Gus Supports the Arts!

Today we'd like to draw your attention to some of our very own Gusketeers who have wowed us with their multiple artsy talents! Gus has been fortunate to host some incredible painters, knitters, jewelry and leather-workers, and musicians. We've loved getting to know these people on the bus, and we strongly suggest that you get to know them and their awesome art in the real world, too!

First up is our good friend Caroline Casey, who with her band of "Stringslingers", graces the Austin music scene.  She is a delightful person with a beautiful voice. And her music (honky tonk/classic country-style) is so fun! Listen for the Mexican influences on "Threshold of Heartache"... We love it! You can buy her record too.

Next up is our pal Anchi Howitz, who runs a thriving shoe-painting business, when she isn't busy managing a posh Los Angeles spa! Speaking from the perspective of a satisfied customer, I can say that her shoes are the best things ever to wear on your feet. She will make you a completely unique design based on whatever theme you choose, from dinosaurs to sea creatures! Check out her Etsy site to order a pair!  Also, she will be appearing alongside her fellow crafters and DIYers at this year's Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles, which runs July 24 & 25 at the LA State Historic Park. Don't miss her!

Our old Gusketeers Gwen and Eli are always up to new creative antics and are currently based up in Eugene, Oregon. The pair of them make beautiful things -- Gwen knits hats, bags, hand-warmers, earrings, and more, while Eli makes hand-crafted leather items. Check out Gwen's Etsy site to see more!

Last but not least, Holly Webb hand-makes her own beautiful jewelry. She also offers a lifetime replacement warranty on all her stuff! Now that's cool. Here are some of her words about her work: "Flathead Jewelry is a labor of love. Each piece is handmade, totally original, and crafted with love and attention to detail. I actually have a bond with each of my pieces! I seek out special beads -- beads with a history or beads made with great care and workmanship. I have found these in such items as Bali glass beads, Czech Beads, Japanese seed beads, and of course what I use the most of is gemstones, all of which have a special purpose and energy." Check out her site, Flathead Jewelery Creations, to see her collection or order a custom necklace!

Let us know if you have friends who create so that we can add them to our growing community of creative Gusketeers!

The Oaxaca Project

Our friend and fellow Gusketeer Beth just told us about this awesome project down in Oaxaca that is the brainchild of her colleague Deborah Miller.

As an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) practictioner, Deborah works with kids in a hospital cancer wing in Oaxaca to help them tap into their emotions and create a positive frame of mind. She uses teddy bears called Tappy Bears as confidants for the childrens' worries and emotions.

Here are some of her words: "I’ve felt absolute joy, delight, pleasure, peace and pure love as I interact with these children on a daily basis. We have FUN feeling better, while learning how to feel better, learning that it’s ok to feel better, while choosing to feel good and to heal. The peels of laughter that come as we tap, visualize and joke around fill the hospital room with the delight of life. That is pure healing in my eyes."

Beyond helping the individual children in her hospital wing, Deborah has reached out to the doctors and hospital community and his helping to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing EFT: "Although Dr Quero, the head oncologist, has from the very beginning been very open to the work I do with EFT, usually the doctors are a little reserved or skeptical. Even though Dr Quero was observing results in the children and parents it was months before he actually tried EFT with me. When he did try it, he found it very relaxing and refreshing. He recommends that the use of EFT be continued in the hospital and hopes that other hospitals will do the same soon."

How cool! Way to go Deborah. We believe in what you're doing!

Check out her website here for more info: http://www.oaxacaproject.com