Banned Books Week

I stumbled across the American Library Association's (ALA's) Banned Books Week site.  It's this week, September 22-28, 2013!  According to the site, this is an event that "brings together the entire book community -- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types -- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular."

This blog post is dedicated to all of those wonderful thoughts, words, ideas, expressions, themes, and feelings from books that are often banned or challenged.  I'm going to celebrate all of those wonderful things through my art and the art of others.  Below you'll find Etsy listings that are inspired by Banned Books week, a particular book, or reading in general.

Here's a listing from my Etsy shop that celebrates reading and a fabulous book that we've all probably read, "Alice in Wonderland".  This necklace was inspired by the book.

Drink Me - Glittery Alice in Wonderland Necklace by BeaOtch on Etsy

The rest of the listings in this blog post are from fellow Etsy artists, and they are soooooo talented!

This listing was inspired by a book that is often banned and challenged,Bradbury's "Farenheit 451".

 Fahrenheit 451 Inspired Wood Block Decor by AroundtheBlockAZ on Etsy

Here's a listing to show off your pride in reading books that are often excluded or challenged!

I Read Banned Books tshirt by TeeRiot on Etsy

I love these book earrings with the caution tape!

Caution Tape Mini Book Earrings by TheBookLife on Etsy

This bracelet is stamped with classics that have been banned and challenged.  Try to imagine a world without "Huckleberry Finn," "Carrie," "Clockwork Orange," "Lady Chatterly's Lover,"East of Eden," "Harry Potter," or "Wrinkle in Time." 

I Read Banned Books - Hand Stamped Brass Bracelet by CobwebCorner on Etsy

This listing would be fun to hang in your home, particularly in a spot that you enjoy reading a good book.

Hand-Embroidered "I Read Banned Books" 4" Hoop Art by Inquisinerd on Etsy

Lastly, this listing is a great way to speak out about censorship without saying a word.

CENSORSHIP T-Shirt by UpShirtsCreek on Etsy

Here's a link to a list of banned and challenged classics.  It'll get you in the mood to pick up a banned book and exercise your freedom!

Thank you for reading my latest blog post.  You can also find me on Etsy, Facebook, and Twitter.

Blogging the Alphabet - Gimme An A!

I don't know where to start with this blog.  So, I've decided that I will get through this writer's block by blogging through the alphabet.  Each blog will revolve around the next letter, but we have to start somewhere.
Let's do this thing starting with A!

ACCESSORIES!

Of course, we have to start with accessories.  Love, love, love accessories.  Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, hair thingamajigs.  You name it and I like it.  It's really no surprise that I love to make them, too.  Here are some A accessories by me and other lovely people.

So here's a necklace I made of green Aventurine

Green Starburst Necklace by Bea Otch on Etsy

Green is one of my favorite colors and aventurine is a beautiful stone.

Amethyst Earrings

Light Amethyst Earrings by ppbvth on Etsy

Amethyst is a great stone.  I love how the facets on these earrings catch the light and they're set to really let the light shine through.

Alice in Wonderland bracelet

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Cuff by Jezebel Charms on Etsy

Alice in Wonderland!  Everyone loves Alice, whether it's the book, movie, cartoon.  No matter what your favorite, you know this cuff totally rocks.

Applique Ring

Undies Felt Ring by slomoko on Etsy

Appliques are awesome!  I appreciate the patience that someone has to make all of those teeny, tiny stitches by hand.  This ring is too cool.  Completely hilarious!  Who wouldn't want undies on their finger?!

Alrighty, y'all.  I think that this will have to do it for my first blog post.  I hope that you've enjoyed these A accessories.  I have faith that I will be more interesting and thoughtful as this blog progresses...  :)


Any suggestions for my B blog entry??  Leave it in a comment below.  Thanks!