Renew & Reawaken: Breathing New Life Into Vintage

This is me, grateful Team Leader of the Etsy Natural Healers Guild Team, in my Aunt Mary Lynn's Hand-Cut Moon Geisha Zen Taoist Appliqué Denim Vest in my Etsy shop Eco-Friendly Freckles. I am constantly reflecting with reawakening aspirations, gaining inspiration from other Etsyians!

I am so amazed and impressed with this story that I have to share...a certified yoga teacher from Canada, Amy of Mystic Key Meditations, purchased one of my vintage beaded necklaces from my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop, a 1980s blueberry swirl necklace, and how she transformed it is truly amazing! Like Amy's alias name "Metta Morphosis", she has revived and enchanted these old beads, creating a profound metamorphosis in their aesthetic beauty and symbology by utilizing them as an element in her sacred, artistic craft. She removed the beads and constructed them into a yoga mala necklace and bracelet Prana Gift Set that includes a 108 mala, lotus bracelet, and swirl sunshine peace flags. Like a butterfly flying out of its cocoon for the first time, let's admire in awe the astounding transformation of the before-and-after images of this vintage necklace being altered into a sanctified creation!


BEFORE: As the vintage 1980s Blueberry Swirl Sorbet Marbled Necklace in my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop...

AFTER: As the beautifully transformed sacred 108 mala and lotus bracelet in the Prana Gift Set in Mystic Key Meditations...

Isn't it gorgeous?! I am so in love with this stunning transformation...Mystic Key Meditations utilizes vintage in this Prana Gift Set in such a creative and breathtakingly beautiful way by combining it with three silver lotus marker beads, a "be yourself" pendant, white tassel, natural white bamboo cord, and sacred blessings.

Mystic Key Meditations is hosting a free give away for the month of May! I encourage all admirers to check her Facebook for more entry details for this giveaway HERE! There will be 3 prizes and it runs May 2 - May 30th. The winners will be picked May 31st

As I bid adieu with farewell blessings, I'd like to leave similarly as I came with another one of my Aunt Mary Lynn's handmade feng shui creations...this one is a home decor piece in my Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy shop, an Oriental Zen Geisha Tea Room Pillow...Namaste...

 

This blog article was written and contributed by Etsy Natural Healers Guild Team Leader Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Nursing a Teething Baby: A Wise Decision to Make

Your first thought to come to mind may be, “Ouch!”; however, this is quite the contrary.  In fact as a mother to my second child now, I can honestly say that the only time biting has ever happened (it is very rare) is when the baby is in a playful mood and isn’t at all interested in nursing.  If a baby isn’t wanting to nurse, they most likely won’t even latch on.

Sending many encouragements to all mothers who are considering nursing their children past a year of age.  You will soon find that when those molars start coming through your baby’s gums, breastfeeding may just be the best solution to your baby’s needs.  These babies need rest most of all; especially if a low-grade fever is a result of their teething.  Generally infants have a loss of appetite during this time because their mouths are so sensitive.  Fortunately, the gentle suction infants create within their mouths while just being latched onto mother’s breast will alleviate a lot of pain associated with tender gums.  Not to mention, this suction will initiate the let down of breast milk, which will not only nourish your baby, but also hydrate them as well.  Sometimes diarrhea and mild diaper rash can be a result of teething because of increased drooling, tears, and nasal drainage; hydration is most essential at this time.

From mother to mother, trust in your instincts and please know that your child needs you now.  Many pediatricians support breast feeding children after a year of age.  With previous experience as a compounding pharmacy technician, I am well aware of the pain relievers, fever reducers, and numbing agents available to your child, and even though they may serve to be helpful, these treatments most likely are not comprised of natural ingredients.  Let it be reassuring to know that without these treatments soothing a baby during this time may still be achieved with simply mother’s presence.

Best Wishes to Soothing Toothing,

  Andrea (Team Captain of the Etsy Natural Healers Guild)

"Can or Can Not" Blog Feature for Eco-Friendly Freckles!!!

My hand-painted upcycled cans, repurposed vinyl record wall art, decoupage iPhone covers made from recycled ephemera, eco-conscious yogurt cup party favors, and MORE are featured on the wonderful blog "Can or Can Not"! Please check out my in depth interview and many thanks to Julie for interviewing me! It has been a pleasure; I am honored for this great opportunity and exposure for my beloved Etsy shop Eco-Friendly Freckles. Can or Can Not?!!! I think I CAN! Below is one of my favorite upcycled cans featured in the article titled "Paulie's Confession". Please also visit Julie's upcycled can inspired Etsy Shop "Can or Can Not"!

  This blog article was written and contributed by Etsy Natural Healers Guild Team Leader Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Upcycled Wooden Crates for Shelving!

I saw this picture on Facebook today and I LOVE this idea! You can upcycle old wooden crates to make beautiful (and in this case "nautical themed") shelving!!! I encourage everyone to check out Aimee Weaver's blog for more fun DIY home decorating ideas: http://aimeeweaverblog.com/

This blog article was written and contributed by Etsy Natural Healers Guild Team Leader Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles

"In the Shadows": A Lark Novel by Erica Cope - My Book Review

 

"In the Shadows": A Lark Novel by Erica Cope

I am absolutely captivated by the tale hidden "In the Shadows"; a novel written my by whimsical and witty cousin Erica Cope! Unveiling the secrets secluded in the depths of the shadows was so very enthralling and mystifying! After reading Erica's first book "Lark", I was eagerly looking forward to this sequel novel "In the Shadows"; both books are major page turners with gripping stories! The plot thickens quickly with so many twists and turns and unexpected surprises that have you on the edge of your seat excited to see what happens next! The fascinating relationships develop further between the main characters in this novel (which takes my emotions on a joyride!), and intriguing, new characters are also introduced. Many readers and Lark fans like myself are thrilled to follow the adventures of the main character and heroine "Mia" and discover how her juicy love triangle unfolds!!! LOVE IT!

I would highly recommend the Lark trilogy series to fantasy romance-loving ladies that are twenty-somethings like myself! I am very much looking forward to the upcoming third novel in the series! If you have not read the first book in the series "Lark"; you should check it out and delve into a fanciful world full of elven romance, elemental magic, woodland alchemy, and the sorcerous dark ones residing in the vastness of the underworld!

"Lark": A Novel by Erica Cope

After I read the first book "Lark" in the Lark Trilogy Series (I can't wait for the third book to come out!), I wrote a blog review titled "Lark: A Novel by Erica Cope - My Book Review". Along with my initial feelings and thoughts of praise after just completing this remarkable tale, I shared an Etsy treasury collection that I had created that was solely inspired and based on my memories of the book! "A visual stimulant" I call it for encouraging Etsyians to read this awesome book series, I have naturally put together another treasury to promote Erica's latest addition to the series; a collection that visually presents some of my favorite moments in Lark #2 "In the Shadows"! Please check it out, peek at the Etsy items, and discover this spectacular series for yourself...or buy it as a gift for your favorite fantasy romantic! Christmas is coming!

Since there were only sixteen slots available for featuring Etsy items that convey the message of my vision for this incredibly dynamic fable, there are a few handmade jewelry items that I want to spotlight here since they didn't make it in the treasury but certainly fit the ambiance and storyline of "In the Shadows":

"Happy as a Lark" Sterling Silver Bird Charm with Blue Tanzanite Gemstone Necklace by Etsy Shop:

Lark Jewelry Design

"Night Bloom Beaded Earrings" by Etsy Shop: Attitudes by Cyn

"Nesting in the Underworld" Cast Crystal and Hummingbird Skull Ring by Etsy Shop: BloodMilk

Among the mysterious and revealing gems featured in the treasury, I have featured an item from my sister Andrea's Etsy shop "Storybook Artifact" as well as an item from our "sister shop" LaOohLaLa Boutique...both of which express the mystical mood of "In the Shadows"!

"Black Vintage Decor Books" by Etsy Shop: Storybook Artifact

"1950s Midnight Blue Stilettos" by Etsy Shop: LaOohLaLa Boutique

Now make yourself a strong, hot cup of coffee (author Erica Cope's favorite beverage of choice), get yourself a copy of Lark and In the Shadows, and follow along the dark and mysterious Olfossá river that takes you along a journey that will have you under-a-spell fascinated to be lurking In the Shadows! This is the perfect book series to cozy up with during this approaching chilly winter season! You'll want to check back soon as I share my Halloween costume; I will be dressing up as one of the characters from "In the Shadows"!

This blog article was written and contributed by Etsy Natural Healers Guild Team Leader Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Think Eco…Eco-Friendly that is…for the Holidays

I recently got the pleasure of speaking with Jules Lavallee; she and Brian Behncke, owner of Briven Construction, are the Founders of ThinkEco2. Brian and Jules share a passion for helping the community while building jobs locally. They donate their rustic handmade wine racks to many charities to help fundraise. They believe it is important to be eco-conscious and to give back. Please take a moment to check out their beautiful handmade gifts for the upcoming holiday season and see what Jules has to share with us!
 

I love giving handmade eco-friendly gifts. Handmade gifts come from the heart and are truly appreciated. ThinkEco² is making good use from aged, weathered, and rustic fence by handcrafting 100% recycled gifts including cedar wine racks, wine gift boxes and garden planters.

Brian Behncke, Founder of ThinkEco² owns and operates Briven Construction during the day and builds creative eco-chic products at night with his crew. Their eco-friendly products are built from scrap cedar taken from Behncke’s fence job sites. He disassembles the fence panels, remills the sides of each fence board so they are straight. He then planes down both sides of each board to clean them up and to get the desired thickness. He then cuts the wood into pieces to make the products. Cedar is a great choice for wine racks and garden planters, since it is naturally resistant to pets and rot.

ThinkEco² wine racks are reclaimed and upcycled. They are offered rustic or in a variety of color frames include black, green, white, and red. They fit nicely onto a countertop or small space pantry.
ThinkEco² products can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/thinkeco2.
In addition to creative gifts, ThinkEco² offers a whole line of original wedding products. With a steady stream of material from city and state organizations including CalRecyle, ThinkEco² will continue to grow and build beautiful handmade products in the USA.

For more information contact Jules Lavallee jules@thinkeco2

 This blog article was written and contributed by Etsy Natural Healers Guild Team Leader Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Get Cozy this Fall with an Upcycled Wine Bottle Cozy!

 

"Sage Green Wine Sweater Sock Cozy" by Etsy Shop Fresh Eggs Daily
 

Get inspired to make your very own upcycled wine bottle cozies or stop by a delightful Etsy shop to pick one up! In this blog article, I share my two handmade wine bottle cozies fashioned out of upcycled tube socks and showcase some fellow Etsyians making them from sweater sleeves! Also featured are some wine and liquor inspired art pieces to pair up with your wine bottle sock missing its mate!

Wine Lover Vinyl Record Art "Vivacious Vineyards and a Cat Named Brie" from "Eco-Friendly Freckles"

This blog article was written and contributed by Etsy Natural Healers Guild Team Leader Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles