tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87672945350224866842024-03-05T18:26:32.236-05:00Bamboo VillageThe story of a crafter, a small village in rural Sichuan China, and the educational fund we've started to keep kids there in school and out of sweatshops.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-18851280710657771482009-12-03T15:24:00.010-05:002009-12-03T17:02:21.120-05:00wohm, wip and wwt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcRQguuH5UcRnVxCJ8QZ5PTsyui4s4zPTwy4TTpeuzb5lBH01cZHFBmdZ-gNRUWCkfzzaiYC9MOt0K0-G6d8Qte3TUpHeJ_brxHZLI6kfWqo7FR6bdqdAne1WQfzOamSGqZkwn0wNjkM/s1600-h/DSCN2397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcRQguuH5UcRnVxCJ8QZ5PTsyui4s4zPTwy4TTpeuzb5lBH01cZHFBmdZ-gNRUWCkfzzaiYC9MOt0K0-G6d8Qte3TUpHeJ_brxHZLI6kfWqo7FR6bdqdAne1WQfzOamSGqZkwn0wNjkM/s320/DSCN2397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411132419371716914" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">wohm:</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">work out of home mom</span></span><br /><br /></div>I'm discovering that my days of re-developing Bamboo Village are shaping into a somewhat predictable flow... and that flow simply consists of 5-minute bursts of time in which to get things done. Maybe if it was summer, it would be easier - I'd be able to open the back door and release these little hooligans into the yard. For now, it's Pacific Northwest winter, which means chilly, often rainy weather, and since my boys are to a large extent still crawlers, I can't really send them out into the elements so easily. I am bound by their needs and attention spans (as all parents are!), and this means my time to focus and concentrate is very limited.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">wwt:<br />working with toddlers</span><br /><br /></div>My workspace is in our living room - susceptible to hands with a taller and taller reach, which means I have to do a lot of stacking and remembering where I left things. For now, I'm bound by the limitations imposed by my mama-to-twin-toddler status and the cash-flow realities of a single, stay-at-home mom. Not that I'm complaining - it's working, and I'm getting into the swing... I just figure if I'm going to blog and tell you my story, I might as well be real about it! I honestly don't know how other parents working from home do it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuXh7Nc0WWMBZRoBBqVk-_cfGXvpn5az0JR3QX7VZHxX0LIQdyC-G14ptqOl1nTytHCa_iLGxKMgDa6uRXmRkqUSWJpN5vwQiXsuBcoUHxY4FSrt48CSyWzNg2gMMQ1G25HhYRMsLHqE/s1600-h/desk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuXh7Nc0WWMBZRoBBqVk-_cfGXvpn5az0JR3QX7VZHxX0LIQdyC-G14ptqOl1nTytHCa_iLGxKMgDa6uRXmRkqUSWJpN5vwQiXsuBcoUHxY4FSrt48CSyWzNg2gMMQ1G25HhYRMsLHqE/s320/desk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411119079399088594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">my desk.<br />i finally got a bookshelf that now stands next to my workspace so i can get things a little more organized. </span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">wip:<br />work in progress<br /><br /></span></span></div>Given this environment, it's been challenging to 1) come up with new ideas, and 2) bring the ones I have been able to dream up into production. I have been working on some new things, though, and I'm pretty excited about them!<br /><br />I am developing a line of eco-friendly kitchen linens, and one project I've long had in mind is a design to print on produce bags. I'm about halfway there - I've got one of the papercuts designed and cut, and it's this papercut that will serve as the main silk screen. I've got two I'm working on: one for veggie bags, and one for fruits.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG8tqiDs1l3llSPJzmo0f7VOFGTZCUFShkefIEMv40RyB9b4enJRqm6haTMbrSgQ9bQcu2Lo_0qSo9sA1FqpYgrHezzZ-vboXPTuc3FylmyTu-ChQTGTydW3_VprXhTfTX7VBP5hSklg/s1600-h/est+your+veggies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG8tqiDs1l3llSPJzmo0f7VOFGTZCUFShkefIEMv40RyB9b4enJRqm6haTMbrSgQ9bQcu2Lo_0qSo9sA1FqpYgrHezzZ-vboXPTuc3FylmyTu-ChQTGTydW3_VprXhTfTX7VBP5hSklg/s320/est+your+veggies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411127706357081186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">eat your veggies detail<br /></span></span></div><br />I've got a new silk screen burned and fully in the process of development of a new print and Moleskine design. I hope this one will make people as happy as it makes me: it's a lovely papercut showing children at a panda exhibit at a zoo... maybe it's even the Panda Preserve in Sichuan? Either way, it's a sweet image, and I think it would be a great gift for a mom, a babysitter or teacher... a sister... or just for the love of pandas and general cuteness. It's going to be a pretty special design, and I'm particularly excited that I'll be offering it on those hot new Moleskine cahiers in deep red and midnight blue. Stunning! Here's a little bit of detail from one of my test prints:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wJFGz-uvDlby5mkZ1T5EXsRXmmDtgXp6K2a7_SdOAgi5PmWF4Ps8gKjZXOUiULQc8hX9P3DM_sfTrI0QVgaMXerkK_jrMJJbRkO8qrD7afE4Gd-6pRxvHbd_VxohEjE1hEkf1B2VZLk/s1600-h/pandas+papercut+detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wJFGz-uvDlby5mkZ1T5EXsRXmmDtgXp6K2a7_SdOAgi5PmWF4Ps8gKjZXOUiULQc8hX9P3DM_sfTrI0QVgaMXerkK_jrMJJbRkO8qrD7afE4Gd-6pRxvHbd_VxohEjE1hEkf1B2VZLk/s320/pandas+papercut+detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411127699990071138" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, here's a shot of my pretties all finished and organized. Oh, how I love and adore things that are orderly --- I've never been a very tidy person, but wow, I really value it now that I have extra small people wanderig around! Just the sight of all these cello bags makes me happy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-THIaA4sjgkOvMLOHNu68KOgeOmhHstr6OWLu8eX3o1usyxJ6Qok6hT4-Xsl_dQM7aB-VJsyfOGVD_umppdeOoNjSGne2zZhzIDjzl6osWpikU3iNZowwvUsUx0YG_IhZ303izTx8oo/s1600-h/DSCN2398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-THIaA4sjgkOvMLOHNu68KOgeOmhHstr6OWLu8eX3o1usyxJ6Qok6hT4-Xsl_dQM7aB-VJsyfOGVD_umppdeOoNjSGne2zZhzIDjzl6osWpikU3iNZowwvUsUx0YG_IhZ303izTx8oo/s320/DSCN2398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411132426192848066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hope you're having a nice early December! Stay tuned for weekly specials, new discoveries from Etsy and 1000 Markets, and more.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-62466124920979794102009-11-27T16:49:00.006-05:002009-11-27T17:14:05.473-05:00New Venue!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1000markets.com/users/bamboovillage"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW2cMAVYXY2tfAeUdwtI22MfUrqJyaQmdis9QxLEmL87eMTa0Yt76fQrAhXjUZwZJebmb4xQRG7DHJaE1DrSFv9k0cpadwdfv2rkIwtUurBaA7yHu2v8mFEhYRuOpKVWBxlSTWXN84kY/s320/1000markets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408904138573372226" border="0" /></a><br />Bamboo Village now has one new place you can find us -- for US customers only (for now), please check us out at <a href="http://www.1000markets.com/users/bamboovillage">1000markets.com</a>!<br /><br />I'm really excited about trying this venue. Here's a description:<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Our passion is supporting small, artisan businesses as they deliver small-scale authenticity to appreciative customers. The end result, a work in progress, we call The Artisan Experience™ on 1000 Markets, and it’s our vision for the boutique, art-filled, authentic shopping experience you’ve dreamed of. </blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In the weeks ahead, I'll be adding special designs just for this shop - specifically, items that have been prohibitive for me to send abroad. I'll be bringing back my popular etched glass pieces with Chinese characters such as "love," "peace," and "joy." There will be some new designs based on traditional papercuts, and who knows... maybe even some Gocco!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVcZJWj7wiJJXfXAlQPp9ecOOwoLMC7JNhTmWbUmzOaWkLhDU04XjR3hyphenhyphenwJ-DbHBNNh2EZZqRgH-1Q3D_1DGhbPctu8vV_xqXqQKTAtjqWsooSgdEKulmivrjx50hZ_F71OGdw_SbyV8/s1600/peaceful+pitcher1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVcZJWj7wiJJXfXAlQPp9ecOOwoLMC7JNhTmWbUmzOaWkLhDU04XjR3hyphenhyphenwJ-DbHBNNh2EZZqRgH-1Q3D_1DGhbPctu8vV_xqXqQKTAtjqWsooSgdEKulmivrjx50hZ_F71OGdw_SbyV8/s320/peaceful+pitcher1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408906030598844322" border="0" /></a>What a nice way to celebrate my birthday today - with a grand opening! Through Monday 11/30, use the code <span style="font-weight: bold;">1000MARKETSBV </span>in any purchase over $15 and receive a free <a href="http://www.1000markets.com/users/bamboovillage/products/108673">Ancient Compass Moleskine</a>!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-40210350314239842482009-11-20T12:01:00.003-05:002009-11-20T13:03:47.696-05:00BUMP!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTlTiZktTflsD3N7jLoFWy3XvBzg2V9XjwT5ANC0eQreY6s1gpTgaFODOtfqgJFC_xOTUWi2y9iJH02WWoDe7Rp6FMeMNU5Ns28vWUxmDZIaBlJPl8ty5FHKY1s0kQpwPtldIC9PntRg/s1600/Etsy++The+Storque++Spotlight++Etsy+Finds+Destination+Unknown+-+Mozilla+Firefox+11202009+85913+AM.bmp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTlTiZktTflsD3N7jLoFWy3XvBzg2V9XjwT5ANC0eQreY6s1gpTgaFODOtfqgJFC_xOTUWi2y9iJH02WWoDe7Rp6FMeMNU5Ns28vWUxmDZIaBlJPl8ty5FHKY1s0kQpwPtldIC9PntRg/s400/Etsy++The+Storque++Spotlight++Etsy+Finds+Destination+Unknown+-+Mozilla+Firefox+11202009+85913+AM.bmp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406244315207006434" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday was one of my best <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BambooVillagePress">Etsy</a> days ever. After doing some digging, I discovered that my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34875875">Cricket Notecards</a> were featured in Etsy's email newsletter "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-destination-unknown-5965/">Etsy Finds</a>". This is how it happened that I had 500 visitors to my shop yesterday!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34875875"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihWhi7IeKKlHiSpvUgN8tlwLVsuDscYBnPCCTsxYhHEoVcwJ7HqKtMnEeHBJqk6L8U7DzaMGWh5ffkew3Amf5SD0K0y9imSM2NuoQo3tg3JNuOYp_lJbaR3CD4CC2y7e4Ak1XIvHTuVo/s400/Etsy++The+Storque++Spotlight++Etsy+Finds+Destination+Unknown+-+Mozilla+Firefox+11202009+85929+AM.bmp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406244320333603826" border="0" /></a>You can read the full article and view items in four different international groups <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-destination-unknown-5965/">here</a>.<br /><br />Congratulations, my little cricket, and THANK YOU to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=34590">Emily Bidwell</a> for selecting one of my items.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-47038302630052539852009-11-16T12:10:00.005-05:002009-11-16T12:26:51.509-05:00a rose by any other nameLast week, the lovely <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/meiguidesigns">Mei Gui Designs</a> featured my "love" notebook in her gray-themed treasury. It's always so sweet to get a little note in my Etsy conversations letting me know that one of my items has been picked for a Treasury. It's a great way to discover new artists and get to know other Etsians.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa6c9WLBPvGUFenDIifFLDpEOA5YxWqUh4jfbhJ0JZG977woXCI8fVmPxtHMzT0q_r_ya5MYbRD3iuQfdWM9xQhBeRYbjXPAK48b8jFiaCWce8jM1zVfBXiXqKfamx0r9TGq6gy1tMYY/s1600/Etsy+Treasury+-+The+MOCKINGBIRDS+and+the+QUEEN+-+Mozilla+Firefox+11132009+71612+PM.bmp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa6c9WLBPvGUFenDIifFLDpEOA5YxWqUh4jfbhJ0JZG977woXCI8fVmPxtHMzT0q_r_ya5MYbRD3iuQfdWM9xQhBeRYbjXPAK48b8jFiaCWce8jM1zVfBXiXqKfamx0r9TGq6gy1tMYY/s320/Etsy+Treasury+-+The+MOCKINGBIRDS+and+the+QUEEN+-+Mozilla+Firefox+11132009+71612+PM.bmp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404752319404822850" border="0" /></a>Meigui is the Chinese word for "rose" so I knew right away that we'd have this - interest in China - in common. Then I discovered her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/meiguidesigns">shop</a> - wow! - what a great collection of jewelry. Her prices are a total steal for such lovely pieces.<br /><br />Julie is the brains behind Meigui Designs, and is mama to two daughters adopted from China. Maybe one day it will be my turn to adopt from the country that has meant so much to me, but for now, I'm just so moved by the families that have pursued adoption. Way back many lifetimes ago, I lived and worked at an orphanage in the Amazon region of Brazil, and those children made such a cellular impression on me. Would that every single child in this world would have a family to call their own. What a crime that this is not the case.<br /><br />I will definitely be supporting MeiGui Designs. I particularly like these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32978476">October Again earrings</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_430xN.97326475.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 394px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_430xN.97326475.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Thanks, Julie - so nice to meet you and discover your shop!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-25237380320733380582009-11-06T22:45:00.001-05:002009-11-06T22:46:49.633-05:00new this week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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New to Bamboo Village Press this week, I'm excited to announce I finally have a PDF version of my popular iron-on transfers of various styles of papercuts. I figured for those of you who are savvy enough on the computer, you might enjoy being able to print these beauties at whim, using them in any crafty application that strikes your fancy. So far, we have the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33952179">acrobat girls</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33891984">pagodas and Chinese girls</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33891353">phoenixes and dragons</a>.<br />
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I am also slowing gathering up my collection of Asian fabrics to offer through the shop. I've added a really cool Robert Kaufman print that comes in both <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33890084">black</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33890467">red</a>, some really cute, kitschy China doll prints (photos below) that will be up this weekend, a Kona Bay dragon fabric that's now out of print, more silk brocades, and some unique Japanese fabric in a l<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=6108687">ovely goldenrod yellow</a> that I particularly love. I'm getting low on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5078973&search_query=brocade">brocade</a> yardage, so get it while you still can! Wow, seeing that all listed, I'm amazed at what I've gotten done!<br />
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Finally, I'm particularly happy to say I've added one of my own prints - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33960715">the double happiness fish</a> is back, this time in the form of small-scale prints. I posted about the process of making them here. These beauties are a limited edition print - I used all of the gorgeous, nubbly handmade paper we had on hand for this print run.<br />
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</div>Thanks as always for your interest and support!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-29500935991126613732009-11-03T22:07:00.000-05:002009-11-03T22:07:21.235-05:00November Special!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHXxA63lVspks5EFriGn9XLN5a_9UeTYLASBMYSELMWLHB359haW6B6h8TyrceaBAHoEIMpvQlijFF7sMk0abI-5u05Z_6r3_z9zHvYttO_Qek1_dEmlrVk2KRDQtCTTyRCP1A5gdvGs/s1600-h/orange+maple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHXxA63lVspks5EFriGn9XLN5a_9UeTYLASBMYSELMWLHB359haW6B6h8TyrceaBAHoEIMpvQlijFF7sMk0abI-5u05Z_6r3_z9zHvYttO_Qek1_dEmlrVk2KRDQtCTTyRCP1A5gdvGs/s320/orange+maple.jpg" /></a><br />
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As a Thanksgiving baby, I'm partial to November. The leaves, the crisp autumn air, the possibility of a first snow, setting aside time for experiencing deep wells of gratitude, seeing family, and eating great food. It's a lovely month.<br />
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This year, I kicked off by deciding to participate in NaBloPoMo on my family blog, and then was delightedly surprised yesterday when I was contacted by the sharp-eyed design blogger Gay, who wrote to tell me that she'd included my hand printed <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33352062">Cricket Moleskine</a> in <a href="http://idreamedisaw.blogspot.com/2009/11/quit-buggin-me.html">her latest post</a>. If you haven't come across <a href="http://idreamedisaw.blogspot.com/">I Dreamed I Saw</a> before, be sure to check it out. Her themed posts cover beautiful, diverse, and whimsical designs - it's a great place to get inspired about holiday shopping or simply to get lost in the strange beauty she shares with her readers.<br />
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Then this evening I sat down at the computer (to finish this post!) and found out that the lovely Katie of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EdensWake">EdensWake</a> included my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10074272">"Love" linen notebook</a> in her stunning <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=91560">Treasury</a>. What a cool shop Katie has! She makes fancy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27548418">purses</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32617126">accessories</a>, and in a nice bit of synchronicity, her sister (like <a href="http://ouou.etsy.com/">mine</a>) also has a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rocketsciencestyle">shop</a>.<br />
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<div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Special!!</b></span><br />
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I was working on getting some items back in the shop this morning (think Happiness Fish Towels and Phoenix Iron-Ons!), and decided that I'd<span id="goog_1257287045905"></span><span id="goog_1257287045906"></span> put <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BambooVillagePress?section_id=5080802">the whole Papercut Section on Special</a> this month. I'm excited to offer free US domestic shipping on everything from this section! Enjoy!!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-15890376248849522182009-10-29T22:25:00.000-04:002009-10-29T22:25:42.987-04:00working it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEDOOpeTsliybUGiVsz1fmhS20-TElYS0DF1bfoEWTsCTiPTyxKjZEmlY4od7xLhB5OOKwrSMuegPzqB1jUMiJmxpWOBQr9bZbb9ArF2VDyRGgTyY09XTsUCMihx93MpCDaEbgStENbA/s1600-h/gocco+amidst+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEDOOpeTsliybUGiVsz1fmhS20-TElYS0DF1bfoEWTsCTiPTyxKjZEmlY4od7xLhB5OOKwrSMuegPzqB1jUMiJmxpWOBQr9bZbb9ArF2VDyRGgTyY09XTsUCMihx93MpCDaEbgStENbA/s320/gocco+amidst+toys.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Today, instead of spending the day wondering how to fit things in, I just sort of did it. This meant no down time when the twins were napping, and it meant an extra messy kitchen by late afternoon, but I got some solid things done!<br />
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I made my weekly trip to the post office to send Etsy mail out. I found the designs I'm going to print in a second print run and got them Xeroxed - this is one of the steps fors screen printing with a Gocco printer. Rather than spending the time required to clear myself a work space on the kitchen table (which is currently half-occupied by a baby blanket I'm making), I set up on the floor amidst all the toys and burned two silk screens. I also didn't manage to get it all put away before Max woke up, so he had a few brief moments of Gocco fun before I swooped in and moved my precious printer. <br />
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</div>This weekend I'll be prepping to screen some double happiness fish kitchen towels. Hooray!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-15639658114746801252009-10-27T15:56:00.000-04:002009-10-27T15:56:45.843-04:00balance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMxUQfggOTE_NpOPi8iCBLW03pMC4_4MrRj3pbbXkTJ8g-Y-8flPXHDYGt4yebNPPT89wNjF6utnTJfB6GotYC9YstQSzzh5wovELyYasgliO2LqHiF6DOIFyrNdA4rBBqs6sWC_-0OA/s1600-h/brocade+red1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMxUQfggOTE_NpOPi8iCBLW03pMC4_4MrRj3pbbXkTJ8g-Y-8flPXHDYGt4yebNPPT89wNjF6utnTJfB6GotYC9YstQSzzh5wovELyYasgliO2LqHiF6DOIFyrNdA4rBBqs6sWC_-0OA/s200/brocade+red1.jpg" /></a>Ah, the days of leisurely photographing and editing, thinking calmly about blog post content and product development in the shop... they are long gone! As the mother of twin toddlers (soon to be 15 months old!), I am always hungry, tired, on the run, and juggling a thousand things that need to get done. It's not a complaint - I love my life! Finding time and creative energy is a challenge, though.<br />
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I've been slowly re-introducing prints, cards, Moleskines, Asian fabrics, and other Bamboo Village favorites over the last 3 weeks. As I write, I'm sitting on a bed strewn with luscious silks and lovely cottons, all whispering to me their desired projects.<br />
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I know many of you are also busy crafters, always looking for small breaks in the bustle to get your crafting groove on. How do you do it? What are your tips and tricks for being creatively-driven amidst the daily grind? How do you self-employed folks with littles get anything done?<br />
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Looking forward to your inspiring tales!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-64565779706549323892009-04-17T22:44:00.002-04:002009-04-17T22:55:57.647-04:00Maternity LeaveHello! Nimen Hao! It's been months on top of months since I've posted anything here, but I wanted to brush off the old Bamboo Village blog, because I'm getting ready to come out of my maternity leave!<br /><br />I've been feeling rather disconnected from my former home in Sichuan, so it was very welcome this week that the team from NPR headed back to Chengdu. They've taken up blogging about their trip again, and you can read their <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/chengdu/">Chengdu Diary here</a>. I am very interested to follow their reports of how my dear Sichuanese are faring one year after the big earthquake.<br /><br />I'm not even sure if I will have any readers here anymore, but I'm going to try to start posting as much as I can. As you may or may not know, my status has changed since I last wrote: I'm now the proud and astonished mama to twin boys. They were born on the most auspicious of days: 8/8/08, and this month they are 8 months old. I figure a little Chinese luck would do me good as I venture out of the realm of Stay at Home mom and into that of Work From Home Mom. The focus of my writing here will probaby take on this theme as I pick up the pieces of this business and get it going again.<br /><br />Requests, ideas, feedback, advice - it's all welcome! Talk to you soon!!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-82396230395375479112008-07-09T18:58:00.003-04:002009-04-18T00:58:34.158-04:00child laborToday on <a href="http://www.theworld.org/">The World</a>, there was a segment discussing child labor. Specifically, they were talking about exactly the issue that we're trying to deal with at Bamboo Village Educational Fund: children dropping out of school in their early teens to become migrant workers. <a href="http://www.theworld.org/?q=node/19301">Click here</a> to read the transcript from today's broadcast. You can also check out their photo stream <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pritheworld/sets/72157606035139412/">here</a>.<br /><br />This also prompts me to stop procrastinating and let you know that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Zhang Lin has been accounted for</span>! Daniel just returned from China on Sunday.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-16429849364271447182008-06-11T15:11:00.004-04:002008-12-08T23:02:44.685-05:00More Sichuan Coverage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkW_-ilE3LKkuL5C5VkokGfkK3KKmDBS-0XhtG50frl6VCEz4TxYRz1zUBZuresIIxErL89YoB1HUWnGmwmEffwUBSSL20AywbjdOl7RW5mQ95gMm8BIu6GgDsNCzTxiHSC_YGhy3KY0/s1600-h/npr+totn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkW_-ilE3LKkuL5C5VkokGfkK3KKmDBS-0XhtG50frl6VCEz4TxYRz1zUBZuresIIxErL89YoB1HUWnGmwmEffwUBSSL20AywbjdOl7RW5mQ95gMm8BIu6GgDsNCzTxiHSC_YGhy3KY0/s320/npr+totn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210705147993912706" border="0" /></a><br />Today on <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91384560">Talk of the Nation</a>, they're interviewing NPR reporters who were actually in Sichuan when the earthquake struck.<br /><br />After 6pm Eastern time, they'll have it uploaded so you can listen to it. <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91384560">Here's the link.</a><br /><br />I've been looking for current blogs written by people on the ground in Sichuan, but am having a hard time finding any that are really talking about up-to-date issues. If anyone out there happens to have any links, I'd love it if you'd post them in the comments.<br /><br />Daniel is leaving tomorrow for his trip to Chengdu, and of course I'm just longing to be on the trip with him. I hope he'll be able to take a lot of photos, and beyond that, I hope that he'll be able to help in some way. Maybe he'll come back with some new ideas for Bamboo Village and how we might be able to help from here.<br /><br />Thank you for your comments - it really meant a lot to me, to feel like Bamboo Village is something more than just me posting random things about the Fund or the shop. I was also amazed yesterday to be contacted through Etsy by someone asking when the shop would be opening up again.<br /><br />I'm not yet sure when I will be able to get the shop back up. It involves quite a bit of space, and of course, the physical ability to run the shop properly. The twins are due sometime between September 5 and October 10, so that last 6 weeks is probably out, though <a href="http://everythinginblue.blogspot.com">my sister</a> has said she'd help me run the shop. I don't know... we're living out of boxes right now. Part of me really wants to get things rolling again, especially in light of current events in Sichuan. If anyone has any advice or ideas, I'd love to hear them!<br /><br />Finally, we still haven't located Zhang Lin. Daniel is going to make sure to track her family down while he's there, and he's carrying her scholarship money for the next school year with him. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-68994157823252631392008-06-03T20:44:00.005-04:002008-06-03T21:43:13.136-04:00Sichuan CallingI'm not sure that anyone's reading any more, but I figured I'd continue posting now and again, especially now that Sichuan is in the news daily.<br /><br />Daniel is going to visit this month, and this time I'll be staying in the US. It's hard to imagine what he'll see in our city of Chengdu and beyond... if I wasn't <a href="http://oneplustwoislove.blogspot.com/">22 weeks pregnant</a>, I'd probably be there already to help in the relief efforts. I'm actually thinking that once the boys are about 9 months old, I will head back. Despite my exposure to development issues around the world, never have I had the experience of a place I love being devastated the way Sichuan has. I think of my family and friends there constantly, and of how much there is to do to help my sisters and brothers there recover.<br /><br />We still haven't been able to reach Zhang Lin or her family - the phone number we had for her uncle (our primary contact) isn't working. It's quite troubling to think of her situation... Daniel will surely track her down when he's there later this month.<br /><br />Speaking of his trip, he wanted me to spread the word that he's going to hook up with some relief teams himself. He is taking small donations of money with him, which he will give directly to victims of the earthquake. He plans to take a photo of the recipients to send back here to those who make donations. You can contact me about this by email (bamboovillagepress AT gmail DOT com) if you're interested. He leaves in a week.<br /><br />Aside from our own feeble attempts to help, I wanted to also point out that there's <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/chengdu/">a blog about Chengdu</a> from NPR. It's very touching to read how these big names in NPR reporting have been moved by their experiences in Sichuan. I thought you might like to take a read as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/chengdu/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://media.npr.org/blogs/chengdu/chengdu_banner_2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-46156575591001837332008-05-13T10:28:00.004-04:002008-05-13T10:34:14.162-04:00Sichuan EarthquakeJust a quick post to say that our friends and family in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan have finally been accounted for. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to reach anyone in Da Miao Village yet. Zhang Lin's school is in the Western mountains of Sichuan, so of course I'm concerned for her safety in the wake of the terrible earthquake yesterday. My heart breaks to see familiar names of towns and cities affected and all of devastated faces on the news.<br /><br />As I learn more news, I'll keep you updated. Daniel is traveling to Sichuan in less than a month, one of his tasks being to bring Zhang Lin her second year of tuition funds. I'm sure he'll be able to reach the family and find out how everyone fared.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-73699129109637402882008-04-14T17:31:00.004-04:002008-04-14T17:59:38.929-04:00Changes AboundThe time came over the weekend for me to close up shop. We're moving in only 2 weeks, and the necessary packing, combined with the increased energy needs of this <a href="http://oneplustwoislove.blogspot.com/">pregnancy</a>, mean that I'm going to need every minute I can get.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2409195942_d5235c013f_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2409195942_d5235c013f_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Fortunately, here in Eastern PA, spring is in full force, which is a very cheery thing. Who doesn't love this season? Even with allergies (and I get hit hard), it's pure delight.<br /><br />When I lived in Chengdu, China, I looked forward to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bamboovillage/sets/72157600242127756/">green and wonder of spring</a> every year. Sadly, I didn't have the awesome camera I have now... I wish I could go back to capture all the incredible details. In just a few weeks, the rice paddies will be flooded and rice plants started in small corners of their muddy confines. Fresh veggies, including my favorite springtime treat, pea shoots, are already up and flourishing. The folks in rural Sichuan are no doubt busy with all the farm work that will carry them through spring, summer and fall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/508568800_a3910c3288.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/508568800_a3910c3288.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So, we'll see you from Portland in a few weeks! Thanks for your patience with the blog and the shop.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-59378034687148329262008-03-22T10:51:00.002-04:002008-03-22T10:57:58.594-04:00Happy News!With the total lack of posting and new products in Bamboo Village, one might wonder if all the little pandas are hibernating... but it's not the case, I promise. Instead, the head panda in charge (that would be me) has been cooking up something big for the last 3 months, namely two little babies.<br /><br />That's right - I'm pregnant, with twins! This is a long-awaited state, and I'm so excited about the whole thing. I'm also exhausted, pretty much all the time, which might explain why there's been nothing but silence from me lately. <br /><br />The other announcement is that Bamboo Village is going to be moving! In late April, I'll be packing all my supplies, my trusty Gocco printer, and all those huge maternity clothes, and moving to the ultimate crafty city of Portland, Oregon. The shop will be closed for about 6-8 weeks during the transition.<br /><br />I hope all my faithful friends and well-beloved guest artists will forgive my silence over these past months, now that I've revealed the true state of affairs. Know that I value you all beyond measure and look forward to lots of fantastic promotions and growth in the months to come.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-73831020221480357252008-02-21T19:44:00.005-05:002008-12-08T23:02:44.991-05:00She's One!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Etsyversary, Bamboo Village</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisi9c185IfgX0Lr1X_OYztMgwnk32Mg8AeE9vbeQFElUXP0juAkhsxZwF7JFP53hjbkTL-NvWtTlCDbyaFOHo0GmdYF4BIccvhDnBZQuUf1EerZbZnDLlIq9cyQvmvZiSVJ9EaQ__QZ3k/s1600-h/bvp+etsyversary.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisi9c185IfgX0Lr1X_OYztMgwnk32Mg8AeE9vbeQFElUXP0juAkhsxZwF7JFP53hjbkTL-NvWtTlCDbyaFOHo0GmdYF4BIccvhDnBZQuUf1EerZbZnDLlIq9cyQvmvZiSVJ9EaQ__QZ3k/s320/bvp+etsyversary.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169599665114430402" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Well, Saturday marks my one year mark on Etsy! In one year, we've accomplished so much! I've refined my product line and introduced a bunch of new designs. We've made over 300 sales, and raised more than $1000 for the Fund, including money raised through the shop as well as direct donations.<br /><br />In the first year, I was also invited to participate in a gallery show, and now have some of my own items for sale in a bricks and mortar store in Seattle, and yet another design being used by a Chinese brush painting artist as her price tags. I've also had a few of my items on the home page at Etsy, in January I was a featured artist on Poppytalk Handmade, and have been spotlighted on several blogs. I've had the privelege of sending Bamboo Village Press goodies to four continents and at least nine countries. Wow, that's more than I ever dreamed of, really.<br /><br />We've also had the immense and humbling experience of working with these amazing guest artists:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9501010"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/5/5ab/b67/il_430xN.19345328.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ouou.etsy.com/">OUOU Designs</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/9/9ee/194/il_430xN.10574865.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/9/9ee/194/il_430xN.10574865.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anonymous Guest Artist<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9094687"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/a/ab4/2b4/il_430xN.18018996.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://seafinddesigns.etsy.com/">Sea Find Designs</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7394194"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/3/386/c8a/il_430xN.12492724.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://jealousjewelry.etsy.com/">Jealous Jewelry</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/5/5be/656/il_430xN.13410732.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/5/5be/656/il_430xN.13410732.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5123523">Altinay Designs</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9255629"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/9/9ba/4a1/il_430xN.18544519.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fieldandsea.etsy.com/">Field & Sea</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Additionally, we have another new guest artist, waiting in the wings! We'll be unveiling the stunning items she's contributed in the next month, as a part of the celebration!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Thank you all</span> for making this year so amazing, but mostly, for making it possible for us to sponsor Zhang Lin less than 5 months after we started Bamboo Village Educational Fund. The next year promises to bring with it lots of surprises, lots of new successes and creativity.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whats-your-sign.com/images/ChineseCalligraphyThankYou.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.whats-your-sign.com/images/ChineseCalligraphyThankYou.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-48822772560023202242008-02-04T19:48:00.000-05:002008-12-08T23:02:45.253-05:00春节愉快 - Happy Spring Festival<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYfOrvXfGOIPxXSPVhy4GUgNchgv5QDL1mDPqtJJzcvOKZZHgqsobzjPJ2A2gZrl20_ao98z-Y768jPO0m0dsiWuzLNa_oi1frrVKxYKQyTPmOpjtiQpAeZUiCfUO8QAOY8-kpHFkB98/s1600-h/fu+round.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYfOrvXfGOIPxXSPVhy4GUgNchgv5QDL1mDPqtJJzcvOKZZHgqsobzjPJ2A2gZrl20_ao98z-Y768jPO0m0dsiWuzLNa_oi1frrVKxYKQyTPmOpjtiQpAeZUiCfUO8QAOY8-kpHFkB98/s200/fu+round.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163295303005202130" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Happy Chinese New Year!</span><br /></div><br />Lest you be thinking "what's she talking about? Chinese New Year was TWO days ago," don't be alarmed! Spring Festival actually lasts for TWELVE days, so I've got plenty of time.<br /><br />I swear, I had all good intentions of having a Chinese New Year, and New Year's Eve post. They were actually saved as drafts. My week got steamrolled halfway through, and I'm only just now starting to recover. Not that it was bad news, not at all; in fact, I'll be making happy announcements soon. For now, though, it's all wrapped up in shiny red paper to be cherished and savored, much like Chinese New Year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrugvobuY0Pi2_1PbfnQctvt6lct5EJqQsGRTiRF8Jj2mlAL7HomnvDH1QSEMJjwF4oJRobBmU5cua0iwsgjulVXEpIOKI30WoiwR7CPJOMo6Tro23d7xWYSmrbrXtYP0V22Tnoe3kD74/s1600-h/dragon+tshirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrugvobuY0Pi2_1PbfnQctvt6lct5EJqQsGRTiRF8Jj2mlAL7HomnvDH1QSEMJjwF4oJRobBmU5cua0iwsgjulVXEpIOKI30WoiwR7CPJOMo6Tro23d7xWYSmrbrXtYP0V22Tnoe3kD74/s320/dragon+tshirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163293310140376754" border="0" /></a><br />Would you just look at this little peanut? This is the daughter of one of my awesome customers, who recently purchased the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9121072">dragon papercut iron-on</a> you see on Little Cutie's shirt. How cool is that? I used to always ask those who purchased supplies to send photos, but I gave that up after a while. So, this picture, left in my feedback, was a very pleasant surprise. A special thank you to her, for sending the pic and allowing me to post it here.<br /><br />I think she looks perfectly prepared for some lion dancing and fire crackers!<br /><br />So, Happy Spring Festival, all! The Year of the Rat is here!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9411480"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/7/785/065/il_430xN.19051385.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-24572686210489037262008-02-03T17:03:00.000-05:002008-02-04T07:51:48.691-05:00介绍 - introduction - Field and Sea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/b/bb1/40a/il_430xN.18544553.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/b/bb1/40a/il_430xN.18544553.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It is with great pleasure that I announce a brand new Guest Artist at <a href="http://bamboovillagpress.etsy.com/">Bamboo Village Press</a>. Field and Sea is an artist I've been admiring on Etsy for some time, and through a little bit of serendipity and lot of fortune on our part, she's joined the family!<br /><br />Her contribution is a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9255629">graceful bamboo notebook</a> - offered to Bamboo Village Press as an exclusive design.<br /><br />I had the chance to hear a little about <a href="http://fieldandsea.etsy.com/">Field and Sea</a>. Here's what she had to say about her process and shop:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">On an average day, I will: collect one peculiar texture; notice one shadow or sliver of light that takes my breathe away; walk twenty minutes, looking above eye level at least once; wonder why; think of cheese or chocolate, and most likely consume a piece; forget to defrost the fish; take a multivitamin; and use a semi-colon. Eating lima beans will never be a part of this list.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I decided to start <a href="http://fieldandsea.etsy.com/">Field and Sea</a> as an outlet for the creation of all the art and jewelry and miscellaneous beautiful things that just can't be crammed into a day job.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">As a result of a lucky set of fortunate circumstances, I met Celeste of BambooVillagePress and found out about this wonderful woman's inspiration for how all of us can help a little more. </span><br /><br />Without further ado, here's the gorgeous notebook, designed and handmade by Field and Sea:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9255629"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://images.etsy.com/all_images/9/9ba/4a1/il_fullxfull.18544519.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Learn more and check out all the elegant, stylish pieces at Field and Sea by visiting her shop:<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(100716, 'shop','thumbnail',3,3).renderIframe();</script><br /><br /><br />A special thanks to <a href="http://fieldandsea.etsy.com/">Field and Sea</a>, and to all of the other wonderful Guest Artists who have contributed to such an amazing first year at Bamboo Village Press and Bamboo Village Educational Fund!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-8357170218104005292008-01-30T09:58:00.000-05:002008-01-30T11:06:55.571-05:00下雪了- It's Snowing!While many of us here in the US jump for joy over a snow day, we still know the destruction that unexpectedly heavy snow can bring. This morning, the BBC compared the current snow emergency in China to Katrina. Hundreds of thousands of travelers are stranded (two times the entire population of the USA), homes, crops, and greenhouses are being destroyed, and in 17 provinces, emergency blackouts are being enforced because of coal shortages.<br /><br />China is a very fragile country in many ways. The infrastructure was, I'm sure, quite unprepared to handle this weather situation... in fact, this morning I read that China hasn't seen snow of this magnitude <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=azz0AHYtzSKQ&refer=home">since 1954</a>.<br /><br />The situation is particularly challenging because Spring Festival starts next week. The national holiday that lasts for two weeks around Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) is well known to be the busiest travel time of the year in China. Migrant workers and workers in sweatshops travel back home to their far-off provinces by the cheapest means possible - mostly by slow train. This travel is brutally bare-bones and uncomfortable. The trains are incredibly crowded, smoky, cold, and dirty because of the sheer mass of people. People eat instant noodles and packaged foods like sausages, sunflower seeds, and cookies to the tolerance of their budgets along the way, using the only free service on the train: boiled water. Perhaps conditions have improved in the past 5 years I've been away, but I doubt they've changed that much, especially for the masses of travelers who are barely affording the travel.<br /><br />Spring Festival is actually a 12-day event, with prescribed rituals for each day, beginning on the eve of the holiday, when everyone should be home. At least in Sichuan, it was considered bad luck to be traveling on the first day - Chinese New Year. After the insular first day of the festival, different visits are carried out to various family members and neighbors. Of course, I'm talking about celebrating in the countryside... I never actually spent a Spring Festival in the city. If there are any readers who have, please share!<br /><br />My heart goes out now to all those stoic holiday travelers, longing and toiling to get home for a holiday that's probably more culturally dear than Christmas is in the West, if you can image that. I'm hoping for safety and protection for all those facing this unpredictable weather situation.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/30/content_7528751.htm"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/30/xin_2320105302102765414540.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-86494404141904346962008-01-27T20:52:00.000-05:002008-12-08T23:02:45.343-05:00Read All About It!Here's a little linky for Sunday night: the blog <a href="http://arts-in-ri.blogspot.com/">Arts in RI</a> interviewed me, and the post is up. This Etsy <a href="http://team.etsy.com/profilest/ri.shtml">street team of Rhode Island artists</a> is writing a cool series of "Etsy Rhode Trips," interviewing sellers from the 50 US states. I'm happy to be in position in spot number 9!<br /><br />Here it is: <a href="http://arts-in-ri.blogspot.com/2008/01/stop-nine-on-our-etsy-rhode-trip.html"><span style="font-size:100%;">Stop Nine on our Etsy Rhode Trip: Pennsylvania!</span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaOIeX4_YgcsSgCDoOu98TbV2Q3cgNglsARWag9nX9glLRM9hOnyA635_KMv4IRwUQ4qwwtYYDoKvzuvLNuZO6CZjCReMKRHJtHR2vkEbHRZ1NULTySym_iQo52_B0Z4bQzJd3oT7oKg/s1600-h/artsinriblog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaOIeX4_YgcsSgCDoOu98TbV2Q3cgNglsARWag9nX9glLRM9hOnyA635_KMv4IRwUQ4qwwtYYDoKvzuvLNuZO6CZjCReMKRHJtHR2vkEbHRZ1NULTySym_iQo52_B0Z4bQzJd3oT7oKg/s320/artsinriblog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160340464289801890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A happy little tidbit about the RI Street Team: one of the members is our own <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9094687">Guest Artist</a>: <a href="http://seafinddesigns.etsy.com">SeaFindDesigns</a>!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-53881750666321655822008-01-22T19:26:00.000-05:002008-01-22T21:55:17.412-05:00More Mice for Spring FestivalReady? Here are some more mice books for ya!<br /><br />First up, (from comments - thank you!) is the Newbery Metal winner and kid favorite, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh</span>. Originally published in 1972, this young adult tale by Robert C. O'Brien tells the story of "Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, [who] must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma." (from Amazon.com)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.simonsays.com/assets/isbn/0689206518/C_0689206518.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 212px;" src="http://www.simonsays.com/assets/isbn/0689206518/C_0689206518.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Next we have a book that was also suggested in the comments section (thanks, Mom) by a children's lit lover and veteran preschool teacher: <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Dark at the Top of the Stairs</span>. She wrote: [this] is also a great story about some mice children who want to explore in spite of their grandfathers admonitions about what is at the top of the basement stairs (a cat!). A sweet story about courage, fears and exploration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/FamilyLit/FFN/workshop3/images/booklist/the%20dark%20at%20the%20top%20of%20the%20stairs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/FamilyLit/FFN/workshop3/images/booklist/the%20dark%20at%20the%20top%20of%20the%20stairs.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I wanted to recommend one of my favorite stories to tell and to give: <em><strong>The Little Mouse, the Red, Ripe Strawberry, and the Big, Hungry Bear </strong></em> by Don and Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood. Child's Play Ltd, 1991.<br /><br />The Woods are among my favorite illustrators, with so many delightful and stunning books to their esteemed name, I don't know where to start. They bring to life this adorable story about a mouse who must eat his strawberry before the big, hungry bear comes to take it. It's a toddler and preschool age delight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/FamilyLit/FFN/workshop3/images/booklist/TheLittleMousetheRedRipeStrawberryandtheBigHungryBear.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/FamilyLit/FFN/workshop3/images/booklist/TheLittleMousetheRedRipeStrawberryandtheBigHungryBear.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, please do check out several mouse stories by Ellen Stoll, a few of which are <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Mouse Match</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Mouse Paint</span>, and <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Mouse Count</span>. Those chubby critters are sure to please the babes and toddlers in your life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/FamilyLit/FFN/workshop3/images/dotAndJabber.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/FamilyLit/FFN/workshop3/images/dotAndJabber.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I wanted to mention that, in looking for the graphics for this post, I came upon a great site that actually has an index of mouse tales! Here it is: <a href="http://www.pabook.libraries.psu.edu/FamilyLit/FFN/workshop3/booklistview.html">Penn State Center for the Book</a>. I'd still love your thoughts on mouse books, and any other crafty Chinese New Year ideas!Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-10466298790509000662008-01-14T18:00:00.001-05:002008-12-08T23:02:45.565-05:00Spotlight on BVPIt's fun to have a moment in the sun, isn't it? Things are going really well at <a href="http://bamboovillagepress.etsy.com">Bamboo Village Press</a>, and that means that things are also going well for Bamboo Village Educational Fund. For once, I'm excited about getting to the taxes, because then I'll be able to come and report to you how much we raised in 2007! Who would have thought that my little idea that emerged after visiting China last winter would have actually developed into something real? It amazes me.<br /><br />I mentioned a while ago that I'm one of the <a href="http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery13">featured artists</a> on this month's <a href="http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com/">Poppytalk Handmade Marketplace</a> - very cool! It's packed with some amazing pieces, like wall graphics from <a href="http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery116">One Up</a>, these amazing cards I've been coveting for a while by <a href="http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery139">uccello curioso</a>, and even fine art pieces by <a href="http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery49">eric leichty</a>. If you've taken the handmade pledge, Poppytalk Handmade Market is a great place to bookmark and will make the sometimes overwhelming volume of items on <a href="http://www.etsy.com">Etsy</a> much more manageable.<br /><br />Tonight I switched around some of my items in the market, and this is what it looks like. Etsy doesn't provide site stats, so I can't tell how much traffic is being generated, but it's sure to be helping!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery13"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukrIN5A26T1cpd9dlwXQex7BNeWC_E4sMoh8_MDOyF9Sdi2WEZpAl-CJhnZ47rAveheJIb2lWJqzRTV-BmqKdbZTrovOnZU-1x2l9ZB_XW-D5AYCCGgmxy_w3d5SuA8PAZNz2syLsz64/s320/poppytalk+bvp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155471275902487330" border="0" /></a><br />Meanwhile, Jen from <a href="http://indiefixx.com/">Indie Fixx</a> contacted me and made my day today by informing me that BVP is a pick in their <a href="http://indiefixx.com/2008/01/14/indie-fixx-valentines-day-gift-guide/">Valentine's Day Gift Guide</a>! What a treat - that was even better than getting a big heart-shaped box of chocolates! Look how pretty:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://indiefixx.com/2008/01/14/indie-fixx-valentines-day-gift-guide/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KzCT8R5EexfEI8B_FlErKgtfO8HbKMMdpAYti1PKZOe6WQAe_AB7xm3li6LR8EotgXUi18jZnUsWbXRzv0hEbp2QF6fT0TRzHEAg0B2GyRljeofEP9xzRK8AAlnLdIlErjXMG4OdHlw/s320/indie+fixx+vday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155471280197454642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Indie Fixx is a celebration of the creativity, tenacity, and general </span><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">spunky goodness that is the indie design movement. The indie design movement </span><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">is made up of artists, crafters and designers who make </span><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">a literal smorgasbord of delectable indie products. </span><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Once you shop indie, you’ll never go back.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Thanks to both Poppytalk and Indie Fixx for selecting Bamboo Village - it means a lot to me personally, but even more, the attention helps <a href="http://www.bamboovillage.org">Bamboo Village Educational Fund</a>, and that's what it's all about!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-83370801687333733612008-01-11T08:32:00.001-05:002008-12-08T23:02:45.847-05:00Whose Mouse are You?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8833343"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 111px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vPbbrISNGKhhXancat93Cld6WPJEQaXyXjWosr8OXzHvrdpijmKyroF4VEwEV-v7preghktjHo6yL3Cz7Z_qaNEF3wodV-t-pQZcp4oaw_7mPtd6SlqpqFNwJcxX0lifX2sfxhTgCEo/s200/card+rat+white.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154211793922804498" border="0" /></a>As a huge fan of children's literature, I thought the lead-up to <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Chinese New Year</span> on February 7th would be fun if I introduced some of my favorite books starring mice.<br /><br />OK, I also have an ulterior motive - I've never been too pleased about my own Chinese astrology sign being the rat, so now that we're kicking off a new zodiac cycle, I figured it was time to celebrate my animal in style.<br /><br />The first one is <span style="font-style: italic;">Whose Mouse Are You?</span>, a delightfully-illustrated story of a little mouse's journey to save his family and become a big sibling mouse. It's one of the stories I remember most vividly from my early childhood.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.alibris.com/isbn/9780689711428.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 194px;" src="http://images.alibris.com/isbn/9780689711428.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Whose Mouse Are You, by Robert Kraus<br />Illustrated by Jose Aruego. Originally published 1970</span><br /><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGFL7iZ7oGlQFgnbB8vS0u5mxwFG4UUYQxSMU9UBw8_w9dHrpaePvTUtT1g81sHHhEcUrwt9WfviWpEf5oTSYSXQmNlzz6KFi6eV_g5eaP5F94tcmIbikSMjktq0FhEx9zpGd1Oj6A_4/s1600-h/rat+wmay2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGFL7iZ7oGlQFgnbB8vS0u5mxwFG4UUYQxSMU9UBw8_w9dHrpaePvTUtT1g81sHHhEcUrwt9WfviWpEf5oTSYSXQmNlzz6KFi6eV_g5eaP5F94tcmIbikSMjktq0FhEx9zpGd1Oj6A_4/s200/rat+wmay2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154211789627837186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"My brother's mouse - he's brand new."</span></span><br /></div><br />Next up, we have my favorite illustrator, David Christiana, bringing us lovely mice in his interpretation of the classic folktale <span style="font-style: italic;">"Mouse Bride."</span> If you're not familiar with this story, a mouse seeking her mate courts the sun, the wind, and others, before she discovers the most powerful one of all - another mouse.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i14.ebayimg.com/03/c/00/c0/9e/9a_8.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i14.ebayimg.com/03/c/00/c0/9e/9a_8.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Masterful writer and illustrator Ed Young also has a version of this tale, titled <span style="font-style: italic;">Mouse Match</span>. His is executed in his typical cut paper and ink style, and is presented as a wonderful accordion book. The reverse of all the pages presents the tale in Chinese.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E8Z9W62KL._AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E8Z9W62KL._AA240_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />While we're talking about Ed Young, I shouldn't fail to mention his Caldecott Award-winning <span style="font-style: italic;">Seven Blind Mice</span>. This gorgeous, boldly-illustrated book is an easy crowd pleaser, as the readers are led through the adventure of seven mice trying to piece together their individual interpretations of an elephant. A classic Asian folktale.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://us.penguingroup.com/static/covers/all/9/5/9780698118959H.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://us.penguingroup.com/static/covers/all/9/5/9780698118959H.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />What are your favorite stories about mice? I'll be back to feature more, and I'd love to hear about yours.Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-50455000169267323402008-01-07T07:38:00.000-05:002008-01-07T09:45:57.370-05:00The Big UnveilMonday morning greetings!! (*yawn*)<br /><br />After a whirlwind of creating, photographing and editing, most of my new items are officially uploaded, and are now being featured on <a href="http://www.poppytalkhandmade.com">Poppytalk Handmade</a>! I hope you'll visit this wonderful venue and check out all the amazing participants. I've been dying to post about this since my invitation about a month ago, but for once managed to keep it under my hat! <br /><br />I have to work this morning, so I don't have any more time for details, but I'll be back tonight with more. ^_^<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2174438175_9da8b60d31.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2174438175_9da8b60d31.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8767294535022486684.post-14972717942539606092008-01-05T01:19:00.001-05:002008-01-05T01:21:40.257-05:00新东西 - New Stuff - Valentine's Day GoccoThis is the fastest way I can think to share my new additions to Bamboo Village Press!<br /><br /><embed src="http://static.ning.com/indiepublic/widgets/photo/slideshowplayer/slideshowplayer.swf" quality="high" alt="Photo Slideshow" width="206" height="189" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent"scale="noscale"FlashVars="feed_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eindiepublic%2Ecom%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2FslideshowFeedForContributor%3FscreenName%3Dbamboovillage%26x%3DpekVnxgK6WkyMfZ3yltMRdUHoTB9o8L6%26photo%5Fwidth%3D206%26photo%5Fheight%3D166&config_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eindiepublic%2Ecom%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2FshowPlayerConfig%3Fx%3DpekVnxgK6WkyMfZ3yltMRdUHoTB9o8L6&backgroundColor=94C2F9&fullsize_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eindiepublic%2Ecom%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2Fslideshow%3Ffeed%5Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww%2Eindiepublic%2Ecom%252Fphoto%252Fphoto%252FslideshowFeedForContributor%253FscreenName%253Dbamboovillage" class="xg_slideshow" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"> </embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.indiepublic.com/photo/photo">Find more photos like this on <em>Indiepublic</em></a></small><br /><br /><br />As you might notice, it's after one in the morning, and this lady is BEAT! Tomorrow's going to be a busy day again, though, so I wanted to be sure to show you. Hooray for new stuff! Believe it or not, that's not all! More to come in the next several days....Celestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184873535611737473noreply@blogger.com1