The Art of Zen.......Crochet

Sharing Creativity = Zen

2012-04-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I have not been sharing too much on my blog but I have been working with a group of elementary school kids from my son's school, teaching finger knitting and crafting for the past 6 weeks or so. I have been finding so many rewards in sharing, in watching others achievements, in witnessing all the ways we find "zen" when we create. I am working with primary aged children so giving them a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook and expecting them to catch on is not happening yet.

Teaching the kids how to crochet with their finger or four finger knitting is so much fun and enjoyable for them! It is fast, easy and immediately gratifying to the kids. Within the first session they were creating, the length of their pieces grow and take shape. I am hoping to be able to make some knitting spools with the kids and then make some other projects as we build their skills and confidence.

Watching the kids catch on so quickly and settle into creating within minutes is an amazing thing to witness. They share and help each other. They all compliment each other on how well they are doing.

I am looking forward to sharing beading, friendship bracelets, spool knitting, and even some small sewing projects with the kids.

Everything is so fresh and amazing in the eyes of a child. There is truly nothing more valuable you can give a child than your time and attention.

Namaste,

Chriss

Is your business eating you alive?

2012-03-28T14:00:00.000-07:00


Chelsea

One of the major part of myself I have been focusing on this past year has been my creative process. And with the Spring Equinox only just come to pass, Springing forward into renewal and increased energy, it only seem fitting to put Winter's Reflections into action in our lives. Or at least start sowing the seeds of renewal.
If only this were a simple idea to understand.
All energy is Relative.
Let me explain.
I've read a few books, deepened my yoga practice, am learning Reiki, and mostly I am finally learning how to take care of myself. How to say "no" to others, and how to say "yes" to myself. How to give myself permission to meet my own needs. How to stop when I have had enough.

"Creativity is like excrement. If you don't expel it it becomes toxic to you." Clarissa Pinkola Estes

"What?"
This is so true. While Creative energy ebbs and flows, just like all other energy forms in our lives, if we are creative and we never expel it makes us sick. I know there have been a few times in my life where I refused to create, and I was sick as a dog, and couldn't figure out why I was so miserable.

This past year has been about getting back to my roots, about getting back to being me. About taking Space and making space in my life for my creativity. About accepting myself as I am in this very moment, and accepting all my thoughts and emotions that are in me. This is about non-judgment, of myself or others. Just allowing things to just be as they are.

Chelsea

"2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to

But you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand.
and breathe, just breathe
whoa breathe, just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe."
~Anna Nalick

All you really have is yourself. So when shit gets tough, return to yourself and just breathe.

Laughter. Dancing in the Rain. Believing that where ever I am, what ever I am doing, who ever I am with is no mistake. It is exactly where I am needed.
"Learn to flow with Life, not fight it. Take each day, each dilemma, each crisis, each tear, each smile, each hug and be grateful for it." ~ Christine Marie Smith

That life is not happening to you, it is happening for you. It is giving you whatever you need in order to learn to move forward, to enlightenment. You only need take a deep breath and calmly look.

How does this effect my business, you ask?
I am my business. My business is me. :)
It's all relative.
Don't get lost in your business. But use it as a tool for rediscovery.
There is a fine line between your business swallowing you alive and having it deepen your experience and understanding of you.

Chinese Buddha

Trust your intuition. Trust yourself. Trust nature.
Trust the universe.
Everything works out for the best, even if it may not seem that way now.
We don't always know what the greater plan is, we only know our little part of it.
Trust that things are happening for the higher good.

So these area my thoughts on this subject. Balance, self compassion, getting lost maybe, but rediscovering yourself as well.

I love to see your comments, so please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with me. :)

The Art of Zen Crochet has a brand new look!

2012-03-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

My Shop Makeover is just about complete! I just had a new shop banner, avatars and ads made up for my Etsy shop and I am so super happy with the result. Please drop on by and have a look! TheArtofZenCrochet

Please stay tuned as I will be doing a Giveaway really soon!

New Gypsy Statement Peices in my shop!

2012-03-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share to Brand new pieces of my Gypsy collection with all of you. If you are not familiar with my Gypsy Collection please visit my Etsy shop: TheArtofZenCrochet to check it out. I think you will be pleased.

My Gypsy collection is all about using what you have, breaking the rules, being in touch with nature and lots of color. This collection is not for the faint of heart. All items are made with eco-friendly yarns that include hemp, cotton, recycled Sari Silk, Recycled Sari Ribbon, Banana Silk, Re-purposed Hemp/Cotton blend Jersey, re-purposed cotton jersey, Hemp Wool Blend and anything else I have around that fits into the scheme. Both Wool Friendly and Vegan versions are available.

Natural Vegan Gypsy Hemp, Upcycled Hemp Jersey and Banana Silk Crochet Chain Statement Scarf Necklace Cowl in Wildflowers and Evergreen

Handmade with love by me, just for you.

Love For People. Love For Earth. Natural. Colorful. Fun. Versatile. Beautiful.

Made with 100% Natural Hemp, Reclaimed Cotton and Banana Silk yarns. Naturally Vegan Friendly.
The Gypsy has returned! She has taken a new form for the warmer months in a statement scarf, but she still has all the classic details I gave her before. Just a fun twist. I hope you like her as much as I do! :)
All the Details are here, the leaves, the sprouts, and the uncurling leaves yet to form.

Length: Piece Hangs 48cm or 19"+ Buttoned and measures 7.5cm or 3" wide.
I hope you enjoy my Gypsy Line!

Next to come is my Labyrinth Line of Hand Knit and Crocheted items, so stay tuned.

Have a Great Day,

Chriss

Staying connected...............

2012-03-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

Oh, my poor long neglected blog.

Where ever has the time gone??
I won't go into excuses and reasons as to why I have not been posting. :)
I do apologize for not doing so.

What is new with The Art of Zen.......Crochet?

Lots really. I have come up with so many new designs and ideas since last posting. I had another successful Fall/Winter Season with Prudence Organics, Hemp and Company and of course on Etsy.

I have really not added any more patterns to my Ravelry collections. I am not sure if I will. I find that I am really enjoying making items for people. It really gives me a sense of connection with each and every person I create with and for.

With all the social media changes, sometimes I feel more connected and sometime I don't. Despite more"social interaction", I don't always feel as though there is a genuine connection with the people I interact with. What do you think? How are your connections going?

Its Summer!!!

2011-07-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Summer has finally arrived. I have found my long neglected blog and maybe some time and energy to write something inspiring. Whhoohoooo!!!

Spring has really been a busy time for me this year. And sadly it has not left me much time to write on my blog or dedicate as much time as I'd like to my Etsy shop. There has been a lot of personal issues come up in my life that have really needed my attention and energy, I am trying to flow with that. Dietary issues have been a major factor; gluten, dairy, soy and peanut intolerance to be more exact. Both my eight year old son and I have be presented with the challenge of these intolerances, and although we've had a few bumps in the road both of us are quite happy with our diet and are adjusting into healthier and much happier Mother and Son.

Spring is about New Growth, and that is something I have been very busy doing. Its also about letting go of things that are no longer useful to you. I have been doing housekeeping within myself and in my house.
Meditation and mindfulness have been two things I have been bringing into my everyday life.

Have I been crocheting up a storm? Oh, yes! I have been hard at work doing alot of things I never seem to find the time for in the Fall and Winter.

This summer I decided I was going to take more time for my family. I am really not putting a huge effort into my shop right now. My garden always consumes so much of my time too, not that I don't enjoy it. :) I also wanted to be able to just crochet when I felt the desire, I do often feel the desire, but if I wanted to not be held down by getting orders out on time. This will also allow me to get ahead for the Fall/Winter season and have some items in stock and ready to go!!

Not to mention we have decided to add a dog to the mix. The dog is 5 years old and in need of a loving family home. We are pretty excited to have him join our family. I will post pictures of him when he is settled in.
Summer is leading us out doors for bicycle rides, hiking, camping, swimming, not to mention our garden. So amongst all this busy energy I am finding opportunities to just enjoy the moment, and flow with life.

Cycling into Spring............

2011-04-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

I know its still cold out and the ground is covered with snow in many places but Spring has definitely arrived here on the West Coast.

I have found myself designing some new fingerless mitts lately, using some of the hemp wool blend yarn I dyed this winter. I am also incorporating some the buttons my husband made from fallen tree branches off of our property. I love the character they give each piece. He cuts and sands them, and I polish them with orange oil and bees wax.

The hand dyed yarns are so fun to create with, I love mixing and matching leftovers from other projects to make one of a kind items.

I am also working hand crocheting little appliques like leaves and such to add to my woodland collection. Its a great way to use up any little pieces.

Spring is a time for renewal, for letting go of things that are holding you back and down. This could be anything, poor eating habits, emotional baggage that is not longer serving you, bad behaviors. Learning to take a step back from the situation, calm down often time our perspective changes so much. I used to think it was just better to deal with things right away, this isn't true. Its healthy to calm down and collect yourself. Getting emotional about situations only complicates things and mars your perspective.

“It isn’t what happens to us that causes us to suffer; it’s what we say to ourselves about what happens.” -Pema Chodron

I have been finding myself mindfully breathing a lot lately. This puts me in the Present moment, not thinking about how I did this wrong, or what I could've said better...etc. At any given point I will stop my monkey mind by breathing in peace and then breathing peace back into the world. This is so detoxifying.

I have found myself rediscovering songs that so inspired me as a kid. Here is one of my Favorites:

True Colors by Cyndi Lauper

You with the sad eyes
don't be discouraged
oh I realize
it's hard to take courage
in a world full of people
you can lose sight of it all
and the darkness inside you
can make you feel so small

But I see your true colors
shining through
I see your true colors
and that's why I love you
so don't be afraid to let them show
your true colors
true colors are beautiful
like a rainbow

Show me a smile then
don't be unhappy, can't remember
when I last saw you laughing
if this world makes you crazy
and you've taken all you can bear
you call me up
because you know I'll be there

And I'll see your true colors
shining through
I see your true colors
and that's why I love you
so don't be afraid to let them show
your true colors
true colors are beautiful
like a rainbow

Namaste,
Chriss

Creative Cycles and the Winter Solstice.........

2011-02-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

This winter more than ever I have been paying attention to cycles in my life, a new awareness so to speak. I have noticed that like the plants and animals I have less energy in the winter. Less energy to cope with stress, to be physically active, even to create. At times I find myself fighting this nature. Even though deep down I know that if the kettle is always boiling, sooner or later the water evaporates.

I do notice that I seem to be a in cycle of reflecting, on what I want, where I was, what happened, how I felt, I am practicing or putting ideas into practice. I am hibernating, slowing down some. This is ok. I need to recharge my creative center, my soul.

I know that I go through times where I don't create anything new. I make items that I have already mastered, just enjoying the repetition and zen like quality I get from something so familiar and simple, easy. These are the times that I cherish as much as I do when I am exploring new ideas and experimenting.
I cannot create and explore new ideas and inspirations all the time. I cannot force them to come to fruition either. The more I force them, the more stuck I feel. These are times I need to retreat and find quiet, to rest with my ideas and nurture them.

How am I going to do this: Eating warm and spicy food, walking, warm baths, meditating, just enjoying the slowness of winter. Reminding myself daily that there is a time for planting, for growth, for pruning, for harvesting and for rest.
When I am creating I am making items that are not overly taxing on me. Just sitting and cuddling with my children, reading books. Cooking simpler meals even that I am not slaving over, but that are nourishing.

Being gentle with myself, understanding that I too need to have my cup filled once again.
That the things that really matter are the people I love in my life. Not how much money I have, not how fancy of a car I drive, not the uber trendy clothes I pay too much for, not what I give people except, of myself. My love, my attention, my acceptance, my understanding, my compassion, my laughter, my ability to listen, my hugs and kisses, my smiles, my tears, my silence, my dreams, my nightmares, my hopes, my fears, my strength, my grace, my kindness, my virtues.

My cup is really always full, I just lack the perception to conceive of it.

Shima and Shanti,

Chriss

The Winner of Our February Giveaway is..............

2011-02-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

Allison Lore. Congratulations!

Allison has won A set of her choice of Either Hemp or Organic Cotton Produce Sacs.

Thank you to all who entered and please look out for March's Giveaway!

February Giveaway!!!!

2011-02-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Its time to show all my wonderful followers some love!!

How about a giveaway? Yay, a giveaway? A giveaway. But what to give?

Seeing as I am giving love, I want to give something that will love the Planet too.

I wanted to give something pretty because I think we all need to feel inspired by beauty this time of year. But something practical too, something someone could use a lot!!

Produce Bags!!! This time its your choice though. You can choose from the Hemp ones or

the Organic Cottons ones. Any colors I have available.

This time around you will receive 1 Small 17cm wide x 22cm long, (6 1/2" wide x 8 1/2") long and 1 Large bag that will measure 26cm wide x 33.5 cm long, (10" wide x 13" long).

Now, for how to enter. Please Follow the Directions Carefully.

1) Become a Fan on my Blog. :)
2) Visit my Etsy Shop: The Art of Zen.......Crochet have a look around and find your favorite item.
3) Email me at theartofzencrochet(at)live.ca with the February Giveaway in the Subject, telling me your favorite item and why!

Please do not leave your email on my blog, this will be deleted and you will not be entered.
Entried will be accepted until February 13 2011 and the Winner will be announced on February 14 2011
Thank you for entering and have the Best day Ever!!

Another Video to share!!!

2011-01-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

So here is the second video in my series. Please feel free to comment and share.
This one shows you how to make over your old bangles and bracelets by wrapping them with yarn.

Are you looking for ways to use up your yarn scraps?

2011-01-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

If you are like me then you kind of dabble in a bit of this and a bit of that. I have done some Jewelry assembling and modifying. I have done some sewing. I kind of get into doing mixed media fiber art. Sometimes I just need a break from crocheting. It gives me ideas in other ventures too.

So I made my First youtube video. This video shows some really amazing Recycled Sari Silk Yarn fiber beads I made using Glue/Homemade Paste, Recycled Sari Silk Yarn scraps and leftovers, repurposed plastic straws (they have been in my cupboard for about 6 years!), and it shows a project idea for an earring.

Here are some photos of the 2 types of earrings I made.

This is the one you see in my video: I used reclaimed peacock feathers, one of the "Hard beads", and a leaf from an older pair of earrings.

I used some jewelry wire, some reclaimed peacock feathers and a "hairy bead" on this one.

I hope you enjoy my First Video, and it inspires you to explore new avenues and to craft greener!

Shima and Shanti,

Chriss

Intentions......Resolutions........Inspirations

2011-01-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hhhhmmmm.......I don't generally make a "New Years Resolution", I feel if you want to do something badly enough and you really think its worthwhile, why put it off or wait?

Normally I am not a person to wait to resolve to do something. I analyze the situation and then take the best course for me and my family. Why put off for tomorrow what you can take care of today?

I often contemplate many things but rarely procrastinate anything. LOL. I know that I need to surround myself with positive thinking people, that help me find compassion, mindfulness, love and happiness within myself.
So, I was watching a program yesterday and it had Deepak Chopra on it. This man is amazing. He said something that really hit home with me. "Who am I? What is my Purpose?" he answered, "You don not need the answer, you only need to live the questions." Wow!! I said it over and over.

My next person I have much admiration for is Thich Naht Hanh. He is Vietnamese by birth but has been exiled from his country. He is a Zen Master of "engaged Buddhism". His life has been dedicated to the work of inner transformation for the benefit of individuals and society. His humor and ability to put his teachings and that of Buddha into layman's terms is amazing. Thich Nhat Hanh's key teaching is that, through mindfulness, we can learn to live in the present moment instead of in the past and in the future. Dwelling in the present moment is, according to Thich Nhat Hanh, the only way to truly develop peace, both in one's self and in the world.

Someone else I highly regard is the Dalai Lama. Compassion, empathy is the core of his being. He has the most wonderful laugh I have ever heard. When I think of how he has filled his being with so much love and happiness despite being exiled from his country, I think he is one of the most amazing people of our time.

These are three of the people I will be surrounding myself with or maybe it is rather their teachings that I will be surrounding myself with.

My first Resolution is to Listen Deeply. I want to make the time to listen deeply to my own suffering and then also the suffering of others. It is only when I take the time to acknowledge my own suffering that I can acknowledge the suffering of others in a compassionate and loving way. I am resolving to listen, to listen to my own suffering and then listening to the suffering of others with comapassion.

Being mindful in my judgments. Often, my judgments serve no purpose but to ignore my own suffering and therefore spread it to those around me. What is a judgment? It's a belief. What is a belief and what purpose is that belief serving? It is causing anger, resentment or anxiety? Or is it allowing peace, happiness and love to grow within? If it is causing suffering maybe that belief is no longer worth believing. Challenge the belief.

My last intention is to live mindfully. To be aware of what I consume. Not just eat but any items I use and how they came to be. Where they came from, who made them, grew them, how far it has come to get to me. What impact does this have on the people who make it? What impact does it have on the environment? Or the economy?

I remember that I am constantly setting an example for those around me, especially my children. If they see me living mindfully of others, of myself, of the environment, then I am teaching them these values as well.

Namaste,

Chriss

What is the Impact of how do you shop???

2010-12-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

I know I have brought up some of these points before and frankly I think the best way to really get something is by repeating it. As annoying as that can be. :) So I wanted to share with you on how I shop, or maybe it what I shop with. I know a lot of people have finally bought some of those recycled plastic shopping bags, which I personally am disgusted by. You cannot wash them effectively. I have made some of the mesh shopping totes. I don't like them, all my stuff pokes out.

Being "Green" is definitely not always convenient. But I personally think it is worth it to put this extra work in. Mind you, once something becomes a routine, it really doesn't seem like much work after a while. Not to mention I do feel a large sense of responsibility as a citizen of this planet to invest my time and a bit of money into trying to preserve it.

So what do I use? My favorite bags, which I sometimes get funny looks for, are the ones made from recycled T shirts: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fashiongreentbags?ref=pr_shop_more
Why do I love them so much? They reduce plastic consumption, they are reusable, recycled themselves and they are handmade! They are washable!!! Whoooohooooo!! I can dry them in the dryer, or on the line. They stretch to hold lots and lots of stuff. They cute sayings or logos that get peoples attention. They are handy, I keep them in the car.

Oh, please don't think that my post will end here. I think there are 3 more areas where we really need to crack down on our plastic consumption while grocery shopping.

My next item is my set of 3 hemp/organic cotton blend produce bags. I don't often use these for produce, but mostly in the Bulk Section or for storing your bread. If you are going to use them for produce, I find for items like lettuce and celery its best if to dampen the bags and then store your items in the fridge. They are washable, handmade, handy ( I just stash them with my grocery bags), and reusable. They are naturally antibacterial, and anti-fungal. The only downside is the Tare weight aspect, you are slightly increasing the weight of your purchase by using this bag, but I frankly think its a small price to pay to live greener. Sadly, I have found that most cashiers are not trained to subtract the tare weight of items. My advice is if you can keep an extra one handy than the cashier can use it to zero in the scale. I find that Organic/or Farmer's Markets are really a lot more friendly to this. You can find them here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecomum

A special Note on Bulk shopping. Here are just a few of the up sides to bulk shopping: you save $$$, often times you can buy the brand names in bulk with out all the plastic packaging waste. You buy what you need, no more, no less. Bulk is cheaper in price 9 times out of 10. Also, I really think it helps me not get drawn in to feeding my family "instant food". It helps me keep our meals home made.

My next item is my own design. My Hemp Produce Sacs, they are made from hemp, which is eco-friendly, and sustainable. They are washable and dryable by hand or in the machines. They are naturally antibacterial, and anti-fungal. They are handmade. They come in 2 sizes. Again these do have a "Tare Weight". Tare weight is the weight of the bag or container when empty. It's usually a legal requirement for stores to subtract the weight of the empty container when weighing your produce or bulk purchase.

My last area of shopping is I often look for items with less packaging. Yes, some packaging can be recycled but what if we never had to use it to begin with?
Consumption. That's something that has made me really start to think about. How much water, electricity, gas or petroleum products and bi-products does it take to make highly processed items? How much pollution does that therefore cause?

I wish I could offer my family a more just world. A world where I have the choice to work or not work and choose to take care of my family. Truth of the matter is most of these items are not new fangled items, they are forgotten items that many of our ancestors used until the second half of the twentieth century. Your sandwich would have been wrapped in cloth and carried in a metal bucket or cloth sac with the rest of your homemade lunch. You would have brought your groceries home in handmade bags or baskets.

Truth is I am beginning to find items designed for convenience are really not so convenient when it comes to our health and our future. There is no convenience in the Pollution we are doing to the planet, animals or ourselves.

Namaste, Shanti and Shima,

Chriss

Invest in a Girl, Change the World

2010-12-03T15:28:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased to announce that I was able to donate $64.00 dollars to Girl Effect from Sales of certain items in my Etsy Shop.

Next months Goal: Raise enough money for at least one Micro-Loan to help a Girl or Girlsl start her own business. You can help by directly donating to this link: Girl Effect or by buying certain items in my Etsy shop: Girl Effect Items in my Etsy Shop

I am hoping to make this Cause an ongoing Monthly donation with charitable sales from my Etsy shop. I think it is truly a win/win/win.

November Giveaway Winner

2010-11-30T11:45:00.000-08:00

And the winner for November is Paula Lemos!

I want to thank everyone for all the their imput and taking the time to enter. I will not be doing a giveaway for December as it is a very busy time of year for me. I look forward to offering more giveaways in the New Year and wish all my follower a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.

Chriss

Girl Effect.....will you help?

2010-11-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

I have special announcement. There is a very special cause called Girl Effect. Please watch the Video:

http://www.girleffect.org/video

I want you all to know that if you have been considering buying an item from my Etsy Shop, now is the time. Because I will changing things around a bit. I will be donating 50% of the purchase price of certain items in my Etsy Shop. I hope that you will help me support this cause.

A friend of mine emailed me some information today. The moment I saw this I knew that I had to get involved. Here is my story.

"Give me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime."
To make a long story short, I remember being about 9 years old and telling my Mom that I was going to join the army, become a Nurse and go to countries like Romania, and Turkey. I was going to nurse all the babies and children in the orphanages with HIV. Hold them, feed them, love them.
Let's just say that never happened. I did become a Mom at a very young age and I did have a hell of a lot of help. I had so many "Angel Mothers", some taught me: to cook, some to shop, some to budget, some to sew, some to listen to, some to talk to, some to deal with my anger and angst for the world that no longer had any value for me. I remember hearing very often, "that's such a shame". Frankly, the only shame I saw was that attitude of those around me.

I never let being a teen mom stop me from doing anything. I became a Health Care Assistant and have worked with the elderly and disabled for over 11 years. I was a volunteer Fire Fighter and Level 3 First Responder for 3.5 Years. I have two more beautiful children. I am married to the most incredible husband. I am an amazing cook. I grow lots of food for my family to eat. I have my own business that is not only Eco- Friendly, handmade and awesome, but it supplements my income. And many other spectacular details of my life I won't mention here.

What's the shame in that?

It all started with a belief. A belief that even though I didn't live in a perfect situation, I still had value, worth. I could still get an education, work, raise my family, learn skills to get us through the tough times. I was not a lost cause.
Neither is any other Girl.
Needless to say this cause spoke volumes to me. Please visit the website today and see what you can do to help. http://www.girleffect.org/ or visit: My Etsy Shop

Namaste,

Chriss

November Giveaway!!

2010-11-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

So who wants to win a Set of 2 Large Organic Cotton Produce bags and 2 Hemp Tawashies from The Art of Zen.......Crochet?

Say No to plastic in the produce section too! Our demand for plastic drives up the demand for oil, as do our demands for all the other products made from oil. I wanted to come up with an earth friendly alternative to those plastic bags in the produce section (crochet style of course), and these are the best of the best. These produce bags are reuseable, light weight, stashable, washable, easy to use, handmade and made from an earth friendly product. These will last for years. These bags are made with 100% Organic Color Grown Cotton Yarn, are hand crocheted (how could we get greener than human power?), totally reusable, and your are supporting the handmade movement!! It doesn't get any better than this. This truly is a win/win.
FYI: The "tare weight" of Each bag is 10 grams or .02 of a pound, simply ask the cashier to subtract this amount at checkout if you are paying by weight for your produce. Tare weight is the weight of the bag or container when empty. It's usually a legal requirement for stores to subtract the weight of the empty container when weighing your produce or bulk purchase.

So, you want some hemp Tawashi your face? Say No to plastic and disposables in the shower too! Our demand for plastic drives up the demand for oil, as do our demands for all the other products made from oil. These Tawashies are reuseable, light weight, machine washable and dryable, handmade and made from an earth friendly product. These will last for years.
These facial scrubbies are made with 100% Hemp yarn, that are dyed with fiber reactive dyes,(these dyes are easier on the environment), they are hand crocheted. Each one measures 8 cm or 3" across.
I've been trying these out for a while and this is the best of the best: dual sided (double thickness), perfect little strap for hanging up and out of the way to dry. These are soft and gently exfoliate your skin. Your skin will love you for it. Very compatible with any cleanser type. Perfect for travellers, camping and those who are on the go!!!
Did you know Hemp is naturally mold resistant and anti bacterial? That's two reasons why you will love my Hemp Line of Bath/Kitchen Products!

On to the details, what you need to do to be entered:

1) You need to be a follower on my blog, if you aren't already!! :)

2) You need to email me at theartofzencrochet@live.ca telling me what I should make more of in my Etsy shop, here is the link to my Etsy shop: The Art of Zen.......Crochet
Please be sure to follow all of the instructions, it makes me so sad when people don't follow the instructions and then I cannot enter them in the Giveaway. Sadly I don't have time to email everyone to sort it out. :)

Dead line for entries is November 29 2010 and the Winner will be announce on November 30 2010.

Sale in my Etsy Shop!

2010-11-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Sale this Weekend in my Etsy shop: http://www.etsyonsale.com/shop/chrisssmith22

All items are 10% off! Some items will no longer be available after Sunday so get them while you can.

Winner of the October Giveaway!!

2010-10-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

We have winner.......drum roll please........Daphne White!

Daphne has won herself a pair of my Hemp Wool Fingerless gloves. Thank you to all of you who entered and took the time to critique my shop, I have already taken alot of your advice into consideration not only to serve you better but inspire and further my creativity!

I will be doing one more Giveaway in November, so stay tuned!

Namaste,
Chriss

Did you know.....

2010-10-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

....that becoming a Fan on Our Facebook page will enable you to access exclusive offers and coupons? Christmas is coming and there is no better time to drop by and "like" our page. I will be posting special coupons for my Etsy shop very soon that can only be used by my Facebook Fans.......

Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/TheArtofZenCrochet

Thanksgiving Sale!

2010-10-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am having a Thanksgiving Sale to celebrate Thanksgiving Here in Canada! All items in my shop have been discounted 15%! Sale ends midnight on Monday, Oct. 11 2010.

This is your opportunity to get some great items at a super discount. Christmas is not far away! http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrisssmith22

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

It's Giveaway Time!

2010-10-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

How would you like to win a pair of my Grey Fingerless Mitts?

Simply visit my Shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrisssmith22

Instructions:
I want to know what you like, don't like and what you think I can improve upon in my Etsy shop! Then email me at theartofzencrochet@live.ca , with October Giveaway in the subject line, telling me what you think.
(: please follow the directions above to be entered, those who don't will not be entered for the giveaway :)

Have fun! This Giveaway closes @ Midnight October 25 2010. The winner will be announced on October 26 2010.

Thank you and Happy Harvest Season!

Free Patterns for Hemp Produce Sacs

2010-09-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

I know you're so excited right? These sold quite well in my Etsy shop. But I just don't have the time to make these on an ongoing basis to sell. What's more "Green" than sharing? I am sharing these simple patterns because I want people to use them!

Hemp Produce Drawstring Sac Patterns

Designed by Chriss Smith
Say no Plastic in the Produce Section Too! These handy bags stretch to hold whatever your buying. They are machine washable and dryable. The Drawstring keeps your produce securely in the bag where you want it. This is a quick and easy project. If you cannot access hemp yarn, you could try cotton or organic cotton, but they will not be as strong.

Larger Sac 10x13 Materials:
2 Skeins Allhemp3 (2 skeins will make 3 sacs)
A few yards of contrasting colored yarn for drawstrings
10 mm Crochet Hook
4 mm Crochet Hook
Darning needle

Using Larger hook:
Row 1: Chain 22, dc in 4th chain from hook and each chain across, when you reach last chain; work 2 more dc in last chain, then work 1 dc in each back loop of beginning chain across. When you reach the beginning chain 3, work 1 more dc in same stitch, join with slip stitch to top of chain 3.
Rows 2-12: Chain 3, turn, work 1 dc in each dc around, join with slip stitch to top of beginning of chain 3. Fasten off weave in ends.

Drawstring: I like to use a contrasting color to make my draw string. Simply chain 100 with smaller hook or to desired Length, and fasten off. Weave string into row ten of bag and secure with an overhand knot.

Smaller Sac 6 1/2 x 10"Materials

1 Skein Allhemp3 by Lanaknits
8mm Hook
4mm Hook
Darning needle

Sac is worked in the round with a join at the end of each row.
Using Larger Hook:
Row 1: Chain 17, hdc in second chain from hook and in each chain across, when you reach last chain; work 2 more hdc in last chain, then work 1 hdc in each back loop of beginning chain across. When you reach the beginning chain 3, work 1 more hdc in same stitch, join with slip stitch to top of ch 2.
Rows 2: Chain 2, turn, work 1 hdc in each dc around, join with slip stitch to top of beginning of chain 2.
Rows 3: Chain 3, turn, work 1 dc in each dc around, join with slip stitch to top of beginning of chain 3.
Row 4: Chain 2, turn, work 1 hdc in each dc around, join with slip stitch to top of beginning of chain 3.
Repeat rows 3 & 4, 5 more times or to desired Length. Fasten off weave in ends.

Drawstring: I like to use a contrasting color to make my draw string. Simply chain 75 with smaller hook or to desired Length, and fasten off. Weave string into row ten of bag and secure with an overhand knot.

You are welcome to use this pattern for personal use, you may even sell items made from this pattern at craft fairs and Markets. I just ask that you do not sell them online. Please feel free to share this pattern with anyone and everyone.

FYI: The "tare weight" of Each bag smaller bag is 16 grams or .04 of a pound,and the tare weight of Each Large bag is 27 grams or .06 of a pound,simply ask the cashier to subtract this amount at checkout if you are paying by weight for your produce. Tare weight is the weight of the bag or container when empty. It's usually a legal requirement for stores to subtract the weight of the empty container when weighing your produce or bulk purchase.

Enjoy!!

The Art of Zen.......Crochet is finally on Facebook!

2010-09-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Please come and join us on Facebook!
Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/The-Art-of-Zen-Crochet/150876738267126

Get more info on Local and online happenings. Plus receive exclusive Facebook Fan's only Discounts!