Happy World Animal Day!

Check out some beautiful pictures and behold the wonder of the animals.

So... why the heck am I baking so many cookies?

It's true - I baked approximately eight dozen cookies in the span of... eighteen hours? But contrary to appearances, I am not actually squirreled away in my apartment, shoving cookie after cookie into my chocolate-smeared crumb-rimmed mouth. Nope. Sure, I've eaten some cookies in the past few days. Too many, even. I think yesterday I had eight. At least I know exactly what was in them!

But I've been baking cookies for a reason. A good reason, even. Some would even say, for a cause. Fo realz! And what's my big "why?" Because Farm Sanctuary asked me to!

OK, fine, not me specifically. We're not all BFF like that. But on Wednesday, Advocacy Organizer David Benzaquen raised the call for baked goods to be donated to a bake sale, to occur on Saturday. And I said, I can do that! As a matter of fact, it sounded like one of the best reasons I'd ever heard to bake way, way too many cookies. Major bonus: that I wouldn't just eat them all myself for once!

In case you're not familiar with them, Farm Sanctuary is one of those wonderful nonprofit organizations that gives homes to animals who, for the most part, began their lives as "products" within the industrial food production system. Through various modes of rescue, these creatures have been brought to FS and are now able to live as animals should, healthy and happy as they can be, and not destined for anyone's plate. I'm so sad that I haven't gotten to visit yet! I don't make it to upstate New York much, and I haven't made it to California at all. But some day...

And so. On Saturday morning I finished baking the chocolate chip cookies, packed up those and the Earl Greys, and headed on down to Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. This has long been a gathering spot for revolutionary thinkers and holders of progressive views and lifestyles. On Sunday it would be the location of the NYC Veg Fest, but on Saturday it was home to Harvest Rebellion, a small but rockin' music festival at which Farm Sanctuary was asked to come and table. No selling was to be allowed at the Veg Fest, so FS held the bake sale on Saturday.


We came to drop off the goods early - always good to be set up before things really get going. As usual FS had a beautiful display set up with info about the farm, as well as other educational materials about factory farming and veg alternatives. At the moment their champion campaign is Adopt-a-Turkey - a really fantastic program and a great way to start a new thanksgiving tradition in your family. Not only are you not contributing to the death of these beautiful animals by refusing to bring them to your dinner table; by sponsoring one, you are contributing to the happy and prosperous life of the FS turkey of your choosing! Totally rad, says I.


Jonathan and I spent a happy hour or so chatting with David, intern Molly, and other FS volunteers and passersby. And of course we couldn't help ourselves from purchasing and sampling some of the other donated bakesale goodies! Just take a look - all vegan of course! Totally delish - the animal cookies and apple muffins made by a splendid girl named Calla were an utter delight.








Alas, we couldn't stick around all day - big things afoot in wedding land that day. But it was clear that the event was a success. +1 for Farm Sanctuary, +1 for the animals and for awesome vegan baked goods! Thanks to the good people of FS for making it happen every day! Woot.

Member Interview-Crafty Panties

Todays interview is with Paula of Crafty Panties

How did you choose the name of your shop and how long have you been a member of
Etsy?

I wanted something quirky for my shop name; something that would stand out and that people would remember. But I didn't want a name that would pin me down as a maker of something specific. Even though I opened my shop two years ago with just temari balls, I wanted to always to feel like I could put anything else in my shop, because I was interested in making many different things. My shop name grew out of the phrase "Little Miss Crafty Pants". Someone else already had that name, so I just sort of morphed it into Crafty Panties. I just think panties is a funny word.

What kinds of items do you sell in your shop and what inspired you to start
creating them?

I sell balls - two types. Temari are embroidered thread balls that are used as home decorations. It is a Japanese folk art that dates back 500 years. They were made from the remnants of old kimonos. Silk threads were first pulled out of the kimonos, then the fabric was wound up in a ball. The silk threads were wound around that to secure it. They began as toys for kids, but over time, women began to embroider elaborate designs on them, and they were elevated to the status of art objects. In Japan today, temari carry significant meaning as symbols of loyalty and friendship and are often given as gifts. I first learned about temari three years ago just by seeing a book on it at the library. I was awe-struck at their beauty and I wanted to try it immediately. I also have made some tiny temari into keychains.

The other type of ball I make is fabric patchwork balls for little kids. Again, I happened to see a book on how to make them. I was already interested in patchwork, and my daughter was maybe two or three at the time, so I made a few for her at first. I love fabric and combing them in different ways to make an object. There must be something about geometric ball shapes that really intrigues me because I am definitely drawn to making them. Temari and patchwork balls actually have a lot of similarities in terms of the geometric shapes that emerge.

Do you donate to any charities or do any volunteer work?

I donate 10% of my sales to Peaceful Prairie. I also just participated in Farm Sanctuary's Walk for Farm Animals. My husband and I met up with some vegans we know from our Vegan Meetup Group here in Cincinnati to do the walk, and we met other vegans from nearby cities, too. I also volunteer at my daughter's school.

Do you sell your items outside of etsy, either online or in retail shops?

Outside of Etsy I've only sold to family and friends so far, but I am gearing up for my first craft show in November. Also, I just opened an Artfire shop.

Have you been featured anywhere?

One of my temari was included in Craftzine's Flickr Pool Weekly Roundup on their blog. Several other blogs have featured my temari and fabric balls as well. And I've been included in a couple treasuries on Etsy.

Do you have any future plans for your shop?

Yes, I have plans for more balls! There is another Japanese craft I'm interested in called kimekomi. I see it as a sort of combination of temari and fabric patchwork balls. Fabric pieces are used to cover a ball that is divided in similar ways as temari. They're for home decoration. I plan to make a bunch of Christmassy ones for hanging on Christmas trees. I also am making temari in traditional Christmas colors as well.

I am planning on making fabric balls modeled after sports balls, too. I already make soccer balls, but I am going to be developing patterns for footballs, basketballs, baseballs, and volleyballs as well.

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have?

I like to draw and paint. I love to read, mostly non-fiction. I just love to learn about stuff. I love to socialize with other vegans, so I go to monthly vegan meetups. I love to spend time with my husband and daughter, making art/crafts, baking, hanging out at the park, etc. I am interested in talking about the issues of animal rights, feminism, oppression, and religion with anyone that wants to, which is usually just my husband. I love taking care of animals.

Do you have any animal companions?

We have six rescued cats with silly names: Abraham Lincoln (girl), Pirate, Purgatory (Pergie for short), Cyndi Lauper, Kitten Betty, and Dooder Bobby.

How long have you been vegan and what made you go vegan?

I have been vegan for a little over a year. Before that I was a vegetarian for six years. I went vegetarian after seeing Peta's "Meet Your Meat" video. I was so horrified and upset that I immediately stopped eating meat. I knew that I should go vegan but couldn't seem to do it at that time. I met my husband a year later and he went vegetarian pretty much right away because of things I exposed him to. Then we slowly transitioned into veganism together. Our daughter was vegetarian at first, but has finally made it to veganism within the past few months.

Do you have any favorite vegan things, like books, websites, stores, etc.?

Tofurky sausages, Dandies marshmallows, Isa Chandra Moskowitz's cookbooks, Vegan Freak Radio, The World Peace Diet by Will Tuttle

What are your favorite foods?

Spicy ethnic foods are my favorite - Indian, Thai, Italian, Mexican, etc. I love it super-duper hot. And I am lucky enough to have a husband who is an awesome cook and who loves the same types of foods that I do. I make tofu scramble a lot.

I have a big sweet tooth also. I love dark chocolate. And red wine.

Is there anything else you would like to add or share?

I have a BA in art; my focus in school was drawing and painting. I started making crafts when my daughter was a baby because it wasn't as messy, and I could stop and start much more easily.

I have big dreams of being able to travel to many places around the world and to volunteer at animal sanctuaries. I suspect that I would get very emotional in the presence of rescued farm animals.

New members!

We have some new members to welcome! Please take the time to check out these great shops and give them some hearts!

Scrappyrat Designs

LadiesBlend

MissMuffcake's lost and found

Mmmmm donuts...

Donuts are made of yum and I wish I had one right now! I may not have the real thing within my reach, but I can drool over these donut themed goodies from the Vegan Etsy Team!


Yummy Chocolate Donut Keychain by sass and peril:





Donut Change Purse by Pinkkis:





Chocolate Donut Magnet by Sick On Sin:





And if you want the REAL thing, check out these awesome Halloween Donuts from Sweet Fritsy:






-Kala (Vegancraftastic)

Two vegans, two years, one wedding - The Saga, part 5.May I have the ring, please?

This is the fifth installment of an as of yet unknown quantity of posts about Melissa Bastian's wedding nonsense, to be posted on the first Monday of each month.

Engagement. The guy asks the girl, and there's only one way to do it. He gets down on one knee, opens up a box that holds a ridiculously huge diamond ring, and "pops the question."

Right? Wrong! And thank goodness. Maybe for some couples this is the ideal scene, and if it works for them, fabulous. But for many of us this might as well be straight out of science fiction. (Guy and girl? One knee? Diamond?!!) Where did this little piece of drama get whipped up from anyway?

Timeless tradition like your mama (and the television and all the magazine industry) says? 'Fraid not. While the exchange of rings may be multicultural as a symbol of friendship, love, and yes, engagement, the diamond engagement ring thing is actually the product of advertising. I know you'll be just shocked to hear it, but the campaign was trying to sell - *gasp!* - diamonds! Yes, that's right. The DeBeers "Diamonds are Forever" ad campaign, which started in 1938, is the only reason that we so staunchly believe that diamond = engagement.

Yup, 1938. Tradition? That's not even a hundred years! But it's long enough that pretty much anyone who actually got married before it started has probably passed on, and as a species we have awfully short memories. While I enjoy the idea and symbolism of exchanging rings with the one you love, I distinctly do *not* appreciate the whole diamond engagement ring shtick. First of all, in case you're not aware, the diamond industry is absolutely rife with human rights and ecological atrocities. I'm not going to go into depth here, but seriously, look it up. (To scratch the surface, I'm just going to give you two words: child soldiers.) It is possible to source "conflict-free" diamonds, but in general only independent artisans tend to do so. (Like some of the fine craftspeople on Etsy, for example.)

There are also some real socioeconomic implications here. For example: what, only people who can afford a diamond solitaire are worthy of the rite of marriage? Talk about your elitist nonsense. This concept is only heightened by yet another ad campaign, also started by good old DeBeers (don't you love these guys?), stating that an engagement ring should cost two months' worth of the asker's salary. To which I say, are you effing kidding me?! Artist Lee Gainer recently explored this absurdity in her eponymous series, which depicts what types of rings this might mean to hopefuls of various employments.

Besides these major shortcomings, there's just something very exclusionary about the whole diamond ring thing - even beyond monetary considerations. It assumes so many things. Such as that 1) the asker is always a man, 2) he is always asking a woman, and 3) she's always a woman who will just swoon at the thought of wearing a giant diamond. If that's what you want, this system works just fine for you. But what if it isn't?

I'd say that there are plenty of us who want something different. I'd say it's well past time to forge new ground. (And of course, many people already have.)

I have to say, if Jonathan had even suggested spending two months of his salary on a piece of freaking jewelry, I would have asked him if he had gone completely out of his mind. Of course, he never would have. He's too practical for that, and knows me better than to think I would want it. Yeah, I did want a nice sparkly engagement ring. I admit it, and I'm not ashamed. But we have some serious ethics when it comes to what we consume, so deciding how to go about choosing an engagement ring was no small task.

Our first thought was to go vintage. Great! No new materials used, nothing being wasted, no risk of purchasing a conflict diamond or other unethically obtained gemstones, right? I wish. Vintage rings are really, really popular these days, and unfortunately when a market becomes popular it often also becomes tainted. First off, you have to be terribly careful to make sure you're getting a ring that's actually old and not one that's just a remake of an old design. Second, sometimes it's an old setting with a new stone - and then you're into conflict diamond territory. Third, even among jewelers who sell genuine vintage and antique pieces, they generally also sell new things. So while you may not personally be buying a gem of dubious origin, you're still supporting a business that is working in that market. Basically, it's a mine field, and in short time our vintage plan was scrapped.

Fortunately, we came upon GreenKarat. Based out of Texas, this company deals only in lab-created stones and recycled precious metals. Purchasing from them, we knew that we wouldn't be supporting anything that we were ethically opposed to. Plus, their rings are gorgeous! My ring does have two diamonds in it, plus one sapphire. But since all the stones are lab-created, not only are they worry-free but they're also cool colors! The diamonds are light blue and the sapphire is only slightly darker. The stones are set in recycled white gold, so no mining there either. We're happy with our choice, and I love my ring.

Photo Credit: J. Matthew Turner

Somehow, though, through this whole process I never realized how many great engagement ring choices are right under my nose on Etsy! I guess when we first started talking about getting engaged I hadn't become a full-fledged Etsy addict yet. But poppets. I've been checking it out lately, and man are there some fantastic options! Let's explore, shall we?

{Note: for the sake of simplicity I have sometimes used male pronouns for the giver of a ring and female pronouns for the receiver in the following section. But let me make utterly clear that I wholeheartedly support the right of all couples regardless of orientation to celebrate their love with the bond of marriage (legally if they so choose, darnit!), and also have the utmost respect for the bolder-than-me ladies who propose to their men. Celebrate your love, peoples! And send pictures! Wedding pictures always make me cry, in a good way.}

So. OK, I get it. You're a classic kind of couple, and you like the look of a white diamond. But you also have ethical concerns about diamond mining, and don't want to break the bank before you even start planning the wedding! So how about this shining, elegant ring from Silverwoods? Featuring a sparkling white sapphire in a lightly hammered sterling silver setting, this solitaire is sure to please and will never become boring.

Did the two of you fall in love during your endless summer nights together, lying on the beach perhaps or strolling through fields of grass, and staring up at the moon? Let her know you'll never forget those precious times by proposing with The Jewelry Pitt's Rainbow Moonstone Ring. Moonstone is such an awesome stone, and one believed to impart protection. What better to give to the one you love best?

So maybe you like the idea of a solitaire, but want something a little bolder? Maybe you share a mutual love for the color blue. Either way, this giant "London Blue" topaz will probably do the trick. The seller, One Garnet Girl, makes sure to mention that the photos of the ring haven't been edited for color - that's all the rock. Which is probably why she has named this ring "Rock Love". Appropriate name? As a girl with a minor in geology, I vote yes. (Geology rocks!)

Want to tell mom you're getting hitched but don't know how to break the news? If you've got this on your finger, it's pretty likely that she's going to take notice. And so will everyone else! This stone is actually a lab-created sapphire in a little-seen orange-amber color called Padparadscaha. Thank you, Doug Peterson Jewelers, for showing up with such a showy number. So saturated! So saucy! This ring is definitely a showstopper, and is sparked off nicely by being set in gold. And anyway, why be shy? You're getting married honey! You're in love! Flaunt that thing, and be happy!

Well, maybe a huge flashy stone just isn't your thing at all. Maybe you want something subtle, but intricate and elaborate. Something that reflects all of the beautiful delicacies of the relationship you share with your partner. No problem, says I. Etsy and I have you covered too. How perfect is this Lilac Branch ring from Sarah Hood Jewelry? The word stunning comes to mind. Difficult to wear alongside a wedding band, maybe, but then who's to say that it can't be your wedding band? Nobody, that's who.

Looking for a ring with a central feature that isn't a stone? If you want something extraordinary and delicate and fascinating, you can't beat the metal crochet work of Hilary Koster. I don't know about you, but I've never seen anything like it! A piece from this shop could be a particularly good choice if your partner is one of the many who have recently realized that activities like knitting, crochet work, and needlepoint are actually pretty rad. She'll know you've been paying attention. (You'll know he's been paying attention!)

What about something that looks like a stone, but isn't one? There are a couple of Etsy shops making really amazing rock-like pieces that I simply can't get over. My two big favorites are Macha Jewelry out of London making sort of rough cut numbers in her "Rockwell" line, and the ultra-polished "Modern Rock" line coming out of Metalicious. These are very similar concepts with very, very different executions, and I personally think both takes are brilliant. An acquaintance of mine recently received one of the Macha Rocwells, actually - along with a proposal from the love of her life, awww - and believe me when I tell you that she is more than happy with her partner's choice of ring. (Naturally she would have been thrilled to be proposed to by him regardless of whether he'd offered her a piece of tin foil instead. But hey, who doesn't enjoy a pretty ring attached to a wonderful sentiment?)

Here is a truly interesting number for someone like me who is obsessed with symmetry and line. Unique in the truest sense of the word, the seller tells us that she has never made and will never make another one! As she puts it, "It's a little bit geeky and a little bit retro and is completely unisex." Fabulous! It's a tiny size 5 at the moment, but if you need it bigger (or smaller, for someone with very tiny hands?) she's willing to size it free of charge. And you can feel particularly good about purchasing from Apache Moon, as she donates 100% of every sale to animal rescue and sanctuary. Talk about good karma - the perfect way to start off the lifetime bond with the one you love.

Let's get beyond the idea that an engagement ring even needs to have a central stone or focus piece. Why not a solid band to represent your solid bond? (Sorry, these things just come to me. I can't help it.) How about this stunning and unique piece from Gretchen von Eberstein? If your lover is a creative artsy type or just has a inclination toward interesting shapes, how can she not love this ring - and you (even more) for giving her something so special?

I'm in love with a shop, and it's called singleB: beautiful. She makes what's beautiful! Her rings are just, I dunno, spiffy. Like, for instance, check out these Twin Stars Bands. How cool are these? (Bonus: if you're anywhere near of my generation, you're probably thinking about those goofy cartoon icons right now. Hee.) Propose to each other why don't ya? Then use the rings as your wedding bands. Who says you need two different rings anyway? His and hers? His and his? Hers and hers? Pretty much regardless of the setup, it just works. Star crossed lovers? Hardly. More like a match made in heaven.

The aptly named Union Ring by Naturaleza makes a bold statement. You love each other. You're dedicated to each other. And now you're getting married. Yes. Yes. Yes. Clean and sleek, this ring can be ordered in any ring size and is hand carved "from the rich black coyol seed" and then inlaid with silver. A seed from which a great tree can grow? Go ahead. Make the analogy. You know you want to. This seller is quite dedicated to sustainability and environmentalism - just like you and your partner, right?

Believe it or not, even with these dozen gorgeous choices I've only just begun to scratch the surface of all the great engagement ring alternatives that Etsy has to offer. Go have a look for yourself! Enjoy! Remember that this is about you and your partner - NOT about what DeBeers or your mom or your office mates or even your best friends think an engagement ring "should" be. Find something that you love, something that reflects the values you hold as a couple. Once you let go of the notions which were forced upon you without you even noticing, finding the right symbol of your love isn't actually as hard as you think.

Don't want to go it alone? Lots of couples pick out rings together these days. Why not use this adorable Pink Rose ring from Starrlight Jewelery to pop The Question, and then look for the ring together? I promise that when a proposal of a lifetime together is made with sincerity, no one will be disappointed.

Until next Monday,

hearts,
Melissa Bastian

Interview-Monkey & Squirrel

Todays interview is with Jenn of Monkey & Squirrel

how long have you been on etsy and how did you choose the name of your shop?

* i had another shop on etsy a while back and i was a shopper for a long time before i became a seller. i opened up Monkey & Squirrel this past april and decided to give selling a go. Monkey & Squirrel is named after two of my cats. my husband and i do have a third cat, but the name Monkey, Squirrel & Juan just didn't have the same ring to it.

what kind of items do you sell in your shop, and what inspired you to start selling them?

* i have a bit of variety going on in my shop. cast iron home decor, frames, hair accessories... i make what i like and that usually doesn't fall in one category. it may sound strange, but my biggest inspiration was moving out of NYC two years ago. i was so caught up in the day to day craziness that i never just let myself sit and make things. now don't get me wrong, there are definitely things i miss about living in NYC. being vegan, there is no place in the world with as many options when choosing a place to eat! this southern living works well for my though.

do you donate to any charities or do any volunteer work?

* i give 5% of my monthly profits to North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue (www.northmecklenburganimalrescue.org). they are one of the few rescues here in NC that will take in abandoned or abused pitbulls who would otherwise be euthanized because of the laws regarding them here. they are a wonderful organization! my husband and i will also be taking part in the walk for farm animals this oct 3rd (http://www.firstgiving.com/vegan13). it's to help raise money and awareness for the farm santuary. yet another great organization!

what are some of your favorite things about etsy?

* favorite things about etsy... everything! i love how much it's helped spread the word about how fantastic buying handmade can be. it's done a lot to legitimize crafting as more then just a hobby, but as a profession. i love that amazing items, that i would otherwise never know about, are available to me with just a click of the "add to cart" button. i buy all my gifts on etsy now and i feel really good about it, supporting people who are just like me.

do you sell your items outside of etsy?

* etsy is the only place i sell online. i do have a couple of shops in the U.S. that are currently carrying Monkey & Squirrel items and i'm always looking to expand that. i do some craft shows here and there. actually, if you live in or around NC you can find me at Craft Attack this oct. 10th (www.craftattacknc.com). it's being put together by the hornests nest etsy team. it's the second year and we're hoping it will be as successful as the first.

have you been featured anywhere?

* i've been really lucky to be featured in a few different places. this week i actually scored a spot in a storque article! you can check it out... http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-jacket-required-5409/ that was really exciting! a number of different blogs have also been so kind as to give shout outs to Monkey & Squirrel. there are so many great blogs out there that do a wonderful job of highlighting different etsy sellers. i think much of my success is in large part due to them.

do you have any future plans for your shop?

* well i've recently just started doing Monkey & Squirrel full time. at any given moment i have at least 10 different things i would like to be adding to my shop. my mind is a very busy place to be. i would like to start doing more larger pieces, furniture and other home decor. yeah, you can say i've got future plans!

do you have any animal companions?

* my husband and i have three cats as i mentioned before. we also have a very new addition to our family. his name is barkley, and he's a 4 month old boxer shepherd mix. he's quite a handful! i get most of my work done while he naps and i think this must be what it's like to have a toddler. he keeps us on our toes!

how long have you been vegan and what made you decide to go vegan?

* i've been vegan for 4 and a half years now. i was vegetarian for 8 years before that and it just seemed like a very natural progression. how could i be against animal exploitation in one way, but condone it in another. it's a huge part of who i am, and i wouldn't have it any other way.

do you have any favorite vegan things? books, websites, stores...etc?

* oh, i have LOTS of favorite vegan things! vegan with a vengeance, and the garden of vegan, are my two favorite cookbooks. red bamboo in NYC for crispy soul chicken. mooshoes, also in NYC for cute shoes. vegan treats in bethlehem, PA has the greatest vegan donuts in the world. that little bakery was sent here from heaven i believe, to keep us vegans sane. and etsy is my definitely my favorite website for all things vegan. it's now so easy to get everything in one spot!

what are your favorite foods?

* falafel... falafel... falafel!!!

anything else?

* i want to thank everyone on the veganetsy team for just being all around awesome! there is such a sense of community that goes along with veganism and it's great that it's no different when it comes to the etsy team. everyone is really supportive and i'm so happy to be a part of it. thanks!

Bundle Up For Fall

Fall has finally arrived, and along with Fall comes the need for warm and cozy accessories! Staying warm the cruelty free way is easy with these cute picks from the Vegan Etsy Team:

Cowl of Splendor by Melt Brianna:

Orange Cables and Lace Scarf by Knits by Nat:

Bamboo Cowl by Holistically Heather:

Recycled Cotton Scarf by hellokiddo:

-Kala (Vegancraftastic)