Featured Artist From Etsy "monkeyminddesign09"

1. Name and a little background information about you and what do you sell in your shop.

My name is Anita Ashfield-Salter.

I have been a graphic designer for 13 years in the advertising agency world. I recently left my job to pursue my new venture. It was time to get back to my roots. I love design, paper and making things with my hands. It's been two months and I love it! I hope to create designs that are positive, inspiring and fun.

2. When and how did you get started in your craft?
At an early age art was my passion. It was very clear the path I was supposed to take. I also graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. Of course, years of experience in print give me an advantage. And as I mentioned, I love paper and printing!

3. Could you explain a little how is your creative process?
I love to window shop and look at installations for inspiration. I take in color combinations and styles. Anthropologie is a perfect place to lose yourself visually. Then an idea pops up and I get to work. But I usually end up with something totally different than what I started with. And I am my own hardest critic and hardest client to please.

4. How long have you been selling your craft?
I have only been selling for two months. And trying to learn as much as I can as fast as I can. I also started selling my cards and calendars at the same time at a boutique gift shop in my neighborhood.

5. Do you have a favorite item from your store and why?

More Than Words Calendar - It was a major decision to leave my job and pursue happiness and a dream. I needed encouragement and inspiration. I spent many hours trying to find the right quotes with courage and change in mind. When I am having self doubt... I read the quotes. I am proud of myself and hope to encourage others to pursue their dreams.

6. What do you want to achive from Etsy?

Happiness doing what I love... and one day the pay day to go with it. I give everything I do 120% and do it with heart and soul. I hope it shows in my work.

7. Where else can we find you?

Twitter: http://twitter.com/monkeymindesign

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Monkey-Mind-Design/264507218759?ref=ts
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/monkeyminddesign09

Fresh from my sewing machine because LOVE IS IN THE AIR

I have been very busy making heart-shaped pillows for Valentine's Day. Handmade entirely by me. They can be perfect as a gift to your love one or just to yourself. I'll be making MORE!!!! You can find them here

The Cutest Fashion Trends In The Pet World

For many of us a pet is a family member. They are so special and they love us unconditionally. For some people having a pet well dressed is very important too. I think they are cute even in their own skin but having them dressed is the cutest thing ever. Today I want to show you exclusive pet fashion handmade by talented independent artists from Etsy.

Heavenly Emperor Dog Coat SM

http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopKCQ

Love Bug Valentine Dress

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gilesk

Shades Of Pink Princess Bling Dog Tutu and Matching Hair Bow

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ProperPuppy

Valentine Hollywood Glamour Mini Hat

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ToScarboroughFair

Eco Dog Coat - Pink Cocoa Brown

http://www.etsy.com/shop/anniessweatshop

Polar Fleece Dobersnood

http://www.etsy.com/shop/COZYHORSE

Dog Hoodie with Zipper with your choice of Crystal Designs

http://www.etsy.com/shop/miascloset

Funky Tie Dye Pet Tee Size Small

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HiddenEnigma

Pet Hat - Monster

http://www.etsy.com/shop/xmoonbloom

Turquoise and Chartreuse Clover Dog Trenchcoat with Matching Headband

http://www.etsy.com/shop/YoungUrbanPuppy

Your favorite dress - POLLpigeon.com

Good morning!!!!
I just created a new poll to know which one is your favorite dress.
I wish you a great and creative day!


Your favorite dress - POLLpigeon.com

Posted using ShareThis

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Now love is in the air and here are my suggestions for you:

Super sexy shrugs:

Home Decor:

You can find them

www.muapurses.etsy.com

www.chuletindesigns.etsy.com

Pirata will be forever in my heart.

This is the story of a mixed breed Cuban dog named Pirata, or Pirate.
He was born on March 21, 2003, along with five other beautiful dogs. His parents were Blanquita and Negrito, two street dogs who lived in our neighborhood in Tarara, east of Havana. They enjoyed the kindness of those who lived and worked there. They ate good food (for Cuban dogs) and slept on the porches of the houses occupied by foreigners.
Blanquita was nicest, most friendly and most cheerful of all the members of the dog clan. The expression on her face always looked like a smile and she’d wag her tail, telling you she was happy to see you. When we noticed that she was pregnant, we tried to keep her at home to look after her, but all was in vain. Even with her big belly and just days from giving birth to puppies, her free spirit didn’t hold her back and she jumped our fence and escaped.
When she finally decided to have her dogs, she found a hiding place in our yard. We didn’t know where she was. After searching all day throughout the neighborhood, we heard some sounds coming from the bushes in the yard. What a surprise! They were Blanquita’s new pups. The six puppies were beautiful, so tiny !!!!!!

We took the dogs into our house so nothing would happen to them outside, and Blanquita later joined them. They grew into beautiful and healthy dogs. Soon many people approached us to ask about the dogs and we gave away four of them to friends. We were left Pirata and a second dog we called Rosita.
Pirata became a beautiful and big dog, weighing 55 pounds. Rosita was a bit smaller, but she was beautiful, too.

Pirata was the boss of the pair and whenever someone came to the house he had to go and say hello and he always wanted to get all the attention. Rosita is a smart and sweet dog. The two dogs were very playful and always together. They shared thousands of moments of joy together. They gave me so much joy and unforgettable moments. In 2005 I moved to the U.S. and left them temporarily with my parents, hoping that some day we could be together. My plan was about to become reality, that was my goal.
A few days ago, Pirata suddenly died. Knowing this has caused me deep pain. He was like a child to me, and so was Rosita. My plan remains the same, but now only Rosita will be coming to live with me and my husband.
To achieve this dream, all the money from the sales at my three shops will be assigned to a fund to pay travel and other expenses for Rosita.

Here are my stores:

http://www.chuletindesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.muapurses.etsy.com/

http://www.patternparadise.etsy.com/

Esta es la historia de un perro sato cubano, llamado Pirata.
Nacio un dia 21 de marzo del 2003 junto con otros 5 bellos perritos. Sus padres Negrito y Blanquita, perros de la calle, que vivian en nuestro vecindario (Tarara, al este de la Habana), gozaban de la bondad de los que vivian y trabajaban ahi. Comian buenas comidas (para ser perros cubanos) y dormian en los portales de las casas habitadas por extranjeros.
Blanquita era la perra mas simpatica, amistosa y alegre de todo el clan perruno. Tenia la exprsion de estar siempre sonriendo y con solo ver su cola sabias que estaba feliz de verte. Cuando notamos que estba embarazada tatamos de retenerla en la casa para cuidarla, pero todo fue en vano, incluso con la barriga grande y casi al parir su espiritu de perra libre la hacia saltar la cerca para escapar.
Cuando ella decidio tener sus perritos busco un lugar apropiado y escondido en nuestro jardin. Despues de buscarla por todo el dia por el barrio, oimos unos sonidos que venia del jardin. Que sorpresa!!!! Eran los nuevos cachorros que habian nacido. Eran 6 hermosos cachorritos, tan chiquitos!!!!!!
En un descuido de Blanquita mudamos los perritos para dentro de la casa y ella mas tarde se les unio. Desde muy pequenitos estabamos al tanto de su salud y crecieron unos bellos y saludables perritos. Pronto mucha gente se nos acerco para pedirnos los perritos y asi fue como los fuimos regalando a amigos y nos quedamos solo con Pirata y Rosita.
Pirata se convirtio en un perro hermoso y grande que llego a pesar 55lb y Rosita un poco mas pequena.
Pirata de los dos se creia el jefe y siempre que venia alguien a la casa tenia que ir a saludar y siempre queria recibir toda la atencion. Rosita es una perra mas inteligente y dulce. Los dos eran perros muy juguetones y siempre estan juntos. Compartieron miles de experiencias y alegrias juntos. Me dieron tantas alegrias y momentos inolvidables. En 2005 yo me mude para E.U y los deje a ellos temporalmente con mis padres, esperando que algun dia pudieramos estar juntos. Mi plan de traerlos estaba casi haciendose realidad, ese era mi objetivo.
Hace unos dias Pirata de repente murio, saberlo me ha causado un profundo dolor, el era para mi como un hijo, al igual que Rosita. Mi plan sigue en pie, solo que ahora vendra solo Rosita.
Para lograr mi objetivo todo el dinero de las ventas de mis tres tiendas sera destinado a un fondo para pagar los gastos para poder hacer realidad este sueno.

Aqui estan mis tiendas:

www.chuletindesigns.etsy.com

www.muapurses.etsy.com

www.patternparadise.etsy.com

My adorables children

I want to introduce today my two adorable children, Pirata and Rosita. They are the result of many mixture of breeds, their parents were street dogs. Pirate and Rosita are living with my parents in Cuba. My house is filled with pictures of them everywhere. There is one day that they do not remember. I miss them a lot!!!!

Hoy quiereo presentarles a mis dos adorables hijos, Pirata y Rosita. Ellos son el resultado de muchas mezclas de razas. Sus padres era perros que vivian en la calle. Pirata y Rosita viven ahora con mis padres en Cuba. Mi casa esta llena de fotos de ellos por dondequiera. No hay un dia que nos los recuerde. Los extrano tanto!!!!

How to help Cubans hurricane victims???

I found this in the Miami Herald:

How to help hurricane victims
Posted on Thu, Sep. 11, 2008
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Donate cash and supplies online at redcross.org. Mail donations should go to American Red Cross, Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.
FEED THE CHILDREN
Donations can be made at feedthechildren.org. Mail donations to Feed The Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0036.
FOOD FOR THE POOR
Donate cash and supplies at foodforthepoor.org or by phone at 800-487-1158. Mail donations to Food For The Poor, 6401 Lyons Rd. Dept. 9662, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.
OPERATION HELPING HANDS
The United Way of Miami-Dade and The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald have activated Operation Helping Hands to help storm victims. Donate online at http://www.unitedwaymiami.org/ or send a check payable to Operation Helping Hands, c/o United Way of Miami-Dade, P.O. Box #459007, Miami, FL 33245-9007.
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI'S PROJECT MEDISHARE
Donations can be mailed to Project Medishare for Haiti, Inc., 8260 NE Second Ave., Miami, FL 33138
CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION, 11173 Griffing Blvd., Biscayne Park, FL 33161, is collecting clothing and shoes for men, women and children; toiletries; and nonperishable goods.
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI
Drop off canned food donations for Haiti. Locations are:
St. James Catholic Church, 540 NW 132nd St., North Miami, 33168
Holy Family Catholic Church, 14500 NE 11th Ave., North Miami, 33161
Notre Dame D' Haiti Mission, 110 NE 62nd St., Miami, 33138
St. Joseph Haitian Mission, 1210 NW Sixth Ave., Pompano Beach, 33060
FOR CUBA
Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Cubana have licenses to provide aid to the island. CRS is taking donations online at crs.org. The code is 2770-1284. Mail donations to PO Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090, or by phone at 888-277-7575.
JEWISH SOLIDARITY
Make donations out to Jewish Solidarity, and mail to Jewish Solidarity, 100 Beacom Blvd., Miami, FL 33135. These donations are tax deductible.
THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY
Mail food or money to Daughters of Charity, 500 NW 63rd Ave., Miami, FL 33126. Priority items: powdered milk, evaporated milk, canned vienna sausages, black and red beans in packages not cans, lentils in packages, cooking oil. GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION
Is collecting donations to support relief efforts in Cuba and Haiti. Individuals can make contributions online by visiting the Federation's website, http://www.jewishmiami.org/, by calling the Federation offices at 305-576-4000, or by mailing checks with the notation ''Hurricane Ike Disaster Relief,'' payable to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, 4200 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33137.
CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION
Has a new license granted by the federal government to send money to hurricane victims. All tax-deductible donations to CANF's hurricane relief Cuba project should be made out to the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba, with a notation on the check for ''hurricane relief for Cuba.'' Checks can be sent to 1312 SW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33145.

The pictures are from AFP

Helping Cuban People!!!!!!

As a Cuban I feel the desperation of thousands of people who have lost their homes through the 3 hurricanes, Fay, Gustav and Ike, that have so far beaten to Cuba. The images are devastating, not much need to see how the Cuban people that suffer because of this.

The UN estimates the cost of the damage at between $3bn-$4bn.

That's why during the month of September to 50% of all sales of my stores in Etsy will be donated to Cubans who have been affected by the strong impact of nature.

You also can make a direct donations at:

-http://www.staugustine-baracoa.org/office/donation.htm

-Jewish Solidarity is accepting check donations to the attention of Maricusa, 100 Beacom Blvd., Miami, FL, 33135. Check should be marked "Humanitarian Relief."

-Catholic Charities/Caritas Cubanas is accepting check donations made out to Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090. Checks should be marked "For Cuba Gustav Relief.

-"The Daughters of Charity is accepting food donations at 500 NW 63rd Ave. in Miami. Needed items include powdered and evaporated milk, canned hot dogs and packaged red beans, lentils and black beans.

Como una cubana que soy siento la desesperacion de miles de personas que han perdido sus casas a traves de los 3 huracanes, Fay, Gustav e Ike que hasta ahora han golpeado a Cuba. Las imagenes son desoladoras, no necesitan de mucho para ver como el pueblo cubano esta sufriendo por este motivo. Es por eso que durante el mes de septiembre el 50% de todas las ventas de mis tiendas en Etsy sera donado para los cubanos que han sido afectados por el fuerte impacto de la naturaleza.

Tambien puedes hacer una donacion directa aqui:

-http://www.staugustine-baracoa.org/office/donation.htm
-Jewish Solidarity 100 Beacom Blvd., Miami, FL, 33135. Check should be marked "Humanitarian Relief."
-Catholic Charities/Caritas Cubanas is accepting check donations made out to Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090. Checks should be marked "For Cuba Gustav Relief.
-"The Daughters of Charity is accepting food donations at 500 NW 63rd Ave. in Miami. Needed items include powdered and evaporated milk, canned hot dogs and packaged red beans, lentils and black beans.

More pictures

http://www.juventudrebelde.cu/cuba/2008-09-09/imagenes-de-los-estragos-de-ike-a-su-paso-por-territorio-cubano/