EtsyVeg

Friday Finds - Spring Fun

2012-01-27T10:40:00.009-05:00

It's been a while since I've done a Friday Finds blog post! Winter has been so nice where I live that I am already feeling a little springy. So here are some fun EtsyVeg items to get everyone in a spring mood. Enjoy.

Spring Sunshine - jewelry trinket box mini chest of drawers - pink, yellow, white - OOAK from LuniqueUK

Early Spring - Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas - Framed by jensartshop

Tomato earrings by thelittleschremlin

Green Clover and Aloe Soap from AndLive

Yellow and Green Heart Ring by LeanDogPottery

Tiny Butterfly Necklace in Silver by Lulubugjewelry

Daffodil flower origami - set of 3 in blue box etsy by thestichandfold

Butternut Squash Soup

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love butternut squash, and whenever I have one, this is my go-to recipe. It doesn't hurt that it's one of the few soups my four-year-old son will eat. That, and it really couldn't be easier! Pair with a crusty bread and a salad for a light meal for a chilly night.

Taking care of the squash is the hardest part of this butternut squash soup recipe, which I got from the side of a Silk carton a couple of years ago. I’ll tell you right now – I don’t peel and chop winter squashes anymore unless I absolutely have to. I have zero interest in fighting with the tough skins, and I’ve cut myself with the knife more than once. Instead, I bake them. Slice the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake skin up on a greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees. This can take 30-60 minutes (or more) depending on the type and size of the squash. But, it is way less frustrating than peeling it. It just means you need to plan ahead a little.

Let the squash cool, and from there you can easily scoop the squash out of its shell with a spoon. On thicker-shelled squash, you can sometimes just lift the shell off of the squash. (I did that once with a pumpkin, and it was totally cool.)

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

3c chunked butternut squash
3c vegetable stock
1 clove of garlic, halved
1c soymilk
Pinch of ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer the squash and garlic in the stock for 10 minutes. Puree in a blender, food processor, or with a hand blender, and return to the pan. Add milk and ginger. Reheat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spotlight Seller

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to the EtsyVeg Spotlight Seller! This week features Super Sock of Polyester10!!

Tell us a bit about yourself...

Name: Socks :) Location, bay area, California. I'm a fan or originality. I believe in Karma, and I'm thankful to be a part of a team who cares so deeply for animal welfare. I have loved animals since I can remember, and spent years planning to be a vet...all of this came to an abrupt change after volunteering for years in a wildlife shelter. I felt tremendous loss when animals couldn't be saved--and focused my education towards research...I have a huge respect for all the animal kingdom, especially after using the smallest fruit fly as a neurological platform to help humans. After years of research (invertebrates to small vertebrates), I couldn't harm even a fly. I hope one day humans will all appreciate the beautiful details of each organism, and how truly similar we all are to one another. I became vegetarian without even glancing back after being a researcher. I believe in science and progress, but I also believe in animal rights and will always promote their well-being and humane treatment from shelters to homes. I would like to maintain a household of rescued animals. Who knows, maybe one day I will open a no-kill clinic for unwanted pets and strays :)

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
I have been Vegetarian for 11 years.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?
Feb 7 2011

Send in the Sumo A-Team Wallet

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
Anything that will make perpetual kids like me, feel bright and happy.
I recycle comics and upgrade former toys into flash drives so the superheroes can be put to daily use. I also make one-of-a-kind, functional sculptures and art pieces, like hand made suitcases from recycled bike parts and wooden frames, and robot speakers inspired by transformers that can be aesthetically and functionally very appealing. I use anything from metal, plastic, wood, and acrylics to create functional art.

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?
I'm a fan of coffee and cookies at any hour of the day. I'm usually cleaning the mess of one of my pets, only to find a fresh new one... :)

1960's 16GB Batmobile Flashdrive

Where do you get your inspiration?
Eighties cartoons and comics. Why should we stop believing in aiming to have superpowers to do super good for the world?

What's your favorite veggie meal?
COOKIES!!!
aren't cookies a meal?

Where else can we find you?

You will find me holding piles of cookies in the snack aisles with a shameless grin.

Thanks Socks you are a real super hero!! Make sure to tune into Polyester10!

*If you want to be featured in an upcoming Spotlight Seller please convo BunnysBakedGoods on etsy for more information!*

January's Fresh Start Creative Challenge!

2012-01-18T11:50:00.001-05:00

You are cordially invited to play, get more involved with the team,
get inspired, share your talent, take advantage of some free
promotion... get ready for January's team creative challenge!

January's Challenge

Our theme is Fresh Start! It's a new year and that means a new, fresh
start! You are welcome to join in with any item you feel represents a
"fresh start!" The theme is very subjective. It can be ANY item that
you feel fits that theme! Any color, style, shape or any other thing
that fits that theme is welcome to be entered!

Each month's challenge entries will be listed on the blog and put up
for public vote, the winner receiving an ad for their shop on the team
for the entire month following. :) Every 6 months, all 6 winners from
the last series of challenges will be put up for a vote together, the
top vote getter winning a grand prize! Yay!

Please join in our creative celebration for this month! Here's how to
enter...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Challenge Guidelines*

~Participation is open to any EtsyVeg team member.

~Each member may enter one item. Entry involves simply posting the
link to an applicable item in your Etsy shop in January's monthly
challenge forum thread and tagging that item with the tag
"freshstart" (all one word, without the quotations). You must also
have your entry tagged with the official team tag, "etsyveg team."

~If an item entered in the challenge sells before the end of the
month, please send a convo to the EtsyVeg Etsy shop, including the
link to the sold item, so that it can still be included.

~Deadline for entry is January 29th.

~All entries will be featured in a treasury on the EtsyVeg blog at the
beginning of next month, to be voted on by the public (EtsyVeg members
can vote, too). The top vote-getter will be awarded with an ad for
their Etsy shop on the top of the blog sidebar for the entire month
until the next winner is chosen. At the end of six months, all winners
from the past six months will be up for vote on the blog again, this
time eligible to win a grand prize gift!

~All EtsyVeg members (not just participants) are encouraged throughout
the month to initiate forum threads about the challenge, make
treasuries by doing a tag search for "etsyveg team" with "freshstart"
and putting only those items in the treasury, or to generate other
types of promotion. (If you do any of these, please let everyone know
so that we can all post or click to keep it going!)

~Please direct concerns or questions to magglepie, or send an email to
etsyveg@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The EtsyVeg Monthly Challenge is meant to inspire, recognize, and
promote team members and our shops; to spread the word about vegan/
vegetarian lifestyles and living consciously; and to raise awareness
about the ease of eco-friendly living and the rights of animals to
live free of exploitation.

~*Happy creating!*~

Tuesday's Quote

2012-01-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

This continues to be one of my favorite quotes. Do you have a favorite quote?

"I havefrom an early age abjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men suchas I look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder ofmen."

-- Leonardo da Vinci

Spotlight Seller

2012-01-15T19:49:00.000-05:00

This week's Spotlight Seller is new to the EtsyVeg Team! Let's welcome Maria of RootWisdom!

RootWisdom

Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Maria and I live in central Connecticut. I am a musician, artist, gardener, healer, herbalist, teacher, student, sister, daughter, and friend. I am very much involved with animal rescue and I have been volunteering at a wonderful cat rescue located in Middletown,CT called CATALES, Inc. (www.catales.org) for the past 7 years. I am also a happy mama to 6 rescue cats and 2 African water frogs.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
I have been vegan for the past 8 1/2 years and I was vegetarian for about 2 years before that.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?
About 4 months ago!

Koala Crochet Hat

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
So far I sell Organic soaps, Coconut Wax candles, and Crochet Animal hats. I am in the process of adding many more crochet items as well as a lot of herbal related items such as flower essences, tinctures, dream pillows, etc. As well as some of my fine art work.

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?
I play guitar in a band and I play the piano. I love to ride my bike. I also love to garden, read, forage for wild edible and medicinal plants, cook, bake, and hang out with my feline pals.

Coconut Wax Large Votive

Where do you get your inspiration?
I strive to live my life in harmony with nature according to our Great Earth Mother. She guides and inspires me in all that I do!

What's your favorite veggie meal?
I have way too many favorites but my current new favorite meal that I just concocted is a soy free, vegan omelet! SOOO GOOD!! :)

Where else can we find you?
Some of my items are located at an awesome clothing and art boutique located in Torrington, CT called Brazen Betties. www.BrazenBetties.com

Welcome to the team! We can't wait to see Maria's shop grow and prosper!!! Don't forget to check in at RootWisdom to see the rest of Maria's creations!

*If you want to be featured in an upcoming Spotlight Seller please convo BunnysBakedGoods on etsy for more information!*

Tuesday's Quote

2012-01-10T18:20:00.000-05:00

This seems like a good quote to help guide us into a new year ... I hope everyone's New Year is starting off on a good healthy path!

"Perfection is notattainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence".

-Vince Lombardi

Spotlight Seller

2012-01-08T17:06:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a Happy New Year! And welcome back to the Spotlight Seller! This week Lida of The Crafty Bandit is featured!

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm Lida Avery from Portland, OR. I love making arts and crafts and during the day I teach middle school reading and art! I have 2 amazing children (5 and 2).

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?

I'm currently vegetarian...I was vegan for about 3 years. Now i toggle back and forth between the two...I mostly eat vegan, but 'cheat' occassionally.Overall, I've been vegetarian/vegan for about 16 years!

When did you open your shop on Etsy?

I opened my shop over a year ago.

Stoneware Pinch Pot Sea Monster

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?

I sell all sorts of stuff...prints, ceramics, stuffed toys, illustrations, clothing.

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?

I like to knit and play piano in my spare time when I'm not doing Etsy...I love hanging out with the kids too of course...and biking!

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from my children...I think about things they'd like and try to make it geared more towards children, but adults can enjoy too.

Black Owl Relief Print

What's your favorite veggie meal?

My favorite veggie meal...hmm that's hard! I love anything really! Homestyle cooking best.

Where else can we find you?
My website is : bubbersandmoo.com

2 kids, teaches, and makes amazing art work, I am impressed!!! Thanks Lida for being part of the team!! Make sure to check out Lida's awesome shop at The Crafty Bandit!!

*If you want to be featured in an upcoming Spotlight Seller please convo BunnysBakedGoods for more information!*

Tuesday's Quote

2012-01-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfortand convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
—Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968)

Tuesday's Quote

2011-12-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

Humanity’s true moral test, its fundamental test…consists of its attitudetowards those who are at its mercy: animals. And in this respect humankind hassuffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stemfrom it.
—MilanKundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being,1984

Spotlight Seller

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week out Spotlight Seller is Jennifer of Naked Eye Beauty! Let's find out how beautiful she is!!

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Jennifer Ziliotto and I live in Los Angeles, California. I have been a freelance make-up artist and hair stylist for 8 years, doing everything from weddings to photoshoots to music videos. I started getting into natural skin care about 3 years ago trying to make some of my own products for my kit that I could not find in stores. It eventually snowballed into making things for my friends and family for fun and then taking it a bit more seriously by opening an etsy shop.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?

I have been vegetarian for 14 years, vegan for 3, although I have been back and forth between being vegetarian and vegan for the past year or so.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?

I opened my shop just shy of 2 months. Still a newbie!

Coral Tinted Lip Balm

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?

I sell handmade all natural vegan skin care and cosmetics. I am really into using as little ingredients as possible, the freshest herbs and not overpowering things with fragrance. It's all about keeping it simple and respecting nature!

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?

When I'm not working I'm usually hanging out with my boyfriend, friends and family. Also, I am a huge music lover (I play guitar and occasionally play in bands for fun) so I go to a lot of shows and try to take up the amazing local music scene here in LA.

Your Vegan Pumpkin Masque looks fantastic!! Where do you get your inspiration?

I used to use Mychelle's Pumpkin Peel and loved it so much I figured there must be a way to make my own version. It took awhile but I absolutely looove the scent, pumpkin spice is my favorite!

Vegan Pumpkin Masque

What's your favorite veggie meal?

I love a simple bowl of short grain brown rice, fried tofu or tempeh, adzuki beans, some kale, a yummy tahini or miso dressing, sesame seeds and dulse flakes. Very simple but SOOO GOOD!

Where else can we find you?

I have a website for my make-up and hair services,www.jenniferziliotto.com, and a green beauty blog, blog.jenniferziliotto.com. My website for my products is www.nakedeyebeauty.com. I am also on Twitter (@nakedeyebeauty) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/neyebeauty)

Thank you Jennifer for being part of the team and for making us all look beautiful without cruelty. Make sure to check out all of her fabulous products at Naked Eye Beauty!!

Tuesday's Quote

2011-12-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Life is life – whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference therebetween a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man’sown advantage.
—Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950)

Bean Burritos!

2011-12-20T10:50:00.004-05:00

A while back I got a crazy craving for a burrito. I thought, well I could go to a restaurant and get one, but it won't be vegan friendly. So, I went out and got some beams and all this other great stuff from the store and made my own. Even though the recipe is simple and you could easily make up your own, I wanted to share what I made with you in case you'd like to try it yourself!

You'll need:
Black beans
Pinto beans
Lettuce (I used iceberg, romaine and green leaf)
Toffuti Better than Sour cream
Salsa (I used the HOT kind... Be warned, it is very hot)
Burrito shells

Warm up the beans and corn. Add some lettuce to your burrito shell. Top that with the warmed up beans and corn. Put some Better than Sour Cream and Salsa on top. Roll up and enjoy! Tastes so good, you'll think you did get it at a restaurant :)

"Veggie Harvest" Challenge Winner- Yay!

2011-12-19T20:53:00.004-05:00

Hey all! November's "Veggie Harvest" Challenge is officially over, and our winner is Karin Lorenc Colorful Stoneware Pottery! A huge congratulations to Karin and her beautiful autumn nesting bowls! :D HOORAY!

Nesting Bowls in Harvest Tones - Prep Set

by Karin Lorenc

It's not too late to enter your own item in December's "Shimmering Ice" Challenge! All EtsyVeg members are invited!

Spotlight Seller

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week's Spotlight Seller is Emma-Jayne of Urbanimal! Let's learn more about our fellow animal lover!

Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm Emma-Jayne Saanen, and I'm based near Glasgow in the UK. I'm dangerously close to my 30th birthday and my passion is animals, their biology, their welfare, and their mythology.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian since around 1995. My mum has been a vegetarian since prior to my birth, and when I was old enough to understand why she was vegetarian I decided to become one too.

Earlier in 2011 I became an ovo-vegetarian. I had been burying my head in the sand about the cruelty of dairy and when I was diagnosed as lactose intolerant I took that as a sign. I personally find the dairy industry far more abusive than the meat industry.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?
I opened my Etsy store in July 2009, encouraged by a few of my friends who were already selling there.

Original Art Custom Animal Portrait

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
My art is inspired by the lives and tales of animals, and my store is where I sell original artworks looking for good homes. I also take animal portrait commissions.

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?
What don't I do? I already have a BA(Hons) in Fine Art, but I am a student again. This time I am studying towards a BA/BSc(Hons) in Environmental Studies.

I am a volunteer with my local park ranger service. The work is varied: sometimes we take kids out to teach them the wonders of the woodland, sometimes we go out on surveys for rare species, and sometimes we do something as simple as a litter pick.

Through my volunteer work I have developed a passion for lepidoptery (the study of butterflies and moths) and I can regularly be seen running around my community with a butterfly net, recording species and releasing them.

My spirituality takes up the rest of my time. I am an animist, totemist and aspiring shamanist. This, alongside my volunteer work, inspires my animal art.

Original Art Grey Heron as Totem

Your Grey Heron as Totem is beautiful! Where do you get your inspiration?
Grey Heron in particular was inspired by the herons that live nearby. There is a nesting pair in one of the parks, but very few people know they are there. There is something magical about having such a beautiful bird living so secretively in an urban town. I just had to capture that vibe in my art.

What's your favorite veggie meal?
It would have to be ramen. There is an amazing noodle bar in Glasgow that sells the most delicious yasai ramen soup. Oh and the yasi gyoza are fantabulous!

Where else can we find you?
My main website is www.urbanimal.co.uk , and I can be found attwitter.com/#!/urbanimal , plus.google.com/104317087709825007890/posts?hl=en, www.facebook.com/Ms.Saanen and wagyu.deviantart.com/

Thanks for being part of the team Emma-Jayne!! Make sure to check out her wonderful work at Urbanimal!

Tuesday's Quote

2011-12-13T18:10:00.005-05:00

Poor animals! How jealously they guard their pathetic bodies…that which tous is merely an evening’s meal, but to them is life itself.
—T. Casey Brennan

Spotlight Seller

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week our Spotlight Seller is Jennifer of Gilding Lilies! Let's find out more about our EtsyVeg Teammate!!

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Jennifer Lorton aka Gilding Lilies. I live in Northern California right on the coast. It's a really quaint area. It has been used as a location for many movies, TV shows, etc. because it's just so darn cute. I really love living here. I live, with a few animal companions, in a rustic cabin surrounded by redwood trees. My daughter Nichole (21 years old) lives in the cabin next door. There is a third cabin on the property that serves as my art studio and packaging headquarters. It's a perfect arrangement.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?

I've been a vegetarian since I was 12 (I'll soon be 50), and a couple years ago I made the shift to being vegan. It has been an interesting adventure switching to a vegan diet, I felt like I had to learn to cook all over again, but I've really enjoyed the process. I like to share my food successes on my blog where I often feature a Meatless Monday post.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?I've had my Etsy store for almost a year now.

The Collection Number XII Signed Fine Art Photograph

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?

I'm a mixed media artist, graphic artist, and photographer. My shop has my original artwork, photographic prints, my greeting cards, etc. Etsy has been a nice way for me to get my work out there, in the world, to be seen by lots of people.

When you are not working on your shop...what do you do?

When I'm not working on my shop I like to enjoy doing all the activities that the coast has to offer. I love taking my camera out and photographing the local area. I also love to travel and see new things.

Your Enlightenment Photo is stunning! Where do you get your inspiration?
Thank you, I'm so glad you like my Enlightenment photo. Sometimes the beauty of nature can just take your breath away, and that photo is a perfect example. I feel blessed to be able to capture and enjoy those sorts of moments.

Enlightenment Signed Fine Art Photograph

What's your favorite veggie meal?

Hmm, my favorite veggie meal? It's hard for me to pick a favorite meal, that I cook, I love to try new things. My favorite veggie restaurants are the Chicago Diner, Millennium (in San Francisco), and locally The Ravens (in Mendocino CA).

Where else can we find you?

My work can also be seen in galleries across the country, in print through Bentley Publishing, and on my blog ( gildingliliesjourney.blogspot.com ).

Thank you Jennifer for being part of team! I must say I am a little jealous, a log cabin has always been my dream home!! Make sure to check out Jennifer's wonderful work at Gilding Lilies!

Vote for Your Favorite Entry in November's "Veggie Harvest" Challenge!

2011-12-08T13:02:00.023-05:00

November's "Veggie Harvest" challenge entries are in! Between now and November 19th, vote here for your favorite creation. The winning veg artisan will be featured in a prominent ad on the EtsyVeg blog for January. Yay!

Another big congratulations to last month's challenge winner, Stasya of The Stitch and Fold!

See the poll below to vote for this month's winner!

Filigree Leaf Earrings - Antique Bronze Filigree Leaves on Gold Ear Wires

by Ideology

Vegan Whoopie Pie Assortment Gift Box Perfect Holiday Gift

by Veganville

Nesting Bowls in Harvest Tones - Prep Set

by Karin Lorenc

Suppertime A Signed Fine Art Photograph

by Gilding Lilies

Forest Mushroom Brooch - Upcycled

by Kathleen Marie Kelly

Festive Fall - Whiskey or Wine B.Y.O.C.

by Hair of the Dog

MAN SOAP VEGAN OLIVE OIL SOAP

by Purple Urchin

Nature Calls Tan, Purple, Red and Green Blanket

by M's Knits and Things

Tree painting orange and purple

by SweetObsolete

Rounded Pumpkin Greeting Card

by Move the Needle Paper Crafts

Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Icing - Vegan

by Sweet V Confections

Good luck challenge participants, and thanks to everyone for voting! Look for details on our current "Shimmering Ice" challenge on the blog. And please join in the creative fun! :)

December's Creative Challenge- "Shimmering Ice!"

2011-12-06T14:27:00.003-05:00

You are cordially invited to play, get more involved with the team, get inspired, share your talent, take advantage of some free promotion... get ready for December's team creative challenge!

December's Challenge

This month's theme of "Shimmering Ice!" Think glistening snow, sparkling ice crystals, ice skating in brightly-colored clothes on a frozen lake bed, scarlet red cardinals resting on a snowy pine, bundling up to venture into a haze of snowflakes! :) The challenge theme is very subjective, so enter whatever handmade creation, vintage item, or supply, new or already listed in your shop, that you think fits the theme (get creative with it)!

Each month's challenge entries will be listed on the blog and put up for public vote, the winner receiving an ad for their shop on the team for the entire month following. :) Every 6 months, all 6 winners from the last series of challenges will be put up for a vote together, the top vote getter winning a grand prize! Yay!

Please join in our creative celebration for this month! Here's how to enter...

*Challenge Guidelines*

~Participation is open to any EtsyVeg team member.

~Each member may enter one item. Entry involves simply posting the link to an applicable item in your Etsy shop in December's monthly challenge forum thread and tagging that item with the tag "shimmeringice" (all one word, without the quotations). You must also have your entry tagged with the official team tag, "etsyveg team" (both words must be used).

~If an item entered in the challenge sells before the end of the month, please send a convo to Heather at http://thebluewindmill.etsy.com, including the link to the sold item, so that it can still be included.

~Deadline for entry is Saturday, December 31st.

~All entries will be featured in a treasury on the EtsyVeg blog next month, to be voted on by the public (EtsyVeg members can vote, too). The top vote-getter will be awarded with an ad for their Etsy shop on the top of the blog sidebar for the entire month until the next winner is chosen. At the end of six months, all winners from the past six months will be up for vote on the blog again, this time eligible to win a grand prize gift!

~All EtsyVeg members (not just participants) are encouraged throughout the month to initiate forum threads about the challenge, make treasuries by doing a tag search for "etsyveg team" with "shimmeringice" and putting only those items in the treasury, or to generate other types of promotion. (If you do any of these, please let everyone know so that we can all post or click to keep it going!)

~Please direct concerns or questions to http://silentlotus.etsy.com or http://thebluewindmill.etsy.com.

Looking forward to seeing what amazing creations you enter! :)

Spotlight Seller

2011-12-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week our Spotlight Seller is Alanna of PaperDame! Let's find out more about our EtsyVeg Teammate and wish her a Happy Etsy Anniversary!!

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Alanna Lowe and I was born and raised in southern Orange County, California. I currently live in Dana Point. I love all things vintage, collect books and have a sidekick named Dottie (miniature Dachshund).

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?

I am vegetarian but choose to eat alot of vegan cuisine. I grew up in a household that went through phases of not eating meat and decided about 4 years ago to become a committed vegetarian.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?

I opened my shop on Etsy in December 2010.

Hand Sewn Holiday Card

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?

I sell upcycled pendant lamps that are made out of vintage books that I have collected. Each page is hand folded to create a unique shape out of each book and the cords are hand wrapped with natural fibers. (Also, with perfect timing for the holidays handmade holiday cards!!)

When you are not working on your shop...what do you do?

When I'm not working on my Etsy shop, I work as a sales rep for a vintage furniture rental company. I work with clients to design their event and select vintage pieces (couches, chandeliers, bicycles, etc.) to enhance their theme. It's lots of fun!

Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration for my Book Lamps from the books themselves. All of my lamps have a theme, meaning that the books being used for each lamp are all a specific genre (children's books or love stories or adventure stories - get the idea?). I also do custom orders, in which case, my inspiration comes from the client - their favorite book, which room they want to put it in, etc.

Upcycled Books Pendant Light

What's your favorite veggie meal?

My favorite veggie meal would have to be Pad Thai from Wheel of Life - a Vegan Thai restaurant in Irvine, CA.

Where else can we find you?

Aside from Etsy, I can be found at local art shows. Patchwork - Indie Arts and Crafts Festival is one of my favorites. I am also going to be featured at a boutique in Long Beach called Twig & Willow.

Thank you Alanna for being part of team! Make sure to check out all of her beautiful and illuminating works at PaperDame!

Friday Finds - Winter Wonderland

2011-12-02T10:40:00.009-05:00

The weather is getting chillier, and in many places the snow is flying. So, for this (long overdue) Friday Finds, I've chosen some awesome wintery finds from the EtsyVeg team! Enjoy.

White Flower Wedding Plugs 7/16 Inch 11mm by arksendeavors

Winter Love A Signed Fine Art Photograph by GildingLilies

Tiny snowflake necklace silver by lulubugjewelry

Snow Rabbit - small amigurumi bunny by TheStitchandFold

Ice - natural white crystal clear moonstone and sterling silver earrings by RavensCraving

Snowscape Photography Blank Notecards for Holiday or Any Time by kneedeeporiginals

Spotlight Seller

2011-11-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week our Spotlight Seller is Khristan of Gypsy Lamb!! Let's check out our talented teammate!

Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Khristan "Gypsy" Lamb, and I currently live in beautiful Southern Oregon. My family consists of me, my wonderful husband, our two cats, Snaggle and Hugo, and our Aussie puppy, Naguine.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
I've been vegan for over eight years. Deciding to go vegan was by far one of the best decisions I've ever made. I feel more at peace, I am healthier, and I'm more connected to doing my part for animals and the environment.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?

I opened my Etsy shop in March of this year (2011). I have to admit I'm a little OCD about working on improving it!

Blue Bohemian Necklace and Crystal Gypsy Love

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
I sell handmade beaded jewelry and accessories in my shop; I also sell my surplus supplies of gems and beads. I learned how to design and create jewelry years ago when I worked at a bead shop, and I love making beautiful things.

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?

When I'm not working on my shop, I am taking care of my family, running with my dog, practicing the violin, reading novels, vending at fairs, hopefully selling my jewelry to local boutiques, helping my husband with his business and thinking about what else I could create to sell in my shop!

Your Recycled Fabric Earrings are amazing! Where do you get your inspiration?

I have to admit that the idea for the fabric earrings was inspired by a friend of mine. We were talking about the current big earring trend and how most of those earrings are made with feathers. She thought it might work to use fabric to sort of imitate the big-feather-earring-look and voila! I fell in love with the first pair I made and received a lot of positive feedback. Like my ribbon festival earrings and hair clips, the recycled fabric earrings are an animal-friendly way for bohemian gals to accessorize.

Bohemian Fabric Earrings

What's your favorite veggie meal?
My favorite veggie meal would have to be homemade pizza with kale, onion, olives, mushrooms, garlic and basil, covered with a healthy amount of nutritional yeast. Sometimes I add seasoned tofu and vegan cheese, but it's just as delicious without. (Tofu tip: put your packaged firm tofu in the freezer until the day you'd like to use it; let it thaw out before adding to recipe. It has a really nice texture and flavor.)

Where else can we find you?

I have a Facebook page--GypsyLamb Jewelry--and a blog at gypsylambjewelry.blogspot.com/. I have to admit, however, that I'm not very good about updating my blog! The best way to find me is on Etsy.

Thanks Gypsy for being part of the team!! Make sure to check out her shop on Etsy at Gypsy Lamb!

BIG Shopping Weekend- EtsyVeg Sales Abound!

2011-11-23T15:47:00.037-05:00

Friday kicks off a huge weekend of shopping, getting holiday shoppers all aflutter! Black Friday precedes a Saturday of supporting small businesses (Small Business Saturday) and Cyber Monday, online shopping's biggest day of the year. EtsyVeg member shops on Etsy (your place to buy and sell all things handmade) are celebrating by offering great sales and perks, giving you a chance to not only support small businesses by shopping with our independent artisans, but the chance to support handmade and more compassionate living!

Take the Pledge to Buy Handmade for the Holidays and the pledge to Shop Small, while supporting vegan and vegetarian artisans- kick the holiday shopping season off ethically while buying gifts that are unique, made with a personal touch, and filled with love! :)

Check out these shops for awesome savings:

AndLive~
30% OFF everything in shop Thanksgiving morning through midnight on Cyber Monday. No code necessary- all listing prices already reduced.

Arthurs Plaid Pants~
10% OFF everything in shop on Black Friday, 11/25/11 only!
Code: BLK10
15 % OFF everything in shop on Cyber Monday, 11/28/11 ONLY!
Code: CYB15

ClaynFiber~
20% OFF from Thursday, November 24th through Monday, November 28th.
Code: HOLIDAY20

Dark Faerie Creations~
15% OFF everything in my store through Cyber Monday!
Code: BLACKFRIDAY15

Deadly Sweet~
ALL items are 25% OFF on all available inventory thru Sunday evening. My biggest sale EVER! These are the only remaining items I have in my inventory so stock up while you can! Prices already marked down.

DeepFried~
FREE SHIPPING & sale from Black Friday to Cyber Monday!
If in the U.S., code: CYBERDEEPFRIED
International Etsians, 15% OFF every item in the shop with code: DFINTLOVE
(DFINTLOVE is for those outside of the U.S., one code per order)

DerekHowlettdotcom~
25% off your order thru Cyber Monday!
Code: CYBERMONDAY

Exaltation~
30% OFF all weekend!
Code: THANKS2011

Gilded Notes~
FREE SHIPPING on all purchases between Friday 11/25 and Monday 11/28!
Code: BFCMship

Ideology~
Save 30% on everything in shop from Black Friday through Cyber Monday (the weekend included)! Cyber Monday buyers will also receive a free gift!
Code: 30PERCENT

ity-bity bags~
FREE SHIPPING 11/24-11/28! Check out our Extra black Fri sale section for more savings!

KarinaManarin~
FREE SHIPPING on all domestic orders through Monday the 28th!

Krug's Eco-Logic~
$20 & up ... 20% off code: 20PERCENT
$40 & up ... 30% off code: 30PERCENT
$60 & up ... 40% off code: 40PERCENT
$110 & up ... 50% off code: 50PERCENT

LuniqueUK~
20% OFF Friday through Monday.
Code: LOVEXMAS

M's Knits and Things~
25% OFF orders from Friday morning through Monday night at midnight.
Code: BLACKFRIDAY25

Mom, Baby & Me~
FREE SHIPPING NOW thru Black Friday/Cyber Monday Weekend!
Code: FREESHIPPING

Naked Eye Beauty~
15% OFF all purchases from now until Monday ANDDDD free gift wrap!
Code:NEB15OFF

Shshhshop~

11/24: 21% off your entire order with code BIRTHDAYBASH

11/25: free united states shipping with code SHIP26

11/26: free custom notebook, just give me a word or phrase to draw and you get a notebook like this one: http://etsy.me/tqZKXg

11/27: four free 5"x7" prints of your choosing from this flickr set http://bit.ly/mTveqg (just copy and paste the URLs of the photos that you want)

TheBlueWindmill~
Save 15% OFF your order when you spend over $20.00, starting Black Friday through midnight on Cyber Monday!
Code: 15P20

Twig & Leaf Botanicals~
30% OFF on black friday, small business saturday, and cyber monday! No code necessary- all listing prices already reduced.

Veganville~
30 percent off everything in shop (except gift certificates) from midnight Thanksgiving through midnight cyber Monday. Yay!
Code: BIG30

Vivace Crafts~
15% OFF everything from Black Friday to Cyber Monday! :)
Code: BLACKFRIDAY1

Have fun! Support Small Businesses! Buy Handmade! Go Veg!

Tuesday's Quote

2011-11-22T15:07:00.000-05:00

What is it that should trace the insuperable line?… The question is not, Canthey reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?

~Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832)

Spotlight Seller

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week our Spotlight Seller is Aletha of Radical Fringe. Want to get to know our teamie better? I know you do!!!

Tell us a bit about yourself?
I live in metro Detroit, originally from the east coast. I recently got married on the shore of Lake Michigan to my vegan artist hubby. We are both graphic designers!

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
Vegan now - have been some kind of plant-based eater for about 8 years

When did you open your shop on Etsy?
2007

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?

I sell all kinds of crocheted original items. It's still pretty much a hobby for me as I'm continually experimenting. My main interest is in freeform & art crochet. Of course, all my fibers are plant based or synthetic - no wool or silk.

Crochet Flower Necklace

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?
a lot! LOL I work at a print shop, I will be teaching crochet & knit in the winter, and pretty much being a domestic diva (cooking, cleaning and sewing, no joke!) and playing with my two adorable rescue kitties.

Your Cat Hats are so cute! Where do you get your inspiration?
It really was just a whim - one of my boy cats needed emergency urinary surgery and we had to take out a credit card just to pay for it; he is a really sweet docile cat and didn't mind us putting hats on him etc. So I started making fun kitty hats to help raise money to pay for his surgery. So far they have been the most popular item in my shop! I like coming up with new ideas for them. So far I've only sold monster horns, mohawks, and a mad hatter hat; I have an experimental unicorn hat. I love doing custom orders and making someone's idea come to life - so if you have an idea for a unique kitty hat (Halloween is coming up!!) then shoot me a convo!

Cat Hat Black & White Mohawk

What's your favorite veggie meal?
This is tough. Ever since daiya cheese came out I'm a big fan of veggie pizza & nachos; I'll always be a tofu scramble & homefries girl though.

Where else can we find you?
Some weekends I have a booth at The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale, MI. Other than that I stick to etsy.

Thank you so much Aletha for being part of the team! Check out all of her freeform crochet at Radical Fringe!

Craftivism: Creating Change Through Craft

2011-11-18T16:42:00.002-05:00

Written by EtsyVeg member Julia Feliz of Etsy shop J F Illustrations. Find Julia on Facebook and Twitter. Follow her blogs at Project Craftivism and J F Illustrations!

Last year, a fellow EtsyVeg team member shared a news article highlighting the need for sweaters to keep featherless and beaten hens warm while they recuperated from barricaded lives inside abusive battery and “free-range” egg farms. The article featured one of the most adorable pictures I had ever seen - a rescued hen wearing one of the knitted sweaters. At that moment, I added “learn to knit” to my bucket list.

Six months ago, I finally learned to knit and last month, made my very first sweater for a hen. After mailing off my hen sweater to Little Hen Rescue (UK), I began searching other ways to help my local community and individuals that could use a helping hand – from orphans, homeless adults & children, wildlife rescues, animal shelters, to those suffering from illnesses, recuperating from abuse or a natural disaster – there are endless opportunities to get involved and create change through your craft. Knitting one sweater or whatever item may not seem like much or immediately change all those important issues that need urgent attention in our world, but to the individual that receives my warm and cozy knit, it makes all the difference in the world. You see, someone cared enough to try to help them - they are not alone. Every little helps. I’ve realized that knitting, as well as other crafts, can be quite empowering when it comes to changing the world through the simple action of creation. As people that strive to create change and stand up for those forgotten and without a voice, we can continue to create change on our own terms through our own hands and creation. While some may be able to donate money to causes through fundraisers, others are better able to help those less fortunate through making and donating items like hen sweaters.

Although, as a vegan myself, I am passionate about non-human animals, I can’t help but also take an interest in helping the human animals that could use a bit of warm and cheer in their life. I can’t help thinking, “what if that was me?” As compassionate individuals, we should aspire to help all those in need. Our journey doesn’t just stop at what we eat, wear, or bathe with.

Sometimes we may feel like there’s so much wrong going on that we can’t fix at this moment or may be daunted with the fact that there are so many living beings that need help. We may even feel like we can’t do much for non-humans on our own or maybe feel that certain forms of activism are not our thing. Well, there’s another novel form of activism that you can take part in called “craftivism” – a term coined by Betsy Greer. Through craftivism, we can take a stand to make a difference in our own communities (and in foreign ones) and reach out to individuals in the here and now by using our craft. Craftivism is not limited to charity projects as it also encompasses ways to speak up against social injustices, peaceful protesting, and other forms of activism through visual displays or can be a way to get involved with your local community.

I started a blog, Project Craftivism, to write about my own path through vegan craftivism with a goal to help humans and non-humans. Vegan craftivism? Well, yes, I do not believe that you have to exploit non-human animals to help other human or non-human individuals. The patterns and posts that I comment on or take part in may not always be vegan oriented, but I always choose to veganize all my projects. I’m a fond knitter and have no problem acquiring synthetic or plant-based yarns or any other materials for my projects. At the moment, I am knitting for and collecting warm items (knitted, crocheted, or sewed) for a local homeless shelter that expects about 34 people on Christmas Eve. If you would like to help me with this project, have suggestions for future projects, or would like to share a story about your own craftivism or charity project, do get in touch!

This holiday season, why not pledge to learn to knit or use your craft to touch the life of someone in need?

Quote from Albert Einstein

2011-11-15T15:11:00.000-05:00

It is my view that the vegetarian manner of living, by its purely physicaleffect on the human temperament, would most beneficially influence the lot ofmankind.

~Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

October's "Spooky Halloween Bash" Challenge Winner!!!

2011-11-14T17:27:00.001-05:00

We have the results of our October's monthly challenge "Spooky Halloween Bash"
Challenge! Hip-Hip Hooray for Stasya of TheStitchAndFold on Etsy! Congratulations, Stasya, on your pumpkin pin cushion getting top votes!It's so adorable!!

Pumpkin pin cushion - crocheted

by TheStitchAndFold

Thanks to everyone who entered! Please check out the blog for info about our current challenge!

Spotlight Seller

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week our Spotlight Seller is Cameron of Eat Your VegTees. Let's all get to know our fun EtsyVeg Teammate!!!

Tell us a bit about yourself ?
Hi! I'm Cameron and I live in Los Angeles with my boyfriend and our two tiny mutts, Jack and Ruben.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
I have been vegan for about 2 years, and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! Really there is nothing that doesn't appeal to me about a vegan lifestyle; I feel better physically, emotionally and finally feel as though I am living in line with my true values.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?
I opened Eat Your VegTees 8 months ago, but only recently started stocking it with items. It took me awhile to get everything underway, but now I am adding new products at least once a week!

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
The tagline of my shop is "vegan inspired clothing and accessories" and what that means to me is products that promote kindness to animals, a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, and a desire to lead people to a plant-based diet. I sell pins, t-shirts for kids and adults, and tote bags. Soon I hope to add pillows and wall prints!

Eat Kale Daily Reversible Tote Bag

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?
To make a living, I work full time as a videographer and video editor. Video is another passion of mine, because if a picture is worth a thousand words, video must be worth a billion! Video is such an amazing medium to expose people to new ideas and spread awareness, and that is why I love it.

Currently, I am also working part-time to co-coordinate Farm Sanctuary's Los Angeles Walk for Farm Animals (www.walkforfarmanimals.org). I love Farm Sanctuary and sponsor the care of a pig (Ms. Blossom) that lives at the Orland farm.

Aside from work, I can be found around Los Angeles dining at veg restaurants, hiking the Bat Caves with my dogs, or crocheting at home on my comfy sofa with some hot green tea.

The I Love You More Than Almond Milk Button is a personal favorite of mine! Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from experiences in my life, especially from my interactions with other people who hear I'm vegan and think that means I'm an alien from outer space. My aunt once got really upset with me and said "What's so wrong with eating an egg?!" I dealt with that experience by explaining my thoughts on the issue, but when I re-told the story to my boyfriend I just said "I don't eat chicken periods. period." Ha! and a button was born!

But more than that, it's about creating a conversation with people and encouraging them to ask questions about the reasons behind vegetarianism/veganism. If we can create a dialogue with people through wearing a funny pin or tote bag, that is a gateway to ending a lot of animal suffering and encouraging people to be aware of how their actions affect other living beings. To me it is also about creating a sense of community between vegetarian people, because that support system is what can help people from feeling overwhelmed by the immensity of animal suffering, human dis-ease and environmental wreckage. Wear a pin or t-shirt that promotes a veg lifestyle and be proud of the compassionate person that you are!

I Love You More Than Almond Milk Pinback Button

What's your favorite veggie meal?
My favorite meal is Greens and Beans from an Isa Chandra Moskowitz cookbook. It is so simple, yet so awesome. Something about black eyed peas and collard greens (add hot sauce of course) is so comforting to me! Maybe because I like meals I can eat from a bowl, and that take under 15 minutes to prepare.

I also love Native Foods, Veggie Grill, and Hugo's Tacos in Atwater Village.

Where else can we find you?
Hopefully in the future you can find me at craft shows around LA! I am still in the infancy stages of my shop, but hope to make my mark outside of Etsy as well someday. Until then, you will find me at the Los Angeles Walk for Farm Animals or at a vegan restaurant near you!

Also, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eatyourvegtees

Thank you Cameron for being part of the team and spreading the veggie word with your awesome (and funny) works! Make sure to check out all her goods at Eat Your VegTees!!

Tuesday's Quote from Charles Mayo

2011-11-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

I abhor vivisection. It should at least be curbed. Better, it should beabolished. I know of no achievement through vivisection, no scientificdiscovery that could not have been obtained without such barbarism and cruelty.The whole thing is evil.

~Charles Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic

October's Monthly Challenge-Spooky Halloween Bash!

2011-11-07T18:02:00.002-05:00

October's "Spooky Halloween Bash" challenge entries are in! Between now and November 10th, vote here for your favorite creation. The winning veg artisan will be featured in a prominent ad on the EtsyVeg blog for December. Yay!

A big congrats to last month's challenge winner, Megan of BrooklynLoveDesigns , who was chosen as the top entry by voters!

See the poll below to vote!

Stamp Lamp - upcycled glass jar tealight candle holder OOAK

by LuniqueUK

Gold Owl Earrings - Beautiful Owl Earrings in a Wonderful Golden Hue

by ideology

Halloween Sale ghosts galore halloween cards set of 4

by blackbirdandpeacock

Halloween Witchy Kitties, Set of 5 Cards and Envelopes

by scrappyrat

Rounded Iridescent Jack-O-Lantern Halloween Greeting Card

by movetheneedle

Green & Black Fused Glass Stud Earrings

by JFillustrations

Brilliant Night Sky

by jensartshop

Pumpkin pin cushion - crocheted

by TheStitchAndFold

Good luck challenge participants, and thanks to everyone for voting! Look for details on our current "Veggie Harvest " monthly challenge on the blog. And please join in the creative fun! :)

Spotlight Seller

2011-11-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week our Spotlight Seller is Tashay of Tashay Designs. She comes to us all the way from Taiwan so let's get to know her!

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Tashay and I currently live in Taiwan where vegetarian and vegan restaurants are plentiful. They even have a vegan banner outside some of the restaurants which is really helpful. I'm originally from the North/South Carolina area back in the States which I miss very much but am enjoying my current adventure. My husband and I hiked to a hot spring that ran straight into the river right by a waterfall...how cool is that?

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?

I've been a vegetarian (cheese is my downfall) for around 21 years now. I still have trouble explaining to people why....I just think eating animals is gross. I'm a very laid back veggie, meaning people forget I'm a veggie because I don't make a big deal about it and I feed them yummy veggie food any chance I get (I lean towards vegan when I cook).

When did you open your shop on Etsy?

I've been an Etsy member since October of last year and have learned so much since then and I've meet some really great people. I think that Etsy is a great way to learn about business (the good, the bad, the exciting, the boring).

Grits The Way I Like 'Em Pendant

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?

I sell jewelry here at this shop (my other shop is ADHDinspirations) that I make all by myself. My latest addition is my new foodstuffs line which I've dreamed about for years and am just getting started. I'm also teaching myself metalsmithing at home on my own. That has been a real exciting experience and I can't wait to learn more. I'm also learning about environmentally friendly ways to work with metals which has made me much more at ease about starting out in this area of jewelry making.

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?

When I'm not working on my shop I am a housewife and have just begun tutoring some of the children at my husbands school. It's like going to school all over again...haha. My husband and I also spend our weekends exploring Taiwan by heading for the mountains for hiking, swimming at the beaches, soaking at the hot springs, walking the city streets or checking out various festivals.....there's just so much to see and do. I'm also going to be in an Expat Open Air Art Market in Taipei at the end of this month (October).
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118875508202516

Your Lotus Moon Earrings are beautiful! Where do you get your inspiration?

My Lotus Moon earrings were inspired by Taiwan. The Moon Festival (and just the full moon in general) is very big here and so are the Lotus Ponds near our house. I decided to bring them together in my Lotus Moon earrings. I also use tea leaves from the Alishan Mountains nearby in my foodstuffs line and I'm sure I'll find some other inspirations. If you check out my blog, you'll be able to look at photographs I've taken that are labeled Inspiration.

Lotus Moon Earrings

What's your favorite veggie meal?

My favorite veggie meal is tough....pizza & salad (those two have always been my favorites since I was little). But I also love Indian food, Thai food and the Chinese food here in Taiwan (there's a section in my blog with food photos in the Inspiration label too).

Where else can we find you?

All the places you can find me:

*Tashay Designs - Etsy shop
www.etsy.com/shop/TashayDesigns?ref=pr_shop_more

*ADHDinspirations - Etsy shop
www.etsy.com/shop/ADHDinspirations?ref=pr_shop_more

*Tashay Designs / ADHDinspirations Blog:
tashaydesigns.blogspot.com/

*Tashay Designs / ADHDinspirations Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/pages/Tashay-DesignsADHDinspirations/119696984758260

Thank you so much for being part of the team!! Check out all of Tashay's beautiful work at Tashay Designs (and all of her other work above)!

November's "Veggie Harvest" Creative Challenge

2011-11-02T14:41:00.003-04:00

You are cordially invited to play, get more involved with the team, get inspired, share your talent, take advantage of some free promotion... get ready for November's team creative challenge!

November's Challenge

This month's theme of "Veggie Harvest". The challenge theme is very subjective, so enter whatever handmade creation, vintage item, or supply, new or already listed in your shop, that you think fits the theme (get creative with it)!

Each month's challenge entries will be listed on the blog and put up for public vote, the winner receiving an ad for their shop on the team for the entire month following. :) Every 6 months, all 6 winners from the last series of challenges will be put up for a vote together, the top vote getter winning a grand prize! Yay!

Please join in our creative celebration for this month! Here's how to enter...

*Challenge Guidelines*

~Participation is open to any EtsyVeg team member.

~Each member may enter one item. Entry involves simply posting the link to an applicable item in your Etsy shop in November's monthly challenge forum thread and tagging that item with the tag "veggieharvest" (all one word, without the quotations). You must also have your entry tagged with the official team tag, "etsyveg team" (both words must be used).

~If an item entered in the challenge sells before the end of the month, please send a convo to the EtsyVeg Etsy shop, including the link to the sold item, so that it can still be included.

~Deadline for entry is Wednesday, November 30th.

~All entries will be featured in a treasury on the EtsyVeg blog next month, to be voted on by the public (EtsyVeg members can vote, too). The top vote-getter will be awarded with an ad for their Etsy shop on the top of the blog sidebar for the entire month until the next winner is chosen. At the end of six months, all winners from the past six months will be up for vote on the blog again, this time eligible to win a grand prize gift!

~All EtsyVeg members (not just participants) are encouraged throughout the month to initiate forum threads about the challenge, make treasuries by doing a tag search for "etsyveg team" with "veggie harvest" and putting only those items in the treasury, or to generate other types of promotion. (If you do any of these, please let everyone know so that we can all post or click to keep it going!)

~Please direct concerns or questions to http://thebluewindmill.etsy.com/ or http://artbykat.etsy.com/.

Looking forward to seeing what amazing creations you enter! :)

Get ready for December's "Shimmering Ice" challenge coming up next month!

Happy World Vegan Day!

2011-11-01T13:30:00.010-04:00

November 1st is World Vegan Day! Founded by The Vegan Society, World Vegan Day is an annual celebration of all things vegan, and vegans all over the world organise events to showcase the vegan lifestyle.

What is "vegan"?
A "vegan" is someone who chooses to live free from animal products for compassion and peace, health, the planet (or any combination of these things). A vegan diet is easy and healthy, based on fruits and vegetables, grains, beans and legumes. Vegans choose to save the lives of other living beings each time they eat or shop! They do not consume meat, fish, eggs, dairy, honey (some vegans do eat honey) or any other food that is derived from an animal or processed using animal ingredients (such as bone char used to refine some sugars and salt). Most vegans do not use or wear any products that are tested on animals or that are derived from an animal, like wool, fur, silk, and leather.

There are many great ways to honor World Vegan Day, which extends into Vegan Month throughout November- anytime during the month is an excellent time to promote veganism!

VEGANS: How to Spread the Word
Many of these ideas were taken from The Vegan Society's list of suggestions on how to promote veganism.

*Hand out or drop into doors pamphlets about how to go vegan and why.

*Write letters or articles or submit news stories to magazines, local publications, newspapers, etc. about vegan living, giving the vegan perspective on an issue, or asking that the vegan perspective be considered.

*Host vegan socials or dinner parties, picnics, and potlucks for vegan and non-vegan pals.

*Lend extra personal support to someone in your life who has expressed interest in or is attempting to go vegan.

*Wear tees, buttons, and bags with a vegetarian message.

*Set up displays of vegetarian info at local grocery stores, libraries, community centers, etc.

*Organize a vegan film showing, cooking class, or public speaker and invite the public.

*Encourage your non-vegetarian friends, co-workers and family members to go meat-free by taking the Vegan Pledge!

*And most of all, be a living, loving, compassionate example!

NON-VEGANS: How to Explore Veganism
Have you thought about trying a vegan lifestyle? Try it for one meal, one day, one week, or one month to see if being vegan is the right choice for you!

*Take the first step by taking the "Vegan Pledge!"

*Find other friends who are interested in exploring vegan living, too, and set goals together. :)

*Seek out a friend, family member or co-worker who is already vegan or vegetarian to ask for support in your own transition.

*Explore vegan websites like The Vegan Society & Vegan Outreach for information on why and how to go veg.

*Read about the benefits of living a veg lifestyle by checking out veg recipe and info books from your local library.

*Try delicious veggie foods together with with both vegan and non-vegan friends and family.

Here are just a few of EtsyVeg's favorite resources for vegan information and recipes. Check the blog throughout this month for more resources for vegan living!

Compassionate Cooks

International Vegetarian Union

Live Vegan

Post Punk Kitchen (PPK)

The Vegan Society

Vegan Outreach

VegWeb

Free Vegan Starter Kit

Happy World Vegan Day!

Sexy Vegans

2011-11-01T07:37:00.000-04:00

"I may not be able to save every animal, I won't be able to change every human heart towards a more compassionate way of living, but I'm willing to try. And that's sexy." Quote from Carlyn Montes De Oca, this year's winner of PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian over 50. Read about Carlyn and Dr. Barry Taylor, this year's male Sexiest Vegetarian over 50.

Spotlight Seller

2011-10-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

This week Jenn of A Girl and Her Dog Shop is our Spotlight Seller! Let's learn about our wonderful team mate...

Tell us a bit about yourself ?
I am Jenn and Casey is the boss, my Boston Terrier fur baby. The shop is really hers.
We live in NYC on the weekdays and spend our weekends in Putnam, NY. Casey is not a fan of the city! When she finally gets her way, I will move out of the city at some point all together. Soon, someday, hopefully. We'll see.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
I was vegetarian for over 20 years, now Vegan for almost 2!

When did you open your shop on Etsy?
I started selling on JennLeeBunker about 2+ years ago, after mostly shopping on Etsy! Then I opened A Girl and Her Dog Shop over a year ago.

Custom A Girl and Her Dog (or Kitty) Silhouette Scarf

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
I sell Pet Lover items. Screen printed silhouettes of dogs and cats and their girls, on scarves and totes and more. We also do leash holders and picture frames and have a jewelry line. I also do vintage images as well as screen printing--it's all about your pet! And as I say, not just for girls and their dogs, but cats too, occasionally even a fella. And sure, we'd do a horse!
My other shop is the Starving Artist line. Also screen printed scarves and totes.

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?
I work in books, I write and read, play with Casey of course, and do crafts with the kids in the family. Not everything I craft is for the shop, but I am always looking for inspiration through different forms of art.

I love your My Ruby Red Shoes Picture Frame! Adorable! Where do you get your inspiration?
Oh thank you! I love the vintage images myself, most are one of a kind and I don't usually do the same image twice. My inspiration really is my love for animals, and of course, our love of our pets--and how we want to express it, through art and of course, by wearing it! Ala scarves, jewelry, on our totes, and so on.

My Ruby Red Shoes A French Bulldog and Her Girl Picture Frame

What's your favorite veggie meal?
When I was in Barcelona recently I was so excited to find a grilled veggie platter with balsamic glaze, that could make the top of the list. I had it twice. If I am eating at Moms or home I love pasta with fresh and spicey red sauce. If I am eating out in NYC I love Pure Food and Wine raw vegan. I also adore the vegan soups from Le Pain for lunch. So it depends! I am hungry now, come to think of it! Two of my favorite things in the world (and I lived on in Paris) are Garbanzo Beans and Avocado!

Where else can we find you?
We have two Etsy shops (I always say "we", Casey and I) aside from AGirlAndHerDogShop.etsy.com we have JennLeeBunker.etsy.com (the starving artist line)
And you can find us here all too often:
www.Facebook.com/AGirlandHerDogShop
Also on Twitter: @AGirlHerDogShop
And our website, that I rarely check or update (woops!) www.AGirlandHerDogShop.com

City Dog Magazine is going to feature us in their winter holiday issue, and we often do local Garrison & Beacon NY fairs. We did Beacon Barks Day, and should be at the Desdmond Fishe Garrison Library Holiday Boutique again this winter.

Thank you for being part of the team! Check out Jenn and Casey's shop A Girl and Her Dog Shop And, congratulations on the feature!!

EtsyVeg Halloween Spooktacular!

2011-10-28T11:35:00.014-04:00

It's Halloween time! This is my favorite holiday of the year. We watch Nightmare Before Christmas and Rocky Horror Picture Show, make millions of pumpkin foods and prepare for the major holiday season that's on it's way. What better way to get started on your holiday shopping than sitting at home in your pajamas with a nice apple cider and shopping for some awesome veg friendly goods on Etsy? I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing, aside from grabbing a slice of vegan pumpkin pie. :)

Get your shopping on today, October 28th, through Monday, October 31st and use the Coupon Code "SPOOKY2011" at the following participating shops and get some sweet deals. No tricks here, just some amazing veg treats! Be sure to check each shop for more details on how each offer works. ;)

AndLive is offering 25% off with code SPOOKY2011

Ideology is offering 25% off with code SPOOKY2011

JF Illustrations is offering 15% off with code SPOOKY2011

Lean Dog Pottery is offering 30% off with code SPOOKY2011

Lunique Creations is offering 15% off with code SPOOKY2011

M's Knits and Things is offering 20% off with code SPOOKY2011

Mineral Love is offering free shipping on $25 plus 10% off $50 with code SPOOKY2011

From Pictures to Portraits is offering 15% off with code SPOOKY2011

Scrappy Rat Designs is offering 15% with code SPOOKY2011

Sweet V Confections is offering 15% off with code SPOOKY2011

Twig and Leaf Botanical is offering 15% off and a free gift with code SPOOKY2011

Veganville is offering 15% off with code SPOOKY2011

Check back daily as we add additional shops! Happy Halloween!!!

Tuesday's Quote

2011-10-25T15:05:00.000-04:00

Now I can look at you in peace; I don’t eat you anymore.

~Franz Kafka, while admiring fish in an aquarium

2011-10-25T13:01:00.000-04:00

Yay! We've got a winner of our team creative challenge for September Congratulations to:

Owl Wallet, Fabric Bifold Clutch, Woodland Forest, Teal, Pink, Green, Yellow

by BrooklynLoveDesigns

Thanks to everyone who entered! Please check out the blog for our next challenge coming up in October!!

Spotlight Seller

2011-10-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

This week Emily of Emily Fotis Designs is our Spotlight Seller! Let's get to know her better...

Tell us a bit about yourself ?
My name is Emily Fotis. I live in Fairfield, IA. I have 13 cats, ALL of whom originated from one cat "couple" that was dumped in my neighborhood. The kittens were all feral, but with TLC, I now have 7 indoors and 6 outdoors, and have since had them all live-trapped, spayed or neutered. This is my PSA to encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and ferals/strays! But I digress... I recently got a job as Assistant Graphic Designer at a company (Maharishi Ayurveda Products International) that manufactures and sells holistic, ayurvedic herbal supplements and other products: you can find out more about them at mapi(dot)com.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
Vegetarian, and have been my entire life – my parents stopped eating meat when they started meditating in the 70s. The only meat I've ever ingested has been accidentally (e.g. restaurants). I am, very slowly, making my way towards veganism, but at the very least I make sure that all eggs and dairy products I consume are free from cruelty. Fortunately, in Fairfield, that's not too hard to do – Radiance Dairy is the local dairy that I've been to and have met the cows first-hand, and even volunteered to get the owner elected for IA Secretary of Agriculture. Alas, he was not elected, but even so, got a good margin of the votes. I digress again! :)

When did you open your shop on Etsy?
January 1st, 2007, at the urging of a friend. I'd never heard of Etsy before, but was impressed. For not putting the time I probably should put into it, I think I've done fairly well. No advertising, no coupons or free stuff yet, just simply being there and keeping it more or less full of product.

Folk Art Coloring Book

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
• A self-published line of 18 frameable greeting cards featuring my paintings;
• A coloring book (and the same version as an ebook) that was published in Fairfield... it features heavy, acid-free paper that works with crayons, markers, pencils, and all water-based paints; sepia outlines instead of dull black; perforated pages for easy removal; one-sided printed only (so you don't have to pick and choose which piece you want to display); two cut-out-able note cards and two cut-out-able bookmarks.
• Original paintings
• Graphic design (business cards, logos, etc)
• Works in Sculpey
• Jewelry

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?
I work; I cook (I LOVE to create delicious vegetarian meals, especially for guests who may not tend toward the vegetarian lifestyle, to prove that you don't need meat for nutrition OR for flavor); I play with my cats; I watch baseball (St. Louis Cardinals!); I paint and draw; I plan changes for my store and site and blog; I strategize on how to achieve the art-licensing career I want.

Original Folk Art Watercolor Six Bird Tree

I love your 6 Bird Tree Watercolor! Where do you get your inspiration?
Aww, thanks! I was looking through a Pennsylvania German "fraktur" book, and saw a painting of a tree with six birds in it – mind you, it looked nothing like my own version, but it certainly inspired me, and has been one of the more popular paintings I've done. People really respond to it.

What's your favorite veggie meal?
Oooh, good one! Probably roasted vegetables and marinated-tofu pasta with cream sauce... Sooooooo amazingly good! Or my mom's crouton-cauliflower casserole – forever a childhood favorite, hands down.

Where else can we find you?
My website: www.emilyfotis.com; my blog (though I rarely update – tryin to be better about that!): www.artisanem.blogspot.com; Facebook (look up Emily Fotis, I guess. I even more rarely use FB); LinkedIn (also rarely used); Twitter: @emilyfotis. Check back closer to the holidays, too, I'll have lots more cool stuff! :)

Thanks Emily for being part of the team!! Check out her enchanting work at Emily Fotis Designs

Tuesday's Quote from Charles Darwin

2011-10-18T15:03:00.000-04:00

There is no fundamental difference between man and the higher animals intheir mental faculties.… The lower animals, like man, manifestly feel pleasureand pain, happiness, and misery.

~Charles Darwin, naturalist and author (1809–1882)

Spotlight Seller

2011-10-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

This week our Spotlight Seller is our new Team Captain Maggie of MagglePie M's Knits and Things!! Let's get to know our fantastic Captain...

Black and Grey Loose and Light Scarf (and Maggie!)

Tellus a bit about yourself ?

My name is Maggie. I livein Moorhead, MN, which is right across the river from Fargo, ND.

Vegan orVegetarian? How long?

I’ve been vegetarian for 15 years, and vegan for about a year anda half. I was mostly vegan for a longtime and just decided it was time to take that plunge and go all the way!

When didyou open your shop on Etsy?

I opened shop in 2007.

Mini Upcycled Envelopes

What doyou sell on Etsy?

All sorts of stuff. Mostlyhand knit scarves, blankets, hats and wash cloths. I also make greeting cards, recycledenvelopes and recently started my own little zine.

When youare not working on your shop, what do you do?

Too much. I’m in a moviegroup and game group with some friends, and we get together every couple ofweeks and go to movies or pick out a board game or something to play for thenight. I’m also in a book club, and weget together once a month and chat about our chosen book!

Deep Purple Soft and Cozy Baby Blanket

Where doyou get your inspiration?

Well, usually I just go with yarn that looks really cool togetherand work from there. But sometimes, I’llmake something based on inspiration from a movie I’ve seen and really liked.

Favoriteveggie meal?

Vegetable stir fry. There’sreally nothing better than mixing a bunch of veggies up with some spicy stirfry sauce and chowing down. Coming in ata close second is the Evil Jungle Noodle at the Thai Orchid, a local Thairestaurant. It’s sooo good!

Where elsecan we find you?

So far I’m just selling on Etsy, but I’m working on getting someitems into a few shops in Northern Minnesota.

Thank you Maggie for all your work with the team!!! Make sure to check out all things made by Maggie at MagglePie M's Knits and Things!

Blog Action Day!!! FOOD!!!

2011-10-16T00:02:00.000-04:00

This year's focus for Blog Action Day is food! This is something we all should be able to talk about (especially being vegan and vegetarian). It is at the center of all of our lives, sustenance.

Last year I moved into a house with a yard (it had been 17 years since I had one) and decided to take food matters into my own hands and grow my own. Or at least try to! I felt a strange responsibility to not let this yard go to waste. So, I bought a shovel and enlisted my boyfriend to turn our overgrown plot into a back yard bounty!

Here is what we started with...

About 800 square feet
3 raised beds
3 trees and 1 big rosemary bush

We decided to start our vegetable growing with some standards...

Potatoes
Carrots
Peas
Corn
Garlic
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Tomatoes
Squash
Pumpkins
Leeks

Early Season-Peas, Corn, & Squash in bed. Potatoes in containers.

I read a ton of books about companion planting, organic vegetable gardening, seed starting, and the different varieties. I spent so much time on all of this that I neglected getting the soil built up, but as spring was fast approaching I just went for it! I can not describe the feeling of seeing your seedlings or just seeds begin to grow! It is just amazing! All these little green sprouts were my little babies and now that they were here I wanted to do everything to make sure they grew! Midway through the season I realized that I did not have any fruit! So, I planted two bare root Raspberries and one Thimbleberry (a native plant of the Pacific NW). Also, I noticed an unidentified weed growing that looked incredibly like Green Beans!! My boyfriend said he usually just pulled them up! NOOOO!!! I left them to grow wild as they are accustomed to and added some support. I really like free stuff!

My first Pea Pod!!!

I weeded, watered, added more soil, and tended to my babies until they were ready to be eaten. In the last couple months or so we harvested...

Potatoes (Yay!)
Carrots (Yay!)
Peas (Yay!)
A whopping 3 small ears of Corn
Garlic (Yay!)
No Broccoli :(
No Cauliflower :(
Tomatoes (Yay!)
No Squash
No Pumpkins
A few Leeks
5 single Raspberries
Oh and Wild Green Beans (WOO-HOO!!)

Squash..it didn't make it!

Although, our backyard provided us with a nice selection of vegetable, the harvest was not enough to live on alone. (Maybe next year!) To supplement my lack of food, I joined a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). After researching all the options and realizing that many of them ship food in from Mexico and all over the world, I found one that is all local, all the time! Receiving a weekly box of mystery food (that I know I can eat) is so thrilling. It has forced me to be creative in cooking and I have discovered many dishes that I love! The family asks for them too! I have also discovered many varieties that I had never tried before and now intend to grow next year.

With out much preparation and no experience we have successfully turned our back yard into our own little farm! Now, I just want some goats...they are so cute! But I digress, living in our uncertain times; unstable economies, rising gas prices, and global climate change, I highly recommend growing your own food. It is an incredibly rewarding feeling, even just a couple things or one! You don't have to have a yard to do so. There are a million books on container gardening, I know I checked out many of them from the library. So, get your hands in the dirt and grow your own!! Anyone can do it, if a city girl like me can, anyone can!! I promise!

Shop Handmade For the Holidays!

2011-10-15T10:59:00.002-04:00

Friday Finds - Spooking Time

2011-10-14T10:27:00.009-04:00

I am so excited for Halloween! Is is one of my favorite days of the year!! So, for this (long overdue) Friday Finds, I am featuring some Etsy Veggies with some cool, Halloweeny and downright spooky items in their shops! Enjoy.

Wee Pirate Ghost Plush for Halloween from Panda With Cookie

Halloween Wicked Kitty Jar Earrings - Orange, Yellow, and Black Sprinkles in Tiny Glass Bottles by Starfire Wire

Drusilla the Zombie Queen - OOAK Art Doll Jester Stick by Dark Faerie

Crocheted Pumpkin toy by The Stitch and Fold

Black Widow Plugs 3/4 Inch 19mm Sale by Arks Endeavors

Cerlt the Evil - iclay monster sculpture worldwide shipping by Veganosaurus

Halloween Pin - Candy Corn Button by Vegancraftastic

Tuesday's Quote

2011-10-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

You have just dined, and however scrupulously the slaughterhouse is
concealed in the graceful distance of miles, there is complicity.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spotlight Seller

2011-10-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

This week Susanne of The Felting Cat or Filzkatze is our Spotlight Seller. Her darling handmade felt products come to us from Germany! Let's find out more about her...

Tell us a bit about yourself ?

My name is Susanne. I am a 58 years old retiree from the German State Department living in a quiet little spa in the Black Forest/Germany, right at the borders with France & Switzerland. Since my childhood I love handicrafts and have tried almost anything. For about one year now felting became my passion and still I enjoy experimenting all kinds of techniques & colors.My Etsy shops are a hobby that I love so much, as I discover interesting people & products every day. I feel honored & happy, when someone puts my shop or a product as a favorite or features one of my items in a treasury. And freak out when I sell something!

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?

I became a vegetarian in 1987. Since 2005 I am a vegan. The only animal products I am still using are wool from sheep living in an eco-friendly environment without being butchered and sometimes Tussah & Ahimsa silk.

When did you open your shop on Etsy?

I opened my shop in February 2011.

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
I sell felted slippers, necklaces, bags & cases, shawls, cats/lavender sachets, cat toys, animals & beads. And maybe more soon...
As I care a lot about environment protection & animal welfare, all my new production is made with plant dyed, animal friendly & cruelty free "vegetarian wool" from sheep that live as "landscape managers" & are not butchered.

Plant Dyed Felt Baby Shoes "Seppl"

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?
I dedicate most of my time to my family, home & garden, lots of books, some sports and all the rest to felting!

I love your Black Forest Maid Felt Slippers! Where do you get your inspiration?
I am inspired by ethnic patterns of many countries I lived & travelled, but also my home Black Forest with its traditional costumes & colors, my cat Reesha, my garden, books, especially fairy tales, moods & anything that goes through my mind.

Felt Slippers Black Forest Maid

What's your favorite veggie meal?
Any meal with lentils of any kind. My favorite is a gorgeous Moroccan lentil mulligan with olive oil, oriental spices, chili peppers, garlic, onions, tomatoes, potatoes & carrots. So easy and quick to prepare. If anyone is interested in the recipe, I can gladly provide it. Unforgettable!

Where else can we find you?
I am neither facebooking, twittering nor blogging. That is a little old-fashioned, of course, but I still prefer to keep individual contacts with my good friends.
In my other Etsy shop Reesha Mona Lisa - Digital Photo Art Files - I present digital images with motifs from my garden, the beautiful landscape surrounding me, some memories of recent trips & most of all pictures of my cat Reesha. She is the greatest model one can imagine!
I also have 2 shops on DaWanda, the German marketplace for unique products:
www.dawanda.com/shop/filzkatze for my felt products
www.dawanda.com/shop/jaguary for jewelry with Brazilian natural beads

Thank you for being part of the team! Check out Susanne's wonderful work at The Felting Cat

Vegan MoFo 2011!

2011-10-07T10:23:00.004-04:00

It's time for Vegan MoFo 2011! YAY! Vegan MoFo stands for "Vegan Month of Food," and is a month-long celebration of all things vegan and food originally started by the Post Punk Kitchen! The event encourages bloggers in the veg community to relish in writing about vegan deliciousness while enlightening the web about the whys, whats, and hows of vegan living for the planet, people, and the animals, and just how easy it can be to live compassionately.

Vegan MoFo participants signed up to blog their hearts out about anything food related at least 20 times by the end of the month. The Vegan MoFo website suggests blogging about anything ranging from "love of tongs, your top secret tofu pressing techniques, the first time your mom cooked vegan for you, vegan options in Timbuktu – you get the idea, right?"

Vegan MoFo kicked off on October 1st, and some EtsyVeg members are participating in the fun! Check out their blogs regularly throughout October (and after, cause you won't wanna stop reading when the month is over):

Hope of BlackbirdandPeacock:
http://bigbadartcollective.blogspot.com

Lisa of PandaWithCookie & PandaWithCookieBakes:
http://pandawithcookie.blogspot.com
http://vegansonthemove.wordpress.com

Cara of ShShhShop:
http://hipsterfood.tumblr.com

Kelly Beth of TwigandLeafBotanicals:
http://twigandleafbotanicals.tumblr.com

Susmitha of Veganosaurus & ArtBySusmitha:
http://blog.veganosaurus.com

GiGi of Veganville:
http://gigi-2boomers.blogspot.com

Amanda of VeggieAmanda:
http://newmanimproved.blogspot.com

October's Monthly Challenge- Spooky Halloween Bash

2011-10-06T18:41:00.001-04:00

You are cordially invited to play, get more involved with the team, get inspired, share your talent, take advantage of some free promotion... get ready for October's team creative challenge!

October's Challenge:

This month's "Spooky Halloween Bash" challenge theme is inspired by the spooky excitement, traditional colors, creepy costumes, tricks and treats, screams and moans, and scary creatures of the October and Halloween season! Enter any one item that meets your interpretation of what the the "spooky halloween bash" theme represents, i.e., colors, images, scents, themes, materials. The challenge theme is very subjective, so enter whatever handmade creation, vintage item, or supply, new or already listed in your shop, that you think fits the theme (get creative with it)!

Each month's challenge entries will be listed on the blog and put up for public vote, the winner receiving an ad for their shop on the team for the entire month following. :) Every 6 months, all 6 winners from the last series of challenges will be put up for a vote together, the top vote getter winning a grand prize! Yay!

Please join in our creative celebration for this month! Here's how to enter...

*Challenge Guidelines*

~Participation is open to any EtsyVeg team member.

~Each member may enter one item. Entry involves simply posting the link to an applicable item in your Etsy shop in October's monthly challenge forum thread and tagging that item with the tag "Spooky Halloween Bash" (all one word, without the quotations). You must also have your entry tagged with the official team tag, "etsyveg team" (both words must be used).

~If an item entered in the challenge sells before the end of the month, please send a convo to Heather or Kathryn of the Challenge Committee, including the link to the sold item. Otherwise the sold entry will be used by default.

~Deadline for entry is Monday, October31th.

~All entries will be featured in a treasury on the EtsyVeg blog next month, to be voted on by the public (EtsyVeg members can vote, too). The top vote-getter will be awarded with an ad for their Etsy shop on the top of the blog sidebar for the entire month until the next winner is chosen. At the end of six months, all winners from the past six months will be up for vote on the blog again, this time eligible to win a grand prize gift!

~All EtsyVeg members (not just participants) are encouraged throughout the month to initiate forum threads about the challenge, make treasuries by doing a tag search for "etsyveg team" with "spooky halloween bash" and putting only those items in the treasury, or to generate other types of promotion. (If you do any of these, please let everyone know so that we can all post or click to keep it going!)

~Please direct concerns or questions to http://artbykat.etsy.com or http://thebluewindmill.etsy.com.

Looking forward to seeing what amazing creations you enter! :)

Tuesday's Quote for Thought

2011-10-04T13:22:00.000-04:00

The beef industry has contributed to more American deaths than all the wars of this century, all natural disasters, and all automobile accidents combined. If beef is your idea of “real food for real people,” you’d better live real close to a real good hospital.

~Neal D. Barnard, MD, President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Challenge Final Winner: Congratulations AbbeiLyn!

2011-10-03T09:30:00.002-04:00

Hooray! Our Challenge Finals winner after last week's vote is Abigail of abbielyn on Etsy! Congratulations, Abigail, for taking top vote with your beautiful handcrafted glass terrarium necklace!

BioNecklace- No. 2

by abbielyn

As winner of our Finals, Abigail will win a collection of fabulous handmade prizes donated by the following kind and talented fellow EtsyVeg members:

A gift certificate for a gorgeous, vegan hand-knit Chunky Cowl Neckwarmer in any color(s) currently available in stock from MistGrove:

A delicious dozen of organic, corn syrup-free, gluten-free, 100% vegan caramels in a flavor of her choice from FeedYourFace:

A recycled (green) stained glass ring wire wrapped with recycled copper from PalafoxStudio23:

Thanks for the wonderful prize donations, veggies! And way to go Abigail- congratulations again! WOOT!

Spotlight Seller

2011-10-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

This week the lovely Laurel of Straw House Books is our Spotlight Seller! Laurel is "Rewriting
the Story of The Three Little Pigs" with her wonderful well bound books! Let's find out a bit more about her...

Tell us a bit about yourself ?
My name is Laurel. I've lived in the Twin Cities for almost 15 years. Ten of those years were spent working in food co-ops buying and selling organic produce. I presently share my home with a senior dog and a rotating population of foster cats and kittens.

Vegan or Vegetarian? How long?
I was vegetarian for 18 years before becoming vegan three years ago.

Tell us about what you sell on Etsy?
I make handbound journals, photograph albums, sketchbooks, and boxes. My favorite part of this process is making my own bookcloth. I love fabric and don't like to be limited by what's available commercially in the way of bookcloth.

Chalk Marks Handbound Photo Album

When you are not working on your shop, what do you do?

I work at an animal shelter full-time and am also studying to be a vet tech. I just finished my first year of the program! My dream job is to work at a farm animal sanctuary. I can also see myself working in emergency room medicine and high-volume spay/neuter clinics.

I love the Fields of Flowers Feedsack Journal! What inspires you?
I love vintage feedsack cloth and have a collection of it that I've acquired over the years. I frequently dip into it when I'm making bookcloth. Each piece tells a story. Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover, so to speak!

Fields of Flowers Feedsack Journal

What's your favorite veggie meal?
I have a standby favorite casserole. It's macaroni and cashew cheeze. I add green olives before putting it into the oven.

Where else can we find you?
I consign journals at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts in Minneapolis. I try to do at least one show each year as well. Etsy is my sole on-line venue.

Thanks for being part of team and all your wonderful work on etsy and off!! Check out Laurel's fantastic work at Straw House Books

Happy World Vegetarian Day!

2011-10-01T09:48:00.004-04:00

Saturday, October 1st is World Vegetarian Day! A perfect celebration to follow yesterday's "Hug a Vegetarian Day" (hugs to our veggie pals everywhere). :) Sponsored by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS), World Veg Day was "established as an annual celebration to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism. " There are many great ways to honor World Veg Day, which extends Vegetarian Awareness Month throughout October.

If you are non-vegetarian and currently just thinking about trying meat-free eating or about transitioning fully to a veg lifestyle:
Find other friends who are, too, and explore new dishes at a dinner party or potluck. Seek out a friend, family member or co-worker who is already vegan or vegetarian to ask for support in your own transition. Explore veg websites like NAVS for information on why and how to go veg. Read about the benefits of living a veg lifestyle. Check out veg recipe and info books from your local library. Try delicious veggie foods (see veggie links on our blog sidebar for some great recipe resources and search our blog for some of our favorite recipes) with both vegetarian and non-veg friends and family. Take the Vegetarian Pledge (and get a chance to win $1000!) to avoid all meat, fish and fowl throughout the month!

If you are vegan or vegetarian:
Host veg dinner parties, picnics, and potlucks for veg and on-veg pals. Lend extra support to someone in your life who has expressed interest in or is attempting to go veg. Wear tees, buttons, and bags with a vegetarian message. Set up displays of vegetarian info at local grocery stores, libraries, community centers, etc. Hand out pamphlets about how to go vegetarian and why. Encourage your non-vegetarian friends, co-workers and family members to go meat-free by taking the Vegetarian Pledge (and getting a chance to win $1000!) to avoid all meat, fish and fowl throughout the month! And most of all, be a living, loving, compassionate example!

Go Veg!

Tuesday's Quote for Thought

2011-09-27T13:20:00.000-04:00

In fact, if one person is unkind to an animal it is considered to be cruelty, but where a lot of people are unkind to animals, especially in the name of commerce, the cruelty is condoned and, once large sums of money are at stake, will be defended to the last by otherwise intelligent people.

~Ruth Harrison, author of Animal Machines

Chickpea Magazine

2011-09-25T10:39:00.001-04:00

One of our fabulous EtsyVeg team members, Cara has just released the very first issue of a community-based vegan quarterly Chickpea Magazine

The premier issue is chock full of delicious vegan recipes, including pumpkin rotini, red velvet cake and veganizing island fare. Everything you need for a...

Quite a few of our other members are featured in the wonderful Fall Product Guide. I won't give away any surprises! Ya'll just have to go check it out for yourself!!!

Cara also writes an intriguing article about some of the benefits and conflicts regarding buying second hand. In...

Chickpea Magazine looks to be a must read for each season. Beautifully done, well written, and delicious recipes. I personally could not ask for more! You can subscribe for free through Issuu at http://issuu.com/chickpeamag/docs/fall2011

If you would like to contribute, winter proposals are now open at http://chickpea-magazine.tumblr.com/

Great job Cara and everyone else who was involved!

Teamies Get a Veg News Shoutout!

2011-09-24T15:09:00.011-04:00

Exciting news for some EtsyVeg team members! An article over on the website of Veg News about handmade sweet vegan treats on Etsy suggests a host of talented creative bakers and confectioners from the Vegan Etsy Team, a sister Etsy team to which many EtsyVeggies also belong. For vegan marshmallows, cookies, chocolates, and candies Veg News recommends our own DesiderioChocolates, ELIXIA, Veganville, SweetVConfections, and brand new member FeedYourFace!

Vegan Cocoa Mint Swirl Marshmallows from DesiderioChocolates

Vegan Assorted Chocolate Love "Voopee" Whoopie Pie Box from Veganville

Gingerbread Hearts - Vegan (2 dozen)from SweetVConfections

Raw Chocolate infused with Vanilla, Maca, and Rose from ELIXIA

Vegan Organic Red Sea Salt Caramels from FeedYourFace

EtsyVeg has lots more members who bake sweet goodies and make yummy snacks. Check out their shops, too!

asacco9642
cacaobakery
DivineCupcake
emmacathy
MegaTom
MorningMist
pandawithcookiebakes
thecupcakemint
VeganMario

Congratulations to our awesome teamies! Hooray! :D