October Charity of the Month: Cancer Research Institute

It's the Holiday season again... which means its time to turn up the giving-charm.

Every year, here at greenstarstudio, we practice putting the heart in art, by partnering with a charity for an entire month, in order to raise awareness and money for people & animals & places in need.

Choosing this month's charity was, sadly, not difficult at all. I, like so many others, unfortunately know way too many people who have been directly affected by Cancer. It's taken mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, & from far too many friends.

I wish my list of people who've done battle or have been affected by this terrible disease was shorter (if not completely non-existent), but its not. Its way too long and has been so for too long a time. My dear friend Ali, has invested so much of her young & vibrant life recently to supporting BOTH of her parents through their fight (read her brilliantly written letter to Cancer here). Ali's birthday is Oct. 15th, and I decided last month that as my birthday gift to her, I would like to help her raise money for her favorite charity. So, with that, I'm proud to announce that The Cancer Research Institute is the October Charity of the Month.

From today through October 31st, 5% of ALL my etsy sales will go directly to the Cancer Research Institute! And on OCT 15th, i'll donate 15% of the sales! So shop and know you're supporting a good cause. You don't need to include a code or do anything but fill your cart and enjoy the benefits. Now's a great time to stock up on birthday & holiday gifts, and let your purchase do double duty.



Just a few weeks ago, I learned that my good friend, Megan had Lymphoma... she's only just started grad school and today, she also starts Chemo. I made her the OoAKie pictured above, as a "voodoo doll" of sorts. She says "totes" (instead of Totally) a lot, so i figured her Cancer VooDoo doll would too.

And, keep an eye on the shop for plenty of brand new OoAKies just waiting to be customized into Cancer VooDoo dolls, like Megan's. They make wonderful, life affirming, giggle-worthy, clutchable, reminders of love, for anyone you know who could use a little boost of "I'm thinking of you", while they fight for their lives. The dolls are customizable too--- I can include a special message just from you--- just include a note in the Message to Seller section as Check out!

Thanks for helping Ali & I support such a worthy cause.
Love & Health,
danamarie

Shop Update!

Now's the time to stock up on one of a kind goodies from greenstarstudio; brand new in the shop: Knitimal Masks, brand new one of a kind Knitimals & OoAKies: hand drawn dolls you can color yourself! This week only (thru Oct. 4th) include the code "FREEFALL" in the message to seller section at checkout, and I'll reimburse your shipping costs. That's FREE Shipping all week long! Happy Shopping!

Plush You: Progress

Plush You: Progress

Toy Chest Dog

So, before Mason I'd never had a small dog. The smallest dog I ever had was a completely insane Border Collie (my family had him for about a year, in which time he managed to, literally, steal things from us and hide them in deep graves in the backyard, nip the heels of the German Shepherds he shared the home with, and take a flying leap from our second story... and yet, that's not what ended his time with our family. This dog actually DID have to go live on a farm). Before Mason, I was a Shepherd girl, born and bred; if the dog wasn't at least 70 pounds, it wasn't a dog. But then, we lost our dear Shiloh, and while we knew we needed a new dog around the house ( i needed the smell & sound of a dog immediately), i also knew i couldn't handle having another shepherd that soon.

So we chose Mason. The tiniest thing i'd ever adopted, named or tried to find a harness to fit.
Some days I forget how small he really is (since he's more than twice the size he was when we first got him)... but every time i forget, Mason reminds me... by climbing into spaces not actually meant for him.

Like, for example, this:



As i was setting up the new shelves in "Mason's Area" of the kitchen, i wondered aloud how long it would be before he climbed in with his toys, ET style. It was about 30 minutes, for anyone who had a pool going.

Mural Dedication... sneak peek

Lots to do today, and no time to write a post thorough enough to do justice to the amazingness that was yesterday, but i'll give you a little teaser, in the form of someone else's blog.

once i check a few more things off my to-do list, I'll whip up a real grade A article for you all!

around the studio...

Plush You: Progress

Just a little more about the Apron...

This just in! Apparently it was $1200, not $1000 (even better, no?)
And here are some pics just sent over from the Office of Promotion & the Arts of the apron WITH the mayor's signature.



(lovely woman modeling is not the mayor, but lovely nonetheless).

I am perfectly balanced...

... well, at least on the Wii Fit, I am perfectly balanced. Now to bring that into my actual life on a more regular basis, right?

Today's a good day.
AND tomorrow is the mural dedication! Hope to see you all there!