Knots & Stones on Eco-Chick's Blog!

  
The use of seeds in making jewelry and body ornaments has been in practice for thousands of years. Back in my home country, Colombia, and in particular in cities like Bogotá, beautiful necklaces, bracelets and key chains made with chocos (huayruros), achiras (chirilla), bombona (pambil) and chumbimba (jabon) seeds are commonly found on the streets as they are sold by street vendors and beggars. Unfortunately, the beauty of the craft is often lost due to the conditions that bring these artisans to the city. Many of these street artisans and beggars are indigenous men and women, and farmers that have been displaced from their rural homes because of threats or killings carried out by FARC rebels in their communities ...  to read more.

 

November Trivia Contest

The first person to posts the correct responses to the following 5 questions will win the K&S accessory of their choice.  Take the challenge and win some free jewelry!

This month's topic: Fair Trade

1. What is Fair Trade? 

2.  True or False:
Fair Trade is about paying developed world wages in the developing world.

3.  True or False:
Fair Trade refers only to coffee


4. What kind of goods are available through Fair Trade? (list 3)


5. What are two (2) reasons to buy Fair Trade goods?


Good luck!  Thanks for participating.

Check out K&S Feature in Eco Fashion World!

SEEDS OF HOPE: KNOTS & STONES

It is human nature to search and explore. Some people push a little harder than others to try new things, find ‘their place,’ and make an impact. New discoveries lead to personal growth and almost always, the influence radiates into the lives of those around the diligent movers and shakers. Andrea Rodriguez-Tarazi, the founder and designer of Knots & Stones, is one of those diligent movers and shakers, creatively converting her inspiration and taking her self-assigned role in the green revolution, armed with tiny knots, delicate seeds, and earth-made stones. More...  Eco Fashion World

Nov 15 - America Recycles Days

America Recycles Day is next Monday and it's a good time for all of us to renew our vows to recycle. And not just because it's  good for the planet!  Here's the top 10 reasons why recycling makes so much…

1. Good For Our Economy American companies rely on recycling programs to provide the raw materials they need to make new products.
2. Creates Jobs Recycling in the U.S. is a $236 billion a year industry. More than 56,000 recycling and reuse enterprises employ 1.1 million workers nationwide.
3. Reduces Waste The average American discards seven and a half pounds of garbage every day. Most of this garbage goes into to landfills, where it's compacted and buried.
4. Good For The Environment
Recycling requires far less energy, uses fewer natural resources, and keeps waste from piling up in landfills.
5. Saves Energy
Recycling offers significant energy savings over manufacturing with virgin materials. (Manufacturing with recycled aluminum cans uses 95% less energy.)
6. Preserves Landfill Space No one wants to live next door to a landfill. Recycling preserves existing landfill space.
7. Prevents Global Warming
In 2000, recycling of solid waste prevented the release of 32.9 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE, the unit of measure for greenhouse gases) into the air.
8. Reduces Water Pollution
Making goods from recycled materials generates far less water pollution than manufacturing from virgin materials.
9. Protects Wildlife
Using recycled materials reduces the need to damage forests, wetlands, rivers and other places essential to wildlife.
10. Creates New Demand
Recycling and buying recycled products creates demand for more recycled products, decreasing waste and helping our economy.

For great gift items made from recycled materials, check out World of Green
http://worldofgreen.com/products/search?q=recycle&submit=

Tips for a Greener Holiday Season

As we approach the holiday season, we want to remind you to try to make your holidays a little more "green" -- here are some tips:
Make Your Own Wrapping Paper;
Buy Energy-Saving Holiday Lights;
Add Organic and Local Foods to Your Holiday Feast;
Get a Pesticide-Free Tree;                                                                                        Make your own gifts; AND if you are going to buy ...
Buy gifts made from recycled or naturally renewable resources.

RETHINK:GREEN Fundraiser ... We are there!!!

We are proud to be a part of the RETHINK:GREEN Charity Event benefiting the Environmental Charter Schools and Green Ambassadors Institute. Several K&S pieces have been donated to their Silent Auction. More info on the Nov 6th event at http://www.rethinkgreenevent.org/

New Store!

We would like to welcome our new friend, EVO, in Italy (Tito/PZ)!! We are very excited to join their stores and all their great eco-friendly products!
http://emissionvaluezero.it/ecommerce/

October's Trivia Contest - K&S Scavenger Hunt!!!

Here is your second chance to win some eco-chic jewelry!  This is a great opportunity to get yourself a new piece of jewelry for the fall or pick up a unique gift for someone on your holiday list.

The first person who posts the correct answer to the following 5 questions will receive any item they wish from our current line.  This is an easy one!  (hint: www.knotsandstones.com)

1. Where was our head designer born?

2.  By what other names is the Tagua Nut known?  (we are only looking for 3)

3.   List 4 seeds used in our current collection

4.  In what colors are our Tagua Studs available?

5.  How many necklaces (styles) are available for sale in our website?

Good luck!!!

Let's Work Together to Find a Cure!

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all our family and friends that have been affected by Cancer, K&S will be donating $1 to the American Cancer Society  for every new person that joins our blog throughout the month of October. 

So, come on, share us with your friends!!!

And the buzz grows for K&S - Check out our feature on Build A Buzz!

Click to read latest profile: Build A Buzz

Most jewelry is from the Earth — silver, gold, diamonds, emeralds…all gifts from nature.  But nature provides all kinds of materials that can be made into beautiful jewelry besides those that sparkle.  One company had to just look underfoot to find materials for their collection, Knots and Stones.  Knots and Stones jewelry is made from seeds found on the rainforest floor in South America — everything from Acai, Tagua (vegetable ivory), Chirilla and other seeds.  The result is an eco-friendly collection perfect for the socially-conscious woman on a budget.  Now that’s a mouthful and so apropo as even eco and budget conscious women want to look good!  You can see the full collection of rings, bracelets and gorgeous necklaces at www.knotsandstones.com