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Recommended
Recommended
Websites
KAFFE
FASSETT STUDIO (www.kaffefassett.com)
Kaffe
Fassett's creations fuel the creative fires for millions of
designers and craftspeople, worldwide.Take a look at the world
through Kaffe's eyes, knitwear, mosaic, tapestry, patchwork,
painting, fabrics; all in glorious colour. Visit Kaffe's On-line
Studio, catch a glimpse, find your inspiration...
HAIKU HOUSES (www.haikuhouses.com)
Reminiscent
of 16th century Japanese Country Houses, award-winning Haiku
Houses use pillar-and-beam architecture and are custom crafted
from the finest woods. The Haiku Houses depicted in our catalog
are the "original" modern design of these Japanese
Country Houses, and they are by far the highest quality custom-crafted
wood houses available anywhere in the world. For more than twenty-five
years, Haiku Houses has custom designed houses for clients in
the United States, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, and
the Caribbean. Haiku Houses are adaptable to any building site-regardless
of the slope of the site-and are suitable for all climates.
Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. The word haiku means each
haiku contains seventeen syllables-frequently in the order of
five syllables then seven then five again. A predominant theme
of haiku poetry is nature and the relationship and interaction
between nature and humankind. Haiku poets emphasize that form
and function are one. This philosophy was adopted by Frank Lloyd
Wright as his credo; it was the impulse behind his philosophy
of design and architecture. The architecture of the Greene brothers
at the turn of the century was heavily influenced by such architecture
from Japan. In fact, Haiku Houses have many of the features
of the Ultimate Bungalows designed by Greene and Greene. Click
to see more on these wonderful homes....
WOMEN'S HANDS, (www.womenshands.com)
Womenshands
is dedicated to helping artisans and their communities getan
economic foothold. We believe that helping our artisans build
an online, profitable market will do just that. Womenshands
is committed to making sure that our artisans get fair pay for
their creative work. Unlike some other websites, we at womenshands
purchase our inventory outright, so we're already invested in
our artisans We at womenshands aim to offer you one-of-a-kind
and hard-to-find items from all over the world, wares you'll
never find in the tourist shops on the boulevard. Because we
are dedicated to giving you such a unique shopping experience,
our products are necessarily of limited quantities.
An
Oxygen Media Web site: bringing women artisans and entrepreneurs
to you, as a key part of Oxygen Media's core mission - "releasing
the energy of women to do great things." You can learn
more about our parent company at www.oxygen.com.]
PERUVIAN CONNECTION, (www.peruvianconnection.com)
Started
23 years ago by the mother and daughter team of Biddy and Annie
Hurlbut, Peruvian Connection was inspired by Annie's anthropology
research on women in the Andean marketplaces of Peru. The two
began by importing just a few sweater styles, which Annie designed
and her mother, Biddy, sold back in Tonganoxie, Kansas, where
the company is still based. Over the years, the business has
grown into three internationally known collections per year.
These exquisite original art knit garments are offered in the
autumn, winter, and spring editions of the Peruvian Connection
catalog. (Prior season merchandise is offered in the company's
five outlet stores) These gorgeous, handknit and handframed
pieces are made from precious luxury fibres native to the Andes--silky
soft alpaca and velvety Peruvian pima cotton. Working with a
small cadre of talented U.S. designers, Peruvian Connection
designs are developed and produced by skilled Andean knitters,
whose textile tradition goes back millennia. The exclusive color
palette they work in features more than 124 custom-dyed shades.
Peruvian Connection produces some of the most beautiful handmade
sweaters to be found anywhere on earth.
CONTEMPORARY QUILTART, (www.quiltart.com)
Quiltart,
the Internet's largest mailing list for contemporary art quilters,
was established in 1995 as a means for those interested in innovative,
contemporay art quilting to share, learn and grow. Check out
some of the beautiful art quilts by various artists.
STUDIO ART QUILT ASSOCIATES, (www.saqa.com)
Studio
Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) is a national not-for-profit organization
that was founded in 1989 to serve artists working in the art
quilt medium. SAQA sponsors exhibits, conferences, workshops,
and awareness to the public-at-large. Showcases some very beautiful
quilts and artists in the art quilt tradition....
QUILTS, INC., (www.quilts.com)
The
official website of QUILTS, INC, sponsor of four shows - Intl
Quilt Festival, Intl Quilt Market, Quilt Expo and Embellishment.
Check out this site for listings and information on these shows.
INT'L QUILTING ASSOCIATION, (www.quilts.org)
The
official website of The International Quilting Association.
Check out the absolutely beautiful award-winning quilts on this
site.
AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL ONLINE, (www.craftcouncil.org)
Stay
in touch with the finest at this site...... The American Craft
Council is a national, nonprofit educational organization dedicated
to promoting understanding and appreciation of contemporary
American craft. Founded by Aileen Osborn Webb in 1943, the Council
has a distinguished history of innovative programming that has
provided a vital base for the emergence of the contemporary
craft movement in the United States in the decades since the
Second World War. The Council is today the leading voice for
the crafts in America, celebrating the remarkable achievement
of the many gifted artists working in the media of clay, fiber,
glass, metal, wood and other materials. Programs through which
the Council supports the field include the bimonthly magazine
American Craft, annual retail and wholesale shows, and a special
library on contemporary craft, education grants, workshops,
seminars and other services to the public.
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Recommended
Magazines
AMERICAN
STYLE Magazine, (www.americanstyle.com)
Launched
in 1995, the mission of AmericanStyle magazine is to inform
craft enthusiasts and art collectors about the significance
of handmade objects of art. AmericanStyle magazine provides
art lovers with valuable tips on decorating, interior design,
display and lighting ideas for everything from designer jewelry
and art glass to collectible teapots, art furniture and sculptural
ceramics. More than 250 arts festivals, gallery exhibitions
and museum events are listed in the Datebook section of each
issue. Each quarter, readers enjoy the eclectic lifestyles of
artists, the elegant homes of craft collectors and features
about "the art of creative living." City arts tours
and small arts walk features in AmericanStyle magazine promote
awareness of the economic and aesthetic contributions that art
and craft bring to our homes and community. Each year cities
compete to be included in AmericanStyle magazine's Top 25 Arts
Destination edition.
AMERICAN CRAFT Magazine, (www.americancraft.com)
If
you are an artisan/craftsperson, this magazine gives ultimate
information on the business of crafting. Articles feature buyers
shows, galleries, stories of craftspeople who have been successful,
tips to avoid pitfalls, and many other interesting and informative
information....all artfully displayed both in print and online.
Check this out if you are an artist, or if you are thinking
about going into the art/craft business.
ART WEEK Magazine, (www.artweek.com)
Long
recognized as the national voice of contemporary art on the
West Coast, Artweek, in its 33rd year, continues a tradition
of excellence as an important service to artists and art professionals
throughout the country. While maintaining a solid foundation
of critical art reviews of West Coast exhibitions, Artweek also
brings its readers news, feature articles, interviews, special
sections and opinion pieces all focusing on contemporary art.
In addition you'll find: - A comprehensive listing of regional,
national and international competitions and calls for entries.
- Classified ads for job opportunities, studio space, artists'
services, supplies and equipment. - Exhibition listings of over
200 gallery and museum spaces.
HOUSE AND GARDEN Magazine, (www.house-and-garden.com)
HOUSE
& GARDEN helps you see like a designer, visualize like an
architect, think like a landscaper, shop like a decorator and
live the life of your dreams. It takes you to where you'll find
all the possibilities your vision might entail -- a level you
can reach only by viewing the world of house and garden design
from the inside out.
MARTHA STEWART LIVING Magazine, (www.marthastewartliving.com)
Through
her award-winning magazine, Martha Stewart Living, her bestselling
books, Emmy-award winning television show, website, syndicated
newspaper column, national radio show, mail-order catalog, and
product lines, Martha Stewart shares the creative principles
and practical ideas that have made her America's most trusted
guide to stylish living. The uniqueness of MSL is in it's appreciation
for beauty, the joy of maintenance, and the diversity she brings
to the art of living....everything from cooking to home maintenance,
Martha's touch is a peak experience.
OPRAH Magazine, (oprah.com/omagazine/omag_landing.jhtml)
Oprah
Winfrey has already left an indelible mark on the face of television.
From her humble beginnings in rural Mississippi, Oprah's legacy
has established her as one of the most important figures in
popular culture. Her contributions can be felt beyond the world
of television and into areas such as publishing, music, film,
philanthropy, education, health and fitness, and social awareness.
As producer and host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah enlightens,
entertains and empowers millions of viewers around the world.
Her inspiration and encouragement to women and all people to
dig deep and live by the spirit, a joyful, and purposeful life
have touched me, and I truly look forward to each month's mission,
articles and a beautifully published magazine.....if you don't
know "O", you've got to check it out!
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Recommended
Museums
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Recommended
Books
A
ROOM OF HER OWN: WOMEN'S PERSONAL SPACES
By Chris Casson Madden.
Find
out how some of the most interesting women in the world find
and create space for themselves for reflection and creative
rejuvenation. My favorites are Maya Angelou, Denise Dummont,
Ella King Torrey, Chantal Westerman, Ali McGraw, Nina Ramsey,
Agnes Bourne, Faith Popcorn, and Maya Angelou.
QUILT
INSPIRATIONS FROM AFRICA, A Caravan of Ideas, Patterns, Motifs
and Techniques
By Kay England & Mary Elizabeth Johnson
"This
book takes you on an extraordinary journey into the heart of
Africa. In these pages,you will experience sensational colors,
irresistible fabrics, and an incredible artistry that will inspire
you to quilt." (from the book liner)
THE
WORLD OF AMISH QUILTS
By Rachel and Kenneth Pellman
How
can the splash of color, synonymous with many Amish quilts,
well up from a people whose life is so reserved and disciplined?
Is it not both a visual and theological irony for the "quiet-in-the-land"
to mix such austerity and beauty?" This book not only presents
the beauty of antique Amish quilts in full display, but explains
the history and nature of the Amish beliefs and community and
how the quilting tradition evolved from within.
THE
AMISH QUILT
By Eve Wheatcroft Granick
Comprehensive
in its treatment of the Amish quilt, this authoritative work's
topics include the origin and beliefs of the Amish; the Amish
and Pennsylvania Dutch culture; historical development of the
Amish quilt; and more. 100 color plates.
COLOR
PLAY, Easy steps to imaginative color in quilts
By Joen Wolfrom and Kandy Petersen
Many
years ago, I was surprised to discover that nature was a wonderful
color reference for creating quilt designs. In 1992 my first
color book, THE MAGICAL EFFECTS OF COLOR, introduced many of
nature's color concepts. After teaching scores of color workshops,
I have come to the conclusion that an easier, more visually
powerful color book, focusing on quilters' most vexing color
issues, would be very desirable. Thus ideas for COLOR PLAY began.
My mission was to present simple, yet fascinating color concepts
with easy instructions and tantalizing colors.
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Inspiring
Quotes
"With
courage comes divine possibility."
-- Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brien Center for Spiritual Enlightenment
(www.csecenter.org) San
Jose-CA
"The
winds of grace are blowing all of the time, all we need do is
raise the sail" --
Ramakrishna
""Why
should we all use our creative power...? Because there is nothing
that makes people so generous, joyful, lively, bold and compassionate,
so indifferent to fighting and the accumulation of objects and
money."
--Brenda Ueland (from "Spiritual Electricity: The Basic
Principles" opening chapter in THE ARTIST'S WAY by Julia
Cameron)
"One's
destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking
at things." --Henry Miller, writer and painter www.henrymiller.org
"Whoever
uses the spirit that is in him/her creatively is an artist.
To make living itself an art, that is the goal."
-- Henry Miller www.henrymiller.org
"Your
way begins on the other side. Become the sky. Take an axe to
the prison wall. Walk out like someone suddenly born into COLOR.
Do it now."
-- Rumi (13th century poet)
"We
are shaped and fashioned by what we love."
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"The
path is one for all, the means to reach the goal vary with the
Pilgrim."
-- Quest Magazine
"I
am part of all that I have met; yet all experience is an arch
where through gleams that untravell'd world, whose margin fades
forever and forever when I move."
-- A.L. Tennyson, ULYSSES
"The
sole substitute for an experience which we have not ourselves
lived, is art and literature."
-- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Nobel Lecture, 1972
"The
most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious."
-- Albert Einstein
"Artwork
is what should be created outside the taint of everyday life
-- where the smell of everyday life is perfectly extinguished."
-- Kyoko Ura (from www.womenshands.com
)
"Respond
to every call that excites your spirit."
-- Rumi
"When
I am finishing a picture, I hold some God-made object up to
it--a rock, a flower, the branch of a tree or my hand--as a
kind of final test. If the painting stands up beside a thing
man cannot make, the painting is authentic. If there's a clash
between the two, it is bad art."
-- Marc Chagall (1889-1985), Artist.
"Every
time you string a bead - think about the numbers of beads, and
the numbers of people and birds and animals and plants and how
all of us are strung together."
-- Anonymous
"When
you love what you do, you are alive."
-- Anonymous
"Don't
postpone JOY!"
-- from a bumpersticker
"Have
you discovered your style? Do you want to change your style?
Start with jewelry!"
-- Channing
"Life's
too short to wear ordinary jewelry!"
-- Anonymous
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Recommended
Products
Health
& Beauty Store - Shop for prestige skin care products,
cosmetics, fragrances, makeup, hair care and gifts. Expert advice
on beauty tips and perfumes. "Beauty is not only skin deep
- but here's are products to make sure your skin is beautiful!"
- Channing
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