Wishing You and Your Loved Ones a Peaceful Holiday

Therapy for the Inner Child

I really can't launch into a soliloquy about Play Doh with out the background music of Captain Kangaroo. They go hand in hand.

It is has been said that i have the nose of a German Shepherd. I can smell a foul odor wafting over from the next city. If an odious scent appears in my home there is always a stockade of incense ready to light and mask it. Fortunately my husband is tolerant of my rules and gagging reflexes about stinky substances in our home. .. scrambled eggs and cooked fish are at the top of the offending list. I am eternally grateful he does not consume nor cook beef as well.

There are however, certain fragrances that i can't image living without, such as lilacs, the ocean air and puppy breath. (Let's not forget pumpkin pie, roses, lilies, carnations, fresh bread, lavender, and Yellowstone park) However if i have to pick, there is one that is beyond doubt the most therapeutic for my soul and it is Play Doh.

The one whiff that instantly reverts me back into a four year old child is the clean salty aroma of Play Doh. If you were a child of the early 60's then you will remember the smell. Pink has always been my favorite. Blue always smelled a bit too blue, salty and it dried out the quickest. Yellow was ... well who likes yellow? And white was just too bland though it was the easiest to mold. And yes i can tell the difference between colors even with my eyes shut.

When ever i am going through times of stress taking a whiff of Play Doh seems to calm me. I believe that it has the same relaxing properties as Rescue Remedy for some of us.

I love that you can now find small mini containers of Play Doh. So handy to keep in a purse for that emergency whiff. Much nicer than my asthma inhaler which takes way too much room in a purse, and is way less effective emotionally. Though i am certain the New England medical board would pounce on me for prescribing Play Doh aromatherapy to acupuncture patients. (Oh to clarify to the MA Veterinary Board, that would be human patients not dog patients. Because if you were going to prescribe aromatherapy to a dog patient i would probably recommend a good juicy organic free range bone that would make me gag.)
Yesterday i came across a small container of new pink Play Doh at my favorite thrift shop. Immediately i took a whiff and believed it as sign from the Universe to play more and chill out. A new years resolution that i hope to keep this coming year.
(Work less, Play Hard. .. sounds like a Nike commercial!)


From the Wiki

Type	Modelling clay
Inventor	Joseph McVicker Bill Rhodenbaugh
Company	Rainbow Crafts (former) Hasbro (since 1991)
Country	United States
Availability	1956–present

Play-Doh is a modeling compound used by children for art and craft projects at home and in school. Composed of flour, water, salt, boric acid, and silicone oil, the product was first manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s. When a classroom of children began using the wallpaper cleaner as a modeling compound, the product was reworked and marketed to Cincinnati schools in the mid-1950s. Play-Doh was demonstrated at an educational convention in 1956 and prominent department stores opened retail accounts. Advertisements promoting Play-Doh on influential children's television shows in 1957 furthered the product's sales. Read more of this article at play doh wiki

Magical Mermaid with Wings

From PlanetCalamari

Using a vintage cardboard ornament this red haired mermaid is embellished with blue crystals, glass beads, sparkles and faux pearls. Blue is the color of protection and of the sea.

The piece is then given a few coats of a clear durable varnish to give it protection and a glossy, magical shine. The pin is about 5.5 inches long. A pin is securely glued to the back of the mermaid. A ribbon or cord can be attached to the pin to transform it into a decoration.

Makes a magical holiday stocking stuffer any time of the year. This Mermaid pin is lightweight and can be worn on a sweater, coat or hat.

According to Wikipedia "In some ancient fairy tales of China, mermaid is a special species whose tears can turn into priceless pearls. What's more, mermaids can also knit an extremely valuable material which is not only slight but also beautiful and translucent. Because of this, fishermen longed to catch them, but it's difficult for them to survive for mermaids' splendid singing can simply drag them to coma. Actually, mermaid is a symbol of wonderful creatures in Ancient China."

Free Shipping. Ready to ship. Wrapped in a festive cellophane bag with confetti. Made with love and magic in our seaside studio located in Salem MA.

To see more magical pins and art visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

Who would be
A mermaid fair,
Singing alone,
Combing her hair
Under the sea,
In a golden curl
With a comb of pearl,
On a throne?
I would be a mermaid fair;
I would sing to myself the whole of the day;
With a comb of pearl I would comb my hair;
And still as I comb I would sing and say,
"Who is it loves me? who loves not me?"
- Lord Alfred Tennyson, The Mermaid

Lady of Guadalupe

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Patroness of Mexico and the Americas
December 12

There is something mystical about the art of this Mexican deity. She has always been one of my favorite versions of the catholic Virgin Mary. Not a pasturized version of the Mary that we see here in the USA. The Lady of Guadalupe seems to be more of an ethnic Goddess. She is not pale. Her hair is dark. There is magic in her robe. Miracles seem possible when lighting a candle to her.

"This image, may still be seen in the Cathedral in Mexico City. Many believe that the fact that the image remains intact on a coarse fabric woven of a cactus-like plant that ordinarily deteriorates within a few years is further indication of the miraculous nature of the image. The symbolic significance of the image include Mary's complexion, which is similar to that of the Indians who were native to the region, her pregnancy, the gold stars adorning her blue mantle that representing the heavens, the purple tassels of her sash signifying royalty."

For more information on this Mexican feast day please visit http://www.wf-f.org/Guadalupe.html

If You Believe In Fairies Clap Your Hands!

Using a vintage victorian cardboard ornament this blue fairy is embellished with blue crystals, glass beads, sparkles and faux pearls. Blue is the color of protection and magic.

The piece is then given a few coats of a clear durable varnish to give it protection and a glossy, magical shine. The pin is about 5.25 inches long. A pin is securely glued to the back of the fairy. A ribbon or cord can be attached to the pin to transform it into a holiday decoration.

Makes a magical holiday stocking stuffer any time of the year. This fairy pin is lightweight and can be worn on a sweater, coat or hat. Easy to mail as a gift.
Free Shipping. Ready to ship. Wrapped in a festive cellophane bag with confetti.

Made with love in magic in the Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. To see more Victorian fairies, angels and mermaid pins visit the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

Visit the Planet Calamari Facebook Page

Victorian Christmas Angel Pin

Calling All Angels Jewelry & Magnet Collection by Planet Calamari

This collection of Angel jewelry is one of my oldest lines. I have been making them since 1990. I have decided to bring them back as we are living in a time that the world needs a little reminder that Angels are still with us.

Using vintage victorian cardboard ornaments this angel is embellished with a Red Austrian crystal with red, green and clear glass beads. Red is the color of love.

The piece is then given a few coats of a clear durable varnish to give it protection and a glossy, angelic shine. The pin is about 1.5 inches wide. A pin is securely glued to the back of the angel. A ribbon or cord can be attached to the pin to transform it into a holiday decoration.

Makes a magical holiday stocking stuffer any time of the year. This Angel pin is lightweight and can be worn on a sweater, coat or hat. Easy to mail as a gift.

Free Shipping. Ready to ship. Wrapped in a festive cellophane bag with confetti.

According to the Wikipedia, Angels are supernatural beings that are messengers of God. They are found in many religious traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islamic mysticism, the Bahai Faith, Indian religions, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and also in New Age beliefs.

Whatever your belief system, Angels are spiritual beings that guide and protect us. There are so many stories even in modern times of angels helping out those in need.

More Angels will be added soon to our Etsy Shop.

Made with love in magic in the Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. For more art to wear please visit the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop or or our facebook page

Calling All Angels

Calling All Angels Jewelry & Magnet Collection by Planet Calamari

This collection of Angel jewelry is one of my oldest lines. I have been making them since 1990. I have decided to bring them back as we are living in a time that the world needs a little reminder that Angels are still with us.

Using vintage victorian cardboard ornaments this angel is embellished with blue crystals, glass beads, sparkles and faux pearls. Blue is the color of protection.

The piece is then given a few coats of a clear durable varnish to give it protection and a glossy, angelic shine. The pin is about 3 inches wide. A pin is securely glued to the back of the angel. A ribbon or cord can be attached to the pin to transform it into a holiday decoration.

Makes a magical holiday stocking stuffer any time of the year. This Angel pin is lightweight and can be worn on a sweater, coat or hat. Easy to mail as a gift.

Free Shipping. Ready to ship. Wrapped in a festive cellophane bag with confetti.

According to the Wikipedia, Angels are supernatural beings that are messengers of God. They are found in many religious traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islamic mysticism, the Bahai Faith, Indian religions, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and also in New Age beliefs.

Whatever your belief system, Angels are spiritual beings that guide and protect us. There are so many stories even in modern times of angels helping out those in need.

Made with love in magic in the Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. For more art to wear please visit the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop or or our facebook page

More angels, fairies and putti pins will be added soon. Meanwhile... Click below to hear the song Calling All Angels on youtube:

Happy Birthday Louie Prima!Zooma Zooma

from wiki
Louis Prima (7 December 1910 – 24 August 1978) was a Sicilian-American singer, actor, songwriter, and trumpeter. Prima rode the musical trends of his time, starting with his seven-piece New Orleans style jazz band in the 1920s, then successively leading a swing combo in the 1930s, a big band in the 1940s, a Vegas lounge act in the 1950s, and a pop-rock band in the 1960s. In each of his musical endeavors, he incorporated his exuberant personality into his act.

Sing along with Louie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIJzpdJIdmI But Angelina never listens to my song......

Going to a party? Visit The Planet Calamari Etsy Shop for festive art to wear that is fun and easy to dance in!

Happy Birthday Agnes Moorehead aka Endora!

[about mortals]
Oh, they all look alike to me. Noses to the grindstone, shoulders to the wheel, feet planted firmly on the ground. No wonder they can't fly. - Endora the witch

from wikipedia
Agnes Robertson Moorehead (December 6, 1900 – April 30, 1974) was an American actress.Although she began with the Mercury Theatre, appeared in more than seventy films beginning with Citizen Kane and on dozens of television shows during a career that spanned more than thirty years, Moorehead is most widely known to modern audiences for her role as the witch Endora in the series Bewitched.

For bewitching art to wear visit the Planet Calamari Etsy shop

happy birthday walt disney

My imagination creates my reality
-Walt Disney

Happy Zappadan

“I never set out to be weird. It was always other people who called me weird.”
Frank Zappa

The festival of Zappadan runs from the date of Frank's death, 12/4, through the date of his birth, 12/21. I did not make this up. You read more about this holiday season from an old post at the blog The Aristocrats

OK, so i do have a Zappa thing, just look at the hair. We were both born at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. His parents were part Italian ....and Catholic. Mine were full blown Italian which requires one to be Catholic too. He too was the oldest child of four and he also had asthma. wheeeeeze gasp pass that inhaler please.

Frank and his family ended up in San Diego in 1955ish depending on which bio you read. (I eventually moved there in 1981) You can read more about Frank's early career at wiki

It was not just the brilliance of Zappa's music that made me fall in love with him. He was a rebel. Outspoken. Blunt. A genius... a real one with a high IQ. He was a smart bad boy with a sense of humor and an inhaler. Oh take my breath away. And he had no problem being odd, different or weird. He did not even try. I can relate to that- though it took me much longer to accept that about myself. Some of us are just born that way. It pisses some people off, confuses others and stuns the rest. Rest assured, most of us freaks are harmless, just scary to watch or understand.

He was oh so very handsome in that ugly-sexy rock star kind of way too. Of course i think if i ever had kids i would have thought of better names for them than Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen. (Diva is a beautiful name without the pigeen muffin.)

So in 1993 Frank Zappa died on my birthday of prostate cancer. (Bill Bixby, of the Courtship of Eddie's Father had just passed away a week before with the same disease.) What a shitty year for good guys. I remember that day vividly, what i wore, ate, drank and the tears. I took it as an omen that it was going to be a very bad year. (And yes it was THE year that sucked- but it also was the year that sparked many big changes in my life- death of my a dear friend, death of a bad marriage, moving to new apartment alone with terrorist cats, a sick dog and starting acupuncture college. And i am certain it sucked more for the Zappa family.)

It has been 17 years since all that has transpired. My terrorist cat will be 18 soon. I can't even believe how old i am today. I feel young inside. Old in my joints. My inhaler is still in my purse. So..when i learned of the holiday season of Zappadan that started on my birthday a few years ago, i took it once again as an omen, but this time as a good one.

So today i will floss, not eat yellow snow and celebrate my weirdness. It's my birthday and i'll floss if i want to. (yes i did live in Montana for 9 months too!)

Sing along with Frank on this 1973 youtube.

I might be movin' to Montana soon
Just to raise me up a crop of
Dental Floss 

Sherwood Forest Freeform Crocheted Necklace

What would Robin Hood give to Maid Marian this holiday season? A magical leaf to wear from the Sherwood Forest.

The center piece of this necklace is a hand-blown glass leaf which radiates hues of greens, turquoise with brown flecks when light hits it. Four strands of freeform crocheted ropes intertwined form the necklace. These strands are created using recycled yarn of green earth tones embellished by two different types of Italian yarn fringe. Vibrant colors of bronze, yellow, orange, black are intertwined with fuchsia, teal and purple.



This piece is lightweight and slips over the head. Easy to put on and take off. The leaf is almost 3 inches long. The entire necklace is about 15 inches long.

Looks boho chic with a pair of jeans and boots. Dress up a black or brown outfit with this outlaw art to wear. See more pics of this art to wear at Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari art studio located in Salem MA. Please visit our website www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Birthday to the Divine Miss M

“Group conformity scares the pants off me because it's so often a prelude to cruelty towards anyone who doesn't want to --
or can't -- join the Big Parade.” Bette Midler

Click here to watch this youtube of the Divine Miss M and her girls sing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

Dragonfly Totem Medicine Wheel Fiber Art Cuff

From the Medicine Woman Fiber Art Collection.

This piece was inspired by the Animal Medicine Cards Deck. Each card represents an animal totem once revered by the Native Americans. The dragonfly represents many things around the world. To the Chinese, it is a symbol of happiness, good fortune, harmony and prosperity. Other cultures, such as Native Americans, associate the dragonfly with purity, swiftness, and happiness. The dragonfly is a creature of both the wind and of the water.


This crocheted handcuff was made with black merino wool. An indigo blue yarn medicine wheel with a multi-colored border of Italian yarn in hues of purple, orange, fuchsia is layered on top. In the center of the medicine wheel is a dragonfly which appears to be made from bone, thankfully it is not. Instead it is made from some sort of resin plastic. This dragonfly is surrounded by glass clear beads with one very small silver toned full moon charm.

On another medicine wheel made of the multicolored Italian yard is a sterling silver half moon with stars. Seashells, white feathers, a clear semiprecious crystal bead, a green agate bead, hematite star and a Rudraksha prayer bead adorn the cuff.



Multi-colored fringes made from Italian yarn add a touch of boho glamour. The cuff is about 3 inches wide and the fringes range in size with the longest reaching about 6 inches from the top of the cuff.

One size fits all. Lightweight. Gently slide the cuff over your wrist. You may need to "fluff" it after taking out of its gift wrap. Shipped USPS priority mail with insurance. To see more of this cuff on the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop click here

Add a touch of dragonfly magic to your holiday outfits. A lovely stocking stuffer for your favorite medicine woman.

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari studio located in Salem MA studio. Visit our website for more art and jewelry at www.planetcalamari.com

Blue Star of Avalon Fiber Art Medicine Wheel Cuff with Fluorite.

From the Medicine Woman Fiber Art Collection. Inspired by nature, magic and the ancient mysteries of Avalon.

The novel "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is one of my favorite books to read over and over. It is the story of the legend of King Arthur told by a woman. (For the record, the mini series for TV was horrible!) This piece was inspired by the reverence of nature by the priestesses of Avalon.



This freeform crocheted wrist cuff is made from recycled wool in shades of earth-toned browns. A blue enamel star sits in the center of a crocheted medicine wheel of indigo blue with a sea-green border.

Five fluorite beads representing the five elements, fire, earth, air, water and wood are also in the medicine wheel. The colors of the fluorite range from purple to green. According to folklore, Fluorite was once thought to be the "home of the rainbow" due to the crystal's wide range of colors which many times grow intermingled or side by side. Sea shells, glass beads, and fluorite beads are scattered around the entire cuff.

Italian yarn of with hues of blue, white and a touch of yellow was used to embellish this bracelet with hanging fringe, giving this piece a bohomeian look.



Wear this unique art to wear to brighten up an ordinary pair of jeans or with your favorite Winter Solstice holiday outfit. Be the Lady of Avalon. Believe in the magic of this winter holiday season.

This is a slip on piece and will fit most wrists. It is about 7 1/4 inches around and can be made smaller.Two dark blue crocheted strands surround the top and bottom of the cuff so that it can be made tighter when pulled and tied. Or you can let them hang for a more dramatic look.

Gently slide over hand. Lightweight. The cuff width is about 3 inches wide. Shipped USPS priority mail with insurance. Click here to see this piece the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop


Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari studio located in Salem MA studio. Visit our website for more art and jewelry at www.planetcalamari.com

10% OFF at the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop!

It's my birthday week...
To celebrate we are having a 10% off sale
at the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop.


One of a kind art to wear for that boho cruchy chic look made with love and magic in my Salem MA studio.

Free shipping on most items too.
Sale ends on December 4th

Enter the code TH8NKYOU when checking out to receive your discount.
thank you!
jeanie

Happy Bithday Jon Stewart!

It takes a Sag with humor to bring us the real news!
Thank you Jon.


wiki jon stewart

Happy Birthday Jimi Hendrix

November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970)
Scuse me while I kiss the sky

What would music be like today if Jimi Hendrix would have lived a longer life? Maybe i am stuck in the past when it comes to music, but i miss the classic rock stars. The pioneers that left the planet too early. Those who broke the fashion rules of normalcy. Bring back the late 70's. Let's make Peace a real cause this time around. Be nice to your fellow man. Blow up your TV! Get out your guitar. Grow your hair. (I always have the urge to dye my hair purple after hearing a Hendrix tune.) Dance like nobody is watching. Have the ultimate Hendrix experience and wear purple in honor of Jimi today!

For more on Jimi jimihendrix wiki

Iris Apfel

“(My look is) either very baroque or very Zen –
everything in between makes me itch.”
Iris Apfel

When i am an old lady i hope that i have the savvy and the bone strength to dress like Iris Apfel, sans the big bug glasses. It amazes me that this little old lady can wear all those bracelets without toppling over. How can she hold a glass of wine with 40 pounds of silver on each arm? Maybe she drinks using a bendy straw. Obviously these things do not seem to phase her.

I had never heard of Iris Apfel until last year when her exhibit came to the Peabody Essex Museum. The streets of Salem were buzzing with her name. Parties and fashion shows featuring Salem's fashionistas and wanna-bees became the latest rage. (Being neither and now known as Salem's anti-social dog lady, i was not invited!)



It was Iris who planted the seed in my imagination for the Planet Calamari Happy Qi wrist cuffs. I love the look of big bright fun bracelets but did not the weight of them. We should not suffer just for the sake of decorating ourselves. Accessories, like shoes are much more fun when they are comfortable.

Watch Iris talk about her unique sense of design on this youtube -Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel, Peabody Essex Museum of Salem MA

“I think dressing up or down should be a creative experience. Exciting. Fun. For me the key to personal style lies in accessories. I love objects from different worlds, different eras, combined my way. Never uptight, achieving – hopefully – a kind of throwaway chic.” Iris Apfel

Visit the planet calamari art galleria
to see art to wear for those who dance to the beat of a different drummer.

Vampire Heartbreaker Talisman Wrist Cuff

Of all the wrist cuffs i have made so far, this is my favorite. It took several hours to create.

This one of a kind wrist cuff is crocheted with black merino wool yarn into a slip on bangle. Crocheted snowflakes from ecru colored cotton are sewn on with aurora borealis black glass beads with hues of purple, greens and dark blues. Clear glass beads are interspersed to catch the light. Each snowflake has a vintage floral button in the center. three small ecru strands hang from the bracelet as a fringe.

A vintage rosary crucifix tarnished silver with wood inlay hangs from this piece. The prayers are still attached magically inside. A Mexican silver toned eye milagro along with a heart with dagger milagro hang from the opposite side. Translated, Milagro is the Spanish word for miracle.



This piece one of a kind and cannot be duplicated. One size fits most. Slip over wrist gently. The width of the cuff is 2.5 inches. Lightweight. Boho chic with a touch of goth magic. Wear to ward off vampires and heartbreakers. Perfect accessory for New Years Eve. click to learn more


Made with love and magic in my Salem MA studio. Please visit the Planet Calamari website for more art and jewelry. www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Birthday Harpo Marx

Arthur Adolph "Harpo" Marx
November 23, 1888 – September 28, 1964

Watch Harpo play the harp in the movie At the Circus click here

For more info on Harpo visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpo_Marx

The Sun Enters Sagittarius 2:16 AM

Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21
Ruled by Jupiter
9th sign of the Zodiac
Fire sign
Mutable

To read more about the traits of those born under this fun sign visit earthsky tonight

Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari for art influenced by the jovial side of Jupiter.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!

November 18, 1928

"I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing
- that it was all started by a mouse."
Walt Disney

Of all the famous artists in this world, Walt Disney has been the most influencial one in my life. Mickey Mouse is not only the most graphically correct toon ever to be drawn, he represents all things good, magical and innocent. Thank you Walt for giving birth to Mickey Mouse 82 years ago.

M-I -C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Put your mouse ears on and sing along youtube MickeyMouseSong


For more mickey info visit the wiki article at mickeymouse wiki

Organic T-shirt Sale Planet Calamari

Organic Clothing and Holiday Gifts inspired by Yoga, Meditation, Acupuncture and Eastern Philosphy
http://www.printfection.com/planetcalamari

Coupon Codes:
FALL2010 $5 off subtotal of $25+
HARVEST2010 $10 off subtotal of $50+
AUTUMN2010 $20 off subtotal of $100+

Disclaimer:
Please enter coupon code FALL2010, HARVEST2010, or AUTUMN2010 before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the subtotal and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Coupons valid from 11/14/2010 12:00 am to 11/20/2010 11:59 pm Mountain time.

Holiday Festival of Color Wide Cuff

Some days i just want to wear fruit on my head and dance to calypso music. It makes me wonder what would Carmen Miranda wear with everyday jeans? Would she be friends with Iris Apfel?

This bangle bracelet was crocheted with recycled earth-green yarn. Italian yarn of wild oranges, fuchsia, teal and olive tufts give the fringe a festive look. Another Italian fringe yarn with hues of purple, magenta and burnt orange was intertwined into this cuff.

The cuff is about 3 inches wide. One size fits all. Lightweight. Perfect accessory for holiday dancing. click here to see more

Made with love and magic in my Planet Calamari studio located in Salem MA. Visit our website at www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Birthday Claude Monet

"Nymphéas"
Claude MONET 1904

"There was a stream, the Epte, which came down from Gisors on the boundary of my property. I opened up a ditch so that I could fill the little pond that I had dug in my garden. I love water but I also love flowers. That's why, when the pond was filled, I wished to decorate it with plants. I took a catalogue and made a choice any old how. That's all."

Claude Monet

For more info on Monet http://giverny.org/monet/welcome.htm

Sold! El Desayuno del Diablo Day of the Dead

I was tempted the other day to pull this off the Etsy site and keep it myself.. then viola .. it sold! It was a blast making this and now it is time to let it go.

The Devil's Breakfast from the Art Returns from the Dead collection. What would El Diablo have for breakfast....deviled eggs? Whimsical mixed media art to hang in your breakfast nook.

Paper Mache red diablo with clay deviled eggs as eyes, embellished with Mexican milagros, Lotteria cards, plaster skulls, worry dolls, coffee beans,glass crickets, butterflies and an old rosary for those who pray they are not part of his breakfast!

www.planetcalamari.com

Starlight Starbright Vintage Button Bracelet

Walk into the room and light it up with this one of a kind fringed button bracelet. Be the star of the party! Boho chic with a touch of stardust.

A fusion of blues, pinks and mother of pearl vintage buttons, and glass beads adorn this crocheted bangle bracelet. I used blue yarn for the base and then added Italian fringed yarn with hues of blues, rose pink and white. The buttons were handpicked for this piece. Most are vintage buttons found in a Nonna's button tin.



Unique accessory to wear this holiday season. Magical stocking stuffer. Lightweight. One size fits all. click here to see more

Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari Studio located in Salem MA. Visit our website for more art at www.planetcalamari.com

The Tao of Planet Calamari

Planet Calamari has been the name of my art business for over 11
years. Many people ask me how i came up with something so unusual.
Originally, in the 1980's, i was a glass artist with a line of jewelry
and clothing on the side. Those products were known as Wonderwear by
jeanie marie. The name worked but, after awhile i realized it just
sounded too much like Underwear by jeanie marie. Not a good business
image. This was before i even knew about websites, the internet and
cyber marketing.

Later, somewhere around 1991-92-ish, my cousin Suzanne and i co wrote
a children's book while sitting on Coronado beach in San Diego. The
story was about two little girls, Donnie and Cali, who made a wish to
be mermaids while jumping into the waves. In the story Cali wears a
purple squid on her head as a crown and Donnie wears a starfish on
hers. (It seemed brilliant at the time. And i am sure there was wine
involved.)

The title had many incarnations and the book was never published.
After several rejections by publishers, we realized our illusions of
becoming the next Dr Seuss were futile. However on that magical day at
the beach, i became Princess Calamari and Suzanne became Princess
Pescadonna. Thus the birth of the Calamari family (family members
began to call me Squid as a term of endearment).

Around 1993 i decided to leave my art businesses, and i was inspired
to attend acupuncture college. All those years in the glass studio
damaged my lungs, and the only thing that helped me breath again was
regular acupuncture sessions, a change of diet and lifestyle.

During my first semester my Chinese Herb professor, Toni, gave the
class an assignment: Produce a memoir of the way each of us memorized
all the herb information required. It could be anything - flash cards,
songs, art, charts, whatever the method was that we each individually
used. The one stipulation was it had to be fun for us. Each week we
had at least 15-20 herbs to memorize and identify in their raw form.
The amount of information was overwhelming. The threat of the weekly
test at the beginning of each class brought flash backs of catholic
school. I was terrified.

Being a visual person i found it difficult to memorize pages of
information or flash cards. Charts confused me. So i began making
cartoons with stories for each herb and herb category. At the end of
my third semester i had a book. It became "Dr Calamari's Coloring Book
of the Plants, Minerals and Bugs of China." Ironically many people
thought there really was a Dr Calamari. It was always fun to receive
calls asking for Dr Calamari. I always imagined he was some distant
uncle living in Sardinia gathering squid specimens for research.

The book sold very well to students but eventually became outdated. It
is no longer in print. It was because of this book i decided to have a
website and thus it became Planet Calamari. I hoped more Dr Calamari
books would follow. (I believe the good doctor has retired to the
Amalfi Coast.)

As much as i love having an acupuncture practice, i could never leave
art behind. The name Planet Calamari was out there, became the name of
my art business, and has been with me ever since.

I thank Toni to this day for her assignment, she has become a very
dear friend over the years. In fact her cat, Miss Boo is BFF with my
17 year old cat, Zevo Calamari who has her own blog
The Adventures of Zevo Calamari & Boo As a celebrity cat burglars Zevo
and Boo do their best to keep the Calamari name alive and in the
press.

For the record, i personally do not eat calamari, octopus or anything
with tentacles. Once my Nonna made spaghetti with octopus and served
it to us while babysitting. She would not reveal the ingredients
...until after i had vomited. The smell was odious. I still cringe and
gag when walking by the seafood section at Whole Foods at the sight of
dead squids or cephalopods.

I like to think of my art as having many dimensions and themes. Like
a squid with 8 lobes in its brain and 8 tentacles reaching for
different things all at the same time. My art has gone through many
changes over these years. It has been tempting to change the name to
something more appropo and grown up, however it would be too much like
breaking up with a dear old friend.

Planet Calamari is here to stay.

Visit the Planet Calamari site

Have a Namaste Filigree Earrings

When i hear the word Namaste it reminds me of rays of pink light infused with shades of purples that sparkle. Namaste translated means "I bow to the light in you. We are one."

Silver filigree discs holding Czech pink glass tubes, AB amethyst glass beads, small glass purple crystals and clear glass beads. These are lightweight and stunning as they catch the light.

Wear with your favorite boho outfit, sari or jeans. Have a Namaste! A unique holiday accessory or stocking stuffer.


Made with love in the Planet Calamari Art studio of Salem, MA.
www.planetcalamari.com