Vegan Etsy

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Solstice - Happy Winter!

2011-12-21T08:34:00.000-05:00

Happy (first night of) Hanukkah!

2011-12-19T10:28:00.001-05:00

Congratulations AMANDA - you've won the Great Vegan Etsy Giveaway!!

2011-12-12T10:42:00.004-05:00

Three cheers to commenter Amanda, who - by random selection - has won our Great Vegan Etsy Giveaway! Amanda told us that this vegan pendant from For the Animals is a great way to help donate to animal causes, this handmade brooch from Dark Fairie will proudly proclaim her veganism, and that she'd love to receive a Pansy Maiden bag for the holidays!

Thanks for your awesome entry Amanda, and thanks to everyone who entered and who supports us the whole year through. We couldn't do it without you!

The Great Vegan Etsy Giveaway: have YOU entered yet??

2011-12-08T10:06:00.007-05:00

We've heard now and then that y'all think we're awesome. (Aw, shucks, we love you too!) Well, The Great Vegan Etsy Giveaway gives you, our dear readers, a chance to win a fabulous prize pack full of handmade items from VET sellers like Neva Jewelry and Art, Starrlight Jewelry, Johnson Family Zoo, and more! This contest lets VET fans show us just what they love about Vegan Etsy. Check out some of the awesome items that contestants have told us they love:

Vegan Wheekers loves this Peace for Pigs pin from Eat your VegTees:

Culturebalance thinks these catnip toys from Luna's Apawthecary are adorable:

And Amanda would love nothing more than this Pansy Maiden backpack for Christmas!

So what do you love about Vegan Etsy? Check out the Giveaway and tell us all about it, and you just may have a pack of goodies headed your way this holiday season! ;D

Vegan Etsy Team Members Give Back

2011-11-28T09:06:00.000-05:00

As the holiday season rolls around, a number of Vegan Etsy team members are donating a portion of sales to charities again.

Katie at Luna's Apawthecary is donating 20% of all sales to C & W Rustic Hollow Shelter for cats in Iowa. Check out her shop for fluffy cat beds for that special kitty.

Rachel from The Feathered Snail is donating 10% of sales to Mobilization for Animals pet store and educational outreach. She has you covered for all your jewelry nest needs.

Panda With Cookie is donating 10% of all zine and personalized cat and dog ornament sales to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Check out the Tofu Pirate Comic Adventure and get an ornament made to look like your kitty.

It's Back: The Great Vegan Etsy Giveaway!

2011-11-27T10:11:00.010-05:00

This giveaway is now CLOSED!! Thanks so much to everyone who participated, and keep your eyes peeled for the next one!

***It's the Great Vegan Etsy Giveaway!***

Hello friends! In this season of thanks and giving, we here at the Vegan Etsy Team would like to do some giving of our own... with The Great Vegan Etsy Giveaway! You'll enter by telling us about some of your favorite Vegan Etsy Team shops. If you win, you'll receive a Vegan Etsy Team prize pack full of items hand-crafted by our members! It's been a while since we've done one, and we have some terrific new items from amazing new team members in the prize pack.

So how do you enter? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3...

In a comment to this blog post, please:

1. Name a Vegan Etsy Team shop which donates a percentage of its proceeds to an animal cause, and tell us about your favorite item in that shop;

2. Name a Vegan Etsy Team shop which makes items that help you proudly proclaim your veganity to the world, and describe your favorite item in that shop; and

3. Name a Vegan Etsy Team shop which you think has great gifts, and describe an item in that shop that you would like to give (or recieve!).

And now, the fine print...

*You must complete ALL THREE STEPS to qualify for entry!

*Please INCLUDE LINKS to the items that you choose.

*Please make sure we know how to get in touch with you! You can't win if we can't find you. ;)

*You can find Vegan Etsy Team shops by checking out our Etsy Teams Page of Active Members!

*Winners will be chosen by random drawing.

*The giveaway starts NOW and ends at Midnight, Eastern Time, on Sunday December 11th. The winner will be announced on Monday, December 12th right here on this blog!

*As always, blog followers get double entry!

***Good luck, have fun, and Happy Holidays!***

* * * * * *

Example Entry:

1. Melissa Bastian's shop Melissa Bastian donates 10% of proceeds to Imaginary Animal Sanctuary. I love her painting of bunny rabbits because I have bunnies too! http://www.etsy.com/listing/74566476/september-hares-a-tale-of-three-rabbits
2. Melissa Bastian's shop Bright Design would help me show off my veganness with these cute "vegan" pins: http://www.etsy.com/listing/20700819/vegan-pins-show-your-veganity
3. I think Melissa Bastian's shop Libellule is the best gift shop ever, and I would love to receive this sparkly blue necklace: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74586654/on-the-town-some-enchanted-evening-a

Happy Thanksgiving - and Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-24T08:23:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all here in the U.S., and to all of our readers around the world. This is a great day to give thanks and to celebrate animals. And who better to revere than the amazing Turkey? Fantastic senior team member Pippi Howard of Vegan Bliss shared this great video with the team, a PBS special called My Life as a Turkey. It is a perfect way to begin to appreciate the depth of these creatures. While wild turkeys are in fact very different from those being "raised for food", domesticated turkeys are just as complex and wonderful - as anyone at farm animal sanctuaries around the world can tell you. Enjoy!

Watch My Life as a Turkey on PBS. See more from NATURE.

Vegan Muffins on the Move

2011-11-21T13:06:00.001-05:00

Tami Noyes and Celine Steen (of Vegan Appetite and Have Cake Will Travel, respectively) have launched a new project and blog this month. Vegan Muffins on the Move will have a new muffin recipe posted every month and they invite people to bake a batch of them or their own recipe and take them to the local library, yoga class, your mechanic, your job or any other place you frequent but might not usually take your baked goods. Spread the word of veganism through tasty, tasty muffins.

This month the cinnacrunch muffin recipe from American Vegan Kitchen is posted. I baked these last weekend and they are a huge hit. So go ahead, bake it up this weekend and surprise your Quidditch team with some delectable vegan baked goods. Then head over to their new blog and post about joining in the fun.

Support Vegan Businesses This Holiday Season!

2011-11-15T08:09:00.000-05:00

In the vegan community, it's important to support each other - not only in word and in spirit, but also in action. We know all too well that money talks. So let's make it speak out for what we believe in this holiday season!

The amazing Herbivore Clothing Company recently posted these great images that will help us all remember why it's so important to support each other, now and always. Remember, buy vegan from vegans!

Celebrate Life by Celebrating Thanksgiving with Ching Farm Animal Rescue and Sanctuary!

2011-11-11T18:35:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, November 12, Ching Farm Animal Rescue in Riverton, Utah will host its 13th annual Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner! The event features a silent auction, and raises funds to help the sanctuary operate throughout the year.

Of course there are many other ways to support Ching Sanctuary! Donations can easily be made through their website, and it's easy to see where the money goes:

$30.00 will feed 3 Ostriches for 1 WEEK
$25.00 will feed 20 cats for 1 WEEK
$25.00 will feed 50 goats and sheep for 1 DAY
$50.00 will feed the horses and cows for 1 DAY
$17.00 will feed 1 potbellied pig for 1 MONTH
$18.00 will feed 130 fowl and 12 emus for 1 DAY
$70.00 will provide the older horses with the senior food they need, for 1 WEEK

You can also sponsor an animal for just $20 a month - you can choose to sponsor a turkey for Thanksgiving, but if you so choose you can also sponsor an emu, a llama, or a pot bellied pig!

Vegan Craftivism

2011-11-08T08:37:00.007-05:00

By Julia Feliz, longtime Vegan Etsy Team member and owner of J.F. Illustrations

Last year, a fellow Etsy teamie posted a link to a story with one of the most adorable pictures I had ever seen: a rescued hen wearing a knitted sweater. The news story highlighted the need for sweaters to keep featherless and beaten hens warm while they recuperated from barricaded lives inside abusive battery and “free-range” egg farms. At that moment, learning to knit got added to my bucket list. A few months ago I finally made that goal a reality.

I learned to knit, and a few weeks ago, made my first sweater for a hen. Knitting one sweater may not mean much or immediately change all those important issues that we, as vegans, strive to speak up against. But to the individual hen that gets my warm and cozy sweater, it will make all the difference in the world. I’ve realized that knitting (crocheting, sewing, etc.) can be quite empowering when it comes to changing the world, through the simple action of creation. As humans that strive to create change and stand up for those forgotten and without a voice, we can continue to create change on our own terms through our own hands and creation. While some may be able to donate money to causes, we crafters may be better able to help those less fortunate through making and donating items like handmade hen sweaters.

Sometimes we may feel like there’s so much wrong going on that we can’t fix at this moment, or may be daunted with the fact that there are so many animals that need help. We may even be the only vegan in a town and feel like we can’t do much for non-humans on our own, or feel that certain forms of activism are not our thing. Well, there’s another novel form of activism that you can take part in called “craftivism.” Through craftivism, we can take a stand to make a difference in our own communities (and in foreign ones), and reach out to individuals in the here and now by using our craft.

Although as a vegan I am passionate about non-human animals, I of course also take an interest in helping the human animals that could use a bit of warmth and cheer in their lives. I can’t help but think, “what if that was me?” As compassionate individuals, we should aspire to help all those in need. Our journey doesn’t just stop at what we eat, wear, or bathe with.

On my blog, Project Craftivism, I write about my own path through vegan craftivism with a goal to help both humans and non-humans. At the moment, I am knitting and collecting warm items (knitted, crocheted, or sewed) for a local homeless shelter that expects about 34 people on Christmas Eve. If you would like to help me with this project, have suggestions for future projects, or would like to share a story about your own craftivism or charity project, do get in touch!

Why not celebrate World Vegan Month by pledging to create for a non-human or human in need?

Celebrate Life: Adopt a Turkey!

2011-11-04T10:48:00.001-04:00

In our house, turkey is still a major part of our Thanksgiving celebration. Or should I say, Turkeys!

Each year, we "adopt" two Turkeys from Farm Sanctuary through their Adopt-A-Turkey Project. Funds raised each fall help to house and care for the Sanctuary's current residents, and to advocate and educate. It's a wonderful way to simultaneously celebrate Thanksgiving and World Vegan Month.

And for you big wigs (or those conveniently located), you can even party with Farm Sanctuary at their annual Celebration For the Turkeys - feasts are provided for human and Turkey guests alike!

We display our Turkey Adoption Certificates proudly throughout the holiday season, and in the past have even used them as a centerpiece to our Thanksgiving table. So, who will you adopt? If you haven't already, make this your new holiday tradition!

Happy World Vegan Day!!

2011-11-01T09:17:00.003-04:00

Don't forget, World Vegan Day is the kickoff for World Vegan Month, throughout the month of November! Stay tuned... and Go Vegans! :D

Celebrate Halloween Vegan Etsy Style

2011-10-27T09:02:00.000-04:00

I love Halloween! It is quite possibly my favourite holiday. Today I bring you a few picks from Vegan Etsy team members to help you celebrate in style.

Check out the vegan Halloween caramels from Feed Your Face! Caramel-y and delicious.

Greet your guests with a handmade 8x10 Samhain signed print from Dark Faerie Creations
on the door.

Get a set of skull stitch markers from Vegancraftastic so even your knitting can be in the spirit of the season.

Kitty can celebrate too on a pumpkin print cat blanket from Luns'a Apawthecary.

A wee pirate ghost by Panda With Cookie can haunt your desk cubicle for fun.

Cookies for me?

2011-10-22T17:04:00.003-04:00

Check out these adorable crocheted cookie magnets from Aletha's shop, Radical Fringe! Now you can enjoy the happiness of cookies all the time... without the calories. ;)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Magnets

Oatmeal Cream Pie Magnets

So... where DO you get your protein?

2011-10-21T13:22:00.000-04:00

What's always amazed me about the protein myth is that it's most often believed by die-hard meat eaters - the people who, say, love a good steak (cow!) and see that as the ultimate protein source. It's also frequently thought that cows live idyllic lives, whiling away their days happily eating grass on a sunny hillside.

So, if all cows eat is grass... where's all that protein come from?

Well, cows' flesh is of course made of protein. And cows are meant to eat little else other than grass. The big secret, known by vegans everywhere? PLANT MATTER CONTAINS PROTEIN! What a revelation. And if we add this pair of twos, we get the following four: if cows can get protein from plants, we can too.

Personally, some of my favorite places to get protein are almonds, almond milk, bread, quinoa, and a variety of legumes.

What are YOUR favorite vegan sources of protein?

A classic: the What Vegans Eat chart

2011-10-20T08:39:00.000-04:00

But... how do you get your protein?

Vegan MoFo - more than half over!

2011-10-19T14:00:00.002-04:00

Vegan MoFo 2011 is just whizzing by! It's practically 2/3 over, and as usual it's nearly impossible to keep up with all the amazing blogging that's going on. Before it's all through, try to take a peek at these great teamie blogs:

My Zoetrope
Veganosaurus
Veganville
Panda With Cookie
Vegans on the Move
Kittee: Craft Maker to the Stars
Miss Muffcake
Veggie Amanda (Newman Improved)
The Traveling Austin Vegan

Enjoy these great reads, happy MoFo, and go vegans!!

Everybody loves CUPCAKES! Meet: Tea Loves Cake

2011-10-18T08:33:00.001-04:00

Please welcome one of our newest team members, Leah of Tea Loves Cake and FenDove. While over at FenDove you'll find her artistic creations, at Tea Loves Cake you will find an abundance of CUPCAKES!

Snowball Cupcakes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Special Vanilla Cupcakes

Good enough to eat! Part Two.

2011-10-17T08:45:00.003-04:00

Who doesn't love to wear their food?! No, we're not encouraging a food fight. Check out these awesome and adorable ways to wear your veggie pride!

Strawberry Gateaux earrings from Art by Susmitha

Fruits and Veggies pins from Sick on Sin

Eat Kale Daily tote from Eat Your VegTees

Happy World Food Day!!

2011-10-16T08:43:00.003-04:00

Today has been declared World Food Day! This is the perfect time to take a hard look at your food, where it's coming from, and how your purchasing choices affect the world around you. Many of us are well into this process, but it's important never to stop questioning, probing, and learning. Our food environment changes daily, and there is nothing on the planet that isn't touched in some way by the food industry. There is nothing more fundamental or crucial than food, and it deserves our full attention.

The Organic Consumers Association has taken today as an opportunity to create Millions Against Monsanto - the company which (often together with Dow Chemical) has pioneered so many of the modern food industry's atrocities. GMOs are a hotbed of debate, and Monsato is at its white hot core. Learn more! Get educated! And remember, one of the best ways to affect change is to simply reduce demand.

Fudgariffic!!

2011-10-15T08:56:00.000-04:00

Everybody loves fudge. It's a scientifically proven fact. I developed this rocky road fudge recipe in homage to days gone past, spending holidays around tons of relatives who would bake up a storm. Those days are gone but the memories remain, and now this fudge has become part of my holiday tradition.

Ingredients:

2 cups of chocolate, coarsely chopped then measured
2 cups (yes really, two cups) of powdered sugar (confectioners sugar)
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/8 cup "milk" (I use Almond Breeze, but use whatever floats your boat - soy, rice, hemp, whatev)
1/8 cup rum
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup marshmallows, quartered then measured
1 and 1/2 cups walnuts, measured then roughly chopped

Steps:

Melt your chocolate. You can use a double boiler for this, but I've actually found that it isn't necessary. It's much more helpful to have a nonstick pot! Stir constantly, and remove from heat as soon as you only have a few little lumps yet. You want to heat your chocolate as little as possible, because you have to let it return to room temperature before using it. How does it stay liquid when it started out solid? Magic.
Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper. I swear, this is why parchment exists, and I love it.
Chop your walnuts - how big or small depends on how you like it.
Quarter your marshmallows. I've used Dandies for this, but I feel that Sweet and Sara's would be wonderful as well - just a little pricey maybe. Note: marshmallows are very sticky when you cut them open! I find it helpful to use some powdered sugar on the chopping board and on my hands to coat the newly exposed sides, so that the marshmallows don't stick to the board, each other, or me... (Of course, if you can get ahold of the mini Dandies, no chopping is necessary!)
In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, other milk, rum, extract, and powdered sugar. (If your powdered sugar has little sugar rocks in it, run it through a sieve or sifter first.) Mix in your marshmallows and walnuts. (This is about when I switch from a whisk to a spatula. Walnuts + whisk = baagghhh.)
Stir in your ROOM TEMPERATURE chocolate. Seriously people. It cannot be hot... unless of course you want to make fudge soup.
Pour/scoop the mixture into your prepared pan, and use a spatula to spread it not quite to the edges.
Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, until completely firm. Then break into chunks or cut up, display nicely on a plate, and watch your loved ones go wild.

Fudgy.

Some additional notes...

*I like to use three 1 oz. squares of semi-sweet and six of unsweetened - plenty of sugar is added later!
*If you have bought a normal size can of coconut milk, this recipe is only going to use about a third of it. You may want to think about creative ways to use the rest - coconut milk goes bad quickly once opened! Of course, you *could* always make a triple batch...
*The rum here is optional - you can up the milk to 1/4 cup and leave it out. But I like the tiny punch it gives, and I swear it doesn't leave the fudge tasting very rummy. Conversely, you can do a full quarter cup and leave the milk out entirely!
*Eternal thanks to Celine of Have Cake, Will Travel, whose whiskey peanut fudge recipe started me on all of my crazy fudgy journeys.

Oh fuuuudge...

2011-10-14T17:16:00.003-04:00

Cooler weather also means it's time for fudge. It's fun and easy to make your own, and I'm going to share my favorite recipe with you... tomorrow! Today, feast your eyes on some of the best fudgilicious goodies the VET has to offer...

S'mores Fudge from Sweet V Confections!

Fudgy peanut butter brownies from Veganville!

Rocky Road Fudge from Panda with Cookie BAKES!

Autumn = PUMPKIN!

2011-10-13T08:14:00.001-04:00

Even way down here in the deep south, a cool crisp is in the air. And fall can only mean one thing: winter squash! Today, a celebration of that grand orange globe, the pumpkin...

Mallowcreme Pumpkins from Panda with Cookie BAKES!

Pumpkin Spice Caramels from Feed Your Face

Punkin Chocolate Chipper Loaf from Veganville

How about some "milk" chocolate? Meet NO Whey Candies!

2011-10-12T09:34:00.002-04:00

For some people, milk chocolate is just where it's at. However, as conscious consumers we know that milk is the pits, and that companies like Hershey's and Mars are NOT the cat's meow. Enter NO Whey Candies! This shop has been kicking around the team for a while now, but they've really never gotten a proper introduction. This is one shop, though, that you want to know about! Because milk chocolate lovers who shun all things dairy can rejoice. Below, Stacie shares the NO Whey story and divulges the details of their delicious treats...

When my brother became vegan he said he could eat this way forever but he had to have milk chocolate. My mom came up with an alternative which satisfied even my picky brother! So we started off veganizing all of our old favorites, but have evolved into much more. The favorites these days are the Cranberry, Cashew Bark, and Caramel and Sea Salt.

NO Whey! Candies offers a healthier alternative to snacking. We have non dairy alternatives as well as gluten free and soy-less choices. Our ingredients use no hydrogenated oils and have no trans fats.We make heart healthy dark chocolate as well as a milkless “milk” chocolate in many combinations.

Our chocolates are hand made in a commercial kitchen. We are happy to speak with you about gift orders and adding our special touch to your events. You may speak to Ethel or Stacie Wernick at 216-544-3057 or convo us through our Etsy shop, NO Whey Candies!

Make sure to check out her "killer" kabobs - Halloween happiness on a stick!!

COOKIES GALORE!

2011-10-11T09:14:00.001-04:00

The Vegan Etsy Team excels in many fields. Luckily for everyone, one of them is COOKIES! Behold, a peek at the amazing array of treats our teamies create...

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Chip Cookies from Panda with Cookie BAKES!

Carrot Cake Voopies from Veganville! (with creme cheeze filling!!)

Classic shortbread jam cutouts from Sweet V Confections

And even cookies for your kitties! Catnip cookies from Luna's Apawthecary, that is. ;)

Good enough to eat!

2011-10-10T10:32:00.002-04:00

Here at the Vegan Etsy Team, we love food! The only thing we love almost as much eating awesome vegan food is delighting in adorable handmade items that look like food. :)

Lettuce Relax from Radical Fringe (AlethaFaye)

Kawaii felt cupcake pin from Toboggan Hill

Stir Fry Plushies from Panda with Cookie

Take it to go!

2011-10-09T08:44:00.000-04:00

With our hectic, 0n-the-go lives, we all struggle with finding the best ways to reduce waste while still remembering to eat lunch and get the grocery shopping done. Luckily, teamie Johnson Family Zoo provides us with great options for food transport! Shop proprietor Lisa crafts super-useful sandwich bags and produce bags in a wide range of fun colors and patterns. Eco-friendly fun for the grocery store and farmer's market, school and work lunch, and wherever else life takes you!

So many fun patterns and colors it's almost impossible to choose...
so just get a variety pack! :D

Spice it up!

2011-10-08T08:24:00.000-04:00

What's life without a little spice? There's a common misconception that vegan food is bland and boring. When vegans are asked if we get bored with our foodstuffs, we can't help but laugh! Vegans eat some of the most flavorful food around, in part because we take so much care in what we eat.

For you vegan home chefs out there looking for some new zing in your recipes, check out teamie Twig & Leaf Botanicals. They offer a wide range of spice blends, whole herbs, and gourmet salts to put even more kick in your kitchen!

vegan potato seasoning

Hawaiian black lava sea salt

vegan cheese seasoning

Dish it out.

2011-10-07T08:27:00.002-04:00

We vegans love to eat! And with all the celebrating of food that we do, it's no surprise that we also like to do it in style.

Teamie Jeanette Zeis creates and sells beautiful "vegan" dishware in her shop Vegan Dish. Got non-vegan roommates? Here's an easy way to say, this bowl is mine. And around the office, you can proudly proclaim that your coffee is creamed with soy!

Add this to your Halloween basket: Vegan Caramels! Meet:

2011-10-06T08:47:00.002-04:00

Please welcome our very new teamie, Nicole of Feed Your Face! She's creating amazing gourmet vegan caramels in delectable flavors like Pumpkin Spice, Mulled Apple Cider, and Spicy Dark Chocolate. How could your Halloween be complete without them?? Check out Nicole's awesome selection of goodies and don't forget to make her your new favorite!

Limited-time-only Halloween sea salt caramels!

Pumpkin Spice Caramels from Feed Your Face

Get ready for your VEGAN HALLOWEEN!!

2011-10-05T09:27:00.004-04:00

Everyone loves to have a scary time on Halloween! But what's a bit too scary is the ingredients used in many store-bought candies. You can avoid the frustration by buying handmade goodies from the Vegan Etsy Team!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies from Veganville!

or Scotcharoos from Sweet V Confections

And what's halloween without some decorations? Check out these adorable plushies from Panda with Cookie!

Kitties love Halloween too! Let them celebrate in style with this festive kitty bed from Luna's Apawthecary.

And finally, don't forget to give yourself a little bit of flare! This adorable pumpkin pin from Vegancraftastic should do the trick.

Happy Halloween!

World Farm Animals Day, part 3: for the Pigs!!

2011-10-04T08:34:00.006-04:00

Protecting the Pigs by Julia Feliz

Vegans make a choice to refrain from as much exploitation as they can in a world that is not so kind to animals. These days making that choice is incredibly easy - with the never ending supply of recipes and products readily available to suit any palate.

However, it is important to recognize that vegans do it for non-human animals, who would otherwise live horribly short lives as “things” to be sold to uneducated consumers. Consumers have a choice each and every time they make a purchase. These choices greatly affect the lives of non-humans, such as pigs; by choosing vegan we reduce demand for animal products and ultimately spare lives.

Why should you care? Here are a few good reasons:

With their extreme intelligence, pigs can respond to verbal communication. (C. Croney, Oregon State University)
Pigs don’t just give up; they persist until they achieve the results they have set out to accomplish. (S. Held, Bristol University)
Although pigs have small brains, they are incredibly fast, “one-trial learners” - which means they can learn something from doing it a single time without any practice. (Held)
Pigs can also communicate their preferences and choices. (S. Curtis, University of Illinois)

These are just a few of many examples that demonstrate how alike non-humans are to humans, regardless of their physical appearance or inability to speak our language. Vegans choose to care and to live as cruelty-free as possible because non-humans, like pigs, are not so different to us.

We consider this kinship each time we make a meal. We hope that this Baked Barbeque Tofu recipe will inspire you to think about your choices and moral code. It is so simple to forgo that “pork” and spare so many lives - here’s your chance to learn how and get started!

Baked Barbeque Tofu by Neva Davis

Ingredients:
• 1/4 onion, chopped
• 2 Tbs olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic crushed
• 2 tsps chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tsps chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 8oz can crushed tomatoes in sauce
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 Tbs smoked sea salt (you can add more or less salt according to your taste)
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp cracked red pepper
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs corn starch
• 2 lbs Extra firm tofu, drained and cut into squares

Method:
• First, make your sauce. Brown onions in olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan, then add crushed garlic and rosemary. Saute lightly and add crushed tomatoes, maple syrup, salt, red and black pepper and mustard powder. Mix and simmer.
• In a measuring cup, mix water and vinegar. Then whisk in the cornstarch until it's dissolved. Slowly pour the mixture into your sauce and stir.
• Simmer until it starts to get thick. Add parsley.
• Turn off heat and allow to cool.
• Pour over tofu squares in a refrigerator container with a lid. Seal and allow to marinate over night.
• Place tofu and sauce in a baking dish and bake at 350 for approximately one hour. Check periodically to make sure it's not burning.

Serve with corn bread and steamed collard greens for an authentic southern-style meal!

To learn more about the amazing world of pigs, please check out Pigs Peace Sanctuary.

World Farm Animals Day, part 2: for the Chickens!

2011-10-03T08:16:00.006-04:00

Make a Change for Chickens by Julia Feliz

When someone goes vegan they have the potential to reduce demand for farm animals, and ultimately save the lives of those animals which would otherwise have lived a torturous existence. This is one way in which veganism is a great way to stand up against the exploitation of non-humans.

One such group of non-humans are chickens – exploited, kept in horrid conditions, separated from their young before birth, and ultimately killed for their bodies and their unfertilized eggs. Sensitive humans know that chickens are much more than just products or objects to be used by people. For instance, did you know?:

Avian brains are very similar to human ones and process information in much of the same way. (L. Rogers, University of New England)
Chickens, and all animals, make memories. (L. Rogers)
Chickens can learn to count and do geometry. (Vallortigara et al, University of Padua)
Baby chicks learn behaviour instead of acting on instinct. (Kaplan, University of New England)
Chickens have highly developed communication skills. (Kaplan)

Vegans choose to live as cruelty-free as possible because, like other animals, chickens are not so different to humans. We consider this each time we make a meal. We hope that this Un-Chicken Flu Blaster Soup will inspire you to think about your choices and moral code.

It is so simple to forgo that chicken and spare so many lives. Here’s your chance to learn how and get started!

Un-chicken flu-blaster soup by Neva Davis

The real reason people suggest "chicken soup" for flu is that the hot broth soothes throats and airways and helps open up the sinuses. I've created a vegan version that also provides lots of antioxidants and vitamins. This has water-cress in it, which is a superfood containing a ton of antioxidants and phyto-nutrients. However, any greens will do.

Ingredients:
• Vegetarian vegetable bullion, 3 cubes
• 4 cups water
• 1 16 oz package of extra firm tofu (cut into little cubes)
• 1 package of watercress, washed and chopped (or sub spinach - you can add more or less greens according to taste)
• 1 handful chopped cilantro for garnish (if you don't like cilantro, use basil or parsley, or leave off entirely)
• 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped into pieces
• 1 tsp fresh ginger minced
• optional: garlic cloves, to taste

This recipe is extremely simple, and you can change almost any element of it to match your taste. For example if you love garlic, you can add fresh garlic.

• Step one: put your bullion, ginger, garlic (if using), and water in a soup pot and heat slowly until simmering.

• Step two: Once the bullion is dissolved add your tofu and bring back up to a simmer; allow it to simmer for 15 or 20 minutes.

• Step three: Turn off heat and add your greens and tomato pieces.

• Step four: Scoop into bowls while still hot and sprinkle your garnish over the top.

Eat to your health!

Today is World Farm Animals Day! Part one: for the Cows!

2011-10-02T09:03:00.007-04:00

Today we celebrate World Farm Animals Day. Many more people have become aware of the plight of farm animals in the past few years, and there is much debate about what to do to alleviate it. Vegans have of course made the choice to boycott the industry that exploits them.

Some people think that this is a "sacrifice" - which couldn't be further from the truth! Vegans not only enjoy a sound mind, but also enjoy fantastic meals. Below, you'll find the collaborative effort between team members Julia of JF Illustrations and Neva of Neva Jewelry and Art, providing a great example of how you can love your cow and eat well too.

* * * * *

The Case for Cows by Julia Feliz

Although quite tasty and satisfying, veganism is much more than a recipe. It is a lifestyle that stands up against the oppression and exploitation of non-humans. When someone goes vegan, they have the potential to reduce demand, and therefore save the lives of animals which would otherwise have lived a torturous existence.

Why does this matter? Here are some interesting facts about cows and all farm animals to consider:

Cows and other community farm animals “exhibit a similar moral code to humans”. (D. Broom, Cambridge University)
Cows choose a leader through their intelligence and not through their strength or dominance (B. Dumont, French National Institute for Agricultural Research)
Cows also make democratic decisions in their community (Dumont)
Cows feel pain and are affected by each other’s emotional state (Dr. A. Boissy, INRA)
Cows make informed decisions, and can even learn to “read” (Boissy)

Vegans choose to live as free from cruelty as possible because non-humans, like cows, are not so different to us. We consider this each time we make a meal. We hope that this Beefless Burgundy style pot roast will inspire you to think about your choices and moral code. It is so simple to forgo that “beef” and spare a life. Here’s your chance to learn how and get started!

Beefless Burgundy-Style Pot Roast by Neva Davis

Supplies:
• glass baking dish with lid
• cutting knives and cutting board
• garlic smasher
• whisk
• frying pan
• measuring cups

Ingredients:
• 1 package Gardein “beefless tips” (or substitute seasoned tofu or seitan)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup red wine (use any vegan type you like, even last night’s leftovers)
• 1 stem fresh basil (chopped)
• 3 stems of fresh Italian parsley (chopped)
• 1 cube vegetarian vegetable bullion (Rapunzel makes great ones)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ onion, chopped into small pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 small potatoes cut into chunks
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 8 crimini mushrooms, sliced

Method (sauce):
• In a pan, brown the chopped onions in olive oil slowly over medium heat. Add garlic once the onion starts to turn golden.
• Add your wine slowly and let it cook down and get somewhat thicker. Dissolve your bullion cube in the wine.
• Meanwhile, using a whisk, mix your flour and water together in a bowl to create a slurry. Then slowly add this mixture to your pan.
• When it starts to look thick and translucent, your sauce is done.

Method (beef{less}):
• In a baking dish mix together your mushrooms, carrots, gardein chunks, and potates.
• Pour your sauce over the top. Keep in mind that as your mushrooms cook they will add more liquid to your dish.
• Bake at 350 for one hour with the lid on, and then remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes to brown slightly on top.
• After you remove your dish from the oven test your potatoes with a fork to make sure they are tender.

This is a very forgiving dish to make - you can use vegetable broth instead of bullion, add more or less salt to your taste (the bullion here is my salt), use whatever herbs you like, and since the gardein is pre-cooked, you can speed up your baking time by microwaving your potatoes and carrots ahead of time. If you use the microwave to speed up your time, cook your mushrooms in with the sauce, and reduce it on the stove top, then bake uncovered for ½ hour.

Happy eating!

Happy Vegan T-Shirt Day: Meet Eat your VegTees and Rare Tee Clothing!

2011-10-01T14:30:00.005-04:00

We're excited that, for this Vegan T-Shirt Day, we can introduce you to some new teamies that are making excellent vegan t-shirts!

Cameron of Eat Your VegTees and Catherine of Rare Tee Clothing are two of the newest members of the Vegan Etsy Team. They're creating some truly awesome t-shirts and other fashionable items, while simultaneously providing AR education, donating proceeds to animal-related causes, and promoting a vegan message. These new teamies really epitomize what the VET is all about! Please make sure to check out their shops and show them some love.

Eat Kale Daily shirt from Eat Your VegTees

Philippines Tarsier Tee from Rare Tee Clothing

HAPPY VEGAN MOFO 2011!!!

2011-10-01T08:00:00.008-04:00

Hooray for the fifth annual Vegan Month of Food! Every year vegan bloggers all over the world take a month to celebrate vegan food, and we call it Vegan MoFo. This year, the Vegan Etsy Team will be blogging every day during Vegan MoFo.

Appropriately enough, our theme is... The Foods of Vegan Etsy! We'll be telling you all about the wonderful foodstuffs made and sold by Vegan Etsy Team members, as well as sharing our own personal recipes and more. So stay tuned, enjoy, and GO VEGANS!

Vegan Etsy Gears Up for Vegan Mofo

2011-09-21T11:59:00.006-04:00

It's that time of year again friends! October kicks off the 5th annual Vegan Month of Food or Vegan Mofo for short. Head on over to the Vegan Mofo headquarters and sign up your blog before September 28th. The goal is to blog at least every weekday about your vegan food adventures. Lots of people come up with fun themes to follow for the month but you don't have to. Take the challenge! The Vegan Etsy Team blog will be participating, as will individual members on their blogs. Participating team members include:

My Zoetrope
Veganosaurus
Veganville
Panda With Cookie
Vegans on the Move
Kittee: Craft Maker to the Stars
Miss Muffcake
Veggie Amanda (Newman Improved)
The Traveling Austin Vegan

Follow their blogs this month and see what the Vegan Etsy Team comes up with for Vegan Mofo!
And don't forget to follow the main MoFo blog for lots of giveaways including some by VET members Panda With Cookie and Sweet V Confections!

Madcap Mushrooms, Philly Style

2011-09-14T14:28:00.001-04:00

Did you know that you can make a mushroom into a Philly Cheeze Steak? I didn't either, until our good friend Rhea over at The "V" Word showed us the light. Check out her amazing recipe, and enjoy celebrating National Mushroom Month as your tastebuds sing with joy!

A day for reflection.

2011-09-11T11:07:00.002-04:00

Today we remember those who were lost ten years ago, and all whose lives were irrevocably changed on that day and in the days to follow. Our hearts go out to you. But we must also remember that hate can only lead to destruction. Let us remember that lesson every day, in our interactions with the earth, the animals, and each other.

California, get ready for Vegan Speed Dating!

2011-09-07T14:52:00.000-04:00

Veg*n dating has moved into the next millennium - literally. On Sunday, September 24th, Millennium Restaurant in San Francisco will host Veg Speed Dating, a unique matchmaking event for the vegan, vegetarian, and veg curious. The goal of the event is to give people an opportunity to meet a large number of like-minded (veg-friendly) people - where you can "meet a new vegetarian friend or find your vegan soul mate!"

September's Veg Speed Dating event will be the second in the series, and will doubtless grow and evolve as more veg*ns in the area become involved. For more info, make sure to check out the website.

Vegan Spanish Omlette

2011-09-05T06:52:00.000-04:00

1 medium sweet potato
1 medium white potato
piece of swede about 2 inches square
piece of butternut squash about 2 inches square
1 parsnip
1 carrot
1 onion
1 stock cube
8 tablespoons chick pea flour
5 tablespoons soya milk
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
shake of cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil

Wash vegetables, peel carrot, parsnip, swede, butternut squash and onion. scrub potatoes and cut off any undesirable bits on the skin. chop all the vegetables into small cubes, about 1 cm square or less.
Water in a large pan, bring to boil, add stock cube, add vegetables, and boil until soft (cooked).
Put soya milk, oil, vinegar and and 8 tablespoons of water from the cooked vegetables into a large bowl, and mix (with a hand held mixer if you have one). the consistence should be soft but not slack. add more vegetable water if needed.
Add the cooked vegetables, and mix with a large spoon, turning until all is covered and mixed.
cover a large, deep frying pan with cooking oil, and heat on a low setting. when hot, add the mix, and let it cook with the lid on, still on a low setting. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the mix looks to be solidifying, and going brown on the bottom.
Now this is the very tricky bit - loosen the omelette from the base of the pan, and turn over. Let it cook through for about 5 minutes more. When it loook firm but soft, it is ready.
Can be eaten hot or cold.

Happy Vegan T-Shirt Day!

2011-09-03T15:55:00.001-04:00

Happy Vegan T-Shirt day for September y'all! Here is a pic of my friend J, and her awesome vegan t-shirt. She won it in a raffle benefiting Dogs of the 9th Ward at the most recent Vegan Drinks New Orleans - and she couldn't have been more excited!

Remember, if you have any awesome pics of you and your friends proudly sporting your vegan tees, send them over! Submissions can be sent to VeganEtsyTeam -at- gmail. GO VEGANS! :D

Mushroom, Mushroom...

2011-09-02T13:30:00.008-04:00

Mushrooms are a many splendid thing. Some are peaceful creatures...

While some are wild and fierce PIRATES!

And still others simply yearn to live free.

September is National Mushroom Month!

2011-09-01T12:08:00.001-04:00

It's true - September is the month to celebrate your favorite fungi! All month long here at the Vegan Etsy Team blog, we'll be finding ways to revere the mighty mushroom.

To start you off, check out these vegan mushroom recipes from the fascinating website mushroominfo.com.

If you have any favorite recipes, growing tips, photographs, or anything else you'd like to share, please do! Send anything you'd like to contribute to VeganEtsyTeam -at- gmail. And all hail the mushroom!

Get ready, get set... It's VEGAN T-SHIRT DAY!!

2011-08-06T15:18:00.000-04:00

That's right - thanks to a Facebook page set up not too long ago, vegans have a new monthly holiday. A simple way to say, "we're vegan, and we love you" to the world. What could be simpler or more straightforward? On the first Saturday of every month, just put on your favorite vegan t-shirt and celebrate Vegan T-Shirt Day!

From now on, we'll be posting pics of our teamies and friends sporting their favorite vegan tees on the first Saturday of every month. Got some great pics? Share them with us! Just send them to VeganEtsyTeam -at- gmail, and we'll share them with the world.

GO VEGANS!! :D

School's out - let's go to the beach.

2011-07-23T16:59:00.000-04:00

Summer sun, and happy days at the beach. Here are some items that are seaside related from the wonderful Vegan Etsy team.
To start with is this fabulous unique dolphin string bookmark, from JFIllustrations.

These cute, funky magnets are from Sickonsin.

This beautiful bioluminescence fine art print is by Twosilverstars.

This fine art print of a wonderful whale is by Myzoetrope.

And these adorable polymer clay beads are from ContinuumDesigns.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-03T09:23:00.003-04:00

Patriotic or not, we can all agree that getting together for soy dogs, fireworks, and friends is a good time for one and all. So here's to the 4th and the red, white, and blue - Vegan Etsy style. ;)

Stormy Weather

2011-06-28T02:56:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you, but I just love these summertime afternoon thunderstorms...

Congratulations on a great decision, New York!

2011-06-25T14:46:00.005-04:00

And congratulations to the LGBT community - we're now one step closer to marriage equality for ALL people in the U.S. As we wait for the remaining states to fall in line, a celebration of rainbows:

Happy Summer!

2011-06-22T14:45:00.016-04:00

Enjoy yourself this summer!

See the seven wonders of the world!

Spend some time by the shore.

Enjoy a tasty treat.

Take a walk in the woods.

Soak up some sunshine!

And have a wonderful time!!!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T08:28:00.000-04:00

Stylish Dad?

Party Dad?

Rocker Dad?

Dapper Dad?

We love you Dads!!

For the love of SNAILS.

2011-06-15T16:04:00.000-04:00

Gastropods are underappreciated by most. But not by the Vegan Etsy Team! Here are some lovely items that will help you celebrate our tiny land-dwelling shelled friends...

Snail's Nest Necklace from The Feathered Snail

One Divine Snail necklace from Libellule!

Snail Family card by Chirp Cards

Snail on Jupiter lightswitch plate from Aguavino

A Celebration of Nature

2011-06-09T16:09:00.003-04:00

While veganism is often a boycott of a perverse industry, vegans walk the world with a song in their hearts. Why? Because veganism is also a celebration of all the living things in the world. Vegans express a respect and love for nature by refusing to exploit it. And vegan artisans often enjoy revering the beauty of nature in their work. Below are some of these gorgeous expressions from the Vegan Etsy Team.

"After the Rain" from Tharn Photography

"Purple Spring" Floral Collage Locket from Silent Lotus

"Elephant Congratulations" notecard from Merry Blues Art

"Butterfly Taking Flight" from 3am Art Productions

"Stillness" from Colby Krolak Studios

Find all this and more by searching the tag "veganetsy team" on www.Etsy.com. ;)

Pop Stars!

2011-06-02T13:06:00.004-04:00

After a vicious winter, many of us are heading into a sweltering summer. And it's still technically spring! Doesn't seem quite fair, does it? We've all got to try to beat the heat - what's your favorite method? How about a popsicle!

Making popsicles at home is easy and fun, and generally a lot more healthy than eating those bought at the store. You can find molds at specialty kitchen and baking stores and sometimes at your local grocery, but even without molds we all remember the old trick of an ice cube tray, a sheet of plastic wrap, and some tooth picks. Delicious doesn't have to be fancy! You can use pretty much any non-carbonated beverage - mix it up with fruit juices, homemade lemonade and limeade, iced tea, punch, and more!

What's your favorite popsicle recipe? Share it with us in the comments, and you might just get your very own blog post!

The Handy Dandy Member Guide

2011-06-01T09:53:00.001-04:00

Hello teamies! The purpose of this guide is to provide members with an easy reference to the ins and outs of the Vegan Etsy Team. If you have any questions at all or need help figuring something out, please don't hesitate to ask!

Member Benefits

Being a member comes with a lot of benefits. Other than the publicity we've received, and the exposure it gives to our members, being a member includes -

using our team tag - “veganetsy team” - in your listings. Please note that ‘veganetsy’ is one word, not two in this application (but not elsewhere!);
being shown in our marketplace. If you would like your etsy mini in it also, please post your code in the Marketplace Thread at the team forums. Etsy minis should be thumbnail sized, 1 row, 3 columns, javascript code; also contact Melanie to be added to our Member Album on our Facebook Fan Page;
being hearted by the Vegan Etsy shop as well as other members.
joining the team officially through Etsy and appearing on the Etsy team profile page;
a new member welcome post on VeganEtsy.com;
eligibility to join the team flickr group and post pictures of your items in the pool;
eligibility to add your blog to our blog ring;
a ton of support and companionship from your fellow teamies, on the message board and otherwise!;
member discounts from a number of team member shops - details on each shop can be found here;
participation in team games and challenges on our message board, with a chance to win prizes from a variety of member's shops.

You can also submit articles - fully accredited to you - to be posted on VeganEtsy.com which will give you exposure to our hundreds of followers. Please contact Melissa Bastian if you'd like to contribute.

An original recipe
Any sales or specials that you are having in your shop(s).
A review of a team member item
An ISO - "In Search Of" - an exact description of an item that you'd like designed for you by a team member, a sort of challenge for the team
A screenshot of a treasury made up of Vegan Etsy Team items - a great tool for creating treasury images can be found here.

Team Sites

Vegan Etsy is all over the internet! Other than our blog, we have the following sites-

Getting Active

Active members are what makes our team a successful one and every little bit that members can do is appreciated! Here are some ways to become involved with the team and support your fellow members.

Use our team graphics on your sites and in your store listings. Print them out & hand them out where you feel appropriate (in packages when you sell, local shops like coffee shops and boutiques, etc.). They can be found here.
Post about our team on your blog and other websites.
Make a team treasury. If you do, post about it on the board, on our Facebook pages, and everywhere else!
Write an article about our team for your local paper or an online site. If you do this and it is published, please let us know!
If you have purchased something from another member’s shop, write a nice review about it for our blog. Include any links or pictures that are relevant and send it all along to Melissa Bastian.
Post in the Etsy forums and bump any threads that have to do with our team or veganism. If someone is looking for a vegan product, recommend one of our members.
Show other members the love! Heart their stores*, favorite items from their stores, make them your friends on flickr, indiepublic, facebook and myspace. Take it a step further and make them your friends on myspace and Facebook, follow them on Twitter - we've got a great group of people here, and it's all about building a community.
Give each other support on the message board. The stronger our forum community grows, the better!
When a team treasury is made, click on the items in the treasury and leave a comment. This helps to bump its "hotness" up and get noticed more.
Participate in team events! They are fun and help the team members get to know each other.

*For anyone who wants to add new members, check out the blog every Saturday. I always post a list of the week's new members (unless if we didn't get any that week, of course).

How To Find Members and Their Items

You might be wondering how to find our products on Etsy. It's easy:

When you're visiting Etsy, do a search for our team tag, "veganetsy team", or just click here
Visit our members on the Etsy Teams Page

A few things to always remember:

*As a team member, you are a voice for the team, and your representations reflect on us - hopefully in great ways!
*The team is here for you! Always feel free to contact the team captain, leaders, or members with questions or for advice, or just for fun.
*We're glad to have you here!!

Now get going - see you on the boards! ;D

Pansy Maiden Giveaway - the Gabrielle Satchel!

2011-05-27T11:36:00.004-04:00

Hi all! Check out this amazing giveaway from VET seller Pansy Maiden!

* * *

I wanted to let you guys know about my most amazing giveaway ever! I guess, in a way, that's not saying all that much since I don't do giveaways very often but seriously, this giveaway is sort of in a league of its own. I have paired up with Chloe of GirlieGirl Army to offer one lucky commenter her very own Gabrielle Satchel (a $195 value)!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on the GGA post detailing why you need this bag. Once the contest is over (June 1st, so act fast!), I'm going to ask an "as yet undecided" loved one to pick out his/her favorite comment. I just know I'm not going to be able to pick just one, there are already so many awesome, creative comments! So, I'll just make someone else do it. ;)

I already have a Gabrielle Satchel made, wrapped, packaged and ready to go. Will I be shipping it to you???

Keep Tabs on Us:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PansyMaiden
Blog: http://www.pansymaiden.com/blog

Newsletter: http://www.pansymaiden.com/newsletter

Kale: A Vegan Obsession

2011-05-23T22:02:00.003-04:00

In the past months, there has been a dramatic uptick in the mentions of kale - both within and outside of the vegan world. And for good reason! Kale absolutely rocks. It is the poster child for "nutritious and delicious."

Now, I still sense some skeptics in the room. I don't blame you - not so long ago I too was a kale n00b. People kept telling me to eat it raw. Raw kale? Blegh! "Marinate" it in salad dressing, they'd say. And I'd think, what, are you joking?!

I was quickly turned to the green side, but I eased myself in with this simple, lightly cooked recipe. If you're new to kale, or you're just looking for a delicious new preparation, give it a shot!

Mel's Simply Delicious Kale:

coarsely cut / chop one head of kale - I like to cut it up with my kitchen shears
in a large skillet with a lid, combine kale, about 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of mirin rice wine - depending on how big a head of kale it is and personal taste
bring up to simmering over medium low heat, then put on lid and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes (this is also to your preference - however much done you like your kale)
turn off heat and let cool** to room temperature; transferring to another container will speed up this process. keep all liquid from cooking in with your kale
once cooled, add juice of one lemon, about 1 Tbsp
chill, serve cold

Makes 2 to 4 servings... or 1, depending on how much you like kale. Did I just eat an entire head of kale? Yes, yes I did.

**Kale is a good source of iron, and iron is best absorbed in the presence of vitamin C. However, vitamin C is easily destroyed by heat. Therefore for the best nutritional impact, it's best to let the kale cool before adding your lemon juice and to serve this dish cold.

Enjoy!

New Orleans' Third Annual Veggie Fest! Come One Come All!

2011-05-19T14:03:00.001-04:00

That's right! It's time again to come on down to New Orleans and celebrate all things veg at the Nola Veggie Fest! This year the fest is at the Zeitgeist, an awesome multicultural and multidisciplinary event space, big enough for one and all to enjoy all that the fest has to offer. So come Saturday, come Sunday, come both days! Be there and/or be square!

To learn more about vegan events and options in New Orleans, check out the blog New Orleans in Green!

Giant Cookies, Tiny Monsters, Delicious Dinners... OH MY!!!

2011-05-13T17:13:00.000-04:00

In case you don't know it, there are delicious / gorgeous / adorable things happening over at the blog of our very own Veganosaurus. Do yourself a favor and discover her world of tiny monsters, and then cruise on over to Cute Little Package to get some inspiration for dinner!

We couldn't have said it better ourselves...

2011-05-08T08:35:00.000-04:00

Your Sunday brunch will never be the same.

2011-05-05T10:27:00.000-04:00

The lovely and talented Julia of JF Illustrations shared this pic with us, and it's just too beautiful not to share with the world.

Say yes to pancakes. Maybe you should make some for your moms this Mother's day??

Cafeteria Heaven!

2011-05-03T15:23:00.001-04:00

Seriously, if this doesn't give you a major craving you might not have a soul. A repeat performance from the dear Kelly G., I just had to share this miracle of pizza with you. Yes, that chunky topping is what you think it is...

The miracle has happened! It's TATER TOT PIZZA!! Kelly, you'd better make some room, because I'm coming over!

With a cherry on top.

2011-05-02T13:17:00.000-04:00

Kelly G. was kind enough to leave a comment on the blog and give us this link to her THREE flickr accounts of amazing food pics. What you'll find there will blow your mind - but this sweet little thing should get you started. Vanilla buttercream ice cream anyone?

Happy Wedding Day to Kate and William.

2011-04-29T01:10:00.003-04:00

Posted by Veganessa
Whether you're a Royalist or not, there's no escaping the furore of the Royal Wedding. All across the UK people are celebrating the marriage of Prince William and Kate. And as we wave our British flag to toast the happy couple, here are some Red, White and Blue items from some Vegan Etsy shops. Cheers!

Aguavino

PinkBubble

TwigAndLeafBotanical

MonkeyAndSquirrel

ContinuumDesigns

TwoSilverStars

Neva's Homemade Happiness - Philly Cheeze Steak!

2011-04-24T15:06:00.000-04:00

Yet another mouth-watering vegan meal from the hands of Vegan Etsy Team members - check out this gigantor cheeze steak made by longtime member Neva! Dunno about you, but I want one for dinner. Noms. Thanks Neva!

Pennie's Simple Delights

2011-04-20T15:21:00.000-04:00

Pennie of Vegan Aesthetics was kind enough to share her flickr set of vegan meals with us. Check out this gourmet platter of grilled stuffed zucchini! I vote YES.

Julia's Cookies!

2011-04-19T10:31:00.004-04:00

Check out these beautiful chocolate chip cookies sent to us from Julia of JF Illustrations. You just can't go wrong with a classic chocolate chip!

You can see her full album of delish vegan food pics here. Enjoy!

Pansy Maiden announces Darling Utility!

2011-04-18T08:32:00.005-04:00

I'm sure by now you've all taken notice of Pansy Maiden, designer of gorgeous couture vegan handbags and proud VET member. Owner and creator Laura Collins is making a guest appearance on the blog today to announce the debut of a brand new spring line...

* * * * *

I am so excited to announce that my new collection, Darling Utility, is debuting tomorrow!

This collection was in part inspired by the movie Coco Avant Chanel. I first saw this movie last year at a rather definitive moment in my professional life. I was on a flight from Boston to San Francisco where my bags would be hanging from the arms of models sashing down the runway of San Francisco's first ever Vegan Fashion Show. At that time, it was as if I had all these puzzle pieces of a new collection floating around in my head and, after watching this movie, all the pieces came together to form a cohesive picture. At the risk of sounding trite, it was sort of magical.

Darling Utility contains six bags all made with socially responsible, eco-friendly, vegan materials. I have a vegan suede fabric made with fibers from recycled plastic bottles, vegan leather that is PVC-free, and of course my organic twill stand-by. In addition, I will now be offering an eco-friendly vegan waterproofing/stainproofing treatment for those concerned about rain and stains.

I will be offering separate special promotions for both my Facebook Friends and for my Newsletter Subscribers, so be sure to sign up at one or both of those places. If you are considering signing up for the Newsletter, do it today - it goes out tomorrow and will contain a hidden link to a sample sale! Yay!

Pop-pop-poppers: thanks to Rhea and The "V" Word!

2011-04-16T13:02:00.001-04:00

Rhea from The "V" Word was nice enough to stop in and give us a link to her blog. So I popped on by and, among lots of other delish vegan food like chocolate chip hamentashen and KALE!!!, I found these babies:

That's right - vegan jalapeño poppers! So awesome Rhea! Thanks for sharing your blog. Now where did I put those tortilla crumbs...

Who doesn't love a cinnamon bun?

2011-04-15T10:51:00.001-04:00

Here's a great pic from Kala of Vegancraftastic: a totally mouthwatering caramel pecan bun from her local bakery, Breadsmith. Goodness, do I need to take a road trip to Minnesota??

Et Tu, VegNews?

2011-04-14T18:14:00.006-04:00

Well. If you follow the world of Veg, you've probably heard. The very popular blog Quarrygirl blew it wide open yesterday, after all. It seems that the widely circulated VegNews Magazine has been lying to us all. In a nutshell, instead of actually taking photographs of genuine vegan food, they've been using stock photos of meat, dairy, and eggs and telling us (or at least implying) that these images are of vegan delicacies.

Sure, we understand that professional photography is expensive, and that running a magazine is expensive. We *also* understand, though, that there are many professional vegan photographers who would be more than happy to work with VegNews, as was described in detail in this blog post from Vegan Good Things...

One would think that after getting called out on something like this, a business would be repentent. Alas. In a statement issued in reply to the accusation, they "explained" that they only do this sometimes, that running a magazine is expensive... bla, bla, bla. Is that really an excuse to photoshop the bones out of a slab of ribs? I'm voting no, and I'm not the only one. The consensus in much of the community seems to be, "BLEGH."

We do hope that this onslaught of negative feedback will open VegNews' eyes and ultimately make them change their ways. Vegan photographers out there, get in touch! Let them know that they have options other than to use meaty stock photos! We know what the problem is; now let's find a solution, eh?

So once again there's lots of negativity in the vegan online universe. We've all been looking at pics of animal flesh and thinking it was good and pure vegan food! ACK!! But let's think about this: there are hundreds (really probably even thousands) of vegans all over the world who not only make utterly fabulous vegan foodstuffs, but ALSO take stunningly gorgeous pictures of it!

So here's what we're proposing. Let's combat this flurry of negativity and upset zooming around the internets. Let's celebrate vegan food by sharing some of these mouth-watering pictures with each other and with the world! Right here on the Vegan Etsy Team blog, we'll be posting photos from team members of real vegan food made by vegans.

Wanna join in? Leave a comment with a link to your blog, flickr, facebook, etc. where you keep all your gorgeous vegan food p*rn pics - we'll be happy to share those too! (WITH full credit, of course!)

So let's kick it off.

Here's a pic I took a while back of some real live vegan hazelnut frangelico fudge. Is it a novice pic? Sure. But personally, I think it looks good enough to eat. :)

Here comes the sun!

2011-04-09T16:07:00.005-04:00

Posted by Veganessa.
The UK is enjoying a heatwave. It's hot, it's bright, it's sunny. How's the weather where you are? To celebrate this glorious weather, I've selected some delightful, sunny items from the fabulous Vegan Etsy Team to share with you. What's your favourite sunny item?

This funky squirrel high-five magnet by Sick on Sin
or some wonderful Organic Wildflower herbal tea from Twig & Leaf Botanicals?

This adorable tiny clay creature was made by Veganosaurus and is a little ray of sunshine.

The next item to make me smile was this sweet ladybug pin by Vegancraftastic.

And what about this rich colour weekender bag by PansyMaiden? Perfect for carrying all your summer treats for your day out in the sun.

These and many more fabulous cruelty free items can be found on Etsy, by searching using the term VeganEtsy Team.

Hope you're enjoying the weekend, wherever you are!

Vegan With A Smile

2011-04-01T13:45:00.001-04:00

Happy April Fools Day everyone! Take a break from pranking your loved ones by checking out these handmade goodies with a sense of humor from the Vegan Etsy Team:

Trapped in the Terrarium from my zoetrope:

Look Your Best Pocket Mirror from Sick on Sin:

Knitmare Bag from my shop, Vegancraftastic:

-kala (Vegancraftastic)

The Conscious Case Against Another Foolish Article.

2011-03-22T05:35:00.004-04:00

Author's note: I originally posted this on my personal blog, and I (and others) feel it's worth posting here as well. But please note that these are my opinions, and while they may be shared by many of my team mates, they do not necessarily represent the views of everyone on the team.

Some of you may have gotten wind of an article posted a few days back on Ecosalon.com, entertainingly entitled "The Conscious Case Against Veganism." In it, the author Abigail Wick lays out eight of the most tired and trite arguments against veganism. She does so after first explaining that while she is no longer vegan, she spent all her vegan years (months, perhaps?) being that vegan - the one everyone dreads to meet.

Well, here are the responses that popped instantaneously into my head as I read her "article" - answers that are likely obvious to pretty much every actual conscious vegan on the planet.

Argument 1: Vegans also eat processed foods and therefore a vegan diet is no better than the Standard American Diet; we should all be slow foodies instead.
Response: Well, duh. Vegans are people too. But we don't eat any more processed foods than anyone else, and in fact we're a lot more likely to be aware of food issues - because we tend to actually be educated about the food we eat. The inference in this paragraph that we are separated from the "local, sustainable, slow food" movement is laughable. I can't count how many discussions I've seen (and begun) about farmer's markets, CSA's, and backyard vegetable gardening. Not to mention that we're OBSESSED with cooking! In short, this argument is a joke.

Argument 2: The oyster argument.
Response: First of all, are you kidding? You really couldn't pull out anything better? When are you folks going to get sick of trotting this one out? Anyway. We don't eat oysters because they are animals, and because we've drawn a line. And just as importantly, it's basically impossible to purchase oysters without monetarily supporting the people who also kill and sell shrimp, crabs, lobsters, fish, those other bivalves you're so concerned about, and (accidentally but just as brutally) turtles, dolphins, and any other number of aquatic life. So no, we don't eat oysters. And we don't put money into the pockets of the people who are completely destroying the aquatic ecosystems of the world. Next?

Argument 3: No one wants to eat food that has to be put in quotation marks.
Response: OK, so we say "chicken." Big deal. Are you telling me that non-vegans aren't eating mock food? (Doesn't that directly contradict the major point in Argument 1?) I have long considered about 90% of what gets sold in any grocery store in the United States to be "food." Have a look at a bottle of Nantucket Nectars or a package of Kraft American Singles lately? If these aren't "juice" and "cheese," I don't know what they are. The author here seems to be laboring under some delusion that vegans eat nothing but processed fake "meat" products all day long. Maybe she never got past that extremely novice phase of veganism, who knows. But personally, I don't know any vegans who eat that way. Those foods are occasional treats, not staples. What I do know is that every time I'm at the grocery store I see plenty of people buying hot dogs and Kool Whip - what is that made of again? Petroleum products?

Argument 4: Not all wool farmers are bad.
Response: Well OK. Maybe there are a relative handful of sheep scattered across the globe that aren't suffering from maggott infested sores so that you can have a snazzy winter coat. But here's the thing: how can you be sure? Have you actually been to the farms, witnessed the conditions and seen the harvest? We make it easy. We just don't buy wool. That way we can be sure that we are not contributing to the cruelty that is behind the vast majority of this favorite fiber. How else is it possible to be certain? Claims of "ethical sourcing" are a dime a dozen for every animal product you can name - that doesn't make it so. Don't *even* get me started on "free range." This is just more of the same. Not to mention the bottom line is that you're still keeping animals in captivity for your own purposes - something that many-to-most vegans consider morally wrong. Finally, I've been living in NYC for the past six winters, and I've done just fine without wool.

Argument 5: Chickens are happy in backyards, and they lay eggs anyway...
Response: Uh, yeah. So, should we talk numbers here? How many BILLIONS of eggs are sold each year in the U.S.? And exactly how many of those come from chickens... that were raised in people's backyards?? Oh, right, none. If they were hanging out in backyards, we wouldn't constantly be battling an enormous industry known as "factory farming" now would we? "...a nice plot of green grass for scratching and pecking, room to roost, and cruelty-free living in a halcyon idyll. Wouldn’t it be tragic to deny a chicken such luxury?" Hello? I've never met a vegan who wants anything else for every chicken on the planet. What does that have to do with you eating their eggs? Is that somehow critical to their backyard survival? But let's get to why our author *really* isn't vegan anymore: "Plus, a fried egg on whole-wheat toast with a side of steamed collard greens is a heaven unto itself – just don’t forget the hot sauce!" Translation: Who needs morals or ethics when you can have a yummy sandwich!

Argument 6: Honey is more sustainable than "cash crop" sugar and agave and bees are important to the environment.
Response: Yes, no bees means no fruit or veggies. Who EVER proposed getting rid of bees?!?! They are absolutely fundamental to plant ecosystems. We actually just want to let them KEEP their honey - their food source that they work very, very hard to collect and create and store. The food source that you want to take away from them, that will be replaced with an artificial food that will shorten their lifespans, so that you can have sweetened tea. Reality check: sweeteners are not a necessity! So if you're so worried about the ramifications of unsustainable cash crops or unfairly treated workers, maybe you should just go without?

Argument 7: Goats are awesome pets who produce delicious milk.
Response: Yikes. How do so many people just not grasp this point? OK ladies, work with me here. You are a mammal. You have breasts. And yet you know that they will not produce milk unless you have have just had a baby. NEWSFLASH! This is how all mammals work! They do not produce milk unless they've had babies! Which means - stay with me now - that if your goat, or cow for that matter, is giving milk, and you're milking her and taking that milk, you're taking the milk away from her baby. Get it? Ohhh, it's all OK? You already sent the calf off to be fattened up for a nice veal steak? Well nevermind then. Problem solved.

Argument 8: Vegans are pretentious jerks who judge others for buying vintage leather.
Response: Doing some self reflection there Ms. Wick? Maybe you were the kind of vegan who vociferously judged other vegans for buying secondhand leather, but I'm not. I don't agree with it personally, because I - and many others - feel that it sends the wrong message. Namely, that it sends the message that it's OK to wear animal flesh. Also, ew? Why would you want to wear animal flesh? If you think about it for about two seconds you realize how hideous that is. But why won't you just be honest? You don't want to buy leather thrift store goods to "support re-use, rather than contributing to a modern-day economy of mass-consumerism." You want these things because you want them on the cheap, because you think they look cool and you don't care where they came from. We do care. We would rather find things that look cool AND aren't made of animals AND weren't made in sweatshops - it's entirely possible you know. You just have to put in the effort.

In the end, this article isn't about why not to be vegan. It's about how to not be an ignorant vegan. These are issues that all vegans should think about and have answers to. In the first paragraph, Ms. Wick states that she "fiercely guarded [her] inflexible morality, never daring to reexamine the orthodoxy’s most illogical presuppositions." Well that was her first mistake, wasn't it? I examine and re-examine the choices I make every day. And every day I come to the same conclusions. I have reasons for everything I do - I don't have to "fiercely guard" anything. The day this article was published was my fifth veganniversary. Have I had questions? Sure. But I've never doubted that I made the right choice.

Thank you and goodnight.

Happy Spring!

2011-03-20T13:17:00.000-04:00

Can it be true, can it be Spring at last? Even if the weather isn't entirely Spring-like yet, it's a great time to update your look and pick up some cute handmade accessories from the Vegan Etsy Team! Here are just a few of my favorite goodies for the new season:

Ruffle Headband from Monkey and Squirrel:

Spring Fling Necklace from Pinkbubble:

Vegan Shoulder Bag from Pansy Maiden:

Cherry Girl Pin from my shop, Vegancraftastic:

-kala (Vegancraftastic)

Fundraising for Japan

2011-03-17T13:54:00.005-04:00

In response to the recent events in Japan, several Vegan Etsy Team shops have posted special donation items or opted to donate a portion of proceeds to various rescue and relief organizations. Here are some of the shops that are already pitching in:

Taryn from Oh, Danger has issued the following statement:

The recent (and ongoing) disaster in Japan is absolutely heartbreaking. The situation seems to be worsening on a daily basis. While everyone is struggling to help the injured, missing, and displaced human victims, I know that my fellow vegans are feeling pain for our often-forgotten animal friends as well. In my online ArtFire shop I am offering a set of cat postcards for a 2$ donation (plus shipping). The money collected will be donated to help the animals displaced by the Japan disaster."

In addition to Taryn's special product, until March 30th, AlethaFaye is generously donating 50% of shop sales of select items to JEARS (Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support), a coalition of 3 no-kill animal organizations in Japan. More information about this rescue group can be found on their Facebook page.

Panda with Cookie is also donating 50% of all profits from the sale of her unique and adorable large plush monsters to Shelter Box, a group providing on-the-ground earthquake relief.

And Kommoner is holding an auction through her Facebook page of items from a variety of sellers - choose items to bid on from a gallery found in Kommoner's FB photo albums. All proceeds from the auction will go to ARK, Animal Refuge Kansai.

Many other vegan sellers are pitching in - if you know of any please leave a comment!

Thinking of Japan

2011-03-11T10:54:00.003-05:00

As most of the world has heard by now, parts of Japan have been devastated by a major earthquake that in turn created a series of tsunamis. The disaster occurred in the middle of the afternoon there, and has resulted in what is currently being reported as "hundreds" of deaths and "tens of thousands" of people evacuated and fleeing for shelter.

In the coming days, weeks, and months, the people and animals of Japan will need our help. Sure, we can all text "redcross" to 90999 for our ten dollars of support, and that adds up - but if you are able to do more or respond in a more effective way, please do. This article may help us all to understand what can be done, when, and how.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to all who have been affected by yet another natural disaster...

Congrats to Radioactive Vegan - Contest Winner!!

2011-03-10T08:47:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to The Radioactive Vegan, winner (by random drawing) of our most recent contest. She will be receiving a handmade pin by Neva, a postcard and magnet of Neva's design, and an assortment of other little goodies from the Vegan Etsy Team!

Thanks for the entries everyone! Keep your eyes peeled for our next giveaway toward the end of the month, when we'll have some truly excellent produce bags from the VET's Johnson Family Zoo!!

The colours of crocuses.

2011-02-27T14:24:00.002-05:00

Posted by veganessa

While walking through the park earlier today, I was amazed by the wonderful colourful carpet of crocuses.

Such a beautiful sign that Spring is just starting.

So looking through some Vegan Etsy team members shops for signs of Spring, I found these delightful crocus coloured items, wonderful reminders that Spring is just springing!

This delicate bracelet by Pinkbubble

is a beautiful example of a spring colour.

Would look splendid with a pretty Spring outfit.

What better way to pamper your skin than this luxurious hand and body lotion by Twig and Leaf Botanicals.
it is organic, vegan (of course!) and safe for adults and babies. Your skin deserves the treat after a harsh winter.

This beautiful print by SilentLotus has such delicate Spring colours. Perfect for this time of year.

All of these and many more beautiful items, can be found looking through Etsy using VeganEtsy as a search term.

A Giving Heart: NevaA Special Valentine's Artist Story and Giveaway!

2011-02-14T02:14:00.001-05:00

Meet Neva - longtime Vegan Etsy Team member, artist, and devoted animal advocate. First, read her moving story. Then, find out how to WIN an adorable prize pack of items from her shop!

Words from the artist:

I've long been active in animal rights, veganism, and animal rescue. I've also been painting, drawing, sewing and creating all kinds of crafts for as long as I can remember. I like to make items celebrating the beauty of nature and animals. I now have two Etsy shops: my original shop, Neva Jewelry and Design, and my second shop, a side project for tiny plush cats called Camp Kittens.

My latest rescue efforts have centered around stray, feral, and abandoned cats in my neighborhood. My husband Sean and I moved into this neighborhood and soon discovered that approximately 60 cats were living on the grounds of the local elementary school, and new colonies were spreading out around the neighborhood as the cats got too crowded. Many neighbors didn't like the cats, and our first involvement was finding some of the cats dying from being poisoned - we rushed them to the emergency vet though it was too late to save them.

We have now spayed/neutered and vaccinated approximately 45 cats and returned to them to the neighborhood. We've received help from some neighbors, so now the cats live in various yards and shelters with a much more manageable number living at the school. We've removed and found homes for about 22 cats who were tame or were kittens. Unfortunately, a few cats were extremely ill and had to be euthanized.

One thing I found through doing a TNR (trap, neuter, return) program on this scale was that some people weren't supportive because they didn't understand its goals. So when I explained to these neighbors that if I was successful, then 1) no new kittens would be born into the colony, 2) the number of cats would immediately decrease as I sought homes for tame cats and kittens, and 3) all remaining cats would be vaccinated against disease, people became very open to the effort. I still sometimes have neighbors stop and thank me as they drive by while I'm walking my dogs.

When we initially began this project, I went out every single day to feed the cats at the school as well as another few cats who made their home bases elsewhere. Now more neighbors have taken on feeding cats, and there are just fewer cats around. Four of the once feral cats, Deedee, Leelee, Pookie, and Apollo, now live inside with us. Deedee was hit by a car and severely injured, and had to stay inside during her long recovery. She was deeply bonded to her mother, Leelee, so I brought her inside to keep Deedee company. Pookie is older and is now deeply attached to our dogs. In addition, after Apollo was adopted but returned to us for misbehavior, he also stayed in our home. He has a great deal of energy and really needs to be with our two boys Liam and Obi so he can get the rough play out of his system every day.

One of my main goals for my Etsy shops is to help finance my rescue efforts, but I also hope to raise money for donations to some of my favorite charities. For example, I did a pre-Christmas fundraiser for Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary. Because I work full time and have an autoimmune disease, I don't always get as many things listed in my Etsy shops as I might like to. But creative work is also my therapy in a way. It's something joyful and fulfilling when sometimes rescues don't go as I planned and the evening news is full of sorrow.

I've been vegan for about 16 years now, after having been vegetarian since high school. I love being vegan, I love to cook, and I love to eat (a little too much). Being vegan is the ideal diet for my autoimmune condition as animal fats and the hormones in animal products fuel inflammation. However, the real reason I'm vegan is because of my love for animals. I can't love them as much as I do and wear pieces of them or eat them. I've never once regretted the decision to be vegan, though even so sometimes knowing the kind of pain animals go through can be heart-wrenching.

I grew up in a family that essentially ate a big slab of meat, an over-cooked vegetable and some kind of starch at every meal. When I look at the colorful rainbows of vegetables I eat now, and the different cuisines I've tried from all over the world, and as I appreciate the subtle flavors of fresh herbs and spices, I can't imagine why anyone would find a vegan diet limiting. Being vegan has expanded my palate and made me appreciate a much greater variety of flavors and textures.

And now, for the giveaway! In order to enter, you must do ALL of the following:

mark one or both of Neva's shops as a "favorite" on Etsy
follow this blog
leave a comment telling us why you like Neva's story and art, and how you've entered!

What you'll win:

A prize pack including a postcard and a magnet featuring Neva'a art, a one-of-a-kind handmade pin crafted by Neva, AND a few little goodies from the Vegan Etsy Team!

Entry Deadline:

Entries must be made by February 28, 2011. One lucky winner will be announced in the beginning of March!

Good luck to all, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Hey NYC! Vegan Bake Sale at MooShoes today!!

2011-02-12T09:25:00.001-05:00

Stop by MooShoes TODAY for a Valentines-themed bake sale benefiting Darwin Animal Doctors! Who *doesn't* want to stock up on vegan baked goods while contributing to a good, animal centered cause? You KNOW I'll be stopping by... with my own tupperware container. :D

Smile!

2011-02-09T15:41:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to find something to smile about when winter is harsh and temperatures are sub zero. But the Vegan Etsy team has tons of cute goodies that are sure to brighten your day! Here's just a sampling of the cuties our team has to offer:

Squid Pocket Mirror from Sick on Sin:

Pug Plushie from My Zoetrope:

Lovey Dovey Monsters Under a Heart from Veganosaurus:

Be Happy Pin from my shop, Vegancraftastic:

-kala (Vegancraftastic)

Want to share some Valentine love with the elderly?

2011-02-02T13:30:00.001-05:00

Sure you do! And lucky for you Etsy has given you an easy and fun way to do it. Etsy is teaming up with Meals on Wheels to deliver Valentine messages to those who might otherwise not feel so loved. No matter how you feel about V-Day, making people happy is something we can all get behind. So if you'd like to contribute, check out this Etsy post for all the details. You'll have to get working FAST - your handcrafted valentines will need to be at Etsy HQ by Wednesday, February 9. So what are you waiting for?!

Who wants to (virtually) attend an ETSY SUCCESS SYMPOSIUM?!

2011-02-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, February 8, Etsy Headquarters in DUMBO will be hosting a day of workshops! The symposium looks to be sold out, but lucky for all who don't live in Brooklyn anyway, the event will be broadcast live.

Webcast Info: For those of you who can't make it in person, we'll be broadcasting via Livestream (instead of the Virtual Labs). You can check out the line up and view the workshops right on Etsy's Livestream Channel.

(Details are available on this Etsy post.) So enjoy, learn, and make your shops the best they can be!

HAPPY VEGAN PIZZA DAY!!

2011-01-29T08:45:00.004-05:00

Happy Vegan Pizza Day everyone!! As far as we know, this is the first ever annual Vegan Pizza Day. And we here at the Vegan Etsy Team think it's a great idea! Vegan pizza is absolutely delish, be it frozen or straight from the coal oven, whether you go extra healthy with a spelt or whole wheat crust covered in fresh vegetables, or to the other end of the spectrum with a pie simply drowning in cheeze, sham, chik'n, and whatever else your heart desires. Every vegan pizza has its place... and that place is IN YOUR MOUTH!

So! Make sure you enjoy some vegan pizza today - and share it with friends! And if you'd like to send us your vegan pizza pictures, stories, and triumphs, we'll post them here! Just leave a comment and we'll get in touch.

Happy pizza-ing!

Vegan Pizza Day is just around the corner...

2011-01-24T11:24:00.001-05:00

Vegan Pizza Day will be celebrated on Saturday, January 29 2011. We're excited - are you??

Vegan Valentine's Day

2011-01-19T12:39:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is getting closer and closer, and whether you're looking for a gift for a buddy, partner, or just for yourself, look no further than the Vegan Etsy Team!

Gnumo the Lovesick Monster by Veganosaurus:

Assorted Vegan Chocolates from No Whey Candies:

BFF Necklace from Ladies Blend:

Vegan Love Pins from my shop, Vegancraftastic:

-kala (Vegancraftastic)

Vegan Etsy teams up with SASHA to help celebrate 10th Anniversary!

2011-01-13T17:23:00.004-05:00

SASHA Farm, the largest sanctuary of its kind in the Midwest, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year! And the Vegan Etsy Team is excited to be part of the festivities. Team members will be donating various items to the Silent Auction that will be held during the 10th Anniversary Celebration Banquet, scheduled for March 12. Check out the SASHA website to learn more about this amazing place and about the event. And if you or your group has something to contribute, we're sure they'd love to hear from you too!

From the SASHA event announcement:

The 10th Anniversary Celebration Banquet and Silent Auction will be held at Weber's Inn in Ann Arbor on Saturday, March 12th. More details are available on the flyer, and tickets can be purchased online, at the sanctuary, or by sending a check to SASHA Farm, PO Box 222, Manchester, MI 48158. We have a great evening planned, and you don't want to miss it!

We're starting our plea for silent auction donations a little early this year... The only requirement is that the items donated are animal-friendly. The proceeds from the auction each year account for a significant portion of our income and all that money goes directly toward the care of over 250 rescued animals.

If you plan to donate this year, you can let us know by email or by calling the sanctuary at (734) 428-9617.

New year messages from handmade items.

2011-01-10T12:36:00.004-05:00

Posted by Veganessa

Happy New Year everyone. Now that we've got past the celebrations, and settled back to work, I thought I'd look around VeganEtsy members shops for message of goodwill and hope for a good year ahead. Here are some of the fabulous items I found:

This adorable, bright print from Myzoetrope is part of a Love and Peace series of prints, that will inspire and delight anyone.

Beautiful copper orange carnelian pendant, handstamped with the word LAUGHTER. Handmade by ArtbySusmitha. It's a welcome word on a grey January day.

How about a 'Lucky' bracelet. This sweet bracelet by Pinkbubble may be just the lucky token you need to change your fortunes. Gorgeous green and metallic grey beads, and a cute stamped word with a lucky four leaf clover. Feeling lucky yet?

And finally, I'd like to add an item from my own shop Veganessa . A message of HOPE on a mixed fiber brooch. For 2011 lets all HOPE for a good year ahead, with lots of veganess and kindness to all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-01T00:01:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone who has supported the Vegan Etsy Team throughout 2010!! May 2011 bring joy, hope, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.

Meet: Pink Velvet Bird!

2010-12-31T09:41:00.001-05:00

Finally and fabulously, we have for you Friday's new Vegan Etsy Team member, on this glorious eve of the New Year. And who is it? None other than Pink Velvet Bird! You'll love this shop for all things ribbon, trim, and bright color. And you'll also love their eponymous blog, which is highly entertaining. Stop by both places and say hello! And make the shop your favorite - you wouldn't want to forget it, now would you?

Sew-on Rose Trim
at Pink Velvet Bird

Polka-dot Grosgrain Ribbon
at Pink Velvet Bird

Meet: The Peaceful Baker!

2010-12-30T09:25:00.001-05:00

I've got three words for you: More! Vegan! Cupcakes! Meet Thursday's new Vegan Etsy Team member, The Peaceful Baker! (Only appropriate for Vegan Cupcake Thursday, you know.) You probably already know that I get pretty excited whenever a new sweetsmaker joins the team, and this shop is no exception. I can't wait to try Amanda's goodies (and I know they'll be fresh since she bakes and ships on the same day an order is made). I'm sure you can't either, so shop away, and don't forget to add her to your faves!

Vanilla Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting
from The Peaceful Baker

Banana Bread Muffins
from The Peaceful Baker

Meet: Pansy Maiden!

2010-12-29T09:14:00.000-05:00

Wednesday's new member will be a thrill for all of us who covet bags (so, um, all of us?): meet new Vegan Etsy Team member Laura of Pansy Maiden! From the horse's mouth: "Our mission is to create attractive, sustainable, cruelty-free bags in a socially responsible manner." Mission success! These bags are gorgeous, and of course all vegan! So get your shop on, and click that heart. :D

Pansy Maiden "Weekender" bag in black/ivory with mandarin trim

Pansy Maiden bowed shoulder bag in champagne "microsuede"

Meet: Ottoline's Oddities!

2010-12-28T09:06:00.002-05:00

If you love vintage odds and ends and animal rights, then boy do we have the shop for you! Meet Tuesday's new member: Ottoline's Oddities! Ottoline is working hard to bring you the finest bits and bobbles of (vegan) ephemera around. Even better, 10% of monthly proceeds goes to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary! So have fun perusing, and don't forget to click that heart!

Sushi Rings
from Ottoline's Oddities

Vintage Novel Advertisements
from Ottoline's Oddities

Meet: The Crafty Bandit!

2010-12-27T10:57:00.000-05:00

Today we are happy to introduce to you Monday's new member: The Crafty Bandit! The adorable antics of this shop will have you in stitches - really fine stitches too, by the look of this craftspersonship. Stop by and don't forget to make this shop your new fave!

Cupcake Bunny Toddler Shirt
from The Crafty Bandit

Raccoon Bandit Relief Print
from The Crafty Bandit

New Member Bonanza!!!

2010-12-26T15:54:00.001-05:00

In the past week, we have been lucky enough to induct five, count them FIVE, new Vegan Etsy Team members! This week we'll be introducing them to you, one on each day. Each shop is fun, unique, and of course completely VEGAN. Excited? We are! So stay tuned...

Happy Christmas, Festivus, and everything else everyone!!

2010-12-25T09:47:00.000-05:00

VET Giveaway on VegWeb.com!!

2010-12-20T19:29:00.002-05:00

Do you dream of winning a Vegan Etsy Team grab bag? Well now's your chance! This week's VegWeb Weekly Giveaway boasts a prize of just that - a prize pack jammed full of VET goodies. For a chance to win, you must enter by Midnight on Tuesday 12/21, so hurry!!