bad word:Selenium Sulfide

Selenium Sulfide

Hazard Score: (EWG Risk Score)

EIGHT

Hazard score key:

Low hazard	Moderate hazard	High hazard

What is it?
Antidandruff Agent; Hair Conditioning Agent

Synoym(s): SELENIUM DISULFIDE

Where is it found?

Hair conditioners, anti-dandruff shampoos

The Risk:
This chemical has been banned in both Europe and Japan and is deemed a possible carcinogen by the EPA, NTP and the state of California EPA. It is also toxic to the respiratory, organ, kidney, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.  

A few companies using this ingredient:

• Selsun Blue
• Head and Shoulders
• Excel
• Generic anti-dandruff companies including Wal-Mart brand Equate

My Opinion:

This is some nasty stuff. It has also been deemed a wildlife and environmental toxicity. Is getting rid of dandruff really worth the risks?!

wiw vol 56 - The Greenhorns

Documentary - 2010 - 40 minutes

Amazon Prime

Storyline

Armed with a camcorder, farmer-filmmaker-activist Severine von Tscharner Fleming spent two years crisscrossing America, meeting and mobilizing a network of revolutionary young farmers resettling the land. 'The Greenhorns' is an ode to their grit and entrepreneurial spirit, an exploration of sustainable agriculture, and an enticement to reclaim our national soil. The ninety minute feature is the culmination of well over 200 hours of original footage from all regions of the United States, as well as original animation by young urban farmer and artist Brooke Budner, and rare agricultural archival footage from the Prelinger Archives. Ultimately, The Greenhorns shows us how farmers can move out of the margins recent history has consigned them to, and back to the heart of the American food landscape.

This movie, like many other like it, make me want to say goodbye to my desk job and get out in the dirt. I always have grand ideas of how I'd like to have lots of land and start my own small veggie and fruit farm. You never know, someday... But until that time, I will continue to support all our local farmers and friends we have made through the farmer's markets and make our front yard veggie gardens bigger and better every year. 

Buy local!

Buy Handmade vol 102 PLUS GIVEAWAY!

This week we head to Brisbane Australia

Name: Belinda Stanton

Age: 39

Occupation: Artist/designer

Etsy Shop: Belinism (Blog: www.belindastanton.com)

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Australia with my husband, our children and much loved ageing Springer spaniel. My nickname is Belin, clay is my thing, along with painting and drawing. Were possible I try to combine all three things.

When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy?

In pre-school I spent more time looking out of the classroom window, doodling on the back of work books than working in them. Later in high school, it was on the back of exam papers. Something to draw with and something to draw on and I am away…with the fairies, flowers, sunshine, clouds...

I have had an Etsy shop for over 2 years. It has taken me a while to ‘find my feet’ and I still have so much to learn. I am only just starting to make regular sales on Etsy these last few months.

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

I didn’t want to use my full name (Belinda Stanton) it was too long and not very memorable. When I first meet my husband, he called me Belin, which just seemed to stick. Over the years my quirky/whimsical way at looking at the world became labelled as a “Belinism”. So I guess using this as my business name seemed only natural.

Has your Etsy shop become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?

I currently work part time as a graphic designer… and yes, I would love to be able to give that job away in the future. To see Etsy become a big part of my main income would be awesome but I also have my heart set on having exhibitions and continuing to do the occasional design market. I have an exhibition coming up in September to show some of my larger sculptural pieces. If I can keep the Etsy shop rolling AND develop a career as an artist I would be one very happy lady.

How would you describe your creative process?

I do a lot of sketching and imagining in my numerous sketch diaries. I’m not always in the studio so when inspiration hits I want to be able to jot it down. When I do eventually get time in the studio I like to make the most of it. There are quite a lot of stages for both my ceramic table ware and sculptural pieces to go through… after the initial concept, I have to work out how it will work in clay, build it, apply any surface decorations, fire it, glaze it, fire it again and sometimes even fire it a third time (if I want to add a lustre). Simple pieces usually take a month or so to make their way around the studio. Sculptural pieces can take months (and months and months…). Then there is the photographing, marketing, admin, bookkeeping, etc.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Anywhere and anything. From the kids, the backyard, conversations with people, books, music, experiences, etc. One of the more recent sculptural pieces I am working on at the moment is about the train ride I take to get to my design job. The day to day regularity of life. Inspiration can be found anywhere.

Do you also sell your work at craft shows? 

Yes. I think it’s important to get yourself out there on a physical level and see how people react to your work. I have been at a few big design markets like Melbourne Made:trade:design fair and the Finderskeepers markets but I am also a member of our local BrisStyle designer market. We’re a community of designers and crafters that also have a great Etsy presence.

I’m not sure I’ll make it to many this year with the exhibition happening. There is so much preparation to do when taking your work to markets, especially the bigger ones. They are more like pop up shops and carrying your stock and set up to other states can be quite challenging and yet can also be quite rewarding.

What is your most cherished handmade item?

That’s not fair. I am deeply in love with all  the little art creations I’ve picked up from other artists over the years.

Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?

Spend time with my family, taking the dog to the beach, listening to music, daydreaming…

Was there ever any other job you dreamed of having growing up?

No, with a mind like a butterfly, I always thought I would have a job where I could be creative.

Five years from now you will be…

Hopefully doing the same things but maybe on a larger scale.

Describe yourself in five words:

Whimsical, playful, imaginative, maternal, complicated

Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your stereo, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

David Bowie

The beatles

Gorillas

Kate Miller Heidke

Megan Washington

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

Be yourself, be unique and keep going doing it!!

Something I have learnt from doing craft shows — Some people will not understand your work at all and will leave your stand unimpressed and vacant, that’s OK. Others will just love what you do and leave your stall thrilled, they’ve finally found you and your work! It’s exactly what they’ve been searching for! These are the wonderful people you should think of whenever you start feeling discouraged.

Do what you do because you love it and someone else will surely love it too. Just get it out there and consistently keep getting it out there.

BELINISM

Belinda has been gracious enough to give one of you lucky readers one of her prints!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

fff vol 110

Favorite finds from the past week:


Etsy find of the week:

source

I love these vintage charts. The mister actually bought one a year ago, but we don't have it up anywhere until the house gets remodeled I just love how they pop and all the drawings, they have them of botanicals and of animals. Very cool. Check them out if you have never seen them before.

Please can I move in?

source

I know this isn't a house (I think its someone's backyard "shed") but its so awesome

Get in my belly!

source

We went out to dinner last weekend to Nolas and I cannot stop thinking about how absolutely yummy my dinner was. I don;t think I've ever gone somewhere, that nearly a week later I am dreaming about eating the same dish again! haha

This is what I had if anyone was wondering:  Chicken Nola prosciutto and sage flour dredged and battered chicken breast with a lemon sauce

Tee shirt of the week:

source

Zen threads...ah I could pick out nearly all their shirts!

Random find of the week:

My friend Leigh shared this on her facebook page the other day, and it was just too awesome to not share..

"10 Things Never to say to women who don't want kids"

Number three is my favorite hahaha

3. "What do you do all day?"

This week has flown by. I cannot believe it's already friday. Lots to do in the few shot weeks we have left before markets start back up. We have some awesome new layouts and great new products. Can't wait to share all the completed products and setup with you guys. It feels like I've been talking about it forever, but things are finally almost ready and getting exciting!

Have a great weekend everyone!

bad word: Dimethicone

Dimethicone  also known as polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS

Hazard Score: (EWG Risk Score)

Three

Hazard score key:

Low hazard	Moderate hazard	High hazard

What is it?

Anti-foaming agent, Skin Conditioning Agent, Emollient, Skin conditioning, Skin protecting  

Dimethicone (also known as polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS) is technically called a silicone-based polymer. What companies really like about this ingredient is that it provides a smooth application. For skin care products, it fills in uneven texture and fine lines, which helps create a smooth and flawless look in products like primers, foundations, and lotions. It also provides a protective cover on skin, which is supposed to help keep moisture in, leaving skin hydrated for longer.

In hair care products, dimethicone is used to provide smoothness, particularly in conditioners and detanglers, where the ingredient helps smooth hair and provide better comb-through. Because dimethicone leaves a sort of covering on the hair strands, it can also make hair appear shinier.

Where is it found?

It is used in sunscreen, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, makeup.

The Risk:
Like petroleum products, silicone oils can actually make dry skin worse over time. Instead of sinking into your skin and nourishing it from the inside out, like healthy ingredients do, it forms a sort of plastic-like barrier on the outside of skin.

That artificial coating on the outside of skin causes several issues:

• It traps everything under it—including bacteria, sebum, and impurities—which could lead to increased breakouts and blackheads
• The coating action actually prevents the skin from performing its normal activities—like sweating, temperature regulating, sloughing off dead skin cells, etc.
• Prolonged exposure to dimethicone can actually increase skin irritation, due to the coating property and because dimethicone is listed as a possible skin and eye irritant
• Those with sensitive or reactive skin are at risk of an allergic reaction to dimethicone
• On top of all this, dimethicone is a non-biodegradable chemical—bad for the environment

A few companies using this ingredient:

• Jason Naturals
• Avalon Organics
• EO
• Aveeno
• Almay

My Opinion:

While this ingredient may not have studies showing it is a cancer causing agent but just because it doesn't, does that mean you should be using products with this ingredient on a daily basis? Absolutely not. 

If you are applying this on your skin, it's basically like placing a coat of plastic  all over yourself. Non-breathable plastic. Gross! Many people will also notice an increase in breakouts. This is simply because your skin is being sealed and is no longer breathing, no longer being allowed to shed dead skin cells, no longer able to sweat, trapping bacteria..need I go on?

It's also non biodegradable. Harming the environment during production and after use. 

Lastly, this says it all, "May be harmful if absorbed through the skin" according to the msds sheet

"First Aid measures:

Skin contact:  Rinse skin with water/shower. Get medical attention if irritation develops and persists."

I don't know about you, but if the chemical data sheet is saying if it comes in contact with your skin to rinse immediately and possibly seek medical treatment..umm..I wouldn't be willingly lathering this garbage onto my person.

source
source

wiw vol 55 Chefs A Field

Amazon Prime 

PBS culinary show

Chefs A Field

Chefs A’ Field is an American documentary cooking series broadcast on PBS that focuses on the personal stories of farmers, fishermen, foragers and chefs, offering viewers a new way of looking at their food, environment, and community (strong focus on sustainability).

Each episode of Chefs A’ Field starts with a well-known restaurant, travels to the field and returns to the kitchen, where the ingredients are transformed into dishes on the menus of America’s finest restaurants. The audience views the chefs' interactactions with farmers and fishermen.

We found this program on Amazon prime and have been watching an episode or two each night. I love watching the chefs go to the farms and the interactions between chef and farmer. I wish more chefs and restaurants adopted this profile of getting all their ingredients locally.

We only have a few restaurants that do that near where I'm located and we went to one on Saturday night. It was the best dinner I have had out in a very long time, it was amazing.  Ahhhh..I'm still thinking about it.

Shop local, eat local!

buy handmade vol 101

This week we head to Maryland..

Name: Inga Lena

Age:  35

Occupation:  Artist

Etsy Shop:  Absurdery

     When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy?

I’ve been creating forever.  As a child you just want to make stuff with no preconceptions and impress your parents with gifts or decorate your environment.  The desire to create just hangs around and grows in artists instead of waning as they get older.  So, even though I have been making art and giving it as gifts for ages I started creating things that people wanted to buy in 2009.  I opened my first of several Etsy shops selling plush creatures.  That’s when my hobby turned into a creative business.

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

I came up with a million horrible names and then this one that fit.  A couple years ago I stopped making and selling my plush monsters to pursue art dolls and monster sculptures.  I really felt at home with the name of that shop but it was too material specific, Plush Riot.  So I thought and thought and wrote down lots of words that I liked and felt represented my new direction.  I didn’t want it to restrict me in the future if I veered one way or the other with materials.  Using my own name has not been appealing to me for whatever reason.  I was looking for my ‘forever’ shop name.  I came up with Absurdery, which isn’t actually a word so I got to make up its meaning. It’s a noun that means ‘an absurd or illogical object or action’.  It fits because my subject matter has always been a deviation from reality.

Has your Etsy shop become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?

It is not my full time job.  I have always worked with animals, both in the veterinary field and horses, to make money.  The art has always been the fun part.  As we speak I am making a huge change in my life, moving with my family across the country from DC to LA.  If now isn’t the perfect time to pursue my art as a career then I don’t know when it would be.  I enjoy Etsy as a marketplace but would ideally see my work in brick and mortar shops as well as in more group and solo gallery shows.

How would you describe your creative process?

I see arbitrary shapes in my daily life and they spark the idea of some part of a monster.  An ear or a facial expression or hand seen in a shadow or a leaf or the way food is arranged on a plate.  Then I run and get my sketchbook so I don’t forget.  Usually I come up with great ideas right before I fall asleep or when my sketchbook is unavailable.

My creativity itself goes through phases.  There are days, weeks, when I sculpt maniacally.  Other times I am in the painting zone and finish off all those creatures I just made.  Then there is the marinating period when I spend most of my time mulling over ideas and sketching.  It has taken a long time to become in tune with those phases and to be as productive as possible at each of those important times.  I find that if I try to force one thing when my psyche wants to do something else I just end up frustrated.  I know that being a full-time artist makes just listening to yourself and wandering through producing pieces impractical, but hopefully I can get those habits to work in my favor.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am inspired by what could be but is not.  What little beasties would lurk in the forests of other planets or alternate universes?  Would they bite or just rifle through your belongings?  How would they move around, eat, communicate, what would their offspring look like?  There is rarely a deeper meaning behind my monsters.  They are simply the flora and fauna that inhabit my imagination, inspired by reality.  

In other artwork, Instagram is a great place to peruse the awesome work and different methods other people use.  It is always inspirational to keep going, especially if you’re banging your head against the wall.

What is your most cherished handmade item?

This is super cheesy.  My 3 year old (at the time) daughter was hanging out in my studio making stuff with her kid clay.  She asked if she could have 2 of the polymer teeth I keep in a jar for monsters.  She jammed them into this wad of colorful clay that had 2 bead eyes and announced that she was making monsters like me.  I will keep that toothy clay glob forever.

Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?

I started riding horses when I was 8.  Since then I have taught riding lessons, coached a high school equestrian team, and competed in eventing and dressage.  I have an 18 year old thoroughbred gelding, Duncan, who I got as a 4 year old and love dearly.  Horses make me happy.  I also enjoy making poop jokes, watching The Walking Dead and eating red licorice and cheese, but not at the same time.

Was there ever any other job you dreamed of having growing up?

I never had a strong sense of what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I always enjoyed being with animals and making things.  It was no surprise that I was drawn to the veterinary field and continued making art all the while.

Five years from now you will be…

Firmly inserted in the art world, having a solo show or two under my belt.  My daughter and bun-in-the-oven will both be in school, giving me more time in the studio!

Describe yourself in five words:

Stubborn, imaginative, strong, shy, silly.

Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your Pandora, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

I tend to stream Pandora’s Indie station or The XX station, so whatever is playing there.

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

Make what truly inspires you as weird as it may be, not what you think people want you to make.

ABSURDERY