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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