Mother Earth

This is one of the most powerful photos I have ever seen.  I am a person that usually finds creativity within lots of things that some people never would and this photo was more than just creative to me.  It  moved my soul in a way that words can't even explain.  I'm thinking from my spirit right now, of myself and others.  I'm thinking of my mother, my grandmothers and many women  before them.  I think of women who were once slaves. I think of the women in the BIBLE. I think of women who are struggling with Cancer.

This picture causes me to breath deeply, and reflect from within as it is representive of women of color.  I guess all women.  Oh, how we bear so much.  Sooooo much. I think of the women who are hurting inside, therefore showing a lack of compassion for others because they have unknowingly been scorned from giving so much of themselves, while being unappreciated, they have no more to give.  The outside appears decorated with lots of smiles and fabulous clothing but the inside so messed up, beat down and lonely.

We cry tears. Tears of sorrow, tears of joy, tears of pain. We breathe nurture into our children, our men, our community, while sustaining abuse from them as well. Then we continue as the strong link that holds them all together.  Sometimes the ones we have so nurtured are the ones that cause us so much pain. Sometimes that being our children.

We give from the souls of our busum into life from day to day.  We give, give, give. We make love. Our love is sometimes even forcefully taken and we birth as a result of loving.  We are Queens that most times go unrecognized, unrewarded and ignored.  We're mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, lovers, aunts, girlfriends, EARTH.  We are.........

I want to remind all women everywhere, to take time for yourself.  Take care of yourself.  Meditate and pray each day as your lives are so fulfilled that your cup runneth over. Pray for those that cut throat as a result of all we have been through.  Thank GOD for those that are supportive and compassionate enough to try to save you from the burning grass and those who do not.

Even if you are scorned, and have nothing else to give, as you hide inside of looking good and driving a fabulous cars to soothe your soul,  let go, keep giving compassion, allow someone else to have some answers so that your flow can flow easily and painlessly into the path of freedom.   Your Day will come.  YES!

UN-control and  remember who ultimately is In- control and who holds the keys. I have to continuously remind myself of this.  Cause it is HE that holds you too. A great reward awaits us, because of all of the spilled milk we have incurred.

 Be careful what you say. Allow your words, expressions and emotions to flow positively.  I'm praying for women who are faithful, and trusting, for a release and a healing of your spirit.  Allow HIM to fight our battlesand hold our scorned spirit and bodies.  Whatever you are suffering, let go and let HIM. My prayer is for gentle, peaceful transitions.  Amen.

Just my thoughts from this powerful photo. What are yours?  I 'd love to hear them.

Thank you to the person that shared this photo with the public on facebook.  You helped me to sink deep into thought, while writing into my journal, taking time for prayer and being thankful for a friend of mines who is so compassionate and she doesn't even know it.  Last but not least,GOD, please be reminded of how grateful I am for all you have done for me and forgive me if I have done anything hurtful or unhelpful to anyone. I choose to allow my flow to flow gently, painlessly, compassionately and smoothly for inner peace.


Everyone, Be Blessed
Alisa

Sisters-Locked Holiday Event

On 12-3-11 we held our first anual Holiday Marketplace Event at Lovelle House.  It was a great success.  We had many wonderful vendors and lots of family, friends, co-workers and many new friends stop by to support us.  Unfortunately we did not have enough space to accomodate all of the artisans that wanted to network. 

Therefore we are having a 2nd event on 12/17/11 from 1pm to 6pm.  You are welcomed to join us.  There will be a variety of great gift items, and many yummy holiday treats.  We hope you will join us.

Come early.  The first 10 purchasing guests will recieve a goody bag filled with nik- naks from each of the vendors. 

Happy Holidays and Happy Kwanzaa

Festival Vending

If you agree that nothing could be better than being outside, making new friends, and making some money as your own boss then you are ready to become a festival vendor. Becoming a festival vendor can be easy or difficult; it really depends on the festival you want to sell your wares at. Below are some useful tips on how to get your foot in the festival door. There are many different ways to start out as a festival vendor. If you can’t get in the first time around, then check out some of these additional hints to help you figure out a way.
Join Fairs And Festival Events
If you’ve been to a few festivals, flea markets, or craft show and want in on the action then you’ll have to get busy – early. That’s right, most of the festival vendors you see at your local festivals have signed up for their spot up to a year in advance. Some festivals are more competitive than others. If you have some prior experience being a festival vendor, but you’d like to join a well-known or traveling festival than you know how hard it can be to get a coveted space to sell your wares.
Need to Pay Anything to become Festival Vendor?
The first thing to do no matter what festival you want to be a festival vendor at is to find out who is in charge. Try to speak directly with them about signing up. If you are lucky you will just need to pay up front to reserve your spot and then show up on the first day of the festival. Sometimes you won’t have to sign up until the day of the festival, but most will require you to put down a deposit ahead of time. This means that even if you are signing up for a hot festival a year in advance you still might need to lay down a hefty deposit now. This also means that if you can’t make it at the last minute it you will probably lose your entire deposit. Unfortunately, this is just how things go in the festival circuit and if you want to become a festival vendor you will have to shell out some cash before you’ve made a penny.
Things to know in Fairs and Festival Events
If you have chosen to become a festival vendor at a more competitive show and there are no available spots left, then you can try a few things. You can always ask to share a space with an established vendor. This is an especially good move for a festival vendor that has a small set up or someone just starting out. If the booth fees are high, another festival vendor might be happy to let you set up inside their booth. Ask whoever is in charge or approach a friendly festival vendor yourself. You can also see if there are any cancellations that day or the day before. This can be a real pain since you have no guarantee, but things happen and this could get you in. Negotiating with another festival vendor to hold their spot for them if they need to be away for a day or two is another way to get in on a temporary basis. If you want to be a festival vendor, then you are surely a creative type, so use those skills and figure out a way to get in there.
How to perform well in Festival Events?
The more experience you have as a festival vendor, the easier it becomes to get a space or a better one. Like almost anything in life, who you know matters. Being connected with the organizers and other festival vendors can help you out a lot when it comes to getting a prime space at a festival. This does not mean you need to try to get the management’s attention every chance you can. In fact what it means, is try to be a festival vendor who is easy to get along with and pays attention to the people running the show. It may sounds simple, but you will see many festival vendors put up quite a fuss when it comes to their space or a variety of things. Be the kind of festival vendor that people want at their festival. People will take note of this and this it will help ensure you a place at the festival or make sure that the your favorite space is vacant when you arrive.

Sisters Locked



"Sisters-Locked"



What does that term mean to you?   Write us a reply in a simple paragraph and send it to us along with your name, email and telephone number.  If we like your reply, we will post it for others to see and send you a wonderful handmade gift item. Please think about it thoroughly first before replying.  We will share the replies with our readers.  You have from today until November 5th 2011 to send us your reply. 
Have a powerful week. 

Shopping Extravaganza

                                 Wearable Art by Alisa (modeling are Adriane & Nichelle)

October 1st, 2011 Sisters-Locked Artisans Collaborative held it's first Open Marketplace for artisan's and home based business owners.  It was a success!

Artisans included, Generations (Ethnic Shadow Boxes), Quilts by Carol (African Quilts), Charmy Charm Bakery (Charms), Pamper U ( Organic Body Products), Cake Pops by Corina (Cake Pops) , Knitted Scarves by Ms Brown, Wearable Art by Alisa (jewelry & Jackets) and  (Bead my Waist (waistbeading).

Home Based Business Owners included, Cold Piece (home accessories), Brick house Fashions (Jewelry & Clothing), Brown Sugar Treasures (Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry), Scentsy (Electric Oil Burners), Clothing by Sis Waheed, Val Hosiery (exotic hosiery up to size 5X) and Textiles by Pacha.

Welcome aboard new vendors, Pattlefoot Dolls and  Essence of AR.

We would like to thank Alicia for the delicious fresh baked Red Velvet Cake and the Cinnamon Nut Cake.  It was so yummy!  We are looking forward to our Holiday event to be held in December.

We welcome more new vendors (artisans) as more days have been added to our Holiday event calendar for December 2011.  Contact us Sisterslocked@gmail.com for more information.

Book Signing Event w/ Denise Michelle Harris

Best selling book author, Denise Micheel Harris makes a visit to home of the Sisters-Locked Artisans Collaborative for a booksigning event on Saturday 09/03/11 at 5pm- til 6:30pm.  Your invited.

Join us for some wine, jazz and exherpts from the book by Denise Michelle Harris, herself and a moment for Q & A.  You can pick up a copy of the book at this event and have it signed for $15.  The book has been turned into a play which will be presented on 09/17/11 at 8pm (Sisterslocked showing) at the Black Repetory Theatre in Berkeley California.  Tickets will be available at the book signing for $30. You may also purchase tickets before and after the book signing event.  Please support this event. It is our first fundraiser as we begin our journey into the world of art.

We look forward to seeing you.  This enviornment will be created for adults only. Bring a friend and you will recieve a special gift.   Please RSVP.  Send us an email to let us know you will be coming.

Thank You so much.

Alisa Robinson, Sonia Waters and Deborah Jackson Embers

 

Book Overview

Chantell Meyers's father is on his deathbed. Desperate to somehow save him, hantell makes a promise to God that if He allows her father to live, she will become a better person. Now that her father has pulled through, she is determined to keep her word. But soon Chantell is faced with a series of trials, temptations, and revelations that test her faith. After she decides to stop having sex until she gets married, her boyfriend's response is devastating: he two-times her. Forced to break up with him, Chantell finds that the harder she tries to keep her promise to God and be a better person, the more complicated her life becomes. It is only by relinquishing her desire to "have it all" that Chantell is able to get everything she's ever wanted.

Our Reception Launch was a Hit

Oh my Gosh!  We had the most phenomenal reception launching ever.  It was much more than I had visioned.  There were so many positive, spiritual women and men.  The experience was so calm, so motivating, inspiring and unifying.  It was so filled with the SPIRIT that all you had to do is breathe in and you were captured.  Everyone felt it. 

I am working with two very special, dedicated women who are supporting my vision.  There is just no way that I could have made this happen without them.  For the last two days I have been stressed out wanting things to go well.  They kept me reminding me that this was going to be fine and that we are already moving and shaking.  What makes us a great team is, that we all bring something special  and different to the circle.  But the two of them are surely smooth operators.  Already experienced as their family has done these events many times before.

My Mom was there, though she was not feeling well.  Thank You Mother, for your support. (She says "Sonia is sweeter than Buttermilk Pie".)  Oh Boi!    LOL! Thank you Andrea and Brittney for your warm presence and support.

I am so glad to have Sonia and Deborah mentoring me. It's a great feeling when you have two friends that are truly and I mean truly looking out for you and have your back. Not to mention, are like minded about  love for the Arts.   It felt like I was tilting over backwards and they were supporting me from falling flat on my big head.  LOL!  I feel the love.  I wonder sometimes, how I was lucky enough to find two women friends this dedicated to friendship.  Not hating, just loving.  Yes, ladies.   It is possible.

Me being the overly anxious person that I am, always wanting things to be special and perfect for everyone else, is so filled with gratitude, love, inspiration and motivation.  I am so grateful and eager to do great things in the world of art and to be prosperous working with all these new and under represented artisans in the community.

We had artisans, family members and many supporting friends.  A supporter/friend/ entrepreneur with a fabulous home accessory business celebrated each of us with beautiful flowers. Thank You, Connie.  There were several people who, after having joined us at the reception are eager to find their niche and become creative. What a Blessing that is!  Yes, when you motivate, encourage and inspire others, they desire to look for or re-surface their gift of creativity.  Just amazing. We all have a gift.  We don't all know that.  Someone was even interested in facilitating their book club in our space.  Let the readers say "AMEN"!

Most of all I felt Blessed to have Reverend Renee Williams there to bless our Collaborative effort.  When everyone in the building stood together in a circle and bowed their heads to the most powerful prayer of the day, I felt a soft wind blow through the air and a very mild floral scent flow past  my nostrils, almost the scent of lavender, or some soft scented flower.  I knew GOD was right there giving his approval.  The Spirit of an Angel scurried the room of this 105 year old Victorian building that is now home of Sisters-Locked Artisan's Collaborative, as we stood united together in prayer.

Thank You Mrs Jones (94 years young) and thank you, to her mother who purchased this Victorian in the year 1930.  I love you and will be forever grateful.  I thank GOD for the relationship sent by way of my son.

When you ask GOD's permission for the success of something, how can it fail?  If one person achieves a new opportunity then it is a success.  It is a success because everyone in the room was sent there for a special reason.  If you weren't there or didn't show up, you weren't meant to be included on this special occasion.  No need to wonder why you weren't there.  Sorry, but I am not in charge.  Ya feel me? 

Everything happens for a reason.  There were even two ladies there who had not seen or heard from each other in over 40 years.  They were reunited. Amen!  One of them an artisan, the other a childhood friend of mines and an inspired artisan who has set a goal to become creative just to network with us. She din't know what her craft would be.  She has a real deep love for dogs.  My suggestion was that she create Doggie Birthday Baskets.  People thought the idea was amazing. How did you just come up with that, I was asked. I said," everyone knows how much she loves dogs, right".

 At the drop of a minute her new hobbyy was born.  She will call it "Kirbys Creations". Named after her dog of course.  When dropping her off at home, she left in tears thanking me for the invitation and the inspiration. She desires to be involved with wonderful, positive women being that she has triumphed some very low periods in her life lately and needs something new to look forward to. Shes;s excited about this new idea of doggie b-day baskets and so are we.

Now you tell me.  Is this already successful?  I say, "The answer was smelling sweet in the wind". 

We have two upcoming Marketplace events coming.  The first one is October 01, 2011 and the second one, the Holiday Extravaganza will be December 02, 2011.  Please connect with us for your booth space and if you know of other artisans, share this info. 



I wish you peace in the coming week.

New Art Collaborative has a Reception

Please join us, July 23, 2011  at 6pm-7:30pm, as Sisters- Locked Artisans Collaborative has its Launching Reception at 1130 Adeline Street in West Oakland.  We will introduce our Collaborative, followed by a powerful prayer and a toast, with special guests, Reverend Renee Williams, Vanessa Murphy a local Gospel Artist,  Mona Sanders, (A Little Taste of Heaven) and family, friends and artisans.  Light refreshments will be served. Beginning promptly at 6pm

 This is an Adult only event.  Thank You, hope to see you there.


Artisans Welcomed

Summer Citrus Centerpiece

There are so many different ways of creating art. This is the time of year when citrus fruits are a plenty. I have a backyard filled with lemons and oranges. Way too many to know what to do with them all.

I decided to create the citrus centerpiece for the table located on my deck of my backyard. A variety of citrus fruits from my trees, to the left a Buddhist hand which I picked up from the local farmers market  to use for cooking and some recycled artificial breads from the shelves in my garage. I created a fabulous colorful display. What do you think?

Create your own centerpiece from things around the house and in your garden. By the way, your welcome to lemons and oranges from my trees. LOL.

Peace, Love and Blessings,
Alisa

Oakley Almond Festival Needs Vendors

The Oakley Almond Festival will be held September 10th & 11th, 2011 from 10am til10pm at OHARA PARK 1100 Ohara Ave, Oakley, CA. 94561. There will be Arts & Crafts, 100+ Vendors, a petting zoo, rides, games, floats. movies and much more. Vendors needed. Call (925) 848-5466 for details.

Calling on Artists for "Summertime "Girlz Nights Out " !

Sisters-Locked Artisans Collaborative has some space that we would like to share for Girlz Nights Out. We are looking for people with great creative skills interested in hosting a hands on type of workshop to share your wonderful talented skills with others.

Anyone with creative skills can host a workshop. An art or craft class, jewelry making, cake decorating, cardmaking, painting or whatever you may want to do. We'll provide refreshments. Just contact us with an idea and a brief description along with a preferred date and time for your workshop.

Send us some information about yourself as well, including a contact number and pictures of your skill and someone from Sisters-Locked will contact you.

8th Annual Temescal Street Fair

Sunday June 5th 2011 12pm - 6pm
Telegraph Ave between 45th and 51st, North Oakland

Lots of ethnic foods, music, entertainment, arts & crafts and community booths with information.

City of Danville, Californias Art & Crafts Festival

Name of Event: Danville Fine Arts Faire
Location: Hartz Avenue
Dates/Times: June 18 & 19, 2011
This year’s twentieth annual event is hosted by the Danville Area of Commerce. It attracts over 50,000 people to tree-lined Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville – an upscale community 40 miles east of San Francisco. Highlights include 200 high quality fine art and crafts exhibitors, Italian street painting exhibition, street entertainment, kids’ activities, great food, fine wines & micro-brews.

Food for Thought. Are you a "Artist" or a "Copy Cat Hustler" (Imitation Artist)?

In order to define artist, you must first define art...


Art is about freedom and creative expression. Being an artist is first and foremost about feeling free to create. It is about expressing what's inside you, your spirit, your soul. Expressing something that potentially others can not express through your eyes. It is about expressing what you want and maybe even need to express. It has nothing to do with education or whether you create profesionally or as a hobby.


Some people have always had an artistic/creative eye; Perhaps you can't find your niche. Me,for example, I've tried painting, basket making, sewing and a variety of crafting. It took me years and I happened upon it. I create art through beading. I create jewelry. Inspired by Bogalon (Mud cloth) from Mali. I am confident in my creations.

I do not copy cat others, attempting to create. I don't scroll the internet looking at the work of those who sell online with copying their ideas in mind. I do not even want to be in the space of those who I already know are not confident in their creating and just hustling a way to make a few dollars.

Do you pay attention to other artists who seem to attract lots of people to their work so you ask questions like, where did you buy those beads or how did you do that? Well, we all know what that means. You have to be confident in your own creations, regardless of how beautiful the next artist's work is.

Don't look at their creativity and incorporate it into your work. You can't sell the spirit of their creativity. But you can sell the spirit of your own . Tell potential customers your inspiration of that particilar work when and why you created it. Tell them what you were thinking or what inspired you. As potential customers view your art works, encourage them to pick it up, try it on. Your spirit speaks through your art. Did you know that?

Stand when people approach you to view your work. Don't sit in a chair while someone looks at your work. Are you a security guard guarding your own work? Or an artisan who welcomes people to touch and try on the piece you created. What type of energy are you exuding?

Smile and engage, create a display that enhances your creativity without over exhausting it. Are you an artist or commerial saleman?

Could you be a Copy Cat Hustler just trying to make a dollar? Watch your network enviornment. Stay away from spashing your art all over social networks. (Unless of course you need brownie points). Confidence people, confidence. Don't you know that the copy cat hustlers are looking for your posts on facebook.

Offering your services may be ok. Who you are, what you specialize in. Perhaps you can show a sample or two, but encourge art lovers to come to your studio. Broadcasting your art & crafts devalues the originality of your creativity. People who love art want your art & crafts. They want original work. They will come to see what you do from one or two samples.

My creations are far to phenominal to splatter all over a social network.
When I sit down surrounded by my beads, tools, jazz, tea and incense filling the air, the outside world is gone. My mind takes in all the textures, colors and shapes in front of me. I can put the same beads together in a dozen different ways, and suddenly my mind says,"that is it". I am on a mind boggling high.

It is my responsiility to get my work out to places where people can vendor with me.

Creating is what I do. So, if art is about freedom and creative expression, I am an 'Artist'. How about you?

San Ramon Central Park Presents, May 29th-31st, 2011

Berkeley World Music Festival » Crafts Bazaar

This is a phenomenal festival.  It is so full of culture, cultural music,dancing,  food, arts & crafts.  If you have never been, you will love it.  Now you know they have vending opportunities available.  Check out the website below for further details.  Picture taking me will be there, looking for you as you sell your wonderful quality items.  Email us to let us know your going.  Don't forget your sunglasses and a big hat.
Peace!  Love!  And Happiness!
Alisa



(Click onto the website below here for details)

Berkeley World Music Festival » Crafts Bazaar

Old Things New

Sonia was going through her jewelry box of old jewelry.  She was throwing away this old watch.  It no longer worked, however still had a great wrist band on it.  I thought, why not recycle it into and awesome bracelet.  I added a piece of golden yellow dyed stone, topped it with a funky little cowery shell.  La La! A very ethnic feel.  It looks great and was absolutely cost free to make.  See the before and after photos.  

So the next time you throw away your old jewelry, think about a creative way to reuse it. 

Contact Alisa : Sisterslocked@gmail.com for instructions



Customers Favorite Buys from : "Cold Piece Home Accessories"

Ice Cube Candle Holders

Voluptuous Sister Hips Ceramic Vase

Shona Art Styled Ceramic Vase


Contact Connie Jones:  Peace2U@yahoo.com for info

Sonia's Garden Bistro

Don't you just squirm when people say, "I'm not that creative" or "I wish I was into making things like you". They are usually the ones who make really good artists because they have great ideas and just need a little motivating and maybe a tad bit of instruction or help. Well, this is surely the case with Sonia.

She is very attracted to eclectic handmade things. If you asked her if she was a good crafter, she would probably say, " I am not that good putting things together, but I have great ideas". She said that to me before. She's been diligently working on her backyard. Gardening and stuff. Then she came up with this awesome idea to recycle these big pieces of wood into garden furniture, creating a little romantic bistro setup in her backyard so when her guests come over they can enjoy her backyard not just having a place to sit but a table for their food and drinks as well.

I couldn't get over how cute and creative this came out. She did a great job all by herself. Her color scheme is that of natural earth tones joined by the natural wood itself, cute dishes and a lovely floral arrangement created from orchids from her yard. I just love it! What a phenomenal way to make her yard look cute, original and quite cost effective. Don't you just love her idea of little pillows perfectly fitting the top of the little bistro chairs to keep your little tush tush comfortable. Now I imagine that a whole lot of people will want this setup in their yard too. I certainly do.

Thanks Sonia for sharing this wonderful idea, teaching us to recycle, helping to save the earth. For any questions on how she did this or where to find materials, please email Sonia @ Sisterslocked@gail.com.

OOOOh, That's A Cooold Piece!

Connie Jones, proprietor of Cold Piece Home Accessories, says her business started right out of her  own home.  Lots of people would  ask Connie over the years where she found the beautiful home accessories in her home.  They were under the impression she had spent hundreds of dollars on the eclectic selection of accessories displayed throughout her home. She reminded people how frugal she was and that she just had an eye for phenomenal pieces at affordable prices.
She eventually thought to herself, why not begin a small home based business of her own.  People love her pieces and some people don't really have an eye for eclectic, quality  pieces for the home.  She surely has the eye.  So, "COLD PIECE" was born.  A unique business which specializes in low down cold pieces (commercial), sure to please you and sure to get the eye of others.

 Damn!  That's a Coooooooold Piece!

 Wouldn't you like to have a personal home show in your home offering your friends phenomenal selections of eclectic, exotic pieces for their home?  You can, contact Connie Jones @ Peace2U@yahoo.com for information.

Carol Eisenstein - The Quilt Artisan

Women have been creating exquisite quilted masterpieces since the mid-1800's.  Quilts are an expression of frugality. They not only serve a practical, functional purpose, but serve as a form of art as well.

Years ago in my grandmother's days, groups of women gathered for quilting. It was  a form of socialization and relaxation for  women. It was a time when they could get together to visit and catch up with one another once their household duties had been done.

Now days, this social gathering has turned into a business enterprise for many women.   They are phenomenal artisans.  Quilt Art is  springing up throughout our communities.
Quilts are not just used as a form of bedding or covering for furniture and keeping warm, but as beautiful wall hangings.  Most of all, they are gifts that last a lifetime and can be passed on from generation to generation as family history tokens. 

Carol Eisenstein is a Quilt Artisan who has designed some of the most beautiful quilts.  Her quilts each have their own story.  For more information, contact Carol ,  Email: Carol92544@yahoo.com for information and have her design a quilt just for you. 

CALLING ON VENDORS!

OK people!  We are reaching out to you, with information on vending opportunities which offer affordable booths for rent to set up shop in the surrounding communities.  Spaces are available.  Artisans and small home based business entrepreneurs!  Check out this small list of upcoming opportunities.  Reply and let us know if you are taking advantage of any of these opportunities so that we can let our friends know you will be there.  Perhaps you will see some friendly faces that you may or may not recognize and SISTERS-LOCKED will look for you with our cameras.  LOL!  Good Luck.

 

Peace, Love and Blessings,

Alisa, Deborah and Sonia

LIST OF VENDING OPPORTUNITIES

*10th Annual CARNIVAL- May 15th 2011 11am -3pm 16160 Ashland Ave, San Leandro, CA.  contact: Cheryl.lindberg@sbcglobal.net

*Rumble 4CM Annual Car Show- 2251 Galaxy Ct. Concord, CA.-VENDORS (free)- Contact Gary Hill (925) 595-8068

*North Bay Summer Get Together Car & Bike Show- June 4, 2011, Solano County Fairgrounds_ Accepting Applications for VENDORS $45-$125 depending on space size - contact: valerie@gilmanstreetmedia for info 

*Jammeth Music Festival - June 4th, 2011- Solano County- Vendors Wanted- contact: Jammothwiththemammoth@gmail.com

*MIND BODY & Spirit Health & Wellness Fair- May 1, 2011- 11am-6pm- 2654 Nicholson Street, San Leandro, CA. 94577. A Call for Vendors, Healers or Performers! www.afroboogie.com/expohome.htm

The ART of Tattooing in the Motherland

For African women, scarification is most often associated with fertility.  Scars added at puberty, after the birth of the first child, or following the end of breastfeeding, highlight the bravery of women in enduring the pain of childbirth. As if that wasn’t enough! Scars on other areas of the body such as the hips and buttocks, accentuate the erotic and sensual aspects of the female body. 

African Tattoos or Scarification~The history of tattooing in Africa dates back thousands of years. Until Otzi the Iceman was discovered, the oldest known tattoos belonged to the mummy of Amunet, a priestess of the goddess Hathor somewhere between 2160 BC -1994 BC. The designs found on her mummy, were believed to be symbols of fertility and rejuvenation.

Many men in West Africa undergo scaring or cicatrisation as a form of tribal initiation and bravery. This painful process begins for most young males at puberty and continues into adulthood. Scarification is done by lifting the skin a little, making a cut with a sharp tool such as a razor blade, thorn or anything with a sharp edge, and sand or ash is then rubbed into the cut to make the raised scar patterns anywhere on the body. The patterns followed are often local traditions which feel like braille lettering. Each tribe has unique designs, the man in the photo has patterns that identify his village and clan. He also has black magic symbols to help ward off evil spirits. These different designs often indicate social rank, traits of character, political status and religious authority.

Children are also included in this tradition of scarification when they reach different stages of their lives such as weaning from their mothers breast. Here in North America most tattoo artists will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 without a parents present, however there are those who do.
In the past I have always added a video to my tattoo posts to really show the style of tattooing, this one will be no exception. However some of you might find this video graphic because of the nature of the topic. I specifically chose this one because it was filmed by National Geographic, which I grew up watching. Keep in mind as you are viewing this video that this tradition or ritual makes these individuals feel accepted by their community. Although I don’t agree with it when it involves a small child it could be compared to circumcision in North America. Technically there is no reason for either tradition or ritual. I look at these differences as educational. We are all connected as human beings regardless of our culture. I accept everyone for who they are and what they believe.  It makes the world in which we live diverse in every way. This video is not for everyone. Some nudity.

                                           Warning ~This video has some graphic content!!

African Red Coral Kissess

She asks, " Can you make me a neckless and earring set"?  I reply, "Sure, I can.  What colors do you like?"  She says, "Any colors are fine. Colors that will help rid this broken heart".  I think to myself, OH NO!

I browse through my beads and decide on Red Coral & Turquoise.  Red Coral represents love and happiness and of course turquoise  represents  master healing and has a communication quality.  Yes, yes of course.  Just what she needs to heal that broken heart.

I created this set for the second time. A few years ago and now.  Hoping this set will  help her feel a surge of confidence, self esteem and sensuality. She can dresss it up or down.  I say, rock it with a pair of tight jeans and a white shirt.

  Always remember that Self Love is one of the greatest loves.  Without it, there is no healing or moving forward.  Therefore, this is a gift to you my friend, as a symbol of a lifetime of self love, happiness and the opening of new doors..

Peace, Love & Blessings,

Alisa

Spears of the Masai

I was visiting a book store recently where I was browsing through a book about African Warriors.  I was inspired by an team of Kenyan Warriors and their fabulous spears made from Buffalo hide. I love looking through books at pictures hoping for inspiration from an eye-catching tribal statement for a piece of jewelry.

I went home and began creating earrings with some items that I acquired some time ago thinking I would eventually use in jewelry making.  Some items from a garage sale, old jewelry and misc. beads and things.  These fabulous earrings are shaped like spears of the Masai.  Masai warriors are renowned for their bravery, ferocity and hunting skills.

The spears are bone with gold and black edged decor. The findings are sterling silver and have been accented with beads in black gold and ivory.  These earrings make a bold statement representing  the power of the Masai Warriors.

They are priced at a moderate $32.  Contact Alisa@ Sisterslocked@gmail.com

Peace, Love & Blessings

Sonia's Jewelry Box

recycled  beads from Sonia's old jewelry

Let me tell you something about Sonia.  She is an Accessory Diva. She wears fly clothing all the time. Good at mixing and matching up her stuff.  Walking advertisment for me, for sure.  She wears some of the most exotic, cultural, one of a kind jewelry, than anyone I know.  Why?  Because she buys handmade.  She supports artisans to assure she's wearing original.  Um huh, child!  Just look inside her jewelry box. 

What will you see? C-R-E-A-T-I-V-I-T-Y!

She's always turning  heads (ask her husband)  as she's, without choice, giving a history to the pieces  that she wears for that stranger admiring her from afar and asking, "where did you get that"?    Her husband gripes, "if one more person asks you about your jewelry, I 'm gonna..........! WATCH OUT SOMEBODY before you get P- Wowed!  LOL!!!!!!

What does that tell you people?  BUY HANDMADE!

If you like one of a kind items, then you'll surely find it from someone who hand creates. Artisans invest so much time and so much love, in what they do. If you don't know, you had better ask Sonia.

And for those of you who need walking advertisement?  Well, call Sonia.  If she likes it, you're a winner because someone will call  asking to purchase one of  what she was wearing.  Forgetting that it's original.  One of a kind. But gaining because they will surely find something else they'll love just as much as what they saw Sonia wearing.  You win too, a profit.  Keeping the green in our own village. Thats what it's all about.

Contact Sonia at Sisterslocked@gmail.com for tips on buying original.  (The Who's & Where  )

Peace, Love & Blessings

Alisa Loves "Fulani Ear Candy"

Fulani earrings are one of the most talked-about pieces of jewelry from Africa. They make an instant impression with their glimmering, twisted appearance. Hand-crafted in Mali, the Fulani gold is actually twisted bronze but was believed to be gold by the Fulani people for some time. The bronze is hammered  thin, and then twisted to create the intricate look of the earrings.

The Fulani earrings are created by Fulani craftsmen in Mali. One of the largest groups of nomadic herders in Africa, the Fulani customarily wore their wealth in the form of gold jewelry that they could carry with them at all times. The design has been worn for centuries, and it wasn’t uncommon to see women wearing these type of earrings with red rope around the post of the earrings to try and help alleviate the heaviness of pure gold. The women would typically get these earrings as a present on their wedding day, or on another special occasion.

Everyday is a special day to me and these earrings are one of my favorite treats to myself.  Won't you treat yourself to a pair of these Fulani earrings?  You too will have heads turning.  Sizes vary from small to large.  Comes in silver or gold.  Affordable prices vary based on size and color choice.

If you would like a pair, contact Alisa at, Sisterslocked@gmail.com.

Peace, Love and Blessings

Deborah says, "WAISTBEADS" Sistas!

Waistbeading

Bin Bin = waistbeads -  Senegal West Africa
Jel-Jelli = waistbeads -  Senegal
Giri-Giri = waistbeads -  Nigeria
Ileke idi - waistbeads -  Nigeria
Jigida = waistbeads -  Nigeria
Yomba = waistbeads -  Nigeria
Djalay Djalay = waistbeads - Chad
Waist beads are an age old African tradition and are worn for many reasons and purposes to celebrate femininity,  welcoming to womanhood, fertility, healing, spirituality, power, balancing, attracting and keeping a mate, rites of passage, rejuvenation, initiations, first menses, energy, body shaping, to promote good blood circulation, sexual enhancers, and protection amongst other things.

Waist beads can be anointed with special oils and herbs that will be absorbed into the skin for healing purposes.

Traditionally waist beads are worn under clothing by African women but have also been worn outside of the clothing in some parts of Africa. In the modern world waist beads are worn boldly outside of clothing against bare mid drifts as a fashion statement. Well, my recommendation would be to wear them under your clothing to preserve value and appreciation for the traditional purpose.

Waist beads can be made of bone beads, shells, gemstones, glass beads, clay beads, pearls, brass beads, charms or a combination of them all to symbolize a woman or girls status in life. They should be worn below the belly and can be a single or multiple strands. There is no age limit for women who can wear them nor is there a size limit. All my waist beads wear created in Africa with love. They come in different sizes, and can be fitted just for your fabulous body.

Contact Deborah at Sisterslocked@gmail.com for availability and prices.



An Artisans Marketplace

The production, exchange and distribution of handcrafted goods, have been one of the roots of cultural identity in all cultures.  Our community is a beautiful multi-ethnic population filled with cultural creativity and talents  from all over the world.  People are doing great things as a hobby and  for their home based businesses to supplement their incomes and make a living in this economy.

.  Therefore, as an effort to preserve craft practices, inspire new innovations, circulate income and encourage creativity and business opportunities in our own community, a brand new network of Artisans and Entrepreneurs is emerging. 

We believe in the power of crafting and entrepreneurship and we'll strive to give our networking partners pride and identity in the local community as Artisans and small home based business Proprietors.

Peace, Love & Blessings,

Alisa, Debra & Sonia