A Little Giddy...just a little!

Feeling a little giddy tonight!  Okay, not a little...A LOT.  Have you ever researched something til you found the right one for you only to realize you couldn't afford it?  Have you ever wanted something so bad you could taste it?  Ever looked at something for months and months, even years til you dreamed about it?  Ever stalked the internet price comparison sites month after month, waiting for your "something" to go on sale? ...Then finally - you get it!!

If you've answered yes to any of these, and the end result was you finally getting that "something", then you know exactly how I'm feeling this week...on Monday...I GOT IT!!! Finally..................

I've been patiently waiting two years for this!!  I am officially going from Point and Shoot to DSLR...yeah baby!  So why did I open the box yesterday and close it back up and put it away?  Was I scared by all the parts and the bigger user manual and all the buttons and knobs and pins and whistles??

Yep...so by Friday, I hope to have this............

There's a steep learning curve if I want to get the most out of this camera. The good thing is that the Nikon I currently use, has very similar menu's to this one, minus several added features and then some, but the hold is the same, and I'm "almost" not feeling quite like the dummy I thought I would be!  I'm also going to start attending some of the photography meet ups I've been stalking and learn all that I can from pros. 

Heres a neat photo I took tonight using one of the auto scene options.  Had I done this with my regular camera, it would have barely come out...if. 

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not even close to getting rid of my other camera's...yes that's plural for three. But I am thinking of sharing one of them with my son,  if he acts right.  He is constantly reminding me that I have too many!  what do you think...is four camera's too much? 
Unveiling in photography soon,

WFTD 2011 Success...and Drawing and Award Winners!!!!

Fair Trade Resource Network

Today officially ends the World Fair Trade Day Celebration for 2011. It has been another successful year, with over 50,000 participants registered so far and the numbers are still rolling in, I'm certain this year will reach larger numbers than last. I will also be reporting my blog hits for the past 14 days.

soooo..THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU....for stopping by and reading my featured articles the past 14 days and extra special thanks to those who left comments during the Feature telling me about your experience or letting me know you were learning and sharing.  Thank you for all the lovely comments and for gettting me excited.  If you'll remember...14 days ago, I said, "great things could happen if Dee gets excited"..well I did and I'm about to tell you what those great things are after I share some exciting news!  

Exciting Fair Trade News: Chicago became the largest Fair Trade Town in the US and the second largest in the world this month. Way to go Chicago!! Your diligence the past two years brought you great success!! If you don't know...the US is lagging behind other countries in regards to Fair Trade awareness and sales, but we have been gaining strength over the past few years and with cities like Chicago leading the way, we will soon give the UK a run for their money, as they have lead the way in record sales and awareness of Fair Trade for years.

Yeah...I had to plug that last bit of knowledge before closing things down for the year. 

Drawing and Winners

Okay...what you've been waiting for, but not expecting until I told you right?  Well, here's where I may get a little sappy, so I apologize and intend to offend no one.  I truly truly appreciate all of the hits I 've received for this feature, and wish more had left comments to say hello and let me know who you were. If you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm passionate about a few things and Fair Trade just happens to be one of them.  I didn't announce a drawing mainly because (1) I was writing and sharing about something that I love, to support a movement that I believe in and (2)  I really wanted people to take something away from the posts and not just stop by to leave comments to win something.  I guess what I'm trying to say is the feature was more personal for me, and not about the hits or gaining followers this time. 

Sooo, for everyone who left comments since May 1 on one of my Fair Trade posts, your names were entered into a drawing tonight. Yeaaahhh you!!   Just like the Grammy's there are a couple of special categories (smile) and a general drawing.  The items I purchased from Ten Thousand Villages for this give-a-way are small in nature, but were selected with a purpose in mind...CONVERSATION.  I hope those who win tonight will display their gift from me where others will see and ask about them, giving you the opportunity to share the story of Fair Trade...so now, here we go........... 

Most Engaged

Lisa of Fishyface Designs

Lisa followed and commented through the entire series.  Her engagement and enthusiasm over learning about Fair Trade touched me in a very special way.   If you follow Lisa over at her blog, you'll soon learn for yourself that she is full of life and loves meeting new people.  I'm honored to have connected with Lisa along this journey!   Thank you Lisa!

She will be receiving a set of  Terra Cotta handcrafted elephants from Bangladesh.  These elephants were crafted by primarly female artisans who work under the name CORR.  CORR stands for Christian Organization for Relief and Rehabilitation.  Their work strives to empower rural women through handcraft production, and small job creation projects and provide job training, leaderhip skills and generates awareness of women's plight.  

Fair Trade Designer

Two names were entered into this drawing for their use of Fair Trade Beads in their jewelry and the winner is....

Linda of Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings 

Linda currently uses Kazuri Beads in her jewelry designs, which are a Fair Trade item from Kenya. Linda makes beautiful jewelry.  Please visit her blog where you learn of her creative abilities..she's always busy making something. 

The runner up for this category was Jean from Pretty Kitty Dog Moon Jewelry.  Jean is a jewelry designer, columnist and author.  She makes gorgeous jewelry and collects strange looking dolls (smile).  She also recently one the 7000 bracelets for hope bracelet. Follow Jean on her blog to find out more about this designer who also dabbles in using Fair Trade components.  Thank You ladies for your continued support!

Linda will be recieving a Dancing Girl pin.  This handcrafted pin, using discarded materals, is a long standing Fair Trade handicraft product from Kenya by a group named KICK. Residents of  Kisumu learned to make items such as the Dancing Girl through a workshop.  They were also taught to make jewelry, paper and home decor, leading to a workforce of craftspeople and artisans.  The Dancing Girl is a novel to the traditioanl kenya crafts made from wood and soapstone.  She can be worn on your lapel, backpack, purse or hat, and she'll definitely  promote conversation.  Congratulations Linda!

Lucky Ducks

All other names including Jean were entered into the Lucky Duck drawing and the winners are.....

Ma'Michele of Cooking with Ma'Michele

Kayla of The Eclectic Elements

Regina of Regina's Writings

a chef, a great blogger and a jewelry designer!!  Please visit their blogs to see what Ma'Michele is cooking up, what Kayla is up to and what beautiful new things Regina is creating.  Thank you ladies and congratulations!

The lucky ducks will be recieving Stone Paperweights handcrafted in India.  These stone paper weights bring peace, wisdom and strength. 

They were created through the TARA Project, which stands for "Trade Alternative Reform Action".  It is a program for community development and business.  It enables hundreds of artisans from North India to sell their products internationally.  It is one of the pioneering Indian organizations in the field of fair wages, non formal education programs for children and women, and health and environmental awareness.   

If all winners would please email me with your contact information, I will put your winnings in the mail this week.

Congratulations to all, thanks for stopping by and continue spreading the word about Fair Trade!!  If you're just following you can read all the articles from this series by clicking on the Fair Trade Coffee Break link on the right side of my home page. 

Unveiling until Fair Trade Coffee Break 2012,

Dee

Are You Ready for Your Coffee Break May 14th? - Fair Trade Series Day 9

WOW! 8 days have already gone by since I started sharing with you what all the excitement is about Fair Trade.  I took a tiny break yesterday to celebrate Mother's Day, but I'm back in week 2 with more great information! 

As May 14th (Fair Trade Day) approaches, groups, organizations and individuals are preparing for big celebrations this Saturday and today I'm going to share with you, how you can participate as big or as small as you like, simply by sharing what you've learned through this series or what you already know. 

FTN Poster

As of today, according to the Fair Trade Resource Network, 10,0000 participants have registered Coffee Break Events for May 13-14th.  Some of the events include coffee breaks, fashion shows, food tastings, music concerts, talks and many other creative ideas. 

FTNstickers

So, how can YOU participate?  It doesn't have to be anything as big as the above, but the entire event should be about sharing.  Try brunch or tea with some friends Saturday morning,  Girls Night Out with a Movie (Featuring Fair Trade of Course),  have an information booth at your Church, at work or your childs school, blog about it, post on FB or Twitter all day about it, the possibilities are endless..the main point behind May 14th  is to create awareness. 

If you're seriously thinking about having an event (big or small) visit the Fair Trade Resource Network and register before this Saturday, then visit their resource page and download all types of information, videos and posters to print out and to share at your event.  If you're quick, you may have time to sign up for some free samples or coupons before Saturday.  And most importantly come back and and LET ME KNOW!! 

My small part is of course this 14 day series.  I've also been sharing at work.  I've created a poster "Fair Trade Coffee Break" and I'll be sitting out more goodies this week, with information pages about Fair Trade.  The chocolate last week was a big hit..it's all gone!  I won't be holding an event on Saturday, but I have ALL intentions of being at my local Ten Thousand Villages for an ice cream sundae, a Treasure Hunt, and to sign the Fair Trade wall! ....Can't wait. 

If you're just getting here and need to catch up, below are links from last weeks posts:
Day 1 - Wake Up The World - Fair Trade Awareness
Day 2 - Fair Traeducation #101
Day 3 - Ten Thousand Villages vs. One Sappy Mom
Day 4 - What Items Are Available As Fair Trade
Day 5 - Santiago Rivera Tells His Story
Day 6 - Beads That Change Lives
Day 7 - Care To Know What I'm Reading

Don't forget to come back tomorrow...we have 5 more days to hang out together, crazy things could happen between now and Saturday, as I'm dreaming Fair Trade these days.  Thanks for deciding to come back...I appreciate all of you!!

Unveiling in dreams and coffe breaks,

Beads That Change Lives - Featured Series Day 6 (Fair Trade)

Today is day six of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. For yesterday's post and video: Santiago Tells His Story, click here. 

Welcome back and welcome all who are new!  Okay, I've changed my mind.  I think I'm allowed to do that, right?  Instead of listing the top 10 reasons tonight, I've decided to tell you about some very special beads that are near and dear to my heart.  Why you ask? After 6 days, you mean to tell me you don't know??  Duhh, they are fair trade of course and they are simply beautiful!! 

Beads That Change Lives - Kazuri Beads  

In 1975, way across the ocean in a little place known as Nairobi, Kenya, Lady Susan Wood, daughter of English Missionaries, started a business making beads in a small shed in her garden. She started her business by hiring two disadvantaged women to help make beads, but soon realized that there were many more nearby women who were in need of jobs. This idea was the birth of "Kazuri".

As a help center for needy women, especially single mothers who had no other source of income, Kazuri expanded to over 180 women and men, mostly women by 1988. One job holder often provided for an extended family of 20 or more. Workers were trained to make these beautiful beads and jewelry, using clay from the Mt Kenya area, which gives authenticity to their craft. Each bead is hand-shaped, and hand painted, with what some call "the kaleidescope colors of Africa", some also include gold and platinum.

Kazuri, the swahili word for "small and beautiful" produces a wide range of beads and jewelry. Now under new ownership, the factory continues to operate under its original philosophy of helping to provide for the disadvantaged and to provide a safe and enjoyable working environment for their crafts people.

 Kazuri beads are Fair Trade goods, much different from Free Trade. Fair Trade workers are provided safe work conditions, no child labor, and they are paid "living wage". Kazuri workers are also paid a little more than living wage. Profit from Fair Trade good purchases provide funding for clothing, education, housing, and medical benefits. With few job opportunities in Kenya today, the Kazuri factory is a welcome "gathering spot" for those fortunate crafters who have been lucky enough to obtain jobs.

I love using Kazuri beads in my designs.  Small and beautiful they may be, but they definitely speak bold and fabulous in any finished piece of jewelry.

Kazuri beads are only sold by kazuri distributors world wide. Visit the Kazuri site (here) to learn more about Kazuri, their other products which include pottery, jewelry and leather bags. Also, learn how you can sponsor a non-for-profit fund rasier in your area.  While you're there, look up a distributor near you.   

*All jewerly featured in this post were created by Runako Designs.  To see more of past and present designs, please visit our website. 

 Unveiling,

Santiago Rivera Tells His Story -Fair Trade Featured Series Day 5

Today is day five of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. For yesterday's post click the link: What Items Are Available as Fair Trade .



Today, let's watch a video.  Here, a coffee farmer in Nicaragua tells of how he switched to Fair Trading and why. The video does a great job of showing what a difference Fair Trade makes in the lives of producers and how it empowers. It also takes you through a day in the life of what it's like to produce coffee  (video is 6 minutes from YouTube). Click the link below:

Santiago Rivera's Story  

Once you've had the chance to listen to Santiago's story, please stop back by and leave your comments. I'm enjoying your comments, and excited that those who are following are getting so much out of it!

Tomorrow we'll do the Top 10 Countdown of reasons why you should by Fair Trade. It won't be as exciting as David Letterman, but it will give you something to think about. 

Unveiling in video,
Dee

What Items Are Available as Fair Trade - Featured Series Day 4

Today is day four of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. For yesterday's post, Ten Thousand Villages vs. One Sappy Mom  click here. 

If there's one thing I've learned from facilitating leadership classes, it's that even adults need a break.  Why should anything be different here? I wouldn't be a good teacher if I didn't allow a break for some fun, so tonight we will allow our eyes and senses do all the work, as I share with you some of the different types of fair trade items around the world. 

Art Art Art...definitely an abudance and available all over the web.  

 A cute little conversation piece from Ten Thousand Villages.  Can you tell what it's made from?

 Artisan vases found at my local Ten Thousand Villages

 My nephew fell in love with this set..hand carved from guess where??

More wall candy, you name it... it's made to hang.  

Kazuri beads from Kenya. I use these often in my jewelry..absolutely love them. Made from clay near the base of Mt. Kenya.  

Hill Tribe fine silver from Thailand. I use a LOT of this in my jewelry, and will continue to purchase as soon as the silver  prices drop...ggeeez

Baili Silver Beads  from Indonesia (source kkgems and beads)

Another favorite jewelry component I use a LOT of.



Coffee (source Green Mountain Coffee)



That's right....you saw it here...Ben and Jerry's!! (see the label on the left of the carton)



Organic Sweetners (source Wholesome Sweetners)



Clothing (source Indigenous Designs)



Chocolate (source: Global Exchange Store)

Most Fair Trade chocolate I've had is very very rich...real stuff guys!



(source: Dr. Bronners Magic)

Soaps, cleansers, lotions, shampoos and all other things to make you beautiful.

Fruit (source: Fair Trade USA.org)

So, now you've seen only a smidgen of what's out there, but as you can see..there are many many different items available as Fair Trade.  Here in the United States, coffee is the biggest seller, and I'm proud to say that I'm a contributor to that statistical data. 

Hopefully you found something that you already use, that you'd like to try as a Fair Trade item or something new would be cool too!   The links in this post are just a sampling of where you can find many different versions of the above...except maybe the Ten Thousand Villages items, which may be specific to them.  I would recommend starting with the below links to begin your search for retailers who sell Fair Trade Items world wide, have fun and enjoy the goodies.  If you have a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's in your town, those are must stops for perishable items to try quickly. 

okay...now is the time to share which items you already use or plan to give a try. My first stop this weekend is Ben and Jerry's..how about you?

Fair Trade Resources for retailers:
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Trade Federation
World Fair Trade Organization

Fair Tradeducation #101- Featured Series Day 2

FTR Booklet 

Today is day two of a 14 day series on Fair Trade, leading up to Fair Trade Day on May 14th. Hopefully, by now if you don’t already know what Fair Trade is, I’ve peaked your interest. If you do already know about Fair Trade, hopefully you’ll learn something new and get excited all over again.

Welcome to my version of  Fair Tradeducation 101, a one day, drive by lesson  on Fair Trade. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers, pull out your pen and paper, and take some short hand notes and please don’t forget to leave your comments as you leave class today and remember to click a link or two for some brain food.

 Don’t run away just yet, I promise not to bore you today with a lecture on the background and history of Fair Trade. There are way too many websites out here that have done all of that hard work. With my lack of time, I have no intentions of recreating the wheel. I’ll only provide the subliminal messages, and links to the well written details you need to know, and leave the in-depth research up to you...so, shall we begin? 

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is based on economic principles and social justice. I’m not pointing any fingers here, but it should already be obvious that it’s not your traditional commercial trading. Fair Trade improves the lives of millions of disadvantaged artisans and farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America, by providing opportunities to trade and develop partnerships with developing countries. This partnership helps them to improve the lives of their families and living conditions, as well as build their businesses.

How do I know if an item is a Fair Trade Product?

photo from Fair Trade USA.org

The best way to recognize if an item is fairly traded is to look for a Fair Trade Label.  There are several FT certifiying and promoting organizations in the world, but only a few big players. Click this link to find a list of Fair Trade organizations by country and type. Then visit their websites to become familiar with their labels. 

What is a Fair Trade Organization?

A Fair Trade Organization is “a big dog“…they watch over manufacturers, producing communities and organizations to ensure that they are following guidelines specific to Fair Trading to ensure economic principles and social justice. Below is an example from the World Fair Trade Organization on a few principles that they hold their members to for producers (workers/artists).  The above link will also take you to a page where you can search for FT products or organizations who are 100% committed to the principles of Fair Trade. 

1. Gender equity - Women and Men are paid equitably for equal work. Fair traders recognize the value of the work women perform as producers and as leaders.

2. Healthy working conditions - Fair Trade means a safe and healthy working environment. Any children who participate in Fair Trade production are assured security, education, well-being and recreational requirements in accordance with the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child.

3. Transparency and Accountability - From managers and commercial relations to prevent easy manipulation. Some are subject to external verification, audits and frequent self-assessments.



Necklace created by Runako Designs using
Fair Trade beads

4. Investment in Producers -There is a commitment to producers to develop independence through long term relationships. An example would be the Tsunami in China. For commercial importers it is sometimes easier for them to just shift suppliers during this time. Fair Traders help their producer partners survive natural disasters and wars and when possible, and resume production and shipping.

5. Favorable Terms - Most Fair Traders extend several months of working capital to their producer on favorable terms in advance of receiving product; whereas, most commercial trading terms carry a 60 to 90 day wait for payment. These favorable terms of Fair Trader partners - typically 50%, allow producers to ensure material costs are covered and assists in preventing hardship, should items fail to sell. This favorable terms encourages producers to produce only quality products for their partners.

These are just a sampling of the economic principles that Fair Traders are held to. Most organizations follow  similar guidelines with few differences. Visit WFTO for a complete list of their principles and participating organizations.

Well….that’s my drive by education for today. That should be plenty to get you excited about spreading the word and doing more research on Fair Trade.

Tomorrow I’ll share with you a story about my favorite Fair Trade retailer in my own hometown and what great events they have coming up for Fair Trade Day…you won’t want to miss.

Until then, take a look around the following websites, they are loaded with great information.   Then skip over to Autonomie Project, where they are holding a Fair Trade Tee Design Contest. If you have skills and want to see if you can design a winning tee, you have 6 more days for your chance at stardom!

Resource links for your pleasure:
Word Fair Trade Organization
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade Federation
World Fair Trade Day (official Site)

Unveiling and teaching,

Treasure's Found in An Afternoon

I met some friends for lunch today and lucky for me I got there early.  As I surveyed the block for something to do until the expected arrival of the others, I peeped out a little consignment shop, with little expectations of finding anything to my liking.  But boy was I wrong! 

Front and center were three cases full of vintage, contemporary and all things jewelry..gulp !!  I immediately felt my bank card hopping in my wallet, not with excitement about what jewelry we'd find to wear, but with excitement about what jewelry or components we might find to take apart and create something new!  

Ten minutes later...I didn't have much time remember...I left with this......

Sterling Silver Pendant with a Genuine Baltic Amber (5.5mm)

This pendant has some pretty significant weight to it ...can't wait to make something special  for me!

And this....

Sterling Silver Pendant with Moonstone (5mm)

but wait...you haven't seen the best of this one yet.  I did the best I could with the camera, but the shimmer in this pendant is such a delight to watch...I've been twisting and turning it all evening.... for me too!   

All for the low price of ......drumroll please.....$35.00!!  Silver alone thse days is $43.00/oz., so I think I got myself some pretty good deals today...what do you think?

Pssst. here's a deal opportunity for you...hop on over to Wire Worked, where you have a chance of winning a great pair of earrings..but hurry!! 

Unveiling in bargains,

All Fired Up..I Just Can't Seem to Get Enough!!

Ever get a itch to do something again and again?  Ever can't seem to get enough of something fun? Well,  I think I have the glass bug you guys, because I headed back to All Fired Up two weeks ago and made two more fused glass pendants...and this time, I used a friend as my excuse!

A good friend of mine had a birthday last month and I wanted to do something fun, other than your typical out to lunch work gift..boring!  We had decided on dinner and a movie, which would have been great, if I hadn't gotten my first pendant back a week before our planned outing.  I had an ah ha moment and she was all for it!  I originally introduced her to jewelry making years ago and she was on board for learning something new and fun...a little hesitate at the idea at first, I might add, but it turned into an evening of laughter and fun, and this time I didn't forget my camera! Follow us on our journey..........

"ooooooooh..this is how they draw you in (minus that special friend to persuade you if you don't have one)"

"Then we spent 30 minutes or more trying to decide on colors"

"Then we got busy picking out pieces to work with"

"Then the creating began"

"we measured, we swapped, we moved things around..."



"we snipped and clipped...."

"and glued...."

"and finished...then I started a second one!!"

"we waited two weeks and taadaaa!!! 



Yeahh me!! 

I've heard that the first step to recovery is recognizing that you have a problem..."WELL,  I HAVE A PROBLEM!!!" ...coz I just can't seem to get enough of fused glass, but I keep reminding myself that I HAVE to get my new camera first!! But there's a little angel on my shoulder that keeps whispering, get a kiln next!    

Tell me what you think of my new found love, then let me know what you're working on that's new and fun.



Unveiling and still having fun,