An Embrace Across the Oceans and Continents

A wonderful thing happened today... Etsy Project Embrace was featured on the Etsy blog. The article tells the story of how this team formed and why... and it's a heartwarming little tale. From a late night on the computer about a year ago to today, this team has grown by leaps and bounds (over 250 members now) and has donated many, many, many hundreds of dollars from their Etsy sales to support the research for a cure to cancer through the American Cancer Society.

I want you to read the article, see the photos, and take in all the comments that have been left since the article posted just about two hours ago. So I'll not tell you anything else here, but instead I'll send you on your way to something that will let you know that life is good, friendship is important, and far-away friends that you may never meet in this lifetime can mean the world to you!

So simply click here and you'll be there...

Winter Has Me in Its Grip

Last night in bed some lines for a new song gathered in my head... all about dealing with this bitter cold spell that has gripped North Carolina and other parts around the country. It's been very hard for me to get motivated to do much of anything productive... but today I know I'll be working on this song, trying to coax it out of its cave.

In the meantime, here are some fabulously pretty items in winter colors, but unlike winter, these will warm your heart and make you feel like a million! These are all created by my fellow teammies on the Etsy team, Project Embrace, whose goal is to spread awareness for the need of continuing and ongoing cancer research and also to share love and hope to those who find themselves dealing with cancer. To read about the woman who influenced the beginnings of this team, click here to visit her blog.

Working in mosaics, Sigmosaics makes the prettiest useful and decorative items...

A gorgeous necklace that shimmers like ice by nyblaque...

A stack of beautiful hammered skinny rings by accessoreese...

Mmmmm... a lovely lampwork dangle by erikaprice...

A hammered heart pendant that reads simply... Love You... on the back side by jealousydesign...

You have to love poppyswickedgarden's fun and feminine ruffle...

And these pretty little Simplify earrings by wildwomanjewelry... oh so lovely!

So forget about the cold winter days and feast your eyes on these pretties, and remember, when you need a little pick-me-up purchase, shop handmade, shop Etsy!

Artists Supporting Cancer Research

Happy Friday everybody! I wanted to let you know about a wonderful group of artists who have gathered as a team on Etsy to support the American Cancer Society in its research to find a cure for cancer. So many of our lives have been affected by cancer, one way or another, through our own diagnosis, or that of a family member or friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger who has somehow touched us. Etsy Project Embrace, also known as TeamEPE, initially grouped together earlier this year as a way to love and show support of Laura Slocum who was diagnosed with cancer. From its small beginnings, the team has grown, and it is a wonderful mix of artists and sellers who are simply amazing in their support of Laura and each other, as well as ACS and other cancer victims. Many of us donate a portion of our sales on Etsy to the ACS; some even have shops where entire sales are donated to charity! There is a forum and discussion group where we have gotten to know and care for each other and also learn about others we know who are struggling with this dreadful disease. It is our way to share our lives and our hopes and our prayers with one another.

And this week, another Etsy artist who specializes in featuring other artists in her treasuries on Etsy, has featured Etsy Project Embrace... exposing 12 faces (a very small portion of our team!) to those who look through the treasuries as a way to find new items and even buy!! Thanks to VickiDiane for featuring us. She has a wonderful and sexy shop of her own, selling fabulous jewelry, so follow this link and check her out.

And follow this link to see the treasury and a few of TeamEPE's members up close and exposed!


And if you're looking for some great HANDMADE items for the holidays, check out what the Project Embrace team has for sale, following this link. Shopping handmade gets even better when you know that you will also be supporting cancer research when you buy from EPE shops!