Paper or Plastic?

How about neither. National Geographic’s Strange Days series premiered on PBS April 23rd. It’s quite an eye opener. Coral formations are dying. Ocean waters are getting warmer, forcing fish out of their natural habitats. The plastic that we use everyday is wrecking havoc on our wildlife. What can we do? Give up bottled water. Don’t flush chemicals or drugs down the toilet. Unplug electronics, especially computers, when not in use. Buy locally. Learn how to get involved.

Conflict Free

Conflict diamonds are those sold in order to fund armed conflict and civil war. Profits from the trade in conflict diamonds, worth billions of dollars, were used by warlords and rebels to buy arms during the devastating wars in African countries. Wars that have cost an estimated 3.7 million lives. While a lot has been done to combat the flow of these diamonds, the problem is still around. The movie, Blood Diamond highlights this devastating issue. Get in the know and learn what questions to ask when purchasing a diamond or better yet, recycle and reuse.

Mara Scrupe

During college I interned for Mara Scrupe, an environmental sculptor. She paid me a modest $10 for gas to come out to her home in Bremo Bluff, VA 1–2 times a week. It was a 30 minute drive from where I went to college. Once there I would do various jobs for her. I built a plywood crate; hung, mudded and sanded drywall; built a 15 foot sculpture of chairs in her studio (my own project) and whatever else she wanted me to do. It was the first time in my life that I felt independent and that I could do anything with art as my passion. It was the greatest feeling ever. I created things in an environment that was so different and new but most of all wonderful. She was my role model and still is to this day. She lives for her passion, making environmental statements through a visual medium.  I miss her wisdom, inspirational words and most of all working with such a strong woman that can do anything. 

Anna Marie Horner

Anna Marie Horner is fabric designer. Her designs are inspirational as they are fresh, colorful and happy. Check out her blog or site. She offers fabrics, books, gifts and sewing projects. Her wool rugs are really cool and her Lollipop Kitchen line is very 50’s retro. Want to sew a handmade gift? Learn how to make her doggie leash.

Amy Butler

Did I tell you how I adore fabric? When I grow up I want to be a seamstress and make all of my own clothes + design fabrics just like Amy Butler.  The colors are amazing! Her home and studio are a dream. Everything is so organized yet so airy and free.