As we begin a new year filled with hope and anticipation, we are reminded how this past year has been filled with heartache and hardship, whether it was the loss of a pet, a family member, a job, or just the loss of our normal life. Not often are we offered an opportunity to address some of these situations with one action.
A conversation I recently had with my friend Kelly, who is a local Bridgeville business woman, offered a unique way to achieve multiple positive outcomes during this time of unrest for so many.
Kelly’s business consists of traveling the globe in search of and support of artists living in impoverished areas who hand make products to earn a living. Normally she travels from January to May meeting artisans and buying their products, but of course this year she is unable to leave the United States.
Recently she received an email from an artisan she’s worked with from Bali named Mina who is struggling from the affects this global pandemic has had on her livelihood. Mina creates beautiful hand painted pillow covers. Not only does she make her living with her artwork but she also is passionate about feeding homeless animals in her village.
Sadly, due to the pandemic, the normal channels for her to sell her products are non-existent and she is struggling like so many others around the world to make ends meet. Kelly has visited with Mina many times over the years and knows her situation is dire. This is a portion of the email Kelly received from Mina:
“..very bad this time very difficult bali life no turist. I’m so sad have no job, I really hope this year will be better. I’m scared I have many dogs and cats need food everyday. Kelly, please help me find some order painting this for my animals buy food.”
I would like to offer support to this artist while providing you, my families, an opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind gift at an amazing price for someone you love.
To the left is a picture of the pillow Mina painted for me in 2015 of my sweet Colby.
Beautifully hand painted, her pillows are truly an amazing and a realistic likeness of your precious pet. Each pillow is created from a picture you provide and is painted on durable cotton duck material.
I gave a lot of these as gifts in 2015 and there were tears of joy when they were unwrapped. This incredible hand painted likeness of your beloved companion will amaze you in its life-like presentation. Mina is an amazing artist.
Imagine spending time on the couch, cuddling and hugging your sweetie.
You may choose your material color from either grey or beige as shown in the photo to the right.
(The brown and black covers shown in the photos above are not currently available but I wanted to include these images so you can see Mina’s amazing detailed artistry.)
This offer is available for one week only
In order to encourage people to place orders now, Mina is offering this pillow cover at a reduced price and I am passing this savings on to you (Kelly and I are selling the product at cost.)
When I offered Mina’s pillows for sale in 2015, the price was $120.
With her offering a discounted price and the cost of shipping,
you will pay $40 (plus tax) for the cover.
(You can purchase the insert yourself at Joann Fabric or Michael’s)
If you want me to provide the insert (stuffing),
you will pay $60 (plus tax).
I can’t think of a better way to start off 2021 than by supporting a fellow animal lover and artisan in need while obtaining a unique handmade item for you or someone special.
To get Mina some work quickly, I am taking orders for this item for one week only.
To purchase this unique gift, please call Carol at 412/290-6958.
Have a clear, high contrast photo of your beloved companion available to send via email.
Please make payment via credit card over the phone when you place your order.
Delivery anticipated 4-5 weeks.
You will be called when they arrive and we will arrange pick up
at Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation.
Product can be mailed to you for an additional cost.
We will take orders until Tuesday, January 12th, so please call soon.
Wishing you tranquility and grace in this New Year!
http://bit.ly/PillowGivesTwice