Canadian eco-enterprise Acorn Studios transforms found objects into functionally modern giftware that both celebrates & saves the environment. By combining unorthodox methods with equally unusual recycled materials such as electronic waste, designer Nicola Harper single-handedly sources, cleans & creates uncommon goods that are popular with computer geeks and eco-friendly consumers alike.

Edmonton, Alberta – This Earth Day, Canada's Acorn Studios will add to their already sought-after line of environmentally-friendly giftware when they unveil their new line of inventive handcrafted creations.

Joining an eclectic mix of earth-conscious stores and displays at Edmonton's 17th annual Earth Day festival, artisan Nicola Harper is set to introduce the latest of her ingenious inventions. Celebrating both style & function while still remaining environmentally sound are necklaces & bracelets forged from the wire found inside old computer cables, as well as hand-bound notebooks made from discarded floppy discs and recycled paper.

"I'm making it easier for people to find eco-friendly gifts without scrimping on style," Nicola says. "At the same time, I am following my dream and am thrilled to have a growing customer base worldwide that is as passionate about well designed eco-giftware as I am."

Five years as a Waste Management Engineer and countless trips to local landfills in her hometown of Edmonton, Alberta are when Nicola's passions were first sparked. Instead of simply standing by and watching as those raw materials piled up, she decided to combine both her flair for inventing with her dedication for increasing consumer awareness of recycled content products. Quickly, this unique approach grew into an innovative trade that provides her the opportunity to breathe new life into found objects.

Though some consumers don't bat an eyelash when it comes time to abandon their aging, obsolete computers for the next shiny PC in the shop window, this former Environmental Engineering alum from the University of Alberta definitely does.

"I've always been passionate about recycling, and designing products from different reclaimed materials is very fulfilling," she says.

Along with the various family fun activities, main stage of music and green organizations taking part in Canada's largest Earth Day event, Nicola will also be showcasing customer favorites, including Recycled Circuit-board Clocks, Circuit-board Keychains, and, the ultimate in geek chic, magnets made from keyboard keys.

Gone are the days of the tree-hugging hippie. Acorn Studios paints a new picture of environmental commitment that reaches far beyond their functional artware. From their recycled packaging materials to the donation of reusable offcuts to local schools and charities for art projects, every aspect of their day-to-day operation is a well-thought and environmentally responsible decision.

Acorn Studios goes a long way in their goal to create awareness and more sustainable businesses. However, they do so in a refreshing manner that stirs up a sense of fun and intrigue. A quick visit to the Reuse Crafts section on their website will quickly transform the uninformed into the eco-savvy with such inventively functional tutorials as the Recycled Necktie Wallet or the Recycled Car Mirror Shelf projects.
 
Acorn Studios is more than just an eco-enterprise. It is a way of life.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release (or for a sample, copy or demo), contact Nicola Harper at nicola@acornstudios.ca. For current product availability and updates, you may visit http://www.acornstudios.ca.

To shop for Acorn Studios' products in person, you will find them at Edmonton's Earth Day festival at Hawrelak Park on Sunday, April 23. More information on the festival can be found at http://www.earthday.ca

About Acorn Studios:

Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Acorn Studios offers innovative giftware crafted from recycled materials, and prides themselves on their artistry and unfailing attention to detail. Their mission is to increase consumer confidence and awareness of recycled content products, while offering as environmentally sound a product range as possible.

Contact:
Nicola Harper
Acorn Studios
(780) 432-2288
http://www.acornstudios.ca
nicola@acornstudios.ca

Pixel by pixel, graphic designer Allison Biggs is inspiring other entrepreneurs to pursue their own dreams. By illuminating her modern style with nuances of fine art, Allison illustrates how a professional image can transform one’s business from still life to spirited.

With a Bachelors Degree in Communication Media, a concentration in Graphic Design and a Minor in Fine Art from Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts, Allison creates a class of multidimensional printed matter & web media products that are as captivating as they are functional.

While Allison has been taking on freelance design projects since graduating in 2003, the official launch of amdesignworks in 2007 is Allison’s rendition of leading by example. As an entrepreneur, she understands the fear factor of not only striking out on one’s own, but also the trepidation small business owners face when trying to determine the best way to project a professional image.

Allison’s resolve to overcome those very things for the good of her own company has instilled in her clients a rejuvenated confidence that helps them to identify their own goals, gives them the drive to reach for them, and allows them to dream of one day surpassing them.

With artfully applied brushstrokes of creativity, contemporary style, and an abundance of moxie, Allison’s fresh approach to contemporary design gives each client the foundation – and the charisma – upon which to build a dynamically rewarding business.

amdesignworks provides graphic design services in the following categories:

• Personal & Professional Identity: Business Cards, Letterheads, Logo Design, Product Labels
• Print Media: Brochures, Magazine Advertisements, Postcards
• Web Identity: Website Design

As the last of the leaves have fallen and a chill settles across the countryside, have your dreams shifted to far-flung exotic places?

If your passport has its own layer of dust, and the last time you had any sort of passbook updated was at the bank, Ananda Khalsa's breathtaking line of Asian-inspired art jewelry is your ticket to a magical world of life captured in watercolor.

Deeply inspired by the symbolism of nature, each piece crafted by Ananda invites you to see the world in her eyes. Both plants and animals are painstakingly painted onto paper, and then showcased behind glass.  Stone & bead accents add a layer of bejeweled elegance, and provide a breathe of femininity to the cool, sleek metal settings in which every illustration is set.

This is wearable art in its truest form.  From conception to completion; from meticulous design to imaginative ornamentation; you will feel as though you are curator of your own personal art collection when you choose any pendant, ring or pair of earrings from Ananda's collection.

One can truly travel around the world and back again, simply by immersing themselves in Ananda Khalsa's vivacious world – a world where fragrant blooms, such as orchid and plum blossom, perfume your senses; where the stately willow lovingly nurtures; and where dragonflies bring love & joy on flickering crystalline wings.

Have you heard the latest dish?  Your local health & wellness retreat has made the move from seaweed wraps to the information superhighway. And you're the one who is set to clean up.

anise&currant, the newly-launched go-to site for all things bath, body and abode, is subsequently poised to be THE authority on sweet-scented elixirs, suds and balms.  Resident scent sleuth at anise&currant, Kristen Magee is on her way to compiling an impressive list of companies specializing in spa products.

While dressing table standbys, such as candles and soap, are well represented, Kristen adds an extra level of cachet to the directory by seeking out products that, until recently, were more scarcely represented by smaller designers, including cosmetics & perfume.

The true beauty of any directory website is that of discovery.  Browsing through the indexed listings, I am pleasantly surprised by the list of indie staples, as well as a number of shops I had not heard of before.  From Kristen's own Beccalights, to my new discovery of the cheekily-named Villainess, anise&currant's showing of products promising to soothe, detoxify & de-stress is proof that the bath, body, candle and cosmetic markets are on the rise when it comes to home-based ventures.

Beccalights' impressive range of candles, scent melts and room sprays is only outrivaled by the incredible scents!  I personally own her Tannenbaum, Carmelized Chestnuts and Pumpkin Cheesecake candle tins, the latter of which I have to admit to continually opening and reopening, just to breathe in the realistically divine scent.  These candles are richly infused with aromatic blends without being overpowering.  With the addition of more new scents every season, Beccalights truly lives up to its tagline promise to "scent your world".

Browsing around the website of my new discovery Villainess, I am struck by not only the endless list of scents in her Smooch! And Sudz lines, but also by Brooke's combination of sassy wit, practical employ of traditional soapmaking, and the tongue-in-cheek naming of her fragrant "skin-friendly" goodies.  With sinful treats such as the appropriately-named Decadence Smooch!, I would gladly adopt the Villainess lifestyle if that means being able to spoil myself daily with the milky concoction that promises to exfoliate as well as moisturize in one fell swoop.

The days of being wrapped up in bandages mummy-style are over (unless, of course, you are busy preparing for your best friend's Halloween party).  Today's spas are au courant, and instead of stealing away to some secluded hideaway, now you can find the latest pampering products with the click of a computer mouse.

It is easy to become overwhelmed when faced with the sheer magnitude of fragrances, flavors, and colors, not to mention the clays, minerals, and herbs formulated into bath & body products.  But anise&currant's department-store directory layout is intuitive to shoppers both informed and those who are not so.
 
With a sudsy sampling of the best in bath & body, as well as an expanding collection of candle makers, cosmetic chemists and perfumeries all in one easy-to-navigate directory, you won't have to run yourself ragged in order to hit them all.

Then again…you just may want to.  It will give you the perfect excuse to spoil yourself with a little extra face time at aniseandcurrant.com

One kiss or hug is never enough, and with the Baby Bisou XO, it doesn't have to be!

Designed with both function and style in mind, this traditional accessory is available in modern prints for style-conscious parents who want to keep their new little love close for extra snuggling and cuddling.

BENEFITS:
– Versatile design allows baby to be carried either pouch, kangaroo, or in back style
– Wide seat offers better support for baby's hip, spine and pelvic development than average baby carriers
– More intimate carrying styles keeps baby engaged, and promotes eye-contact and bonding between parent and child
– Reversible design in modern prints allows both moms & dads share the joy of babywearing  
– Design and structure distributes baby's weight and is more comfortable for parents to wear

FEATURES:
– 100% breathable cotton
– Nylon webbing and strength-tested buckles
– Machine washable
– One size fits all (24" to 40" waist)
– Suits babies from 3 months, up to 40lbs.

For the Origami Sling:

Your little one is a precious bundle, and the Baby Bisou Origami Sling will keep baby comfy and cozy – and close to your heart!

Carefully folded and sewn from hand-woven silk, your little love bug will be snug and secure from the moment you slip him or her into this luxurious little cocoon.

BENEFITS:
– Impeccable attention to detail in each individually folded and sewn sling
– Sustainably-raised silk is harvested, spun, dyed, and woven by hand
– Strength, temperature-adjusting qualities, and ability to keep baby dry make silk an ideal choice for baby slings

FEATURES:
– Available in 9 solid colors and 2 dyed Ikat patterns
– Approx. 2.25 yards long
– Width ranges from 30 to 36 inches
– Lightweight yet incredibly durable, the Origami Sling weighs 8 oz.

Ready to show off your new bundle of joy? Prepare to become the coolest 'rents on the block as you tote your tot around town in Baby Bisou's fashionable babywearing accessories.

With snazzy prints, sturdy construction, and a reversible design that suits both moms and dads, Baby Bisou's carriers are an innovative way to carry your precious cargo.
 
Equally modern and functional, Baby Bisou's XO carrier and Origami sling will instantly make your wee one the talk of the toddler set, and will have all the other kiddos goo-gooing and gaa-gaaing with envy.
 

For Retail/Wholesale:

The modern infant deserves a little style, even if he doesn't know his binkie from his blankie yet. Show mama, dada, and junior, too that Baby Bisou's fashionable babywearing accessories make the coolest mode of transit for today's mobile tot.

With snazzy prints, sturdy construction, and a reversible design that suits both parents, Baby Bisou's carriers are an innovative way for parents to carry their precious cargo.
 
Equally modern and functional, Baby Bisou's XO carrier and Origami sling will instantly make wee ones the talk of the toddler set, and will have all the other kiddos goo-gooing and gaa-gaaing with envy.

Founded in 2002, the concept for Bidwell Botanicals was simmering on Jill Jones' backburner long before her first delightfully divine concoction of healing herbs and restorative essential oils began to percolate.

With a background in botanicals, organic gardening and aromatherapy, it was a logical step for Jill to utilize these experiences as cornerstones on which to build products that combine the best of science and nature, while at the same time encouraging healthful living.

Working alongside her husband Keith, Jill has produced a host of fragrance-enhanced sugar scrubs, indulgent, skin-pampering soap bars and other extravagantly gourmet body treats in a palette of pleasing colors.

A journey into the Bidwell Botanicals catalog is a feast for the senses. Health-giving plant & fruit extracts, such as orchid, green tea, and pomegranate, relax and help clarify tired minds. Cosmetic additives such as silk powder intermingle with jojoba oil and mango butter to soften and soothe tense bodies. Superior quality fragrance and essential oils tantalize and help regenerate the spirit.

All items are individually made-to-order from first-class ingredients provided by local & worldwide organic farmers, beekeepers, and Fair Trade organizations, allowing Bidwell Botanicals to grow from its initial concept to a company with cosmopolitan appeal.

Bidwell Botanicals was recently invited to sell in Amazon.com's invitation-only Beauty Section, alongside such globally recognized companies as Philosophies, Origins, Molton Brown and L'Occitane. Our spa, bath and body products transform guestrooms, day-spas and weekend retreats into fanciful hideaways fit for high society.

While clients can make retail purchases on our website, Bidwell Botanicals is also strongly focused on obtaining and nurturing long-lasting relationships with wholesale clients by providing detailed product information and complimentary in-store testers. Spa and salon customers enjoy professional sizing and very competitive pricing on each of our elegantly packaged, and display-ready products. Our custom formulation, private label and drop shipping options further illustrate our strong commitment to unsurpassed customer service.

At Bidwell Botanicals, we also believe in the importance of showing respect to our planet and the people we share it with. To this end, we give back to environmental causes each year, and we seek out other companies and suppliers that are providing quality products and promoting fair trade and ethical business practices. In an effort to reduce the amount of waste generated, we also reuse or recycle packaging materials whenever possible.

From bills to the boardroom, family time to fitness sessions at the gym, 'me time' has become a foreign concept. With personal body care products that help rejuvenate mind, body and spirit, Bidwell Botanicals invite you on a journey of natural enlightenment through unabashed aromatic luxury.

At the time of year when spirits are stirring and things go bump in the night, it's difficult not to get caught up in the dark romanticism of it all. Independent perfumery Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab embraces that notion, and has stocked their online shop with potions and elixirs that, for the goth and the goth-at-heart, will make everyday feel like Halloween.

Browsing BPAL's online catacombs, it is easy to become enchanted by their sweeping array of themed scents that run the gamut from amour to the afterlife.  However, with befitting monikers such as Love Potions and Dark Elements, one can easily navigate the collections and find scents to tickle your senses with devilish delight.

Perfectly befitting autumn and its melancholy atmosphere, The Lab's Bewitching Brews collection is rife with perfumery fit for a Queen of the Night. Thirsting for something dark & ominous? The musky undertones of The Raven could be just what you are looking for. Looking for a signature scent with a little more bite? The bitter blackness of The Lab's Count Dracula scent promises to add a more sinister spice to your perfume repertoire.

My own gothic teeth were cut on The Cure, Bauhaus and Siouxsie & The Banshees, not to mention a steady diet of black hair dye, talcum powder and my trusty Kohl eyeliner. So, imagine my delight when taking a virtual stroll through the dizzying selection of tantalizing scents and aromatic oils found at BPAL.

Amongst the mythological and magickal concoctions, you will also find numerous limited edition scents, such as the Halloween-themed Pumpkin Patch collection.  With five "delightfully strange" variations, including #2, a combination of pumpkin with cocoa, hazelnut, & walnut, there is certainly one that will appeal to you.  And don't worry – a quick search on BPAL's user forums offers up customer reviews of each Pumpkin Patch scent so you can, indeed, find the one that appeal to your personal scent preference.

In fact, the forums are an endless source of ideas & inspiration from perfume enthusiasts who love to talk shop, experiment with and swap their BPAL stash.  Seriously, I can't think of another indie shop that has developed a cult following such as The Lab's, one that collectively thirsts for their aromatic blends, and will gladly wait the 21-30 days it can take to process, hand-blend, package and ship orders.

The funny thing is – with such a ravenous fan base, I have to admit my curiosity is piqued.  Now to whittle down my wishlist to one that won't break my budget.

From the antiqued labels, vintage cobalt & amber vessels, and spine-chilling artwork, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has found their niche in perfumes for the dark-at-heart, and delivers them with dead-on diabolical accuracy.

For others who are intrigued by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's extensive menu of intoxicating perfumery, visit their website, and be prepared to while away your witching hours browsing their virtual shelves laden with seductive scents sure to steal your heart.  

Whether with energy-boosting Carnelian, through the protective & soothing qualities of Jade, or in the strength-giving spirit of Agate, Care to Bead has given the ancient art of storytelling a fashionable makeover.

Through Kathi’s recognizable artistry, Care to Bead jewelry & accessories spread tangible joy to her endless list of satisfied clients.

The language of love is not always found between the covers of a book. Instead, for Kathi Kupferschmid, they are often spelled out in beads & baubles; with colorful crystals & gemstones, and illuminated by glimmering glass, and shimmering sterling silver.

Move over, ladies. Get ready to start jockeying for more mirror time. You may have given up the remote long ago, and you've learned to leave well enough alone when it comes time to fire up the backyard grill. But a new conflict is set to start brewing, and your bathroom mirror is the battleground.

Essentials for Him (http://www.essentialsforhim.com) has made it their mission to save men the world over from the flowery, frilly creams so beloved by their female counterparts.  Not one to shy away from a challenge, owner Michele Keiper, along with her real-life family, has created an entire line of high-quality, naturally-sourced skincare products that would befit any and every Boy's Club, no matter what their mindset on all things spa-like.

Behind every great man there is a great woman, often armed with her equally impressive stockpile of potions, lotions and ointments that help her put her best face forward. Although it isn't uncommon to sneak a dab of face cream for a little post-shave R & R, what may be well and good for your best gal just doesn't cut it for a manly-man such as yourself.

"We developed both our website and the product line to fill a gap in the availability of high-quality, naturally-sourced skincare for men that is reasonably priced," says Michele. "Men can use the products with confidence and without the embarrassment of using their wife's or girlfriend's products."

Essentials For Him puts on a bold face for men who aren't too macho to care for their appearance. The perfect mix of superior, organic ingredients and clear-cut application, this innovative and inspired line of lifestyle products are skillfully tailored to the male esthetic.

Armed with the expertise and four years worth experience that came from developing goods for parent company Flower Peddler Natural Bath Products, the Virginia-based team wanted to make a clear distinction between their already successful women's line and this new, much sought-after men's line.

These aren't merely women's products masked with hefty fragrances and subdued packaging. Each aspect of the product is undeniably masculine, and is taking back the male right to scrub, cleanse and moisturize one big, bold bottle at a time.

'We spent a lot of time researching and building the product line by getting input from the very people who would be using the products,' says Michele. " Our line of products has been completely developed for men – from product development to packaging to marketing and website development."

Whether opting to get buffed or toned, looking for a face tune up or a quick body detail, every item in the Essentials for Him line is just as playful as it is practical.  Inventive packaging and clever names make sense to both skincare aficionados and neophytes alike.

For those men whose grooming routine doesn't stray much further than a shave and a haircut, the Essentials for Him team has begun to compile useful tips and tutorials on various skincare regimens, such as the art of the perfect shave.  Couple that with their extensive encyclopedia of product ingredients and the benefits they provide, Essentials For Him is quickly becoming the every man's one-stop shop on the road to a more polished, put together, all-natural self image.

In a day and age where organic products are king, Essentials for Him are taking their all-natural approach a few steps further by using clean recycled shipping materials whenever possible. Likewise, their use of recyclable product packaging and their efforts to minimize waste during product production makes virtually every aspect of their day-to-day operation like a well-oiled, yet environmentally-friendly machine.

The future of the Essentials for Him empire is already underway.  With more grooming tutorials in the works, their search for a larger production facility and the possibility of a future brick & mortar shop, the team behind Essentials For Him are flinging open the doors of the once-taboo topic of the sharply-coifed man.

The soap aisle isn't just for the ladies anymore. Essentials for Him is making it okay for discerning dudes and metrosexual men alike to take pride in their appearance without resorting to keeping their penchant for styling potions in the closet.

Essentials For Him is a family-owned and operated bath & body product line specializing in high-quality, naturally-sourced skincare for men.  All goods are handmade using organic ingredients and recyclable packaging. To learn more about Essentials for Him or to purchase their products, please visit them online at http://www.essentialsforhim.com, or telephone the company toll-free at 888-569-SOAP.

Michele Keiper
Essentials for Him (a division of Flower Peddler Natural Bath Products)
Flower Peddler, Attn:  Essentials for Him
7003 Mechanicsville Turnpike PMB #1007
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
888-569-SOAP
www.essentialsforhim.com    
theguys@essentialsforhim.com