Happy Easter everyone!

Easter time is important celebration for us Christians, and during the celebrations one tries to think and ponder about Christianity and the mercy of God. There are parts of bible that are difficult to understand, so difficult questions to answer that when humans have tried we've only managed to split the churches up to different houses, to different sides of Christianity.  In a case we can not figure something out we should remember the simple fact;  the truth comes from child's mouth! 

I got an email from my dear friend few weeks ago, and it still gives me giggles. It is the 10 commandments from the child's mouth. There used to be series of books where teachers collected information from school tests from their students, and I do have a hunch this email could be part of those books. As this email have now travelled around the world, I took the opportunity to introduce it here, unfortunately I do not have details of original source.

Here are the 10 commandments from child's point of view:

1. Do not steal from poor people if they notice it. (Frida, 6 years)

2. Do not give onions to little babies. I've tried once. (Thea, 7 years)

3. You can only hit someone when you really have to. (Henriette, 7 years)

4.  Do not bad mouth anyone when standing next to them. (Oscar, 7 years)

5. Try to be as nice as you can be, you can do everything else after. (Glenn, 6 years)

6. Always listen to your mother, especially the tone she uses. (Thomas, 7 years)

7. Protect yourself.  (Kristin, 8 years)

8. If someone hits you, pretend you didn't hear it. (Sebastian, 6 years)

9. Love God very much, even when it is difficult and he does not show up when you shout "Come and show yourself"! (Robin, 6 years)

10. Do not lust after your spouses things. And you have to sing on Mother's Day, other wise there'll be unbeliavable row. (Tom, 9 years)

ON SALE PERFECT GIFT Long-Sleeve white bodysuit - By Helens Corner   

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40000507

               “Every good and PERFECT GIFT is from above…” 

                 James 1:17 

Breath of fresh air

Recycling is a trend. Unfortunately trend is starting to turn against itself, as recycling and enviroment friendly are terms easily and light heartedly used in any marketing and advertising. I tried to make Real Finds in Etsy as well as from web, and 80% I managed to come across was something from the grey zone- something which possibly was recycled, but most likely not, word has just been tagged in to create traffic. Other option I found in my travels was recycled odd items- purely recycled but with no usage purpose, something to purchase to be ecofriendly (but how ecofriendly one can be just by purchasing something with no use or need?) My personal red flag also is too expensive upcycled items- why would I want to pay more for a recycled button ring (plastic button attached to a kinder egg ring) than for a truly handmade silver ring?

Thankfully I found some true crafters! There are still some clever ideas around and clever crafters to make them. This week I chose some of my favorites, have a look and be surprised what can be done!

 

 Bird cage by Paperleaves

This is a blank pop-up greeting card made from recycled and repurposed paper. A tiny red bird sits on its perch in an open cage.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/paperleaves

Rug like my grandma used to make- by Emmeli Works


Do your fitted sheets wear out faster than your top sheets? Mine do. The good news is that I am left with high thread count sheets that have past their prime for my bed, but still have a lot of love to give. I add all the used fabric I can find that matches (in addition to sheets, this rug contains some shirts, pants and even a poly/cotton shower curtain) then I render that fabric into strips and knot them together using the toothbrush method. A beautiful, soft and durable rug is created!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmmeliWorks 

Recycled rice sack by Panbeh


Recycled basmati rice sack shopping bag . Burlap outer shell and red cotton inside. Great for shopping and going out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/panbeh 

Piano Key Belt Buckle Recycled Licence Plates -


These little baby piano keys are cut from license plates so you can walk, dance, or drive to your own music!
I've designed these buckles with bits of vintage, retired, and found-alongside-the-road vehicle license plates, mostly from the state of Michigan [although Ohio has worked its way in here and there]. These plates have traveled places, and now they will again! 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintageinretrospect

 

Lady Liberty -Hand painted upcycled decoupage decorf art canister

The eco-friendly recycled materials used in this item are: a tin can, magazine clippings, recycled paper, and yogi tea tags. This lovely, symbolic piece displays a silver 1890 coin with Lady Liberty upon it and then an illustration of Lady Liberty in her flowing white dress nurturing an injured dove (symbolizing peace); pink tulips and exotic flowers surround the dove. Lady Liberty's hand is also depicted pulling a white rope which represents the strength of liberty; as well as her delicate smile of hope.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles

Mad about knitting

Large Color Explosion Drawstring Knitting / Crafting / Gift Bag 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Vegancraftastic

 
Depending the country I've been living in, knitting has been either casted boring, old fashioned or something anyone under 60 wouldn't consider. I do not know if this strerotype is because of our dear grand-mums and great aunts used to knit and sew all the time, passing the skills and also the odd coloured and ill fitted jumpers and other products.

My Granny was typical war time warrior woman, nothing got wasted, everything was recycled way before it became fashionable to be ethical consumer. She use to crochet bath rugs etc from empty coffee bags and other durable materials. How we used to hate them, and hide them when our friends came around, they seemed so cheap and tacky then. Now-a-days they would be fashionable, and ethical items, I just saw a those rugs and shopping bags being on sale in local handycraft shop!       
                                                                                                   

                                                                                       Easter Bunny Egg Cosy,
                                                                                       http://www.etsy.com/shop/colourspace

 


The fact is knitting and crocheting are small miracles- you only need yarn, needles and some knots and loops and hey presto- a jumper is born. In it's own simplicity, knitting is easy way to create something on your own, something that has your touch, your mark from the start to finish.

This week I'm celebrating this form of art, and self-expression, by introducing you to some fellow crafters and their needle work. All of these artist can be found from Etsy.com.

 

 

 

Beautiful, crazy adorable, cocoon and hat- photography prop- http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveThatCrochet

  

 As you can see, one can produce felt, crochet, knit, bowls, hats, shawls, socks, jumpers,egg warmers with one piece of yarn. It is pure magic!

 

 

 

 

Celtic Knot Felted Bowl, 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/iceblueberries

 

Buckthorn Jumper,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/keepandshare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

                                                                                                  

 

Hand Knit Ecru Lace Shawl, http://www.etsy.com/shop/WrapArtist,

 

New wind rising

              Sailing to Bluer Skies by The TheExtentofSilence

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32115917

There are some new winds rising for us in near future. We need to set up our sails, and get ready. There will be yet another relocation, another departure and another arrival. As always, in front of New Beginnings, one feels rather manic-depressive: there's great excitement about the new steps, new opportunities, whilst feeling great sadness in our hearts from leaving loved ones and safe life behind. In this unsettled waves, I've taken quite a comfort from the following quotes, as well as these beautiful items made by fellow Etsians.

I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. ~Author Unknown

New key to our new life by That Something
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36594483


 

If you would attain to what you are not yet, you must always be displeased by what you are. For where you are pleased with yourself there you have remained. Keep adding, keep walking, keep advancing. ~Saint Augustine

Loving pebbles on departure by Sjengraving http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32810145

You can avoid having ulcers by adapting to the situation: If you fall in the mud puddle, check your pockets for fish. ~Author Unknown

Fishy by ComeDayGoDay http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39769552 

Crisp, clean pillow to rest my head after the travels by CreekBedThreads http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41012483

No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow. ~Lin Yutang