I forgot today's Kwanzaa value! It's creativity! This is an important value for indie businesspeople, but other people can benefit from it too. People who can make a dollar out of fifty cents have creativity, and so do people who can fix things even without a book. Use your creativity all year round to make the best of what you have.

Look at these cute socks! I want!

Look how cute this purse is! Too bad it costs nearly as much as the rent..

It's the last day of the year, so I'll be working on search engine optimization, and putting stuff up on google base. Maybe if I get that far, I'll make a line sheet.

What a dress!

Interactive play quilts. People are getting more creative by the moment. I guess I should put a thing on my about about how most of my designs are one of a kind, but they are representative of what I make.

I have two cute pairs of fish earrings ending today.

Today's Kwanzaa value is Purpose. This means to have a purpose in your life in which you work towards with all your strength. While not everyone can be an idealist, it's good to at least have short term goals to work towards, and from them, to assess your true life purpose.

Awesome sexy necklace.

I need some of these camo arm warmers.

I'm drinking this tea now. It's got an unusual amber color. It tastes like regular green tea to me. The other flavors are very subtle.

Hey, I got a bloggy mention!

Another new design. It's up on ebay.

Today's Kwanzaa value is Cooperative Economics. This means economic self determination- creating one's own shops, and industries. This value is close to my heart as an independent businesswoman. I love independent businesses, as each one represents a person taking control of their economic destiny. Not to mention, independent businesses can improve the economic health of a community- the big companies can pull out of the area without a second thought, but small businesses are more committed to community. This is especially important for ethnic minority communities as being able to produce things for themselves gives them economic freedom, and the ability to bring their perspective into the marketplace.

Hey, it's my first all sterling design! It's available too.

Today's Kwanzaa value is Collective Work and Responsibility. This means that we need to all work together to solve everyone's problems. I think the best way to show this value all year is to volunteer. Volunteermatch.com can give you ideas of where to volunteer locally. Volunteering is great- I volunteered at ESL classes one semester, and it was great- I met people from all different cultures, and learned to use the city bus system.

Today's Kwanzaa value is Self Determination. This means an ability to define yourself for yourself. We are all searching for self determination, I believe. No one wants to be viewed solely from their outsides, but instead want their inner qualities to be what they are remembered by. Instead of spreading stereotypes about people you feel are 'other', try to challenge them whenever you can. In that way, more people can be seen for themselves. My book recommendation for today is Invisible Man, which speaks to a man's struggle for self determination.

Yesterday's Kwanzaa value was Unity. That is being able to work together towards a common goal. America and the world are in need of unity. Try to overlook petty things such as whether you think people dress right, spend their money right or are the right skin color, and try to look towards common goals.

As I wind down from the holidays, I am spending my time putting my products on google base, doing new ebay auctions, and surfing the web. Here's a great fair trade t shirt- pug power indeed.

I've started a page for book donations to my mom's 8th grade classroom.

Whew, I finally finished the shipping change. I'll have to prepare for the after Christmas sale too...

There's a Save Gocco campaign going on. Apparently it's an inexpensive way of screen printing. I should look into screen printing one day. One of my goals is to make a lino cut.

I'm so happy. I finally have time for my business.

Here's some information about Community Supported Agriculture. Support small local farms, and get fresh food! Of course, there's always community gardening. I'll miss the garden at my college, as I have to graduate, but I am sure I'll be able to find something someplace, you know?

Because of next year's postal rate hike, I'm going up in my shipping rates. It's now 65 cents for buttons and magnets and $2 for jewelry.

I took the plunge, and am going to all sterling silver. Later in the year, I'll go for all gold filled, but that's later, as one upgrade at a time is enough for me. Expect some nice prices on findings from me on ebay in the future as I dump my old stock. I'll also have an after Christmas sale of old stock I want to clear out.

You can order from independent booksellers online. I have been able to find a greater diversity of books from independant bookstores than the big chains. Buy a booksense giftcard for your friends and family.

I'm tossing around the idea to go to all sterling next year, but I haven't decided yet.

Great product.(warning: an adult product)

This might be a bit late, but this would make a great gift for a young child. It's non gendered, non commercial, etc.

Lovely stuff.

Cassowary Jewelry Holiday Gift Guide 12/5/05
Here are the best bets for your holiday! Remember- I offer free gift wrap, and free expedited shipping!
Stocking Stuffers Under $5



This quirky fish bracelet is fresh, funky and only 3.95

This bracelet has a nice earth toned look and is cute for 3.95.

For an Ultra Feminine Woman



Creamy Mother of Pearl and lovely white lampwork beads with rose accents work together to create an atmosphere of girlyness.

These are both classic and unique enough to stand out. A great gift for under 10$

For Women with a Dramatic Style



This lovely choker ends with the drama of a huge jasper pendant. Lovely for 24.95















A lovely matinee length necklace with dramatic turquoise chunks.

turquiosenecklace

turquiosenecklace
Originally uploaded by Shannon W..

I tried to make a necklace like this for the first time.

pinkbellearrings

pinkbellearrings
Originally uploaded by Shannon W..

I made pink bell earrings for the holidays.

Yay, I finally made some stuff!

yaybeads

yaybeads
Originally uploaded by Shannon W..

I got a lot of good beads today. I will enjoy making jewelry out of them!