The Shoe that Grows- Perfect for Children in Developing Countries!

So many kids across the globe, about 30 million of them, don't have shoes.
They're susceptible to injury, parasites, and soil-transmitted diseases.
The problem is, even when they're given shoes, they quickly outgrow them.
Here's a solution: The Shoe That Grows.
Adjustable to 5 sizes, they can grow with the child and will last for years!
Constructed from compressed rubber that's similar to the tires on your car,
they're rugged, sturdy, and easy to keep clean.

Such an awesome idea, right?
Watch this informative video to hear more:

There are several ways to get involved:
make a donation, hold a fundraiser, or help distribute the shoes.

Learn all about it on The Show That Grows website!

Gwen Murphy's Foot Fetish Sculptures

Now, here's an artist who thinks outside the box. Shoebox, that is.

How imaginative for Gwen Smith to take a pair of shoes, add clay,

and then working her sculptor’s magic, bring them to life!

Her collection is titled “Foot Fetish.”

Bizarre? Uh...yep.

Innovative, modern and fun? Absolutely.

Above: She's Not There

Big Lebowski

Big Mouth Twins

Judith

Greatest Shoe on Earth

Edgar & Erwin

Toe Shoes

Blue Suedes

Golf Pair

Ruby Slippers

See many more at Gwen Murphy Studio,
and here she is on Facebook.



Images used with direct permission from Gwen Murphy.

Retro Still Life Paintings by Holly Farrell

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Canadian artist Holly Farrell attracted my attention with her nostalgic still life paintings.

Very retro in style, done with oil and acrylic on masonite.

Don't they evoke a happy, melancholy mood? 

I love the soft-spoken shades. 

Even her wallpaper backgrounds add charm.

 A relaxed aura of a simpler life in simpler times.

Washstand

Satin Pumps

Butterick Patterns

Tammy

Seeds

Fire King Mugs

Children's Books

Barbie & Ken

Bowties



Here are Holly's website & Facebook page.



Images used with direct permission from Holly Farrell.

Hand-beaded Moccasins

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Native Alaskan Mabel Pike, an elder of the Tlingit clan, enjoyed doing needlework her whole life. Eventually, she specialized in beaded moccasins, with extraordinary results! She used traditional designs from her Tlingit culture, and created her own patterns as well. Happy to hand down the customs of her tribe, she even taught beadwork courses at Stanford University.

You are sure to enjoy hearing Mabel tell the story of 

her talent and passion in this fascinating video by Etsy!

Mabel passed away at age 92, a year after making this video. 

How wonderful for her to have left the legacy of these beautiful handcrafted moccassins!

Tieks

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These are Tieks by Gavrieli. A re-vamped version of the ballet flat. 

And all the rage with women across the globe. 

Their combination of comfort and style is off the charts.
Pricey, but are they worth it? Would love to hear from you!

Tieks are made of 100% premium top-grain leather. A single piece of soft leather wraps around the foot to form the shoe's upper. Along with a cushioned instep, the heel area uses cushioning instead of elastic to get that oh-so-comfortable fit.

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The lightweight split-sole design makes Tieks flexible. Always "Tiek Blue", by the way, along with the stripe on the back of the heel. They fold into their own drawstring pouch to be tucked into your purse. Worn for their comfort alone, or as a convenient back-up plan when you wear heels. Imagine wearing these on your commute to work, then switching to heels when you arrive at the office.

We're not talking trade-off. There is no sacrificing style for comfort here! Tieks seem to easily take the place of dressy heels. Yes, even higher than high heels. That should be great news for millions of fashionistas out there who pine for comfy feet.

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Here are just some of the many choices, priced in the upscale range of $165 to $295.

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Tieks are very popular with brides and their bridal parties, to wear as they walk down the aisle, or for later when they head to the dance floor! They're a favorite with women who travel. Pregnant women love them!

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For those who would prefer a non-leather option, they offer a vegan line.

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They introduced a fun neon collection.

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Leopard? Very tempting, indeed.

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