Hearts for Haiti is an an Etsy collective of donated items from hundreds of Etsy shops to raise money to rebuild Haiti after the devastating earthquake. All of the proceeds (minus Etsy and Paypal fees) go to Doctors Without Borders. All items include seller-donated free shipping (most worldwide, but check out individual listing).

My lovely and extremely talented friend Jenna of Kraftworkin Kitsch is a master of knitting and she’s participating in this shop, so head over to etsy and take a peek at her knits and the other great items for sale.

above: “somersaults on egg hill” –  kristiana parn

I found this print at The Pink Olive in Park Slope, NYC. Estonian artist Kristiana Pärn now lives and works in Prospect Heights, NYC. She began her career at seventeen and moved to NYC to study illustration. Her artwork is enchanting and charming in its simplistic look. I’d love to see her illustrate a children’s book.

above: “the enamored whale” – alberto cerriteño

Designer and illustrator, Alberto Cerriteño has been drawing since he was young. Growing up in Mexico, he has described his parents as fostering his love for illustration at a young age. He relocated from Mexico City to Portland, Oregon in 2005. His art is rich with colors, textures and patterns. I was lucky enough to order The Enamored Whale from his etsy site. he describes this particular illustration as a special one, with it marking the beginning of his career as an illustrator. In an interview he was asked what his philosophy is and here’s what he had to say: “Pursue passion in what you do, believe in yourself and eventually, you’ll find happiness.” Beautifully true.

I’ve put these prints up around my room to keep me inspired. I’ve come to realize (realise) that making the space I’m living in become a place representative of who I am is very important. Thanks to these great artists I get to make my room more inviting.

until next time… have fun!

T.S.