Ever since I was a kid, I've made things... all kinds of things. I always had a craft going on.... early on it was cross stitch and needle point, Loopy looms, macrame, sewing, beading, painting... anything I could get my hands on.
As I've gotten older, my crafting evolved and things got more intricate, involved and costly! I'm a quilter, designer, pattern writer, knitter, crocheter, I've done silversmithing, woodworking and many other things. I've been selling things that I make since I was about 19- all kinds of things in all different capacities.
I've been involved in charity work as well since I was about 6 or 7. And feel a deep down need to help others and our Earth. I realized the need to recycle things and cut down on the waste in the world. So, I dreamed of having a business making things of used, recycled items and incorporating that with helping others. Tall order, I'd say.
But finally, I think I'm getting to the point with Crystal Kini Designs that I'm finding ways to do all the things that are important to me. And, I have to say... It feels pretty darned good!!! :-)

I love to use items that have been discarded by others--- jewelry bits and broken pieces, authentic ethnic textiles and items that are supplied locally.
I'm happy to announce that in the past month or so, I've purchased a bunch of items that fit all these categories and will be incorporated into my line of belly dance goodies. I purchased some Alpaca wool from an online friend - she maintains a small farm of alpacas for her own enjoyment but decided to sell off much of her hand spun alpaca wool as a fundraiser for her mission trip to Bolgaria where she will be offering medical aide to villages there that have no medical professionals. She has to bring her own supplies so the money I sent her for the yarn will be used to buy de-worming meds for the people of the village. (It sounds odd, we think of our animals getting worms, not our family- but in less fortunate countries, they have different needs). Of course this yarn is awesome for Tribal tassels, yarn hair falls and faux dreads!
I purchased a bunch of recycled sari yarns - this stuff is gorgeous... and it benefits the woman in Napal and their families where money is tight. The women take the leftover bits of silk and rayon from the looms and spin it into gorgeous yarns... I'm using the yarns in the Clippy Bits Too line! You can see pics in the photo section of this tribe! I also plan to make some tassels from this yummy stuff!

I've also recently purchased a bunch of broken kuchi bits from my supplier- parts that would normally be thrown away are now getting new life as I reconstruct them into new things--- like the headbands I have spoken to you about! (Photos coming soon!)

In addition to these items, I also found a lovely older couple who make beautiful woven textiles right here in the USA. I've purchased some cotton and wool textile pieces from them. They spin their own yarns and then weave it. A beautiful art that they do in the old-time styles. I believe they frequent many different artisan and SCA events. They are simply gorgeous pieces. Ethnic doesn't have to mean it's from another country... does it?

And, I can't help but mention the other jewelry bits that I pick up here and there. Friends give me their jewelry that they would normally just throw in the trash. Items that were their mothers or grandmothers and they don't know what to do with it- but won't use it either. I search flea markets, yard sales and thrift shops for goodies as well. I especially like to go to the thrift stores that are benefiting charities.

Things are happening at Crystal Kini Designs that I am very happy about. My dreams are coming true... and hopefully, my items are inspiring to those who purchase them. As I'm getting busier and my wonderful customers are getting more interested, I'm beginning to expand a bit. I realized that I can't do everything so I've recruited my mom to help. She has been helping to sew up some of the headbands that I have designed. Since both she and my dad are retired, it helps her too!!! She makes a little extra spending money- and I get more items to show you!!!

I hope you like what I'm doing and keep checking in to see what's new!