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

I Am Grateful Crocheted Fringe Bracelet

From the Happy Qi Fiber Art Collection

Boho crunchy chic. What would Stevie Nicks wear to Thanksgiving Day dinner?


Inspired by the colors of gratitude and Thanksgiving. This crocheted wrist cuff is handcrafted with recycled yarn in earth tone browns. Adorned with Italian yarn fringe in vibrant fall colors of rust, bronze, yellow, orange and black.




Lightweight. One size fits all. Free shipping.
click here to see more


Made with love and magic in my Salem Ma studio. Please visit our website for more art to wear. www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Holidays from Planet Calamari.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Fringed Bracelet

From the Happy Qi Fiber Art Collection.

Imagine an eco-friendly Cyndi Lauper wearing recycled fringed boots dancing to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

This crocheted bracelet is made from earth-toned browns recycled yarn. Adorned with 2 types of Italian yarn fringes in feisty autumn colors. Boho crunchy chic with a touch of fun.
....They just wanna ...they just wanna...Girls just wanna have fun!!!

Lightweight and one size fits all. Free shipping.click here to see more!

Made with love and magic in my Salem Ma studio. Please visit our website for more art to wear. www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Holidays from Planet Calamari.

happy blog blast for peace day give peace a chance

Wish Upon A Star Crocheted Fringe Bracelet

From the Happy Qi Fiber Art Collection

Close your eyes and make a wish before wearing this Happy Qi wrist cuff.

Crocheted from Italian yarn with hues of night blue, sky blue and yellow cloud puffs. Adorned with Italian yarn fringes of vibrant star burst yellow and nightfall black. Wear as a reminded that your dreams can come true when you believe in magic.



Lightweight. One size fits all. Free shipping. Planet Calamari Etsy Shop
Sci-Fi Boho chic. Made with love and magic in my Salem Ma studio.

Please visit our website for more art to wear. www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Holidays from Planet Calamari

Leaf Jumper Crochet Fringe Wrist Cuff

From the Happy Qi Fiber Art Collection by Planet Calamari


Imagine a big pile of brightly colored leaves all raked into a large pile. Close your eyes. Now jump in.... Roll around. .... Hear the crunch and crackle of the leaves. Breath in the aroma of autumn. As you wear this bracelet hold on to that Happy Qi feeling.

Crocheted with recycled yarn of earthy greens. Adorned with Italian fringe yard in vibrant colors of orange, purple, blue, yellow and olive. Crunchy Boho Chic with an I Dare You attitude.

Lightweight. One size fits all. Free shipping. Visit the Planet Calamari Etsy site to learn more.

Made with love and magic in my Salem Ma studio. Please visit our website for more art to wear. www.planetcalamari.com

Happy Holidays from Planet Calamari.

Recycled Vespers of Notre Dame Earrings

I am still on my blue phase and reminiscing our travels to France and Montreal, Canada.

Of all the cathedrals i have been to in my life, none have ever had the magic of Notre Dame of Montreal. No matter what religion you are or are not- the beauty of this cathedral is mind blowing. The blues, the right touch of pink and gold are heavenly. Candles flickering and prayers being answered. And if you don't try.... you can still see angels flying around!

These earrings were inspired by the peaceful blue of the church.

Silver filigree discs form a chandelier of many shades of blue glass beads, hematite stars and moon charms. Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari Art studio of Salem, MA.

Make a wish when you wear them for the first time.

For more art, clothing and bohemian trinkets visit www.planetcalamari.com

Reincarnated Fortune Earrings

Nonna's vintage garnet glass rosary beads with the all the prayers ever said with them still magically inside. Dangling from a semiprecious garnet bead is a Chinese good fortune coin. Good Feng Shui with a little Catholic magic. East meets West!

Handcrafted with love and magic at the Planet Calamari Art Studio in Salem, MA

The Miracle of Love Milagro Earrings

From my Nonna's collection of rosaries! Recycled Prayers transformed into milagro love earrings. Vintage garnet glass rosary beads, semi-precious garnet bead with silver Mexican prayer milagro and heart milagro. Stainless steel silver ear wires.

Looking for love or have a friend searching for their soul mate? Say a prayer and wear these earrings!

Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari studio of Salem, MA.

Midsummer Night's Dream Dragonfly Earrings

The dragonfly is a symbol of happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. In South America it is believed they are the souls of the dead flying around. Some believe they are faeries.

Hand-painted enamel metal with green and pink beads. Stainless steel ear wires. One of a kind made in the Planet Calamari Art Studio of Salem, MA with love and magic!

Nuits Lumiere Bourges Earrings

These blue dangle earrings were inspired by the magical blue lights of Bourge, France. Nine years ago today my husband and i were on our honeymoon. So romantic.. soooo so blue. Every summer this enchanting city invites its guests to tour the city under a canopy of blue twinkle lights while medieval music fills the air. Click here to see more of Bourges

Made with cobalt blue glass beads, blue glass spheres, clear Czech glass beads with a silver moon. Silver plated ear wires.

Wear on a full moon and pretend you are dancing under the blue lights of Bourges! Made with love and magic in the Planet Calamari studio in Salem, MA.
visit the Planet Calamari Etsy Shop

Year of the Pig Painting a Chair from In A Pig's Eye

During a moment of insanity i volunteered to paint one of the chairs from the infamous Salem pub In A Pig's Eye for the Julia Gauthier Scholarship Fund. These were the old chairs used at the Pig before the new ones arrived. A chair will be auctioned off every Friday during their Blues Jam.

The only requirement was that the theme had to do something with Pigs. At first i thought i would do a Pigs in Space chair, visions of Miss Piggy in space. Then decided it would be cool to do a Native American theme with dream catchers, corn, feathers and pigs but Nubi my cat decided to help with the dream catcher and it was futile. A porcine Karl Rove crossed my mind for a second but who is going to buy a rabid republican chair in a blue state! So after agonizing over my options, my TCM heart decided on a Chinese theme chair.

The Year of the Pig!

I am not sure when this chair will be auctioned. (It is still sitting in my kitchen waiting for to be walked over to the Pig. Will post more about this event later.

I am just so happy it is finally finished! I added a pig acupuncture chart on the very bottom of the seat a few minutes ago. Will post that pic later.

happy birthday salvador dali

Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, 1st Marquis of Púbol
May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989

Update from Planet Calamari

Right now i am unable to update the Planet Calamari website and will be using the blog for news and announcements.

The Planet Calamari blog and site have been ignored for quite some time. I have not had time to play artist or create much since we have been working nonstop on publishing the new book and recording the distance learning class on veterinary acupuncture.

My beads, colored pencils and baubles are feeling very neglected. ..not to mention i am sleep deprived, a tad cranky and as one of my clients said "looking quite peaked". Hoping to remedy all of these situations as soon as possible! Meanwhile here's the latest scoop:

Announcing New Book & NCCAOM approved CEU class for Acupuncturists!
For more info visit www.fourpawsacupuncture.com

For art, jewelry,clothing and other fun items visit the Planet Calamari Shoppes!

Happy Birthday Leonardo da Vinci

April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci

"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them."

Alternative Art for Earth Day

Acupuncture... healing the planet

one needle at a time

To see this design on clothing, totes, stickers and gifts for the home or office visit the Planet Calamari Shoppe

Happy Birthday René Lalique

from Wiki:
René Jules Lalique was born in Ay, a small village in the Marne region of France on April 6, 1860, and died May 5, 1945. He was a glass designer, renowned for his stunning creations of perfume bottles, vases, jewellery, chandeliers, clocks and in the latter part of his life, automobile hood ornaments. The firm he founded is still active today.

Happy Birthday Albert Einstein. Happy Pi Day

Imagination is more important than knowledge

click here to read about Pi day

make art not war

I am obsessed with daVinci... especially the Mona Lisa. If only the Louvre would allow patrons to sleep under the Mona Lisa or light novena candles in her honor. I would love to rent a cot and have one night alone with her.
Ahhhhhhhh
make art not war

planet calamari spreads its tentacles

What is the sound of one tentacle clapping?

Thanks to all of those friends and family who have been so supportive as i make a small transition back to playing artist. It was fun to take almost a whole week off from treating patients to create again. This coming week it's back to work. I am so grateful that i love what i do for a living. There is no temptation to return to art full time. The biggest challenge however, will be attempting to balance work with play. These past few years i have turned into a work-aholic, good for business but detrimental to physical and mental health. The muse has returned just at the right time.

If a squid claps in the ocean does it make a sound?

Ever since i can remember, i always wanted to do a line of greeting cards but could never figure out how without spending a fortune on start up. My ideas are too absurd for Hallmark. I finally found a way to make this possible through the magic of Zazzle. After resurrecting some old art from some of the books i have illustrated, Greetings from Planet Calamari Greeting
was born. More designs will be added when i have to time to search and rescue the lost art from our ghost ridden attic.

A rabbi, a priest and a squid walked into a bar.........

Two weeks ago i discovered the Etsy site. A perfect solution to selling handcrafted art on line with out having to deal with a gallery. So much easier too. More mixed media pieces and jewelry will be added on the Planet Calamari Etsy site as soon as i can figure out the best way to photograph them. It has been the biggest challenge with the lack of sunlight this past week...and time. (In fact let's just blame the lack of sunlight for everything that has gone haywire lately.)

For all those on facebook, Planet Calamari now has a fan page planet calamari art galleria It is my hope to post art related articles and news as well as other artists on this page.

If you are an artist, musician, photographer, or writer check out the artZing.ning.com site. Its a free site to post and sell your work.

Wishing everyone a happy last week of February and Chinese New Year. Spring is around the corner!

jeanie

Reincarnated Rosary & Button Art to Wear

Romantic touch of the past with a touch of spring! Nostalgic Mother of Pearl buttons from Nonna's button tin, beaded onto remnants of one of her rosaries. Prayers of a magical spring intertwined with shades of pink, blue and lavender.

This one of a necklace is hand crafted from recycled Job's Tears rosary beads beaded with antique and vintage mother of pearl buttons, glass beads, Austrian crystals, rose quartz, Glass pink, amethyst and lilac Czech beads and a moon charm cascading from the piece.

This piece has an easy to work silver plated clasp and is about 16.5 inches long.

Free Shipping
For more jewelry visit the Planet Calamari Art Galleria on Etsy

Reincarnated Rosary Bead & Button Bracelet

Romantic touch of the past with a boho flair! Nostalgic Nonna buttons beaded on her rosary. Love and prayers intertwined into this magical bracelet.

This one of a bracelet is hand crafted from recycled Job's Tears rosary beads beaded with antique and vintage buttons, glass beads, Austrian crystals, rose quartz, hematite semi precious beads. Glass red Czech beads with vintage garnet rosary bead and a moon charm dangle from the bracelet.

Easy silver plated clasp. Bracelet measures about 7.25 inches.
Free Shipping
For more jewelry visit the Planet Calamari Art Galleria on Etsy

el Milagro del Amor ear art

El Milagro del Amor translates as The Miracle of Love.

A unique Valentine Day gift for a loved one or a magic charm to attract love! The Mexicans believe milagro charms carry prayers to those who can fulfill our wishes.

I have several boxes of assorted Catholic trinkets such as broken rosaries, patron saint medals and prayer cards that belong to my Nonna Annie and Aunt Dina. Going through them i came up with the idea to recycle them and turn them into wearable art.

Authentic Mexican silver heart milagro charms hang from a recycled antique rosary. The rosary beads are glass garnet. A semi-precious garnet bead hangs with the milagro.

Click here to visit the Planet Calamari Art Galleria

El Desayuno del Diablo

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!

For more details visit the Planet Calamari Art Galleria on Etsy

Del Arte Suenos Nunca

Del Arte Suenos Nunca translates as Art Never Sleeps. A tribute to Frida Kahlo and the Mexican holiday the Day of the Dead. This piece is part of the Art Returns From the Dead collection.

Bronzed paper mache mask embellished with sea glass found in Salem MA with red Swarovski crystals, plaster skulls and a dove. (Diego Revera referred to Frida as his Lttle Dove.) Decoupage art of Frida and images from Jose Posada. Mounted on a black background with black wooden frame with wire hanger attached.

To see more Frida inspired art visit the Planet Calamari Art Galleria on Etsy.

Planet Calamari Under Construction! Excuse our mess while we are updating

The Planet Calamari website, PlanetCalamari Etsy Galleria and the Planet Calamari Cafepress Shop are in the midst of a makeover.

We are still open for business. Please excuse the mess and wear your hardhat and safety goggles while shopping!
Thank you

Happy Groundhog's Day!

First D.J.: Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today.
Second D.J.: It's coooold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?
First D.J.: Not hardly. And you know, you can expect hazardous travel later today with that, you know, that, uh, that blizzard thing.
Second D.J.: [mockingly] That blizzard - thing. That blizzard - thing. Oh, well, here's the report! The National Weather Service is calling for a "big blizzard thing!"
First D.J.: Yessss, they are. But you know, there's another reason why today is especially exciting.
Second D.J.: Especially cold!
First D.J.: Especially cold, okay, but the big question on everybody's lips...
Second D.J.: - On their chapped lips...
First D.J.: - On their chapped lips, right: Do ya think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow?
Second D.J.: Punxsutawney Phil!
First D.J.: Thats right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's
[in unison]
First D.J.: GROUNDHOG DAY!
Second D.J.: GROUNDHOG DAY!

Frida Kahlo y Diablo Ear Art

Frida Kahlo inspired ear art with a touch of the Day of the Dead. Perfect for your inner bad girl. Paint on your uni-brow and add a touch of red lipstick. Viola!

Silver conchos are embellished with a Frida image. Strands of Czech glass, silver charms and a carved diablo bead from South America catch the light.

See more at the new Planet Calamari Art Gallery on Etsy!

www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

Dia de los Muertos Ear Art

Inspired by Frida Kahlo and my favorite Mexican Holiday Dia de los Muertos. Paint on a uni-brow, add some red lipstick and you are ready for a fiesta! Ole!

Silver conchos with handcrafted plaster skulls, ethnic beads, silver charms, Czech glass and hand carved diablo beads from South America. Silver plated ear wires.

See these one of a kind handcrafted earrings and more at http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetCalamari

Happy Birthday Franz Schubert

Franz Peter Schubert
January 31, 1797 – November 19, 1828
Austrian Composer of the Ave Maria

One of my favorite versions is the Ave Maria featured in the 1940 Disney movie Fantasia: Click to hear

Planet Calamari Etsy Store to Open Soon!

Happy 2010! My muse has returned from her long vacation in the stratosphere.

A Planet Calamari etsy store is now in progress. More Frida inspired jewelry, sculptures and retablos will be featured on this site.

Stay tuned!

thank you

jeanie marie