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.

Q is for Quirky!

Today's blog post is brought to you by the letter Q.  Q is such an odd letter... usually needs its buddy U, it sounds funny, and it looks a little funny, too.  One might say that the letter Q is quirky, and I would have to agree.

So...  this blog post will be about all things QUIRKY.  Quirky's definition is "full of quirks."  Thanks, dictionary, but I already knew that much.  ;)  So quirky really means being full of peculiarities in speech, action, personality, mannerisms, etc.  We've all got the quirks, now let's flaunt 'em.  Show your quirkiness with accessories, jewelry, home decor, etc.  And away we go!

Here are a few of the QUIRKY items that I have posted on Etsy :

If you're quirky, you've probably been caught having a me-time moment when you thought that no one else was looking.  This necklace represents your silly self caught in the act.  :)

Having a Moment Bottlecap Necklace by BeaOtch on Etsy

Ever get so tongue-tied and twisted up that your silly brain only comes up with the witty retort of "Shut Your Piehole?" Yeah, you're much smarter than that, but your silly, quirky brain will only think of that awesome comeback three days after the event.  Oh well, you tried.  :)

Shut Your Piehole Cross Stitch by BeaOtch on Etsy

It's no surprise that women are odd creatures that are at the whim of so many societal pressures, as well as going crazy with swirling hormones.  One minute you have to be the li'l kitten purring, then next minute you must be that ferocious, roaring tiger.  It's so difficult to be a lady!  ;)

Duality of Woman Earrings by BeaOtch on Etsy

So, those are just a few of my quirky listings.  Let's check out other Etsy artists and see what quirkiness is happenin' in their shops...

When it's casual Friday, you just want to be as comfy as possible.  This chick is just letting it all hang out in this awesome print!

Industrial Decor Retro Art Print by Eahkee on Etsy

Quirky and awkward describes Liz Lemon perfectly.  She's so odd and we can totally relate.

LIZ LEMON Quirky Quote Embroidered Pouch by withlovebunny on Etsy

Let the light shine on your quirkiness... I mean, literally, with a suncatcher like this one.

Quirky Red Stained Glass Suncatcher by SolarResonance on Etsy

What's that you say?  You're in need of a quirky brooch of a rabbit masked cat girl?  Look no further! 

H U M A N I M A L handmade felt brooch by ohhelloshop on Etsy

Quirky folks have odd fears... and I think that this might be at the top of that list. :)

Check for Murderer Then Pee Print by digibuddhaArtPrints on Etsy

Quirky guys and gals sometimes play with their veggies...

Broccoli Vegetable Doll by BlueRidgeMercantile on Etsy

What happens when a gal and a guy unite to make a quirky couple??  They need odd accessories for their home... or in this case a piece of art for their shower.

Quirky Home Decor Shower Art by UglyBaby on Etsy

Sometimes it's just hard to tell with those quirky people...

Im Not Drunk Pinback Button by CactusMafia on Etsy

The quirky heart wants what the quirky heart wants. Let there be no misunderstandings.  :)

I Love Gluten Card by PopsyGreetingCards on Etsy

Quirky people start out as quirky babies.  And by the looks of it, they are quirky babies with awesome accessories!

Leather Baby Shoes Jolly Roger by starduststore on Etsy

Don't be fooled into thinking that quirkiness is anything new.  Here's a vintage piece with quirky written all over it!

Quirky Retro Dog Lamp by TheMurderOfCrows on Etsy

There are so many listings for quirky items on Etsy; I feel as though I could go on for days!  Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  Please feel free to leave comments in the section below for this blog or suggestions for the R post coming soon.

Thanks again!!



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