragetradingco.com/index.asp

Hannah's Energy Orb Earrings!

2007-12-11T14:59:00.000-08:00

I met Hannah Renner in Springfield, Missouri. She is a designer and a healer with a positive, friendly attitude. Her earrings really caught my eye. The orb earrings are made from Marbles. Very Chic! You can see all her designs at, Hannah's Earrings .

Hannah's Energy Orbs were inspired into creation from her 'gift of healing'. The earrings are wire wrapped marbles that were played with by her late Dad and nephews when they were young. They come in an assortment of colors and are available in gold or silver.

Hannah is also a Healing Energy Practitioner in the healing arts of Reiki and Quantum Touch. If you would like more information about energy medicine or Hannah, check out www.quantumtouch.com ('practitioners', 'Missouri', 'Hannah Renner') and www.energy-in-motion.biz

Hannah's Earrings

Monika Mraovic: European/ American Artist

2007-12-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.monikaart.com/

I found this talented artist through a post on Freecyle of all places. I just love the colors and shapes that she forms. Thank you Monika for your time!

It's a great story of how she started, she has a lot of passion for her art that shows through each brush stroke.

What inspired you to start painting?
Monika: I arrived in US in November 1999 and didn't have a work permit at that time, I was a stay at home wife, so I decided to try painting for fun. I have never had any artistic training or schooling of that sort but somewhere deep inside I wanted to try painting.
Basically, I started painting out of boredom. Soon, a fun hobby became a passion. I practically never know what I am going to paint on my canvas.
I listen to my favorite music while I choose the brushes and the colors first, then apply the paint to one spot of the canvas, soon I get the feeling what should follow next. Sometimes I need a couple of times to complete the painting and sometimes I finish it in one sitting. The only thing that counts is the irresistible urge to create and express myself, to let out this fire from within myself.

What mediums or materials do you work with?
Monika: Oil on canvas. I tried acrylics, too and will definitely work with watercolors someday.

Do you have any favorite artists?
Monika: The first artist that really inspired me when I was a teenager was Vincent Van Gogh. I read a book "Lust For Life" featuring his life and was thrilled. Now, my favorite ones are Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Kandinsky, Chagal. I like the whole life story of Frida Kahlo and her art, too. Besides, I am head over heels in love with Mozart, Beethoven, Faure and Preisner.

How did you get started?
Monika: I went to a crafts store and bought some brushes and paper. After two months, I decided to start painting on canvas. I was getting better and better so I invested and bought an easel and canvases.

Any advice for aspiring artists?
Monika: Don't follow the rules, listen to what's inside your heart, not head.

Monika Mraovic mom to Ania and Alexandra also an artist, see my art at: http://www.monikaart.com/

my email: monikamraovic@yahoo.com

Free Silk Scarve!

2007-10-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

Get a Jumpstart on your Holiday Shopping!

Free unbeaded Silk Shawl with purchase of any Ruana.

Free Hand Beaded Red Peacock Shawl with Purchase of Red Peacock Ruana.

This Special is available through October 31, 2007

Order online at www.mercadodelmundo.org - Free Shipping!!

Valued at $39.00, the unbeaded shawls are available in Green Flower, Coral Reef, Black Mandala, Red Lily, and Green Lily. Shawl colors are available while supplies last.

Valued at $69.00, the Red Peacock Shawl is only offered with purchase of Red Peacock Ruana. The Red Peacock Shawl is hand beaded with glass beads. Limit 1 shawl for each Ruana purchased.

Leah and JoAnne

www.mercadodelmundo.net

www.oviedostyle.com

760-994-5929 JoAnne's Cell Phone

760-994-5931 Leah's Cell Phone

Ali J. : Aussie Patches

2007-10-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posts, but I have been out of state with family emergencies.

With Ali J.'s work I had the hardest time picking my top 3 pieces, but after an hour or so of searching here are 3 that really caught my eye!! Can you believe she almost joined the police force? It just shows you when one door closes another can open! Enjoy the interview and thanks for checking out my blog!

What inspires you?
Ali J. :

Celebrity gossip magazines and fashion journals. I love flicking through the pages and finding captivating images of strong independent women that have a sense of pain in their lives. I'm very much inspired by modern images, especially the more fashion orientated.

How did you get started?

Ali J. :
In May 2007 I was informed that my application for the Police Force was unsuccessful. Leave with no job and no income I was desperate for some way to release my pain and depression. I used the only thing I had in the house - my art supplies - and started displaying my images on the computer as a way of interacting with other people on the internet. Some people asked me if I was willing to sell my work.... and it's just gone from there....

What mediums and materials do you use?
Ali J. :

My favourite mediums are ink and colored pencil on patterned paper. I'm quite fond of scrapbooking paper and I can't think of anything more exciting then drawing all over it!! I'm also enjoying working with acrylic on canvas as well as collage using materials such as vintage book pages or musical sheets.

Any advice for aspiring illustrators?
Ali J. :

Draw as often as you can, even if you think your work is terrible, keep working at it. Always aim to develop your skills and create a unique style that makes you the illustrator that you are. Don't copy other illustrators, although do use them as inspiration, and believe in yourself. To make your illustrations powerful and identifiable you need to have passion for what you do. Don't do it for the money, you'll be sorely disappointed. Do it for the love of expressing yourself. Last of all, never ever give up no matter what anyone says.

Etsy http://www.aussiepatches.etsy.com
Blog - http://www.aussiepatches.typepad.com

With Sugar on Top

2007-09-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here are my 3 favorite items from the Etsy shop With Sugar on Top

and a little background on Amanda, the designer!

I am a 28 yr old cupcakes baker by day and super crafty villain by night. All of my creations tend to be a bit on the cutesy side both in and out of the kitchen. I am a 3rd generation crafter and baker, and never remember actually being taught how to sew or bake.

After being in the antique auction business for years, this past July I decided to turn my hobbies into a full time gig. I run my online boutique, WithSugarOnTop.com where I sell all my crafty goodness and my cupcake and cookie bakery The house of Sweets in downtown Delray Beach, Florida.

I can often be found rummaging through boxes of junk at yard sales or sitting in the tattoo chair while my husband finishes adding to my tattoo collection. This October I will hold my first very own indie craft fair, Stitch Rock. With over 40 vendors attending it will be packed full of uncommon handmade goods!

Check out Amandas favorite links below!

http://www.withsugarontop.com/

http://www.rockthestitch.com/

http://www.withsugarontop.etsy.com/

http://www.slushbox.com/

Flippin Sweet design by Candis!

2007-09-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

I found this poncho on Esty and had to share it. It is indeed Flippin Sweet!

Here is a little bio on the designer. She has some really cool ponchos and more, on her site at Tatoo1981ink

My name is Candis. I am (of course) a housewife imported from the east coast to Ohio. I make babies like others make dinner. I have been making all different things since I was child, partly because I was always poor and partly because I like what I like and what I like is always odd or like most everyone else I am just to cheap to pay for what I can make myself.

I used to sell on ebay but once I found etsy.com I was hooked. I try and keep the price of everything I sell as low as possible, plus none of it is perfect just like none of it is like the other either.

Not too sure if I am late coming upon the "homemade invasion" that seems to be getting everyone, but I am enjoying watching what everyone has to come up with and out with. It's all so different and fun and creative coming from all types of people and backgrounds. I plan on putting out more and more things as time goes on and trying to get a spot as a vendor in this years Bazaar Bizarre here in Cleveland. Overall I hope people enjoy what I make and sell and it inspires them to do something themselves as well... Thank You...

CindyG, Gorgeous Collage Art

2007-09-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some really eye catching collages from a artist on Etsy.com. Her work is so bold and vibrant. I had to look at all the details of every picture because she ads so much to each one. She is based in Vancouver BC, Canada. You can order custom collages for yourself or friends at http://www.cindyg.etsy.com/.

Her collages are now available as jewelry, designed by CindyG and created by Beth Spatafora of http://www.arete.etsy.com/ Here is Cindy's interview:

What inspires you?

Cindy: As a makeup artist it's colours, faces, photography and expressions which I find most inspiring. Music, my dreams, my moods, poetry, fashion and the many places I have traveled to are also inspirations of mine.

How did you get started?

Cindy: I have always been interested and involved in the arts in some way or another...I took music, art and dance lessons from an early age, so the arts was always a part of my life and a passion of mine. A year ago I just resigned from a fast paced cosmetic career and have luckily had the time to focus my passions on collage art. My husband and I recently moved into a new home, with so many bare walls staring at me...art was badly needed, so I started to create and create some more! Now I don't have anymore wall space!! I just started selling online in Dec '06 and my works are available in boutiques in VancouverBC, and private showings.

Who are your favorite artists?

Cindy: Sooo many of them I love...Shilling, Degas, Chegall,Monet...there are many etsy artists I admire...artwork of "MyCharlieGirl"(incredible, fashionable digital works),and collages of AFancifulTwist","Talula" "Old But New" and "Arete" are amazing jewlery artists, and the highlytalented "fringe" for her beautiful crochet works, and "RunAliceRun" for her adorable and colourful magnets! There are too many talented photographers to name but I admire so many of them!

What advice would you give aspiring artists?

Cindy: Believe in yourself, be willing to work hard, don't get distracted by anything other than your goal and passion! Educate yourself, network with other artists, and I truly believe that if you love something and stick with it, only good can come out of it. My motto I live by is "what doesn't kill you, makes you that much stronger" and Nike said it best..."Just Do It"!!

What materials do you use?

Cindy: As a girly girl, I love anything with sparkle and shimmer...so I often use Swarovski crystals, gold leaf, and metallic paints in my works. I love faces, so iconic images such as Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich along with current fashion images are combined in my collages. I collect vintage court, medical and bank documents...documents which tell a story, has a past...so the end result of my piece is something which also tells a story, a mix of old and new. My pieces has been described as "jewelry for your walls"!

Contact me through my etsy website at: http://www.cindyg.etsy.com/

Thanks!!Cindy

My Tea Kind, a great new band!

2007-08-30T07:54:00.001-07:00

My Tea Kind (mighty kind) is a fun band that plays "obscure folk root rock". They are definitely folksy , the lead vocals of Bonnie Paine are hypnotizing. They have a great sound, thumping bass by Annie Paine, distinct drumming by Sarah Garde, and on the other side of vocals and Guitar is James Townsend who also plays the musical saw. Bonnie also plays Washboard, Djembe,Bells, Tambourine, and Bullhorn.
The music is eclectic without being offbeat! I like to listen to their music after a long hard day. You can hear some tracks on My Space
Visit the website www.MyTeaKind.com for more information and schedules. Enjoy!
Check them out and see why they are the best band from Oklahoma in years!

Belmont Greek Festival

2007-08-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Yeah!!! I will be at the Belmont Greek Festival, near San Francisco again this Labor Day weekend.

It is so much fun, the people are so welcoming and happy.

My favorite part is the FOOD! it is delicious, my favorite Greek food is Spanikopita a flaky spinach filled pastry!

There's also the Loukomades, these sweet mouth watering doughnuts that are best eaten as soon as they come out of the oven!

My favorite dip to put on everything is Tsatziki, a cucumber dip, a little tangy and a little sweet. I could do this whole post about food!

People come dressed in traditonal clothing and dance to fun upbeat music, and there is a resounding chorus of "Opa" sounding out thru the crowd! I even got caught up once or twice and yelled myself!

The festival is 3 days September 1, 2, and 3, 2007 and a great place to visit with family or friends.

Jaz's Jammies, For the Love of Children

2007-08-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

This is so great and is the perfect post to follow up Franciscan Hospital for Children Fundraiser!
Jaz's Jammies is the project of Jasmine Gray of Memphis, TN. She provides pajamas for Children who spend an extended time in Hospitals.
AND she started this in the 9th grade! She is in College now and still collecting PJ's. If you'd like to donate, the address is at the end of the article! Starting a PJ drive in your community would be a great family activity!

How did you start Jaz's Jammies?
Jasmine: Jaz's Jammies started in March of 2006 as my Gold Award project during my last year as a Girl Scout.
For the Gold Award, which is the highest award in Girl Scouting, we were asked to choose a project that meant something to us and could really impact people's lives. Since I had been in the hospital so many times (19 surgeries to date, just had one). The uncomfortable, boring hospital gowns were something that came to mind for me. It was like, "Ok, with what I've been through, what is something I would change if I could...those gowns!"lol.

Did you have other people helping you?
Jasmine: I had A LOT of support. the key to success with anything in life is the right support system. My family, friends, and just the Memphis Community in general really all came together to help.The Girl Scout instructions asked us to chose an adviser and I chose my aunt Angela Mitchell because she is really good with events(bridal shows,baby shows, shopping trips) you name it she can pull it together.
We ended up with pajamas spread throughout my living room dining room and guest room. Can you imagine what 850 pairs of PJs looks like! Our goal was a mere 200 so it was an amazing blessing.

What advice would you give for someone to start this in their community?
Jasmine: To those who want to start a pajama drive in their neighborhood, my advice is have a focus as far as what you want to accomplish and where you want the PJs to go. if you can have the destination relate to you, what group of people do you want to serve(it will make you more passionate).

How did you find the time to do this with School?
Jasmine: The reason I had the time was what I call a blessing in disguise.After my 9th year of high school, I had to start take my Germantown High School classes from home because of the surgeries and the recoup time. The way Mrs.Orr and I had my schedule worked, I could be really flexible.
I am a perfectionist so I always did my assignments, but I could work around the plans with Jaz's Jammies which really made everything a lot easier. The main point of Jaz's Jammies is to use pajamas as a pathway to spread love. Jaz's Jammies does not accept money from individuals, only new PJs,because we truly believe our motto "It is in giving that we receive".
Every time we have a chance to do for others, it changes us, shapes us, and we grow. Something as simple as saying,"look at these leopard print PJs,I really think the kids will love these" . Taking the time to care enough to actually get off our behinds and do for others is real love. I am so thankful the Lord continues to allow me to survive and go on with my life because every day that I go on I have another opportunity to help somebody else survive and go on.

Anything else you do?
Jasmine: As far as FYI on my other involvements I am a member of Parkway Village church of Christ (my spirituality is why I still have joy and where my views about love in action come from). I attend Middle Tennessee State University, where I am a Journalism Major with aspirations to own my own nonprofit media company.
I am a liaison with Invisible Children which seeks to help hundreds of kids in Uganda who have been forced for years to fight in a rebel army.
My next project is called Inner Beauty and it will be an organization that works with inner city middle school girls teaching them how to be beautiful inside and helping with outer beauty as a reward for the growth and progress that they make.

Thank you so much Leah for YOUR time! Jasmine "Jaz" Gray
PS. pajama donations can be sent to
7613 Sand Crossing Cove, Memphis,TN 38125

Random posting

2007-07-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

Another col blog. Hippie Spelunker is where i found a post on Migas, a oh so yummy dish with eggs and tortilas I used to eat all the time when we lived in NM and TX. I found the blogger Lisa, through Ask Liz Ryan, a forum for professionals from around the world to give and get advice on everything from finding someone in PR to Job interview questions.

FRANCISCAN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

2007-07-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

When you shop Mercado del Mundo.org and OviedoStyle.Etsy from July 23-August 5 2007,a portion of every purchase will go to the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston http://www.fhfc.org/ !

The Hospital is one of the nation’s largest Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospitals, whose mission is to provide comprehensive rehabilitative, developmental, medical, educational and psychosocial services to infants, children, adolescents and young adults in and beyond their community regardless of their ability to pay!

Every customer is entered into a raffle to win a beautiful silk shawl or one of a kind Oviedo Style handbag. Have fun and shop for charity!
visit http://www.mercadodelmundo.org/ and enjoy!

AIRBRUSH SPECIAL!!!

2007-07-20T22:48:00.001-07:00

www.andeair.com

Give those plain Tshirts, Jeans, Hats, and Shoes some new flavor!

Little Odd Forest, by Lynda Lye

2007-07-16T17:24:00.000-07:00








In 2004, Forestprints Design was creates by Lynda Lye. Not only are her designs
fun and original, but as the demand for her products grew she created
sweat-shop free work spaces in the Philippines and Singapore with poor women,
and trained them in sewing so they could earn a fair wage.
Little Odd Forest.com has been featured in Lucky, N.E.E.T.,Bazaar, and many
Singapore magazines.
You'll find Tshirts, cuddly stuffed animals, bags, and home decor at her shop.
My personal favorite item is the wood wristlet, it's just too neat!!

What inspires you?
  LL: Since a child, I've always been very inspired by wonderful childhood
fantasies of bizarre fairytale adventure stories set in magical forests,
resplendent with quirky images and wonderful illustrations of talking monsters,
 animals and trees. And that was how I came up with my business and label names,
and the style theme of my products.  Otherwise, I really get my inspiration
from anywhere and everywhere, I don't purposely seek out inspiration, instead,
 just by going out and about would just do it - people-watching, films, books,
 stories, music, nature, playing with my cats, my strange dreams, etc.
Although I'm generally attracted to colors, and all things unusual, kooky,
quirky, cute, and forest-themed.

How did you get started?
 LL: My business was officially started in Nov 2004, although it took me
more than 6 months prior to prepare its launch. I have always wanted to
do something on my own, which I could take pride in and truly love doing.
 I do love all design in general, and after getting my degree in Visual
Communications, worked as a designer in graphic design firms. However,
the work I did was never satisfying, and constantly giving in to
unreasonable clients' requests for design changes made me resentful -
 that kind of did it for me in the end, and I quited to start on
creating something of my own.

What materials do you use?
 LL:Really anything I can get my hands on! But not leather.

What education did you have before you started?
  LL: I graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Arts (BFA) from the School
of the Art Institute of Chicago, majoring in Visual Communications.

Can you give some advice for aspiring artists?
  LL: From my short experience, the one and only advice anyone would
need is - you have to really love what you do and have a clear idea
what your goal is. Without strong passion and a clear goal in mind,
the entire process of starting the business and having to see it
through in the beginning will wear you out in no time. Being realistic,
 especially with your goal helps too - starting something you love on
your own is not going to be a bed of roses for a long while, lots of 
obstacles will be met, and lots of sacrifices will have to be made.

Website: http://www.forestprints.com

Shop for People, Hunger, Animals, and the Rainforest

2007-07-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

You have got to check out The Greater Good Network, here is a link to their newsletter GREATER GOOD NEWS. I go to the Hunger Site every weekday to give a cup of food to the needy and see what cool stuff they have. I bought some cool Indian cards and a goat for a family in Afghanistan!

Shopping in our do-good stores is a powerful way to affect change. Small actions add up! With your support we've been able to give real help to important causes in the U.S. and around the world. Together, here is what we've been able to accomplish in the first six months of 2007:

1,208 mammograms for women in need
1,648,825 cups of food funded for the hungry
61,214 impoverished children given health services
5,071 books provided to children in need
38,615,220 square feet of forestland protected
2,110,093 bowls of food fed to rescued pets and wildlife

Please take a moment to forward this newsletter to friends and family today, encouraging them to shop where it matters. The more people who shop, the more funding we can give to charity. There's virtually no limit to the good we can do!