Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Give, Give and Give Some More

by Izzy Winterhart
This, my friends, is all the items in my Etsy shop.  Well, give or take a few.  All the items on the very top row are things I’ve made over the years that may or may not be shop worthy or things that collected too much dust so I’ve taken them off Etsy.  They now sit there, waiting, wondering and pondering their life’s purpose…  Until now.

I’m sending all this beautiful creations off to a wonderful place.  The place is Interact of Wake County.   Interact is a local organization that provides safety, support and awareness to those who have experienced domestic violence and/or rape or sexual assault. 

You know, as jewelry artists, we are all so blessed to have the talent to sit, create and then wear.  I can have the most rotten, crappy day but if I put on a nice outfit, spruce myself up then add some bling that I’ve made, it does wonders.  You all know what I’m talking about.  It is our duty to pass that feeling along to others.  It is our duty to make women feel amazing.  They are already beautiful, you see, we just add the accessories to make them shine.  So all these beauties plus a few more (collecting dust in my jewelry box) and some gorgeous dresses that I can no longer wear are being gently packed up with lots of healing thoughts and heading over to these women.
I’d like to ask you guys to follow suit.  Go through all your stuff and pull out anything not listed in your shops that is collecting dust, or something you were given many moons ago that you never wear, find your local women’s shelter and send a little gift of love.  Just think of the happiness you’ll bring to an amazing spirit who’s simply had or having a rough time.  Help make these women feel beautiful, amazing and strong.


"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."  ~ Anne Frank

13 comments:

Unknown said...

What a heart you have and I would if I had anything collecting dust. I hope many follow your example.

DArsie Manzella said...

How very inspiring Izzy! As I unpack into our new home, I will be looking for items to donate. I love the display you have created for your jewelry!

Artisan Beads Plus said...

What a great idea, Izzy! Domestic violence is something that has had a great impact on my children and myself. It's women (and men) helping other women (and men) to fight this epidemic..... and it IS an epidemic. I applaud you for coming up with such a creative way to give. When I get home from vacation, I think I will do exactly the same thing...... I have so many pieces that need a home. For those of you who have young girls and boys, I have co-written a 10 lesson curriculum for Jersey Battered Women's Services. It's free of charge. You might want to download it and encourage your local public schools to start teaching about the topic to young people. All that you need is an email address and everything is right there for easy teaching. If schools won't address it, there are many ways that you can as a parent.

http://jbws.org/publications.html

Also, another great resource is:

http://www.cdc.gov/chooserespect

The videos are offered free or for a minimal amount.

MaryAnn

stacilouise said...

How wonderful. I have donated other items to womens shelters, but not jewelry and dresses! I love that idea. Because when you look pretty (nice dress, nice purse, nice jewelry, ect) it helps you to feel pretty. And they deserve to feel that way! I am going to destash my jewelry and clothes RIGHT NOW!

SummersStudio said...

Kudos! This is a lovely and generous idea. Like Staci, I've donated other items to the local shelter but I've never thought to include 'pretties'. Thank you for inspiring my generosity.

Alice said...

What a great idea! I'm sure I have some jewelry that is collecting dust--and maybe some clothes too! Thanks!

mairedodd said...

this is a fabulous idea! i need to contact my local and see if they would accept these types of things... really touching -

Heidi Post said...

What a wonderful idea!

Unknown said...

What a great way to pass along the love that you had in making your designs and feeling good in your dresses.

Patty said...

Awesome idea, and perfect timing as I was contemplating an Etsy shop (and my own closet) clean sweep. Thanks Izzy.

Numinosity said...

I've been doing that after the Christmas bazaars here. I never did get any feedback though whether it was appreciated. I like to imagine that they were.
xoxo Kim

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studio said...

This is a terrific idea!!! Thanks...

Cathie Carroll said...

I love this idea, it's a no brainer- thank you.

Warm regards,

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