Waiting for Haiti

I wasn't able to get back to Haiti this year. No need to go into it, but it just didn't work out.

But, that doesn't mean that I'm not getting some new Haitian goods. I am! I am very excited to announce that new metal cuffs are on the way, as are very amazing recycled hanging Christmas trees. (You can call them a Hannukah bush if you'd like, and they'd work for Kwanzaa, too.)

Anyway, without further ado, the cuffs. Here's what they're made of:


Here's a photo of the artist working away on them:



And, here's one. (Really, it's wearable sculpture.):




I have a recycled metal Christmas tree for personal use. I'd post a photo of it, but someone stole my bag--with my camera in it--when I was vending at a festival recently. Such is life in the worldwide headquarters of Three Stone Steps, Baltimore, Maryland USA.

But, the decision on the new camera has been made, and it's only a matter of time until you can see it, and decide if you want you own, long lasting, recycled holiday tree. (And, the trees would be great paired with recycled paper Christmas ornaments. Just a suggestion, but, really, it's hard to get much funkier and greener for the holidays....)

My Online World & More Metal!

Well, I've been playing around a bit on Squidoo, in fact, writing even more about the funky cuff bracelets I had made from recycled metal. If you've not heard quite enough about the subject, you can find even more on my Metal Art from Haiti lens here.

I've also been Twittering myself silly. It's fun and non-committal, and you can find Three Stone Steps' random musings right here.

And, I'm happy--I think--to say that I found the red le roi shown below a new, good home!

One of my Favorites from Haiti

I found this fantastically wonderful, amazing beaded bag in Haiti. I have one in red, too, and it's below, but the blue is my favorite.They have great faces, and none of my existing bags have faces. In fact, none of the scarves have faces.

I'm selling these. They aren't on Three Stone Steps, but I'm selling them live, as we speak, in DC, at the Downtown Holiday Marketplace, in front of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art/National Portrait Gallery. I just, quite blissfully, have the day off.

The fashion accessories I sell are there, too. I have those great mosquito netting bags, in the cross body, messenger, and shoulder bag styles. I have those silk scarves that are affordable luxury, but I have noticed how people just look at my buddies, Le Roi.

If you're in the area, I hope you'll come and see the King(s) live!

Fantastic Recycled Oil Drum Cuff Bracelets Have Arrived!

I'm tickled to announce that I have at long last--well, after about two weeks--have the fantastic metal cuff bracelets I had made in Haiti from recycled 55-gallon oil drums on my site. You can find these pieces of wearable art right here.

These make a perfect and unique gift. Of course, you may jut want one for yourself.

And, here's a photo of the artisan modeling his work:


Pretty cool, huh?

Haiti, first video of first trip

For your viewing pleasure, my first ever video of my first ever trip to Haiti.

(This is the same video as the one posted below, but maybe of a higher quality??)

Haiti, November 2008: My first computer movie about my first time to Haiti

Enjoy. And, please let me know if you've any questions or comments. Thanks!

(And, a quick note: For some technical reason well beyond my ability, the video looks best without the full screen view. This, I might add, is not the case when watching it directly on my computer. If I can figure out how to embed a better quality video, I'll do it.)

Not about the election or Wall Street

I assume that many of you, like me, are caught up with the daily drama of the election that is right around the corner. On top of that, we keep hearing how we are headed to a financial collapse.

These are exciting, interesting, maddening, scary and weird times.

However, there are things happening beyond our fair shores. Haiti--where Three Stone Steps will be heading right after the election--is still suffering the aftereffects of a terrible hurricane season. Should you wish to help, the organizations below would appreciate it. (Please note: Three Stone Steps has no connection to any of these organization, and inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Three Stone Steps.)

Campaign for Labor Rights (CLR): Haitian Workers Hurricane Relief Fund
1247 E St SE
Washington, DC20003

CLR is collecting funds for the Confédéderation des Travailleurs Haitiens to distribute to union sisters and brothers and their families for hurricane relief. The CTH has been rebuilding since a US-sponsored coup in 2004 overthrew Haiti's elected government. According to the CLR, the coup was led by groups funded and trained by the International Republican Institute, whose Board is chaired by John McCain. CTH members were targeted because of their support for Haitian democracy and opposition to foreign intervention.

Haiti KONPAY - Emergency Hurricane Relief Fund
7 Wall St.
Gloucester, MA01930
Focusing on Haitian solutions to environmental, social and economic problems and providing training and funding to grassroots and community-based projects. KONPAY is supporting Haitian-led efforts to reforest Haiti and protect the environment.

Haiti Reborn
PO Box 5206
Hyattsville, MD20782
Supporting the growing Kofaviv movement of women demanding an end to violence and rape; establishing the development of a reforestation program, including satellite nurseries; advocating an end to unjust and undemocratic foreign intervention in Haitian democracy and economy; countering the destructive myth of Haitians as helpless victims by highlighting Haiti's proud history and giving voice to today's brightest leaders.

MADRE (Emergency & Disaster Relief Fund)
121 West 27th Street #301
New York, NY10001
A New York-based human rights group demanding human rights for women and families throughout the world, and also working on disaster relief with one of its sister organizations in Haiti.

Partners In Health
641 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA02115
Their mission is both medical and moral, based on solidarity, rather than charity alone. When a person in rural Haiti falls ill, PIH uses all of the means at their disposal to make them well-from pressuring drug manufacturers, to lobbying policy makers, to providing medical care and social services.

Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods (SOIL)
124 Church Rd
Sherburne
NY 13460
dedicated to empowering communities, building the soil and nourishing the grassroots. SOIL protects soil resources and transforms wastes into resources. SOIL promotes integrated approaches to the problems of poverty, poor public health, agricultural productivity, and environmental destruction.