artfulabilities: Update

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Update

Between being hospitalized, coming home, settling back into a routine I feel like I've been ignoring this blog. In truth it has not been intentionally. What has been occurring is that Artful Abilities is preparing to launch its official website.

Meetings on the phone, in person and through e-mail have occurred with the most fabulous web designer on earth, FRIG! Frig, I hope you are reading this because I'm here singing your praises.

I've spoke with a world renowned artist. A great work of art will be on the opening page. But I'm not going to ruin the surprise. You will love the art; I guarantee it. There are other surprises in store and a host of great interviews lined up. May will prove to be our most exciting month yet.

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Mission/Vision Statement

Our mission is:

To empower and assist in creating opportunities for disabled artists and craft persons within the community who have become economically disadvantaged, whether by physical, mental illness, or are living with the after affects of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault, and to market these artisans' works utilizing the principles of Fair Trade.

To assist in insuring a living wage for people in order for them to procure safety, housing, food, medication and education.

To teach necessary skills to achieve the goals of Artful Abilities or connect the person with a like minded organization to teach them the necessary skills.

To create a network of support for disabled and abused women or to direct them to like minded organizations.

To encourage those associated with Artful Abilities to utilize products such as yarn, fabric, or paper (not limited to these items) made through Fair Trade in their creations. This is to encourage co-operation with women in the larger global community to empower not only women 'in their own backyard', so to speak, but also to those in the third world.

(The long term goal is to be a 501c3)

Recomended Links for Artisans

The following is a list which we suggest that artisans associated with Artful Abilities and like minded individuals utilize in the making of their artful creations.

Be Sweet Creates jobs for women to assist them in earning a living wage. Already they have made donations from their proceeds to their local high school thus empowering even more people.

Their specialty is The Magic Ball. These balls of yarn are composed of several different fibers and strands including, mohair, strands of ribbon, eyelash, etc... The link below will help you find their website so you can find a yarn shop near you that carries the Be Sweet product line. http://www.besweetproducts.com/products.php

Manos of Uruguay- Literally "the hands of Uruguay is a cooperative" which was formed to bring economic and opportunities to women. The yarn is handspun and kettle-dyed over wood fires. Manos of Uruguay yarn can be found in many yarn stores throughout the United States. If you are having trouble locating it in your area, goggle it and you will be certain to find this delightful yarn.

Malabrigo Yarns from Uruguay is another cooperative of women from Uruguay. Malabrigo Yarns has developed a line of hand painted yarns with lovely colors and a unique softness. It too is available in many yarn stores and easily available on the net..

Mango Moon supports the NGO Organization N-WEG goals to help women who have been rescued from abusive situations. The women who come to the shelter use their spinning and knitting skills to rebuild their lives, while caring for their children. Proceeds from the sale of their goods help to provide a safe shelter, health care, education and the dignity of financial independence. http://www.mangomoonyarns.com/

Oomingmak - Musk Ox Producers' Cooperative http://www.qiviut.com/

This co-op is owned by Native Alaskan women from various remote regions in Alaska. They sell rare quivet yarn. The yarn is acquired in the spring when the Arctic musk ox naturally shed. This availability of this rare fiber may be available as wool at certain times of the year. At other times, click on their fiber/yarn tab on their site and you can buy it in their cap kit. Of course you make anything you want with this "cashmere of the north". The yarn is natural in color and similar to wools nature in being comfortable to wear on cool days in a warm climate as they are in chilly weather. Unlike wool, Qiviut eight times warmer than wool and is not scratchy, will not shrink in any temperature of water. It can be hand-washed in any mild detergent. This is a green product!

ByFaithOnly

The following is found at Faith's site: Christian music, bible studies, and inspiration. She also offers home business opportunities, free graphics, recipes, geneology information, and much more.