Domestic Violence

A friend wrote me today to tell me she is leaving her husband due to some domestic violence issues. She wants to protect her children so she is moving away from him as soon as she can. I feel powerless to help her other than sending my her my love and offering emotional support during this difficult transition.

This news of domestic violence hits quite a nerve for me. I really want to finish a degree in Women's Studies as this type of violence disproportionately effects women worldwide. My family and I have faced this very same issue in our lives. I even lost a babysitter when I was a little girl when Darcy's ex killed her and stuffed her in the trunk of a car abandoned in an empty field. The murder left her young son orphaned. That may be a dramatic example, but a necessary visual which, I think, serves the point that violence directed toward women is serious. As serious as death. I am scared for my friend.

So, I brainstormed a way I could help my friend and ultimately help others facing leaving domestic violence situations. For now, I am making silk flower accessories to sell in my Etsy shop as a first step. One-hundred percent of the sales of these flowers will go directly to my friend and hopefully, upon further research, to a reputable agency helping women in need. This issue is near and dear to my heart. I hope that my contribution will be of some help. If anyone out in the web world has ideas for me, please let me know. At this point I only have my creativity and a stash of random craft supplies at my disposal.

Here is an example of what I think I will make. This particular flower is actually for sale at Olibella and not part of the charity. Others like the one pictured below will be in my shop shortly. Thanks for reading, I hope this issue hits home for you as well. Blessings!

Silk Flower Hair Clip

Back to School Blog Feature!

Olibella's Argyle Ribbon Hair Clips have been featured in a lovely blog post today.

Check it out: back to school...already? --Creativitae

Can't you just smell the freshly sharpened pencils now?

Beach Sale!

My little family is off to the beach this afternoon. This outing will probably one of the last for the Summer as it seems, to me, to be getting colder and colder. But, I am a wimp so, we might go again. I will probably just sit in the sand and bury my toes while Travis swims to the farthest point he can go in the lake without being run over by a boat.

To celebrate this super Summer fun, I decided to make my beach inspired jewelry and hair accessories 25% off in my Shop. Any item tagged (themed) "beach" or "summer" or that just looks good enough to take swimming (you decide!) is fair game. Just add, "Take me to the Beach!" in the notes to seller and I will refund through Paypal 25% off your purchase. You could be sporting Summertime all year long!

Have a Fabulous and Sunny Weekend! Stay warm or cool. Whichever works for you. :)

Zombie Mama

I am not really getting much done these days. I can't pinpoint a specific reason except that I am just tired. Isabella has been waking up about four times a night for comfort I guess. Then around 4:30 a.m. she is up and ready to go. We keep talking about getting her on some sort of schedule. That will be the day.

I did manage to make a few pairs of earrings for my Etsy shop.

Cloud Watching - Freshwater Pearl and Kyanite Gemstone Earrings

Petals - Pink Lilac Chalcedony Earrings

Fuchsia Blooms - Purple Chalcedony and Hot Pink Wire Earrings

I started filling up my sketch book with more designs too. I have my best ideas in the bathtub. 'Course the hot steam sometimes blurs the ink. I hope to make my sketches into tangible pieces soon. Hopefully, I can get some adequate rest. Or, I might just turn into an actual zombie. That could get interesting.

Here's wishing you some quiet time. Peace. <3