Quick Pick: 2012 Pit Bull Calendar Benefiting Animal Rescues

The Unexpected Pit Bull 2012 Calendar

Price: $18.99
(price per calendar decreases the more you buy)

Recommendation: Great holiday present for any dog-lover in your life! They'll enjoy the beautiful photos and you'll know that the gift you purchased benefits animals in need.

The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar 2012, $18.99

I don't think I've done any dog-related posts yet, which I'm kind of amazed by, since I'm obsessed with my pit bull, Caramel (photo below). You know those parents who think their child is the most amazing being in the world just for breathing and carry around photos that they always want to show to people the minute the subject comes up? ... Yeah, that's me. But with my dog. *blush*

I started fostering for the Baltimore-based pit bull rescue Adopt a Homeless Animal Rescue in June 2006 and have be absolutely in love with the breed ever since.

There are a lot of great organizations that work to reduce the stigma surrounding pit bulls and try to show people how wonderful these dogs are. I didn't previously know about The Unexpected Pit Bull, but saw a post on Facebook advertising their 2012 calendar and had to find out more (I mean, come on - look at that face on the cover! How could anyone not click?!).

The organization revolves purely around putting out a new calendar edition every year in order to raise money for animal rescues. I'm very familiar with the first one, since they're at the forefront of pit bull advocacy, but was not as familiar with the others:

My adorable pit bull Caramel - cutest dog in the world!
"Dogs Can Smile Too," $10.00-$16.00 + $2.00 s&h

• BAD RAP (Oakland, California) - Securing the future of the American Pit Bull Terrier as a cherished family companion
• Best Friends (Kanab, Utah) - Pit Bulls: Saving America's Dog Campaign
• Out of the Pits (Albany, New York) - Showcasing the true nature of the Pit Bull and its ability to perform as a therapy, sport, and working dog
• PSPCA (Pennsylvania) - Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Safe Humane Chicago (Chicago, Illinois) - Court Case Dog Program

Starting with this calendar, the organization is partnering with HeARTs Speak, a nonprofit made up of artists from around the world who are working to improve the lives of animals in need. Their photographs are the ones featured in this year's calendar and from those previewed on the site, I have to say these artists are obviously extremely talented!!

A great find and one that was automatically added to my wishlist.

"Honey," featured in The Unexpected Pit Bull's 2012 Calendar, $18.99

Pre-order today The Unexpected Pit Bull's 2012 Calendar, $18.99

Images come from The Unexpected Pit Bull and my Etsy Shop Eleventh Muse

*Review* Pendant Necklaces from Handy Maiden (4.5 stars)

HandyMaiden.Etsy.com - hand-painted miniature sculptures and collectibles (San Diego, California)

Little owl pendant necklace

Product: "Little owl pendant necklace"
Order Date: August 15, 2011
My Total: $30.00 + $5.00 s&h
Discount: $28.00 Heartsy voucher
Artist: Danielle Pedersen

I first learned about the Handy Maiden shop through the Heartsy giveaway. I absolutely love the miniature pendants and had a hard time choosing which one I wanted to buy. I've been trying to not load up on things that have no functional use, so decided to go the wearable art route and choose one of the pendant necklaces.

There is a great amount of detail in each of the sculptures and collectibles and I can only marvel at how the artist, Danielle Pedersen, is able to do it without shaking and smudging anything. She has a wide variety of items that she offers in her Shop: miniature animal sculptures, brooches, chalkboard zoo series (adorable and very funny! see below on the left), earrings, necklaces, and more.

Verdict

Woodland wedding cake toppers - foxes, $160 + free s&h

The pendant looks just as it did in the photos - better, actually! - and arrived very quickly: I ordered it on a Monday and received it on the Saturday. It arrived very securely and safely packaged. I had asked for the chain to be shortened and it was.

+ PROS + Even prettier and more delicate-looking than in the photos. Owl pendant always faces the right way and doesn't twist around as you wear it. Very comfortable to wear, not at all heavy.

-- CONS -- Chain does turn as you wear it, so am always having to check where the clasp is and move it back so it's hidden. The price.

= BOTTOM LINE = I love the necklace and am very happy with my purchase. I wish that the pendant had been attached to a link in the chain so it didn't always twist around though; always an annoyance that I try and avoid when I purchase necklaces. It is a little pricey and I wouldn't have been able to afford it without a Heartsy voucher, however the price is fair given the quality and intricacy of the work.

Chalkboard pig figurine, $15.00 + free s&h

Shop Information

Opened: June 30, 2009
Items currently for sale: 64
Total sales: 518
Feedback: 487, 100% positive (487 positive, 0 neutral, 0 negative)

Links:
* HandyMaiden - Etsy Shop
* @HandyMaiden - Twitter
* Danielle Pedersen - Etsy Profile

NOTE: I purchased the item reviewed and am expressing my own uninfluenced opinions.

*Review* Eye Depuffer from Erzulie Cosmetics (5 stars)

ErzulieCosmetics.Etsy.com - All Natural Mineral Cosmetics and Holistic Skincare (New England, United States)

Photo Credit: Erzulie Cosmetics

Product: "Eye Depuffer Balm Soothe (TM) All Natural Helps Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles Proven Highly Effective"
Order Date: January 31, 2011
My Total: $5.00 + $2.00 s&h

I have always had a problem with under-eye puffiness and shadows - my high school roommate used to tell me my "bags had bags." I have been on the lookout for different solutions for years and what I tried either didn't work or I didn't have the patience for - masks, lotions, cucumber slices, etc.

When I was full-on into my Etsy craze, I realized this was the perfect place to look for what might finally be the solution to my puffiness and dark circles! Imagine my surprise when my search yielded almost no results (still true) - search for anything on Etsy and you usually have to slowly wade through the massive number of products you're given, but that was not the case here.

When looking for a specific item, I like to find all the results that appeal to me and then methodically cancel them out until I'm down till one. This time, the choice was pretty much made for me. There were three sellers who had eye depuffers and while the photos for the other two were nicer - and therefore attracted me more - I'll admit that one of the main reasons I decided to try Erzulie first was because hers was significantly cheaper than the competition's.

Applying my depuffer balm!

Verdict

It works! That is, of course, as it should be, but so many times products like these do not work as advertised, so it was a wonderfully nice surprise.

I noticed a definite visible reduction in puffiness within ~6 weeks of regular application and now use it every night before I go to sleep. It also lessens the shadows under my eyes, but I would say that was secondary - does not have any color in it so there is no masking or covering up that goes on; I think the lessening of shadows is more of a side effect from the reduced puffiness.

For those people who wear makeup often (I do only about once every other month), they should stick to applying it before bed at night. I used this once in the morning and followed with an under-eye cover-up - it ended up looking odd and not drying smoothly, looking a little grainy/spotty.

+ PROS + works wonderfully: reduces puffiness, slightly reduces dark circles / shadows; has a lovely scent that is very calming and soothing as you go to sleep; easy to apply; very affordable and lasts a long time; great during the day for a refreshing pick-me up

-- CONS -- don't use with under-eye makeup

= BOTTOM LINE = Would recommend to everyone. When mine runs out I'll be buying another!

Shop Information

Opened: September 15, 2008
Items Currently for Sale: 311
Total Sales: 6,191
Feedback: 4,325 - 100% positive (4,277 positive, 44 neutral, 4 negative)

Links:
* ErzulieCosmetics - Etsy Shop
* Progress in Health and Erzulie - website
* Blog
* Facebook Page
* @naturalcosmetic - Twitter
* progressinhealth Channel - YouTube


NOTE: I purchased the item reviewed myself and am expressing my own uninfluenced opinions.

*Review* redstarINK - paper goods: simple, bold, modern, eco-friendly (4.5)

Etsy Shop redstarINK - Designer Marcie Hicks (San Diego, CA)

I first shopped with redstarINK in September 2010 when I bought Marcie's DIY calendar in brown and blue, pictured below (it's also available in black and red). I am a HUGE lover of all things organizing-related - The Container Store is extremely dangerous for me and I try to stay clear as much as possible - so when I stumbled across her Shop I felt like I'd stumbled into heaven!

All of the items are eco-friendly and I love the simplicity of her designs. Everything is clean and bold and simple - just great! Shop categories: calendars, journals, notebooks, photo album, prints, box of notes, single notes, tiny notes, wine tags, SALE.

Info from her profile and website: Marcie is a graphic designer and artist. She designs, prints, and puts together all of the products herself. Everything is handmade and she uses as much recycled materials as possible. Items listed are usually ready to ship.

Review

What I Bought

As mentioned above, I bought the DIY calendar in brown and blue. Item arrived quickly after purchase. What I love about this is that it is not time specific, so the weeks/dates are not numbered and you fill in that info yourself. The two page spread shows a box for every day of the week with 14 lines, each with a circle at the beginning so that you can check off items as you go. There is also a blank, unlined "Notes" box in the upper right-hand corner of each week. Click on the photos to see more pictures. I emailed Marcie with a suggestion for her next calendars and she replied promptly and positively.

Phone pic of my own REDSTAR ink
DIY calendar (well-used!)

+ PROS + wonderful product, great quality, very good finishing, professional-looking, shipped quickly, great customer service

-- CONS -- only con was the price, which for me (on an AmeriCorps VISTA stipend) was pretty steep: $29.25 including shipping - lasts a long time, so evens out, but is all printed from template and compared to some other calendars it is pricey

= VERDICT = Will definitely buy from again (including this product)! The entire buying experience was a positive one and I continue to use the item daily. Items that I'm in love with and am considering buying in the future: new left brain / right brain notebook, orders notebook, DIY bills calendar or 2011 bills calendar, set of 8 greetings from ____ cards (different cities and states), list notebook, long list notebook, SALE eco notebook (many of these items are pictured below - check them out!).

Items: eco-friendly paper goods - notebooks, calendars, cards, tags
Price Range: $4, $8, $12, $15-$30

Opened: July 27, 2009
Items for Sale: 88
Total Sales: 881
Feedback: 100% positive (479 positive, 1 neutral, no negative)

Links:
* REDSTARink - Etsy Shop
* Marcie - Etsy Profile
* Professional website
* Video - very cool video on her website showing a notebook being put together
* REDSTAR ink blog
* Facebook Page
* @redstarink - Twitter

Images from Etsy Shop redstarINK

NOTE: I purchased the item reviewed and am expressing my own uninfluenced opinions.

Quick Pick: Crocheted Soft Sculpture Wall Art

"Tide Pool Soft Sculpture in Green" - So Creative! (Alabama, USA)

Cornflower Blue Studio
Artist Rachel Hunnicutt

Product Description:
"This amazing piece developed from my obsession with coral/barnacle/fungus/seed pod/organic shapes. I used a secondhand wood frame as a base, coating it with gesso and two layers of this wonderful light green paint. Then I crocheted each individual piece with a small crochet hook and three subtle shades of cotton blend yarn. Each piece was arranged and glued onto the base. I love the monochromatic effect and the unexpected juxtaposition of forms.

This piece is signed and ready to hang.

Measures approximately 9 x 7 inches (23 x 18 cm).

Because the wood plaque is second hand (best to reuse!) there may be an imperfection or two on its surface. The paint does a good job at hiding imperfections, but they may exist."

Links:
* cornflower blue studio - Etsy Shop
* Rachel Hunnicutt - Etsy profile
* cornflower blue {enjoying a handmade life} - blog
* Vegan Etsy - member

Note: In addition to Shop Features, Item Finds, and Reviews I've decided to do "Quick Pick" posts, since I so often find amazingly awesome items when I do not have the time to do a full post, this will be a way for me to still share them with everyone!

All images from Etsy Shop cornflowerbluestudio

Item Find: Inspirational Print for Women, Girls

A Perfect Way to Celebrate Women's History Month!

I don't remember how I first found this print from Valentina Ramos's Etsy Shop, but I have had it bookmarked forever. I absolutely love it - I love the artist's style and design, and I *love* the quote and the spirit behind it.

Another wonderful thing about this print is that it's also available in flat card form at a terrific price - 6 cards in three different colors (green, orange, blue) for only $6.50 + $2.00 s&h (envelopes not included). (See photo below)

One of the things I wish more artists would do is sell their work in note card and flat card form - it's such a great way of reaching a wider audience, providing an affordable way for people to access your work, AND it's functional, which is always a great way for a buyer to justify the purchase to themselves. Off my little soap box now and back to Valentina and her gorgeous prints ...

Valentina Ramos is a graphic designer based in Miami, Florida and she describes her work as original, inspirational, and uplifting artwork - wonderfully accurate description. Her Etsy Shop valentinadesign sells original artwork, prints, digital and printables, great personalized items for kids, and a 2011 wall calendar. She also has a very cool blog that uses her own work throughout the theme - I'm green with jealousy about how absolutely fantastic and cool it looks ;-). See full list of links below.

Items: prints and original artwork (graphics and ink)
Price Range: lowest is $6, most are between $15-$22, originals are $55-$450

Opened: May 9, 2006
Items for Sale: 121
Total Sales: 2161
Feedback: 100% positive (968 positive, 3 neutral)

Links:
* valentinadesign - Etsy Shop
* Valentina Ramos - professional website
* personal shop - buy fabrics, iPhone cases, pillows, napkins, place mats, and more!
* feeling inspired - blog
* Valentina Ramos Art - Facebook Page
* @valendesign - Twitter

All images from Etsy Shop valentinadesign and Valentina Ramos's Facebook Page

Item Find: Adorable Craft and Vendor Apron

I stumbled across this item in my Activity Feed - a function which I have become obsessed with and is so great for discovering new finds through friends or like-minded shoppers. It's listed as a "Crafty/Vendor/Sewing Apron with Handmade Heart" and is so cute, I love it! I was trying desperately to come up with a reason that I need this, given that it's only $12.00 + $1.75 for shipping!!

The item is sold in the Etsy Shop vasini, which is run by a fashion designer in Charlotte, North Carolina and seems to sell mostly wedding guest clothing items, with a focus on shrugs and wraps. In her profile she writes that she loves to sew and particularly likes working with hand-spun fabrics like raw silk, which is evident from looking at her shop, where most of the photos have that nice shiny silk look to them.

If you have a wedding or nice event coming up, I would definitely recommend checking out her shop ASAP, since all domestic orders placed through March 12 will get free shipping!

Items: silk shrugs and wraps, some additional accessories
Price Range: majority are $35-$65

Opened: September 28, 2009
Items for Sale: 18
Total Sales: 120
Feedback: 100% positive (68 positives, 3 neutrals)

Links:
* vasini - Etsy Shop
* Vasini Designs - blog

All photos taken from Etsy Shop vasini

Shop Feature: Ingrid's Art

Funky Whimsical Drawing and Painting (California, USA)

Don't remember how I discovered this Etsy Shop (ingridsart), but I absolutely love the work! "Funky" seems a perfect description, but there is also something delicately beautiful about Ingrid Padilla's work. Her art is very detailed, which is what I think adds to - or creates - this impression. In her Etsy profile, she describes herself as a self-taught artist and says that "the unexpected is what I hope to achieve in my art always."

When looking at the small previews of Ingrid's work, they look like tiny machines and I at first thought that the added details were gears and mechanical parts. When you actually look at a listing however, they seem to instead be some type of other-worldly planet surfaces. Just love it!

Much of her work is abstract, but she also has a fabulous line of Whimsical Letters, which would make an ideal birthday gift. They come in two sizes: 8.5x11 for $20 and 11x14 sizes for $35. Some other Shop categories include Heart Prints, Funky lil Monster Prints, and Originals on Paper and on Canvas. The canvas work is very different from the rest of her body of work.

What I would love to see would be a series of note cards - that would be something I could not resist. A series based on the heart prints would be lovely, and there could also be flat note card sets with the different letters, so it could serve as personalized stationery.

Items: paint and ink drawings - prints and originals
Price Range: $10-$12 (a few); $20-$35 (definitely the majority); goes up to $250

Experience: N/A
Verdict: The letter prints would be a perfect gift for yourself or someone else; the monster prints would be great for a kids' room; hope to see some of the prints in note card form in the future

Opened: February 20, 2007
Items for Sale: 149
Total Sales: 81
Feedback: 100% positive (37 positive, none negative or neutral)

Links:
* ingridsart - Etsy Shop
* mosaicwhimsy - Ingrid's other Etsy Shop featuring Mosaic Whimsy Originals
* Ingrid Padilla Art - Facebook Page
* Flickr photostream
* Profile on Blue Canvas

  

   

All photos taken from Etsy Shop Ingrid's Art