valentine by rené joshi sims

If your true love's heart beats fast at the sight of red ric rac, candy hearts and shiny plaid, this may be the valentine for you. On the front is a 4x6" print of the photograph René took for her wedding invitations, and the red handmade paper on the inside of the card is also a gorgeous wedding invite leftover. (The paper also contains a little bit of Canadian art history in the form of Laura Vickerson's famous rose petals).

True to the spirit of those cryptic little messages on candy hearts, this card has a way of saying a lot of things with few words. Shiny toy letters spell the words YOU FIRST. Depending on how deep your relationship is, you may want to draw in a comma: YOU, FIRST. No envelope can properly contain a card as boisterous as this, so there isn't one. 

René's zig-zaggy art journey: a three year crash course in love, painting, and D.I.Y. at Rosebud, Alberta; Yale University's Summer School of Art in Norfolk; four hothouse years at Alberta College of Art and Design; a year-long mentorship with Canadian painter Eleanor Bond, and another year working on Chautauqua Stars for a Northern City, a public commission for the E. A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts.

The journey came to a juddering halt when René's son was diagnosed with autism. She recently returned to the studio after a six year absence, and is working on a show about healing, loss, and love that glows just hot enough to see by. She lives with her family in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and blogs in happy obscurity at fruityfantastica.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

Valentine by René Joshi Sims, 7x9" (origin: Saskatchewan, Canada)

Starting bid: $8.00

one-year advanced blogging plan with squarespace: new! revised starting bid

Squarespace is divine. Not only does this platform allow me to achieve exactly the kind of websites I envision aesthetically, but it gives me the tools to make those websites and communities highly compelling and functional.

Every blog I've founded or contribute to is built on the Squarespace platform -- Glow in the Woods, Shutter Sisters, my author site, my book site, the Haiti auction site and my personal blog, sweet | salty. Anyone who expresses an interest in blogging gets tackled to the ground with my Squarespace enthusiasm. I can't recommend it enough. ~ Kate Inglis

Squarespace is defined by our insistence on software that provides an unparalleled user experience from a robust core. Every pixel of Squarespace’s software is engineered and animated to be flawless. Squarespace was conceived to be — and will remain — a departure from the sea of free products and "me too" services that pollute today’s web marketplace.

The Squarespace Advanced Package is great for more sophisticated websites requiring multiple editors and more robust site structures. Features are listed here, including a custom URL for a clean, brandable blog name; plenty of storage and bandwidth; tools for deep and flexible navigation; and the ability to host multiple audiences, memberships and email subscriptions, and private views.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

One-year advanced blogging plan with Squarespace (total value: $240.00/year)

NEWS! Because I know how great it is, and how much of a deal it is, I set the starting bid at $125, and Squarespace said "Hey, let's sweeten the deal!", and so wow, new starting bid: $60.00

'decorated' fine art print by kristin zecchinelli

"You can wield a camera like a magic wand almost. Murmur the right words and you can conjure up a poof of a dream" ~ Keith Carter

Kristin Zecchinelli is a proud momma living on the coast of Maine with her three children, hubby and one fat chocolate lab. She is a tragic knitter, avid blogger, and admitted sun worshipper and flareoholic. She thrives on finding beauty in her everyday. She likes collecting treasures with her children, DnD iced coffee, and a big pot of garlicky mussels. You can often find her pointing her Nikon straight at the sun, and yes, there is lots of sand in her camera bag. Kristin can be found on her blog maine momma or as a regular contributor to Shutter Sisters.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

Decorated fine art print by Kristin Zechinelli, either 5x7" or 8x10" (origin: USA)

Starting bid: $30.00

'blue' fine art print by kristin zecchinelli

"You can wield a camera like a magic wand almost. Murmur the right words and you can conjure up a poof of a dream" ~ Keith Carter

Kristin Zecchinelli is a proud momma living on the coast of Maine with her three children, hubby and one fat chocolate lab. She is a tragic knitter, avid blogger, and admitted sun worshipper and flareoholic. She thrives on finding beauty in her everyday. She likes collecting treasures with her children, DnD iced coffee, and a big pot of garlicky mussels. You can often find her pointing her Nikon straight at the sun, and yes, there is lots of sand in her camera bag. Kristin can be found on her blog maine momma or as a regular contributor to Shutter Sisters.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

Blue fine art print by Kristin Zechinelli, either 5x7" or 8x10" (origin: Maine, USA)

Starting bid: $30.00

buyers' choice: fine art print from the book 'shine' by Haitian artists

This fall, Broken Wings Missions published Shine, written by Peter Eyvindson. The story portrays life on the streets of Port au Prince from the perspective of Didi, a shoeshine boy and Reginald, a one armed child beggar. The illustrations were completed by two young students from St. Joseph’s Community Art Center, which was connected to the now destroyed original home St. Joseph’s.

Walnes Cangas (above, left) joined the St. Joseph’s Family at the age of seven when his family could no longer provide for him. He now provides for his family with his art activities. At an early age, he showed interest and gifts in painting, dancing, drumming and singing. For the past three weeks, Walnes has stayed at the ruins of St. Joseph’s with the hopes of protecting it from looters.

Frandy Jean (above, right) had been painting on his own when, in 2006, Walnes invited him to study with well-known Haitian artist Ralph Allen at the St. Joseph’s Community Art Center. He describes painting as, "Vital to me, like oxygen for my mind." His watercolour portraits are incredibly well rendered with great attention to detail and real emotion. Frandy is discouraged since he lost all of his art in the earthquake.

Peter Eyvindson, founder of Broken Wings Missions and a Canadian children’s author, has dedicated the past twelve years of his life to bettering the lives of children in Haiti through support for St. Joseph’s Family of Homes. Soni’s Mended Wings, his first book dedicated to the well-being of children in Haiti, was first published in 1999. With 36,000 copies sold, a home for disabled children was built called Wings of Hope. Now in ruins, a new printing of Soni’s Mended Wings was published on Friday, January 22, 2010 in order for rebuilding to begin.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

One fine art print (buyers' choice) of any illustration from the book Shine as produced by Haitian artists. Also includes an author-signed copy of Shine. (origin: Canada)

Starting bid: $15.00

a complete set of fine art prints by Haitian artists of St. Joseph's, as featured in the book 'shine'

This fall, Broken Wings Missions published Shine, written by Peter Eyvindson. The story portrays life on the streets of Port au Prince from the perspective of Didi, a shoeshine boy and Reginald, a one armed child beggar. The illustrations were completed by two young students from St. Joseph’s Community Art Center, which was connected to the now destroyed original home St. Joseph’s.

Walnes Cangas (above, left) joined the St. Joseph’s Family at the age of seven when his family could no longer provide for him. He now provides for his family with his art activities. At an early age, he showed interest and gifts in painting, dancing, drumming and singing. For the past three weeks, Walnes has stayed at the ruins of St. Joseph’s with the hopes of protecting it from looters.

Frandy Jean (above, right) had been painting on his own when, in 2006, Walnes invited him to study with well-known Haitian artist Ralph Allen at the St. Joseph’s Community Art Center. He describes painting as, "Vital to me, like oxygen for my mind." His watercolour portraits are incredibly well rendered with great attention to detail and real emotion. Frandy is discouraged since he lost all of his art in the earthquake.

Peter Eyvindson, founder of Broken Wings Missions and a Canadian children’s author, has dedicated the past twelve years of his life to bettering the lives of children in Haiti through support for St. Joseph’s Family of Homes. Soni’s Mended Wings, his first book dedicated to the well-being of children in Haiti, was first published in 1999. With 36,000 copies sold, a home for disabled children was built called Wings of Hope. Now in ruins, a new printing of Soni’s Mended Wings was published on Friday, January 22, 2010 in order for rebuilding to begin.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

A complete set of fourteen (14) fine art prints of the illustrations by Haitian artists featured in the book Shine. (origin: Canada)

Starting bid: $100.00

'cruiser' fine art print by jen way

"Photography is a passion of mine. One that includes light and magic, beautiful moments and raw feelings. It’s not rushed or posed. It’s just the way you remember it to be." ~ Jennifer Way

Cruiser is shot with Jen's Diana camera. The scene was captured in Avon, North Carolina, also known as the Outer Banks, one overcast Spring day.

Jennifer Way is a photographer who specializes in product, portrait and still-life photography. On a personal note, she has a husband and three children and believes in fairies and pixie dust. And she likes to build sand castles and forts with couch cushions and blankets. She has a hard time passing up second-hand chairs with good lines. And really loves dark chocolate.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

One print of any size of Jen Way's Cruiser in square (8x8") or standard (8x10") format. (origin: Pennsylvania, USA)

Starting bid: $20.00

'soni's mended wings' and 'shine': a signed set of books featuring haitian stories and art

This fall, Broken Wings Missions published Shine, written by Peter Eyvindson. The story portrays life on the streets of Port au Prince from the perspective of Didi, a shoeshine boy and Reginald, a one armed child beggar. The illustrations were completed by two young students from St. Joseph’s Community Art Center, which was connected to the now destroyed original home St. Joseph’s.

Soni's Mended Wings tells the story of Soni, a physically and mentally challenged child in Haiti spent years confined to his crib until one day some street children took over the operation of his orphanage. These teenagers offered Soni the same hope that they received from living in St. Joseph's Home, a mission designed to rescue boys from the harsh reality of the streets of Port au Prince, Haiti. Soni, now an adult, works as a caregiver at Wings of Hope.

These copies of Soni's Mended Wings and Shine have been signed by both illustrators -- a rare treat.

Walnes Cangas (above, left) joined the St. Joseph’s Family at the age of seven when his family could no longer provide for him. He now provides for his family with his art activities. At an early age, he showed interest and gifts in painting, dancing, drumming and singing. For the past three weeks, Walnes has stayed at the ruins of St. Joseph’s with the hopes of protecting it from looters.

Frandy Jean (above, right) had been painting on his own when, in 2006, Walnes invited him to study with well-known Haitian artist Ralph Allen at the St. Joseph’s Community Art Center. He describes painting as, "Vital to me, like oxygen for my mind." His watercolour portraits are incredibly well rendered with great attention to detail and real emotion. Frandy is discouraged since he lost all of his art in the earthquake.

Peter Eyvindson, founder of Broken Wings Missions and a Canadian children’s author, has dedicated the past twelve years of his life to bettering the lives of children in Haiti through support for St. Joseph’s Family of Homes. Soni’s Mended Wings, his first book dedicated to the well-being of children in Haiti, was first published in 1999. With 36,000 copies sold, a home for disabled children was built called Wings of Hope. Now in ruins, a new printing of Soni’s Mended Wings was published on Friday, January 22, 2010 in order for rebuilding to begin.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

A set of signed books (Soni's Mended Wings and Shine) signed by the Haitian illustrators Walnes Cangas and Frandy Jean. (origin: Canada)

Starting bid $20.00

as seen on dooce: sunshine neckwarmer cowl by pip robins

Hailing from Nova Scotia, Pip Robins creates sustainable accessories ranging from handbags to cowls. Best known for being featured on Dooce's Holiday for Her: Accessories and Clothing gift list, Pip Robins' streamlined scarves have become one of this season's most fashionable buys. 

Love keeping your neck warm but hate the scarf-bulk? Picture your scarf getting caught in a revolving door? How humiliating! Or maybe you just don't know what the heck to do with all that extra length, a fancy bow, a double knot, stuffed in your jacket and caught in your zipper. A cowl is your answer!

This thick outer fabric is a beautiful sunny yellow with a beige, ivory and yellow lightly textured pattern. There's a small amount of sheen, making this cowl a bit dressy. Lined with silkscreened gold on white cotton. Pattern placement will vary slightly. Slip it over your head and you've got a no fuss scarf! Fits large heads, and dimensions laying flat are 13" x 6" (wxh).

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

Neckwarmer Cowl in Sunshine by Pip Robins (origin: Nova Scotia, Canada)

Starting bid: $10.00 (value: $25.00)

'Nova Scotia Potluck: yummy food for friends and family' by shelagh duffett

Shelagh Duffett's cookbook Nova Scotia Potluck: Yummy Food for Friends and Family has sold thousands of copies. Shelagh asked her friends for their most popular dishes -- the ones people ask for and that disappear the fastest. This book is the happy result, a secret weapon to have on hand next time you're asked to bring something -- from traditional Nova Scotian fare to tried-and-true family recipes.

Shelagh Duffett is a mom, artist and photographer living in lovely Nova Scotia. Her folk art is found all over the globe, cheering up walls from China to Sweden.

All proceeds from items sold on the To Haiti with Love auction go directly to the St. Joseph's Family in Haiti. To make a bid, simply leave a comment with the amount of your bid and your email address. The auction will wrap up on February 8, 2010, and winners will be contacted right away to arrange payment and shipping. Good luck!

Nova Scotia Potluck: Yummy Food for Friends and Family by Shelagh Duffett (origin: Nova Scotia, Canada)

Starting bid: $20.00